THE BOYS' INSTITUTE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 70, 23 March 1926, Page 3

THE BOYS' INSTITUTE

• Thirty-three years ago the Boys' Institute was founded, and the following gentlemen were keenly interested in its welfare: Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice, president; vice-presidents, Mr. J. G. W.. Aitken, Right Hon. Sir Francis H. D. Bell, and Mr. John Duthie. From that time until the present the work has grown by leaps and bounds, until today the present building in Tasman street is too small. It is hoped in the near future to extend this building in order to provide a band room, a properly equipped gymnasium, a workshop, several class rooms, and an old boys' department. This would enable the committee to extend the present boarding accommodation. At present theer are thirty-three boys in residence, mostly orphans and boys from the country who come to the city to learn trades. All denominations are welcomed. The charge is on.a sliding scale, ranging from 10s to 255, according to the wage earned by the boy. This tariff includes meals, washing, mending, and free lise of the swimming bath, games room, library, and gymnasium. The citizens of Wellington will be very cordially welcomed at the annual meeting of the Institute, which will l.c held iv tho Institute building on 30th March, at 8 p.m., when the Hon. C. P. Skerrctt, Chief Justice, will preside.