64

B.—3b

81. Mr. Fell.] How about those confined for the minor offences of that nature?— They were deprived of their tea for two or three days at most—sometimes perhaps at most for four days. Otherwise the food, which was taken to them by the Brother in charge of them, was never interfered with. They were seen by the Brothers four times during each day, and also the last thing at nio-ht Some of the boys confined in the cells were taken out to work in the fields, and some were"not. In some cases the teachers preferred that the boys should study their lessons, so as to have a good chance at the examinations. The boys were taken out to Mass. Skilton was taken out regularly in the afternoons, and occasionally in the mornings also. 82 Why did you keep Skilton locked up so long ?—lt was not possible to keep him at the school without locking him up. He was an habitual absconder, and he had told the Police, after he was brought before the Supreme Court for stealing a horse and cart, and ordered by the Judge to be sent to Burnham, that he would run away again on the first chance. During the last two years he was confined each time he absconded. Shepherd and Maher have absconded twice during the last two years. ' . 83. Did all the boys know what would be the consequences of absconding after being brought back ?—Yes ; they knew it perfectly well. _ . . 84 Can you say whether the boys suffered physically from the confinement ?—I do not think so The majority preferred being there to being at school. Hence the necessity for giving some slaps on the hands, and sometimes depriving them of their tea. That was the only punishment that would effect them in any way. .«.,,-, ,-, , « .., -d - t 85 What was the reason of adopting the confinement if it had so little effect /—Because it other adequate punishment were given for absconding, the boy would be off again as soon as he was punished, and he would probably complain of bad treatment. 86. Do you prefer the punishment by confinement ?—I would prefer to give the boys a good flogging to locking them up. * . 87 Do you not think it would be better, when the boys are brought before the Magistrate, it they were ordered to be punished by the Police?—l would prefer that. When Maher and James were brought before the Magistrate, he ordered them to be returned to the school, and there punished in accordance with the regulations. That was carried out. I would prefer that the Police should inflict the punishment before the boys are sent back, and thus be done with it. 88 You have a band at the school ?—Yes. At present there are thirty-five performers. The instruments were provided by public subscription. Several of the former members are now members of other bands in different parts of New Zealand. The boys who are found to have any. talent for music are selected for the band. They like the band, and often go out to play m town and elsewhere. , . . 89. What about ordinary games ?—The boys have all the ordinary games, and go into them with great enjoyment. . ~ 90 When are the " picnic " suits put on ?—When there is any great gala day, and when the annual'picnic is held. This is generally held in Bichmond Park. The boys also go out to the principal festivals and demonstrations in town. They often take part with the band m school demonstrations and processions in town. _~""". . T 91 Is there anything else you would like to refer to ?—Yes. I think this morning I got somewhat confused about the washing of the boys. Before Brother Kilian took charge there used to be a regular time ; but, as he is not a favourite with the boys, the rules have been more or less relaxed! and the Saturday washing has not been as regular as I could have wished 92 Can you tell us anything about the cases in which Brother Kihan is said to have given boys punches or pushes, and strokes on the back, chest, and neck ?—Brother Kilian has the most arduous task in the whole Orphanage, as he has charge of the boys when they are at play out of school hours He is the Prefect; he has to check the boys' behaviour; and it is natural, of course that boys will more or less resent this, and that he will not be a favourite with them. His least offence may be magnified by the boys, but I do not say that there may not be some truth m what they say. • . , ~ ~ 93 I do" not understand that you deny that Brother Kilian has struck boys as described ? —I do not deny it, although it was not reported to me except in the case of James Owens. I asked him to show me his marks. He could not show me any marks, except a tear or watery appearance of the eye. This did not appear natural, but it could hardly be called bloodshot The boy told me it Was the result of a blow, and I took it as such. Brother Kilian is a naturally impulsive man. I have had many conversations with him on the subject. About last Christmas he asked to be relieved of his position, and I expect he will shortly be relieved.^ 94 Have you any complaint to make about other Brothers exceeding their duties .'—.No. When Brother Wibertus had Brother Kilian's present duties there was the same discontent among the boys, and this accounts for the remarks made against him. He had not been disliked since he ceased to be Prefect. ~ . , 95 Mr WardelL] How is it, if Brother 'Kilian asked to be relieved as tar back as Christmas, he is still at the school?— Our superiors have not always a man ready for an emergency. The Brother Provincial, who has control of such matters, will be here m a few days, and will have full authority to make a change. . . 96. How did you become Director of the school ?—I was appointed by the Superior-General of the Order. .„■■*, 97. Do you hold any legal position recognised by the Government >— No. 98' Who does?— Dean Mahoney. He is the Legal Manager. 99 Are you subject to him, as Legal Manager, in any way for directions and orders?— Not directly ; but I would take any suggestion from him as my superior. I would not recognise him as having authority to give orders.