H—2o
(3) W.E.A. Classes : The Otago and Southland branches of the W.E.A. gave generous assistance, and the classes were of great value. The drama classes, under the direction of Mr. J. Marr, proved particularly successful, and plays were presented at entertainments. (4) Choir : Mr. Kennedy Black again organized the choir and brought it up to a high standard so that it could take part in a concert at the Orphans' Club during the year. Concerts were also given at the institution. (5) Other Evening Activities : Life-saving and swimming have been taught by members of the staff and attract a good deal of interest. Painting and signwriting are also taught. Social Life and Entertainment. —A regular weekly programme of 16 mm. soundfilms provided by the Department constituted the mainstay of this side of our activities. Concerts given by various organizations included one by the Boys' Battalion Band, a display of wrestling by the Southland Wrestling Club, the W.E.A., &c. The Borstal Christmas Cheer and Welfare Fund benefited by a donation of £lOO from the Licensing Trust, and other gifts from local citizens. As a result, no lad went short of gifts and comforts at Christmas, and prizes could be given to winners of sports held during the holiday period. Sports and Recreation.—Rugby and association football, baseball, cricket, and tennis are the principal sports played. Coaching was carried out by officers, many of them outside duty hours, and though no great successes were achieved the games were played in a good sporting spirit. Association football was a new development, and our team won an inter-house shield. Drill and gymnastics were taught by a trained instructor and seem to be increasing in popularity. Library. —Our own library has become more useful, as the books are rebound and repaired regularly, and, in addition, the Country Library Service provides us with changes of books quarterly. Better supplies of magazines are being obtained. Religious Activities. —The Invercargill Ministers' Association arranges services each Sunday. In addition, instruction is given by the Roman Catholic Church each week, services by the Salvation Army, and weekly Bible classes for various denominations. Rehabilitation of Inmates.—Our active work ceases when an inmate is released, and all we can do then is to see that he is provided with all the necessary clothing and anything else he may need, such as blankets at a forestry camp, or working-clothes. We assist in finding a job or accommodation if required. If more equipment is needed than the Department can provide and there is insufficient in his account, the resources of the Welfare Fund or the Patient's and Prisoners' Aid Society may be called upon. We feel that if the difficult period of readjustment to the community can be tided over an inmate's chances of rehabilitation are greatly enhanced. Staff. —There have been a number of new appointments to the staff during the year, made necessary by the application of the forty-hour-week principle to the prison service and made practicable by the return of members of the Armed Forces to civilian life. We recruited some very fine types, including skilled tradesmen and men who were responsible for discipline in the Forces. As a result we find it possible to do many jobs around the institution that previously had to be sent outside, thus saving money and providing valuable experience for inmates, but it increases the demand for plant and equipment and tools. The shorter working-week relieves officers of some strain and seems to have brought more contentment on the whole. Annual leave can be taken when due with beneficial results. I wish to express my appreciation of the loyalty and co-operation of the staff during the year.
27
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.