THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 20

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

During the past few days the police have been investigating a charge made in connection ■with tho management of the Industrial School. Tho mother of ,a girl who was a recent inmate has made a statement to tho effect that her daughter had been criminally assaulted by an officer holding an important position in the institution. As some startling reports have gained circulation in conue'etion with the affair, a representative Of this paper waited upon Mr Titchener (the manager) for the purpose of learning some particulars of the case. Mr Titchener informed the reporter that he was quite ready to make a full statement of the circumstances that had come under his knowledge, and as the matter concerns a public institution,' we give an outline of what passed : —

Mr Titchener said : On the evening of the 50th of July of this year, I received information from a woman, the mother of three -girls who had been inmates of the Industrial , School, that one of her daughters — the youngest, aged 14 — had been assaulted by an officer holding a very important position 'in' the institution, and that unless suffieie.nt recompense were made for the injury done the matter would be made public. I at once refused and told her that if she had any complaint to make to take what proceedings she considered advisable. I returned to the institution, wrote out a full account of the conversation which had taken place between us, and submitted tho whole matter to the head of the Education department. I have received a a reply that the matter would be inquired into.

The Reporter ; Did the woman mention the nature of the recompense ?

Mr Titchener : Oh yes. She said that unless I paid her L2OO- she would bring tho matter into court. L told her I would not pay her a shilling. She made use of very abusive language and said, " I'll make you pay L2OO to the lawyers." I at once proceeded to Sir Robert Stout and consulted him aud also Mr A. C. Hanlon, and the matter is now in their hands.

The Reporter : How long is it since the child left the institution ? •Mr Titchener : She left on the 19th July. The Reporter .- Where did she go then ? Mr Titchener: She went to her sister. Tho Reporter : Wheu was thc'assault alleged to have taken place ?

Mr Titchener : It was alleged that the assault took place at the end of last year. I saw the little girl, and she said it took place at thu end of last year, soon after she passed the Third Standard.

In answer to further questions Mr Tiichenpr read a portion of the report which he had forwarded to the head of the department, in which is giveu the rt-.plies of the girl to tho queslioTis put to her. From these ie would appear that the ijiil expressed Jrer sorrow at haviuj made the charge, lie then read the following extract i;om a letter he had addressed to the secretary of the Education department, Wellington: — " The woman has been to the fchool to-day at 345 p.m. I refused to have one word to say to her. I told her to take any proceedings she liked. I hope you will have confidence i'\ me, and in the officer accused. If y m have any doubt in either we are willing to h t'.iti ovtr the institution at a moment's notice, and it the slightest irregularity or misconduct can be proved on Li.s part or oil ruiue ia the livmagoment of the institution, or irregularity or misconduct on his part in the school, we will uot a?k to be admitted again. I am buro } - o;i will pardon me in writing this, but us an ho::csfc man I feel compelled to do so. I shall i'ufc thti matter iv the hands of my Bjllcifcors to-day."

TLe Importer : It has been stated that efforts have been made to hush the matter up. Is that so?

r*Tr Titcheuer : The accused officer asserts that he has never spoken to a single person in connection with the case, and the statement

r fcrred to is t tally false* The police have collected all infoi motion im one matter. I not only forwarded a report to the head of the department, but also a copy of the same to Inspector Hickson. He has caused inquiries to ba made.

The Reporter : It has further been stated that several of the girls had been assaulted.

Mr Titshener: Well, there's not a particle of truth in it. I made every inquiry, and none of the other girls have any domplaint to make. The accused officer has been connected with the institution for over 12 years, during which time he has given the utmost satisfaction. As to the mother of the girl, you can see for yourself what her character is. Here is tho Police Gazette, which shows a number of convictions against her. Our representative was also allowed to inspect a letter from the lady in whose employ the girl had been, and also.Jrom the girl's sisters. The latter expressed themselves as willing to come forward and give" evidence in favour of the management. In conclusion, Mr Titchner said :—"I: — "I need not tell you that I have been greatly troubled by the charge. After all these years of steady, hard, plodding work, to have such a charge made in connection with the institution has been a great blow to me. However, I have put the matter into my solicitor's hands, and have no doubt the truth will be made known."