WAIKERIA REFORMATORY

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1780, 8 July 1926, Page 5

WAIKERIA REFORMATORY

PROVISION OF WIRELESS EQUIPJIENT. VISITING COMMITTEE COMMENDS SCHEME ; Some fortnight ago a letter was written to the Te Awamutu Borough Council by the editor of the Auckland Weekly News suggesting tha,t a public appeal should be made for funds to provide a wireless apparatus at the Borstal Institution at Waikeria. The Borough Council referred the matter to the official visiting committee, which comprises five local residents. These gentlemen, at least four of them, yesterday considered the matter following upon a visit to the institution, - where a young wireless enthusiast is at present a compulsory inmate. The young fellow, who, it may be stated is apparently destined to attain to high honours in the field of wireless, having already evolved a most ingenious device that is claimed to be an infallible direction finder, was questioned upon the suggestion that a wireless apparatus be installed at Waikeria. He immediately indicated his enthusiasm, and offered to install and operate such a plant, adding that he would also thoroughly coach other chosen inmates to operate the apparatus when he leaves the institution. He is regarded by the officials as thoroughly trustworthy, and they also are in thorough accord with the project. Getting to the crux of the situation, the visiting committee inquired what would be the overall cosit, and were informed that with the essential parts already available at the institution an outlay of £25 would be quite sufficient. No difficulty was expected in procuring a license to operate, and the superintendent of the institution (Mr Dunlop), who was present, said there would be no difficulty in subscribing the necessary license fee from the officials at the institution. He personally was glad of the opportunity to support the suggestion, feeling confident that such an apparatus would be decidedly helpful and enjoyable. The visiting committee made some further inquiry and then decided that as the cost was so reasonable for the benefits to be conferred, to make an appeal to the general public, many of whom will no doubt be willing to contribute at least a few shillings towards the required £25. The committee asked the Waipa Post to open a list (which we gladly do), and each member at once con-, tributed £1 to the fund. We shall be glad to acknowledge contributions through these columns, whether anonymously or over signatures, in the hope that the realisation of the desires of the staff and. inmates alike will be achieved at an early date. There are at present upwards of 100 young fellows detained at Waikeria, all for misdemeanous that on the scale of crime do not range high. Many of them are estimable lads who perhaps have been wayward and headstrong, or perhaps easily led into wrong-doing—-just such young fellows as may be found in most communities. The authorities are out ;to build up their manhood by a policy of leading rather than driving, and despite the fact that they are to all intents and purposes incarcerated there is a freedom of action that is calculated will make for success 'in the endeavour. They iwork hard during the day, ploughing ' and otherwise improving a considerable acreage of State property, but their evenings are dull and uninteresting, as a rule. Occasional concert parties such as that organised recently by Mr C. F. Battson, visit the institution and help to brighten the outlook for the internees, but it is felt that a wireless installation would greatly minimise the feeling of isolation. The general public can show its humanitarian instinct in a practical way by contributing to the £25 required. It may be added, that a similar installation would cost £4O to £6O in the ordinary way, but the saving is effected through the enterprise and genius of one of the inmates. Certain it is that so far the results have been most gratifying. It is with this realisation that the visiting committee confidently appeals to the general public to cooperate in assisting to rehabilitate the young men. Provision of a wireless set such as is proposed would give a receiving range sufficient to enable listening-in to all New Zealand and Australian broadcasting stations, with also the chance that under favourable atmospheric conditions stations even further afield may be heard. The first contributors to the fund are as under: —

i, S CI .... 1 0 0 S. iH). Dunkley 10 0 .... 10 0 10 0