THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4406, 3 April 1876, Page 3

THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

Much difficulty is experienced in obtaining sufficient water for the Industrial School, which has been overcrowded for some time past. On Saturday afternoon there were 107 children (91 boys and 70 girls) in the Institution. There are 70 members of the Church of England. 46 Presbyterian", 38 Roman Catholics, 10 Wesleyans, 2 Luttierans, and 1 Congregationalist. The total cost of maintenance'for the past year is about LI2OO. From the Ist January, 1876, the Eomau Catholic clergy have paid seven visits to the School; Church of England, Presbyterian, and Wesleyau, one each. However, the Church of England, Wesleyan. and Presbyterian children attend Sunday services at Caversham regularly. In the report of his weekly visit to the Institution, Mr John Hislop, Secretary Education Board, says that an effort munt be made to procure a supply of water, mid that the erection of baths and covered play sheds is greatly .needed. His Hononr the Superintendent, who has dieplayed considerable interest in the School, again inspected it on the 10th March, when he wrote ' that ,he was " much pleased with the whole aspect of the children as regards order, cleanliness, good behaviour, and happy and contented expression. The whole arrangements seem highly satisfactory, and very creditable to the new master and mistress, Mr and Mrs Titchener. The only drawback is-the want of waler supply, which must be remedied." The new schoolroom is much improved, the boys being separated from the girls by a partition. • There is also a gallery for the infant class. The number attending the school is 136. Mr Neish fcas charge of the boys, and Miss Christie, who recently received the appointment of mistress, .will commence her duties this morning. 'Ihe assistant master of the institution (Mr Bussed) sounds the bugle call at G o'clock every morning, arid the children ' breakfast- at halfpast 7. The boys work from 8 to 10, attend school from 10 to 12 and from 2 to 4, and again work in the garden from four to five. The last bugle caU ia sounded at 8 o'clock, when the eldest children retire for the night."; Thej; system of appointing officers amongst the boys* is found to work admirably. There are three full sergeants, one sergeant-major, and one corporal. Two ■ boys-named King were received into the Institution on the 2GthJanuarj," last, and during the first three weeks 'they ran away no les3 than five times, and reached Purakanui, where the father is employed as a navvy. Since these young hopefuls were placed under the supervision of the sergeant- major, they have become contented; at all events, they have not been able to get away. The sergeant-major, who is scarcely 11 years of age, takes chanra.of 43 vboys in the old,schoolroom during the night, and he is responsible for their good conduct. i\>r a breach of the regulations one officer has had his stripes taken-away, and lie lias since been almost broken-hearted. When again promoted, he will probably be more careful Little Pat Macinanus, who is about four years old, sang and danced, "That's the way the money goes, pop goes the weasel," very quaintly on Saturday, The: children, ■ almost as it were with one voice, reverently ask a blessing before meak and return thanks afterwards. To witness them repeating the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, fJid grace before gutting into their beds is also a very impressive Right. The dormitories continue to present a remarkably clean and neat appearance. On Saturday some of the beds contained'three and even four children each, and shakedowns are regularly used. Our reporter was then informed that no visitor had previously inspected the establishment at night. Before retiring..to. rest about 24 little girls sang "When Mothers of Salem their I Children brought to Jesus" awl " The Beanti-

ful Eiver " very nicely. In the sewing room, 3C girls are regularly employed from C to 8 o'clock each evening. One man, who has five children in the school, though no order has been made against him, contributes L 5 every month, and apparently takes a deep interest in their welfare. The want of a hospital is greatly felt. There are at present three tiny infants suffering from illness; one of them is but nine months old. The mother of this little creature waa inflicted with a drunken husband, and she struggled bravely to support her family. She unfortunately broke her leg and was taken to the Hospital, and her children, with the infant referred to, were removed to the Industrial School. Dr Burns visits the School regularly twice a week. Amongst the inmates is a former pupil of the High School, who can efficiently play the pianoforte. When writing to their friends, the inmates speak very highly of the master and mistress, and have frequently alluded to their recent entertainment 'at Wilson's Palnce Circus in Dunedin. The number of children who have been licensed out from the School is 59, and their deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank amount to the handsome sum of £539. Besides this the master has £20 in band, and about £50 wages to collect. Mr Titchener occasionally entertains the children with select readings in the dining-room, and the eldest boys give selections which are attentively listened to. A magic lantern and slides have been purchased by Mr. Titchener, in order to give treats to the children and relieve the monotony of the coming winter evenings.l Mr Titchener has an excellent staff, but they require further assistance, there being only one laundry maid for the whole establishment. Most of the children are very healthy, a fact to which their rosy cheeks bear witness. ;