Wellington Independent FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1871.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue XXVI, 28 July 1871, Page 2

Wellington Independent FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1871.

A IJawkk's Bay contemporary — the "•■Telegraph" to wit — in a recent issue laments that there is no provision for establishing industrial schools in New Zealand, and that the colony is without one single reformatory institution. It ean scarcely be supposed that our contemporary — arrogant and egotistical as he is — is ignorant beyond tho average of his readers, and it may, therefore, bo useful to make a few remarks on this important subject. Tbe first proposal to pass a law for establishing a reformatory institution it is somewhat interesting at present to note, was made by the same person who first proposed the establishment of a University in New Zealand — we mean Mr Macandrew, Superintendent of Otago. It is also a very suggestive coincidence that both institutions have made a successful beginning in that province under his supervision, and in that province alone. Immediately after his election to the office of Superintendent for the second time, Mr Macaudrow vigorously prosecuted enquiries with a view to meet what he felt to be the great want of a reformatory institution for neglected and criminal children. Mr Branigan, the then Commissioner of Police, rendered him much valuable assistance, and during his official career there, took a marked interest in the institution which was soon after established.

One of the very first paragraphs in the first speech of Mr Macandrew to his Council called attention to the subject, and promised that a bill would be laid before the Council for the establishment of a reformatory. Accordingly a

bill was passed in the Council tor that pui-pose. This bill was disallowed by the Governor, but at next session of the Colonial Parliament, Mr Stafford (Premier) passed a measure almost identical with it, the chief difference being that where the words— the province of Otago (then a very hateful sound in Mr Stafford's ears) occurred, the words " the colony of New Zealand" were substituted. Mr Stafford, in moving the second reading of the bill, remarked, as we learn from "Hansard," "that this bill sought to ameliorate the condition of children who had been absolutely neglected, or who had been guilty of crime. It was founded on a law which had been for some time iu operation^ in Victoria, and was very nearly identical with a bill passed by the Provincial Council of Otago, which he regretted that the Government had been obliged to disallow, as in some respects ultra vires" Mr Stafford, therefore, has the honor of first legislating on the subject, and did not think then, nor does he nO w — the frantic assertions of his injudicious friends notwithstanding, that a Colonial Ministry should not pass a measure unless it is perfectly original, and has never been suggested or sketched by anyone before. On the contrary, ho paid the highest compliment in his speech to the Provincial Solicitor of Otago for drawing up the bill he was obliged to disallow, and proved his sin ccrity by adopting it, with scarcely any alteration, as a colonial measure.

It is not our intention at present to dwell upon the provisions of this Act. We hasten to notice that last session Mr Macandrew got it amended in one important particular. The Amended Act provides that, notwithstanding anything in the twenty- third section of The Neglected and Criminal Children Act 1867 to the contrary, it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of any province to grant to any inmate in any industrial or reformatory school established within the province of which ho is the Superintendent, such a license as in the said section is mentioned, for a longer term than three years, but not exceeding five years, and to place such inmate on trial before the expiration of ono half* of (he term of detention originally allotted to such inmate if he shall think fit so to do" or as more shortly expressed in the margin. " Inmates of industrial or reformatory schools may be put out to service for any period and at any time." Our contemporary will see therefore that he is wrong in asserting that no legal provision has been made for establishing reformatory schools throughout New Zealand. We proceed now to show that he is equally mistaken when he says that none exist. We cannot do this better than by appending the report on the industrial school of Otago, laid on the table by the Provincial Secretary, on May 31, 1871, reserving all comment for a future occasion. Police Office, Dunedin, April 26th, 1871. To the Provincial Secretary, Dunedin. Sir,— l have the honor to forward herewith a' report from the master of the industrial school, together with an estimate of expenses for the maintenance of the school for the ensuing year. I have to report that tho institution is conducted most satisfactorily ; the utmost attention being paid to the health and education of the children. I fully endorse tho master's recommendation as to tho necessity of a separate establishment for the female children, I think that such a course would be moro advisable than making addition to the present buildings. I bog to recommend tho matron's salary be advanced to— say fifty pounds (50) per annum ; as at present she is paid at ten pound (£10) a-year les3 than tho female servants under her. — I have, &c, T. K. Weldon, Commissioner of Polco. Industrial School, Look-out Point, Cavorsham, April, sth, 1871. To T. E. Weldon, Esq, Inspector. Sir, — In furnishing you with my usual annual report of this institution, to tho 31st ultimo, I have tho honor to inform you that there are at present located here, 90 children, viz, 50 boys and 40 girls. 25 boys and 19 girls have been received into the school, 4 boys and girls licensed out to service, and 5 bays (including the two Maoris from Invercargill), and 5 girls discharged during the past twelve months, leaving as above stated, 90 children in tho institution. During the last twelva mouths a considerable addition haß been made by the erection of dormitories for both sexes, and also kitchen ; this was thought to be ample accommodation for somo time to come, but at present the Institution is quite full, and still further accommodation will in all probability be required. The nature of out-door employment for tho boys is, as heretofore, keeping tho kitchen garden in full cultivation, in addition to which, they have removed the remainder of the growing flax from tho ground, and thoroughly cleared it, and it is now fit for cultivation. The girls are occupied in making, mending, washing, &c, the various articles of apparel, bed-linon, &c, required for the institution. Tho whole of tho children, " with the exception of those too young," attend the school daily, under tho direction of Mr Colee, the teacher, and lam happy- to say, they are progressing favorably. Those boys who are employed out of doors, and the girls who make, mend, &c, &c, attend school on alternate days, and tho religious training of the whole is attended to by Protestant and Roman Catholic teachers on Sundays ; (he Protestant portion of the children also attend Church in Cavorsham every Sunday, weather permitting, and the Roman Catholic portion are visited by ministers of their own denomination. The general health of the children has been good, with the exception of an infant fomulo child, who was in a weakly state on its admission and Btill continues so ; the visiting surgeon attends weokly, but sinoo tho little child just mentioned did not improve in health, has visited oftenor, as required. The conduct of tho children during the past year has been uniformly good. During tho past year ■!•£ acres of ground belonging to the institution have boon ploughed twice and sown down in oatß and grass, and the former sold at £4 5s per aero, and a good blade of grass iB now showing. During the financial year just onded, tlio total amount for salaries and supplies amounts to £1170 8b lid. Excluaivo of this amount, £29 4s 4d was expended in ploughing, sowing, purchase of seed, &c, &o. The sum of £83 19s 6d hos been received for maintenance and sale of sand from the land which, if deducted from cost of supplies, will give 5s 6£d por week, for tho maintenance of the avorago number of 75 children, Including servants, school teachor, and surgeon's salaries, and every other expense attached to tho institution.

I have much pleasure in bringing under youv notice the yery Bntisfactory way Mr Coleo conducts his scholastic duties since his appointment, and the beneficial effect the children derive from his instruct ions^

I would in conclusion, draw your attention to the probable increase in the number of inmates, especialy since the annexation of Southland to this province, no less than six children have been received here from Invercargill during tho past fortnight. Should such bo tho case, additional accommodation must of necessity be provided ; and I would further point out the advisability of an entirely separate building being erected for tho girls on tho west eido of the road lending to Mornington. Although tho number of children has largely incroased of lato, there has been no additional assistance : only a cook and nurse are employed in addition to the varied occupations of myself and wife. — I have, &c, Benjamin Briton, Master.