THE BORSTAL SYSTEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21983, 19 June 1933, Page 9

THE BORSTAL SYSTEM

TO THE EDITOR.

Sin,— -My attention has been called to a letter signed by the vicar of All Saints at Invercargill concerning -the Borstal system. I have taken some interest in the Borstals, and have had some opportunity of checking facts as they appear to Mr Andrews-Baxter. There are, as far as I am aware, two views of the facts: (1) The official view, stated by Mr Cobbe (Minister of Justice), and (2) the view of Mr Andrews-Baxter, the Howard League, and, I think, almost every inquirer who has had an opportunity of approaching the subject from the point of view of the inmate. My object in writing this letter is, in the first place, to add any weight my evidence may give in corroboration of the courageous letter of Mr Andrews-Baxter. In the second place I wish to make some comment upon the statement of the Minister of Justice iu regard to Waikeria. I am greatly interested in his statement that every inmate is given an opportunity to learn to milk. This is a reform which I, myself, pressed upon the department quite ineffectually some three or four years ago. Common sense in this matter has at last prevailed, and is very gladly acknowledged and welcomed. One must point out, however, that the reform is skin-deep unless it represents the beginning of an entirely new order. What the Minister now says must be related to former statements made by him in regard to vocational training in the Borstals. Vocational training, as I understand it, implies training to meet the needs of the individual, looked at from the point of view of his aptitudes, his preferences, and his future needs; This is what, is claimed of the English system, and is the truth unless the official documents are sheer falsehood. Now, does the Minister . claim that any or every inmate has a real choice or selection or any voice whatever in the tasks he is called upon to perform ? If so, would the Minister state what choices are put, the instruction or rule on which the superintendents act, and give information showing how such choices have been exercised? The rotation of milkers, implied by the Minister's reference to Waikeria, shows that, the individual has at last been recognised by the system, but it does not prove that the system is vocational in any wide sense. Neither does it prove that the system really bends to meet the needs of individuals. Still less —and here we come to the crux of the problem—does it prove that there is any real diagnosis of the eases or any really reformative treatment? Its machinery for diagnosis and treatment provides the Acid test of any system.—l am, etc., F. A. de la Mare. Hamilton, June 15.