FREQUENT ESCAPES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22399, 21 April 1936, Page 10

FREQUENT ESCAPES

TRAINING FARM BOYS

CONCERN AT FOXTON GREATER PROTECTION WANTED [ilY TKI.KC HAT'H —OWN PALMERSTON NORTH,. Monday Alarm at the frequency of escapes of boys from the Wcraroa Training Farm, near Levin, was expressed at a meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, *uk! a serious view Wfts taken of recent incidents. It was pointed out that five youths wore at liberty at 0110 period last week. The chairman, Mr. C. R. Tutty, said ho had boon approached by a local business man with a suggestion that the chamber should write to the Minister of Justice, Hon. H. G. R. Mason, asking that the regulations governing the farm be drastically tightened. Business people throughout tho district, and private residents, said the chairman, also were becoming uneasy because of the frequency of the escapes and of tho loss to private individuals which almost invariably occurred. Mr. J. K. Hornblow said it would be unfair to take tho line of action suggested, as it would lie casting a reflection on those concerned with the administration of the farm. They were just as concerned as anyone else about the escapades of the boys, and took every precaution against escapes. It appeared to him that the only sure way was to segregate the boys on some islands. I It was decided to write to the Minister of Justice drawing his attention to the number of recent escapes and to tho loss suffered by private individuals during the boys' period of freedom; also to ask if something could bo done to give the district a greater measure of protection.