ENGLISH BORSTAL SYSTEM

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27489, 25 October 1954, Page 10

ENGLISH BORSTAL SYSTEM

Merit Seen In Trade Training Scheme IMPRESSIONS OF N.Z. MAN (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 24. The system of trade training in English Borstal institutions could well be studied by New Zealand technical educationists, as well as persons interested in corrective detention, according to Mr C. G. Young, secretary of the Inter-church Council on Public Affairs and of the Prisoners’ Aid and Rehabilitation* Society. Wellington. Mr Young, who returned in the Tamaroa today, visited several English Borstal institutions, and was impressed by the education system, A Borstal term was effective in at least 60 per cent, of cases, he said. The boys were tested for two months when they arrived, to see where their ability could best .be used, and then trained by specialists in the field chosen, said Mr Young. Emnhasis was put on skilled handwork, with the idea of building self-respect in craftsmanshin.

Discipline at Borstal institutions differed according to the boys’ natures and abilities, Mr Young said. He thought the “short, sharp shock” treatment which had been suggested for New Zealand would be more useful for intelligent boys who had little excuse for their delinquency. England was facing a tremendous problem in juvenile delinquency, Mr Young said, and seemed to be meeting it well.