n.—2o,

The Act provides that in cases of offenders between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, and in special circumstances up to the age of twenty-three, where it is expedient that the offender should be subject to detention under instruction and discipline, the Courts may in lieu of passing a sentence of imprisonment, make an order for detention in a Borstal institution. The term of detention is restricted to not less than two years nor more than five years where the sentence is imposed by the Supreme Court, and not less than one year nor more than three years in cases dealt with before the Magistrate's Court. The Minister of Justice, if satisfied that a prisoner whose age does not exceed twenty-five years might with advantage be detained in a Borstal institution, may direct the transfer of such person to a Borstal institution. The Minister is also empowered to direct the transfer to a Borstal institution of women and girls detained in a reformatory home. The Minister of Education, if satisfied that an inmate of an industrial school may with advantage be detained in a Borstal institution, may direct the transfer of such inmate thereto. The terms of detention ordered by the Court are as to maximum only. The actual period served is contingent upon the response of the inmates individually to the socializing influences of the institution. Each case is subject to review by the Parole Board, and an inmate is detained no longer than is considered necessary to develop his sense of self-respect and responsibility. In fact, it is recognized that there is a period of saturation beyond which detention of certain inmates is actually harmful. The question as to whether all persons committed for like terms should be required to serve an equal period of training was considered in England last year by a special committee, which was of opinion that an equal set period was not necessary in all cases, but that " the progress made by the lads should be reviewed at intervals in order that those who become fit for freedom at an earlier date may not be longer detained. . . . We consider that there should be a regular system whereby lads and girls who become fit to undertake the responsibility of free life more rapidly than their fellows should be licensed earlier." Borstal training is a combination of mental, moral, physical, and industrial training of a strenuous kind. The aim is a balanced round of work, education, and recreation, the primary purpose being to develop a sense of self-respect and self-reliance, and the habit of co-operation so essential to fit them for a life of freedom and responsibility, and at the same time equip them with habits of industry and the vocational skill which will enable them to conduct themselves as self-respecting useful members of society. In each of the institutions the underlying principles are identical, subject to the necessary modification to adapt the system of training to the needs of the different sexes. It is realized that something more than the mere provision of improved conditions, routine, regimen, and better facilities for companionship and recreation is necessary. An appeal must be made to the better nature of each inmate to quicken the loftier emotions. The scheme of training which has been adopted in each of the three Borstals is as follows :— (a) Mental Training. —Educational classes are conducted daily, the inmates being grouped according to their standard of intellectual development. The underlying idea in the higher grades is to develop, per medium of history, civics, and economics, a social sense and a sense of responsibility, showing where the individual fits in the social scheme, and the interdependence of man upon man. Debates, readings, and dramatic- work are practised as a means of developing the powers of expression and concentration, and to break down self-consciousness. (b) Moral Training.—The aim is, by the personal influence and leadership of the staff, to develop character and self-respect, and by a system of gradation involving the reposing of greater trust in the inmates, to develop a sense of responsibility, self-control, and a sense of honour. On the moral side the Department also has the co-operation of the various Christian ministers, representatives of the Salvation Army, and other religious workers, who regularly visit the institutions and take a personal interest in the spiritual welfare of the inmates. (c) Physical Training.—Physical drill and organized games are part of the regular curriculum. In addition to the physiological benefits arising out of systematic exercises, the underlying idea of the organized games is to inculcate the team spirit and develop unselfishness. At the girls' institution basketball and tennis are played, while at Invercargill and Waikeria a fine showing is made at football and cricket. (d) Industrial and Vocational Training.—Lads : New Zealand being essentially a primaryproducing country, farm training is the main feature ; and in this connection agricultural science is taught, enabling inmates to have a thorough training in all phases of agriculture, both theory and practice. The farms are run on economical lines, and contribute materially towards the cost of maintenance. In addition, there are classes in carpentering, bricklaying, plumbing, painting, signwriting, wool-classing, bootmaking, and tailoring. Experience has shown that the development of personality through the acquisition of new skill and activities is an important factor in restoring the delinquent. Girls : The aim is to give each inmate a general domestic training, to enable her to take her place in a home on release. Inmates are also taught sewing and cooking, fancy-work, knitting, first-aid, and sick nursing. There is a well-equipped laundry that takes in outside work from other Departments, and a dairy which supplies the institution's requirements as well as those of other institutions. The object in connection with both of these industries is to enable the inmates to realize that they are useful units of society and should contribute towards the cost of their maintenance. The institution garden is a feature of the establishment, and such work has a distinctly beneficial effect on the health of the inmates. The Department is much indebted to the splendid voluntary services rendered by the teachers of the special classes. Many of these helpers come a considerable distance and at great personal sacrifice in order to carry on this work of instruction. An integral part of the Borstal scheme is a system of after-care. Experience has shown that the teaching, training, and socializing influences of an institution are of little avail unless supplemented by

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