BORSTAL SYSTEM

Southland Times, Issue 20886, 23 September 1929, Page 9

BORSTAL SYSTEM

THE LOCAL INSTITUTION.

VISIT BY COUNCILLORS. A visit was paid to the Borstal Institution last Wednesday by His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. D. Campbell, and the Borough Coun-. cillors.

After inspecting the buildings and grounds, the Mayor thanked the superintendent, Mr C. G. L. Pollock, who in reply said that it was the first time the council had officially visited the institution. It was gratifying to see that the representatives of the people took an interest in the work being done for and by the boys. In conversation with a Times reporter on Saturday, Mr Campbell said the councillors had been very much impressed with the fact that everything possible was being done to make the boys good citizens and to fit them for the future. In the course of their inspection the councillors saw the boys book-binding, baking, washing, cabinetmaking, brick-laying, gardening, farming, wool-classing and receiving schooling. Cleanliness and tidiness everywhere were stressed, and a special prize for the best kept room was evidently keenly competed for. A special dining room and other privileges were accorded for good behaviour, and in every possible way the boys were encouraged to do their best. The facilities for healthy exercise of the mind and body were excellent; there were football and cricket grounds, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and a library. The simple chapel where Divine services were held at 9.30 every Sunday morning was also inspected by the visitors, and the flower gardens and green plots that made the surroundings so beautiful were commented on. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the whole visit, said the Mayor in conclusion, was the fact that although strict discipline was observed, rifles had all been relegated to the museum.