BORSTAL ESCAPEES

Southland Times, Issue 20499, 30 May 1928, Page 8

BORSTAL ESCAPEES

COUNCILS RESOLUTION OBJECTION TO WORDING OF LETTER MINISTER OF JUSTICE’S REPLY An animated discussion took place at the Borough Council last evening when a letter was read from the Minister of Justice (the Hon. F. J. Rolleston) in reply to the recent motion passed by the Council. The following is a copy of the Minister’s letter: “I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 3rd inst. regarding the Borstal Institution. The copy of the resolution passed by the Invercargill Borough Council asking that steps be taken to make escapes from the Borstal Institution next to impossible has been noted. The only means of giving effect to such a suggestion would be to keep the lads continuously behind bolts and bars, or under an armed guard. I think the adoption of such a course would be distinctly retrogressive, and directly opposed to the system of Borstal training. It is generally recognized by authorities on penology that it is only by reposing a measure of trust in the delinquent that a sense of responsibility can be developed. I can assure your Council that every reasonable precaution is taken to guard against escapes. It is most unfortunate that three inmates should have broken away recently in close succession, but prior to this there had not been a single escape from the institution for just on eighteen months. When itais remembered that there are 250 inmates at the Borstal, and that the lads are at the most impetuous and impulsive age, I think that the above fact, coupled with the splendid results achieved from a reformative point of view, more than justifies the present policy adopted on the management of the institution.” Councillor Reed asked what the Minister meant by using the words “next to impossible.” He did not remember any resolution embodying those words being passed and he asked the meeting if such was the case. A chorus of “No!” greeted his query. Councillor Reed: It would be a disastrous thing if the motion went away in such terms. We would make ourselves look ridiculous. I would like to know what went to Wellington. It seems we must have used those words and I would like to see the letter. The acting Town Clerk (Mr J. E. Taylor) in reply to a question from the Mayor, said that he did not have the copy present. Councillor Tapley said that the letter was not a reply to the Council’s resolution. He had brought the matter up at the previous meeting of the Council and the point that he had stressed was that only one warder was in charge of a gang. Should an escape occur the warder had to march his squad back to the institution and give the alarm before pursuit could begin. It seemed to him that two warders were necessary. If an additional warder were placed with a squad no harm would be done to the reformative work of the Borstal. The evidence at the trial of the three recent escapees showed that there were dangerous youths in the institution, which was not surprising as there were black sheep in every fold Some further precautions were necessary. The letter of the Department did not seem to be an answer to the Council’s resolution. Councillor Reed said he was convinced that the resolution had been sent forward in the wrong form or that the Minister was laughing up his sleeve. At this stage of the discussion the acting Town Clerk discovered the copy of the letter which had been sent forward. It read as follows: —

“I have been directed by my Council to convey to you the following resolution passed at the ordinarv meeting of the Council held on Tuesday, May 1, 1928: ‘That the attention of the Minister of Justice be called to recent escapes of inmates from the Borstal Institution. These escapes have resulted in causing considerable alarm amongst the women and children throughout the district.’ My council would be glad if you could take this matter up so that such occurrence may be rendered next to impossible.” Councillor Reed: Well it is evident that the error has been in our own office. The words “next to impossible” should not have been used, but it is no use worrying about it now.

On the motion of Councillor Tapley seconded by Councillor Reed, the letter from the Minister of Justice was received.