H—2o
One of the important functions of the institution is the provision of suitable work for the inmates, with emphasis on the preparation for home life, the teaching of good work habits, and the development of a sense of social fitness. Inmates are given a splendid training in laundry work, sewing, cooking, and the usual domestic duties, and an effort is made to develop the girl's special aptitudes so that on release she may be qualified to take up some employment. In addition to the laundry work of the institution, a, number of contracts were carried out for several Government Departments as well as the Army, but owing to the decreased numbers it was not possible to accept large contract orders. In the sewing-room large orders for dresses and other garments were executed for Porirua Mental Hospital, in addition to the institution requirements and various orders from Government Departments. There is sufficient variety of work to ensure a training that would guarantee employment on release. The kitchens provide a useful source of training for the inmates, few of whom appear to have had much experience in their own homes. All cooking is carried out by the girls under supervision, and emphasis is placed on the training in economy and management, and the planning of balanced and varied meals. To encourage the creative use of leisure-time, training in hand-work and hobbies is an important part of the programme. The knitting, crocheting, tatting, toymaking, and all types of hand-embroidery give a wonderful opportunity for the talent that is only waiting in many cases to be trained and developed. The classes for first aid and physical culture had to be discontinued early in the winter owing to the power restrictions imposed in the evenings. Social activities are important in helping to maintain a cheerful outlook and build up morale, and due emphasis has been placed on the development of music, dancing, and, in the case of the Maori girls, on their own songs and poi dances. Programmes of educational and entertaining pictures have been screened and were much appreciated by the inmates. Concerts have been provided, and our thanks are due to the members of the W.A.A.F. and others who have kindly made the necessary plans for entertainment. Recreation was provided whenever possible, both with outdoor and indoor activities. We are indebted to the National Library Service for a splendid supply of books, which, together with the institution library, provides adequate reading-material for the varied needs of the girls. The institution subscribes to a number of magazines, and many interested friends provide a generous supply of this type of reading-matter, which is greatly appreciated by the girls. Regular services are provided every Sunday by the members of the Ministers* Association, and instruction classes are held weekly by the Anglican Minister, Rev. P. Wiltshire, and by the Catholic Priest, Father J. McGrath. Fortnightly visits were also made by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy. During the year classes for confirmation were arranged, and a baptismal service and a confirmation service conducted by the Bishop of Wellington, assisted by the Rev. P. Wiltshire, were held in the Chapel, when five inmates were confirmed. During the New Year and Easter holidays the inmates were taken on the hills for all-day picnics, this form of outing proving particularly attractive. At Christmas, due to the valued co-operation and help of the Borstal Association, the Borstal Committee, the Howard League for Penal Reform, and other friends, to all of whom our sincere thanks are due, it was possible to arrange for a Christmas tree ladened with gifts, and to provide many welcome additions to the menus. Fortnightly visits were paid by the members of the Women's Borstal Association and monthly visits by the members of the Borstal Committee, and to all these members lor their interest, co-operation, and practical assistance we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation.
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