BOYS’ INSTITUTE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 7

BOYS’ INSTITUTE

Accommodation Taxed Almost from tlie beginning of the year tlie boarding establishment of Hie Wellington Boys’ Institute was filled |o capacity, stales the report of the director, Mr. W. N. Happer, for tlie year 1935. The average weekly receipt per boy was rather less than 10/-, and this sum provided comfortable accommodation, good board, washing, ironing, mending and darning, nursing, and the use of the institute recreational facilities, a financial loss was inevitable. Tile cost to genera', funds was £357. Tile institute’s manufacturing workshop closed in December. It existed only for tlie purpose of employing and training unemployed lads and was closed when the last available boy had been found a position. An attempt was made, by selling the nrlicles manufactured, to meet all costs nnd the wage of 10/- weekly to each boy. Naturally, the abilities of (lie boys availaide became less as unemployment decreased, and production suffered accordingly.. During its life Ihe shop did II splendid work. 445 boys being kept off the streets, trained in habits of industry, and found good emiiloymenl. Ils operations interfered largely will) the* evening classes in woodwork for small hoys, but these wid again be operating during 493(1. The band practices have always been well attended, but in 1935 the attendances were remarkably good, comments the report. A variety of difficult pieces was set. and two good solo competitions were held encourage learners. At the band contest at Timaru in February, institute bandsmen gained a second, two thirds, and n fifth in the solo competitions. Tlie few public engagements which were offering were kept with credit to tlie hand. Hard work lias been put in by the band’s soeial committee in raising funds for the 49311 contest nt New Plymouth.

Regret is expressed flint Mr. S. A. Randnll, who had served the institute for thirteen years, first as baths custodian, and latterly as r-n re taker, had left in order to return to England. The tinaiici.il statement shows a modest favourable balance of £9/40/40.