Pre-release Hostel Proves Success

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 13

Pre-release Hostel Proves Success

(N.Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Nov. 15. Invercargill's pre-release hostel has completed its first turnover of trainees and has met all expectations. The only problem is the lack of other hostels, the borstal superintendent (Mr B. G. Brown) said. “Since its opening in September, the hostel has been the launching pad into the community for five trainees and five more are in residence. To protect the closelyknit family atmosphere, based on the husband and wife, matron and warden and their 14-year-old son. the Justice Department has ruled that the hostel roll shall not exceed five. “Time spent in the hostel by the five trainees released varied according to dates granted by the Parole Board. One was there for only a month. Another had two months in which to become familiar again with the outside world.

“Two worked as carpenters, two found jobs with the City Council reserves department, and one was taken on as a mechanic. Borstal training ensured that they were familiar with their vocations. “The authorities have allowed only two to remain in Invercargill in the- jobs they had on release. Except in special cases, it is insisted that trainees return to their home localities. The department does not want Invercargill full of former Borstal boys. “There has been no shortage of employers for trainees at the hostel and many of the employers have wanted to retain the lads after release. Most of the trainees would be happy to stay, too. But we don't want the hostel to become just a means of keeping them here after release.” said Mr Brown. “The acid test of the hostel will, of course, be the way the hostellers fit into the community again,” he said. He felt it was significant, however, that there had been no call at the hostel for even a suggestion of the extra disciplinary powers provided.

"The lads have taken full advantage of the opportunity to become better prepared for a new start in life. They have knuckled down to their work and built up their bank accounts, which puts them at a big advantage compared with those unable to pass through the hostel. They have discharged dish-wash-ing, gardening and other household duties with an equal will. “The big difficulty lies in the number of other trainees who would be eligible for the hostel experience if there were more hostels." Mr Brown had a problem in selecting five from the 25 released from the Borstal last month. “The difficulty is likely to remain at least as great until there is a substantial reduction in the Invercargill Borstal roll, which still exceeds 220, about 40 above the comfortable limit," said Mr Brown.