THE STOKE ORPHANAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 23

THE STOKE ORPHANAGE.

STRONG LANGUAGE USED IN THE

HOUSE.

THE MATTER IN THE HANDS OF THE

POLICE.

(Fnoic Otjb Owx Cobbespondent.)

WELLINGTON, August 31

The Premier informed the House this afternoon that lie had now received a proof copy of the evidence taken in the Stoke Orphanage inquiry, and intended to lay it before the Commissioner of Police.

Mr T. Mackenzie inquired whether the police were taking any 'action to arrest the villains and scoundrels who cruelly treated the children in. that school. He thought that if the three men chiefly concerned had left the colony, they ought to be followed, and if they were stj.ll in the colony they should be detained.

The Premier did not consider it right to apply to those men the strong terms which Mr Mackenzie had used. He knew that papers had been circulated among member?, an 1 some of them no doubt felt strongly on the subject ; but until all the evidence was before them, he asked them to suspend judgment. All responsibility in respect of future proceedings would be in the hands o[ i.he police, and it would not be right to prejudice the potation in any way by arguing the mn tter now.

Mr Mackenzie : And in the meantime these •uliaii!,; may escape from the colony.

Tin* Speaker said ho could not allow Hub terri'= to be applied.

?,!'■ Mackenzie: The case is a strong one. and I think very strong terms should be used in connection with it.

The Speaker (severely) : If the member for Waihemo will persist in using such terms, I will have to call upon him to withdraw them.

Mr Mackenzie : Sir, I have heard as strong terms as these applied to persons outside the House, and I have not been speaking of anyono inside the House.

The Speaker : If the words used are persisted in, I must ask for their withdrawal, and call upon the-hon. member io apologise for them.

Captain Russell urged that members should be allowed time to read the evidence before being called upon to discuss the question.

The Premier ?aid he expected copies of the evidence would be ready to-night, and, if so, he would place'it in the hands of members. Mr Meredith asked if the evidence available for, the police would include the evidence taken by the Inspector-general of Schools in Nelson. That might as&isfc in working up the case, against those accused men. Mr Seddon: The whole of the papers and evidence in possession of the Government will he given to the police. — (Hear, hear.) Mr Tanner ,asked whether the police had been or would be instructed to keep in view certain persons whose attendance it might be neoessary to have at a later stage.

Mr Seddon : The police would not be doing their duty Avere that not done.

Mr Tanner : There is a rumour current that they have already left.

Tho Premier: They may have left for their headquarters in New South Wales. I believe that is so.

Mr Tanner:- In other words, they, have quilted the colony.

Mr Mackenzie: Why did they leave? • Mr Seddon: I should think the fact that they w-ere called upon to retire from the institution would be quite sufficient for men holding their positions to go aAvay from a conntry .where such discredit ha» been brought upon them. Mr Atkinson : Is it not a fact that the Minister of Education has already written to the manager of the Stoke Orphanage thai in his opinion these three men should be prosecuted, but that it Avas not the intention of tho Government to do this, as they had already left?

Mr Seddon: He has not done anything of the kind. If the lion, member Avill read the letter he \yill see that it does not bear that interpretation.

Mr G. W. Russell asked if the management of the institution was still in the same hands as before.

The Premier : Certainly.. It is in the hands of Dean Mahoney. Can you lurn two cr three hundred children out into the street? They must be fed and clothed. You must alloAV the matter to go on until we, are able to adjust it. I understand, .however, the Dean has agreed to carry out the Government's wishes.

The Speaker: I think the question has already gone too far, seeing that a day has been fixed for its discussion. (To the clerk:) Call on the orders of the day. NELSON, September 1. The following telegram was received today by Dean Mahoney, legal manager of the Stoke School, from the Brother Provincial of the Marist Order, who is now in Wellington :— " Owing to Government conditions I must withdraw the Brothers, and provide a substitute at the earliest convenience. On forwarding letter please inform the Government." Father Mahoney is about to- advertise for a secular mixed staff, comprising a master and matron, workmen, etc.

September 3. A crowded public meeting Avas held tonight in the Provincial Hall to consider the commissioners' report and the Government proposals of reform in connection with St. Mary's School. The meeting was practically unanimous (no dissentient voices being, heard) m favour of the Government assuming full control of the school. - The following resolutions r were passed: — " (1) That the report r of the commissioners is viewed with great dissatisfaction, their conclusions being incompatible with the evidence, al&o that the proposed reforms of the Government are totally inadequate ; (2) that, whereas the inquiry has proved that the management of the school as a private denominational institution has led to gross abuses -being practised, and the proposed reforms give no" security whatever that the same state of things will not again arise, it is considered necessary the Government should assume direct control, and acquire the property as a State institution, as the most satisfactory solution of the matter ; (3) that, in view of the disclosures, this meeting appeals to the Government to withdraw all financial support from this and similar institutions not under the direct control of the State, and the meeting pledges itself to support members of Parliament, in endeavouring to secure reform ; (4) that copies of the resolutions be forwarded to the Government, the members for the city and surrounding constituencies ; (5) that the thanks of the meeting ■ are due to. Messrs Rout. Harley, and Piper,

members of the Charitable Aid Bocucl. for their public spirit and courage in procuring an inquiry.' Mr W. T. Bond -way in the chair. The mec-ling lasted three hours. Much hostile feeling Avas evidenced >to■\vards the management of the institution. The speakers acknowledged I]iaL the resolutions involved^ all Protestant and similar institutions being brought under direct

Stale control, and considered this de&irahle,