THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA APRIL 1ST, 1939, TO MARCH 31ST, 1940 PRINTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. VICTORIA, B.C. : Printed by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1940. To His Honour E. W. Hamber, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour: The undersigned has the honour to present the Thirty-sixth Annual Report of the Provincial Industrial School for Boys for the year ended March 31st, 1940. G. M. WEIR, Provincial Secretary. Provincial Secretary's Office, Victoria, B.C. Provincial Industrial School for Boys, Port Coquitlam, B.C. The Honourable G. M. Weir, Provincial Secretary, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith Annual Report of the Provincial Industrial School for Boys, covering the fiscal year April 1st, 1939, to March 31st, 1940. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, GEORGE ROSS, Principal of the Provincial Industrial School for Boys. DEPARTMENT OF PROVINCIAL SECRETARY. HON. G. M. WEIR, Provincial Secretary. P. WALKER, Deputy Provincial Secretary. Ross, George A., Principal. Mayers, W., Vice-Principal. Moody, Mrs. G., Follow-up Officer. Gilley, Miss D. F., Secretary. Elliott, Mrs. I., Nurse-Matron. Blagburn, E. W., Teacher. PROVINCIAL INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS. PRINCIPAL'S ANNUAL REPORT. The Honourable G. M. Weir, Provincial Secretary, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—In submitting the thirty-sixth annual report of the Provincial Industrial School for Boys, we take the opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation for the many kind services rendered by the various Government departments and officials, for the fine co-operation we have received from the Juvenile Court Judges, Probation Officers, and the numerous private and semi-private agencies and individuals who, by their efforts, have made a real contribution to our work on behalf of those committed to our care. Our function seems to be the protection of society and the prevention of delinquency. Success of the former depends largely upon the effectiveness of the latter, and this demands that our approach to rehabilitation must be adjusted to modern scientific thought and method and that our institution must be built up and equipped accordingly. We feel that some progress has been made during the past year, although we are severely handicapped by lack of equipment and inadequate facilities. The statistics for the year show 16,479 inmate-days as against 14,445 for the previous year. An unexpected influx of new boys during the early months of the year taxed our building to capacity and space for an overflow had to be found by using our auditorium building for sleeping quarters. Continuing the policy of previous years, all available allied services have been called upon to help us in our task. The work of the Provincial Psychiatrist and his staff has been of immense value to us; traits of character and other important factors being revealed during examination and plans being made for the rehabilitation of our patients. Upon admission to the school each lad is given a thorough physical and medical examination. The services of the Provincial Laboratories and the Division of Tuberculosis Control are called upon. We gratefully acknowledge the work of Dr. Dolman and Dr. Kincade and their staffs. The routine health services in charge of the Essondale staff physicians have been well taken care of and these men have been most generous in their interest on our behalf. The Advisory Committee to the Industrial Schools has met several times during the year, studying various aspects of our school programme and procedure, and has made reports and recommendations to the department from time to time. The genuine interest of the members of this group and their willingness to give of their time and effort have been most helpful and encouraging. We have been enabled to render considerable service to those committed to our care through the valuable contribution made by the Welfare Field Visitors in securing social histories and in preparing the home prior to the boy's return. Close contact has been kept with the Department of Child Welfare and the Superintendent of Neglected Children has visited the school regularly throughout the year, becoming acquainted with each lad personally. Her kindly interest and co-operation have made possible many satisfactory placements. With but few exceptions we have enjoyed whole-hearted co-operation on the part of the police and Juvenile Court authorities, simplifying the return home and rehabilitation of many boys. The importance of the pre-delinquent period should be stressed. The improving of physical and social environment is the application of common-sense rule, but does not solve the problem. Records prove that delinquency is shared by rich and poor alike, by those who enjoy religious, educational, and social advantages and by those who are deprived of them. A greater use of the social services now available before the child becomes a problem would doubtless result in fewer commitments to the Industrial School. We feel that while committal to an institution is frequently necessary many young offenders can be treated effectively without removal from the community. While it is impossible to measure accurately the effect M 6 BRITISH COLUMBIA. of punishment upon an individual, we know definitely that in some cases, particularly in those of tender years, removal from home and friends and confinement to an institution often results in the development of unfavourable attitudes and behaviour rather than in the correction of them. As allowed by the " Juvenile Delinquents Act," committal to a Children's Aid Society for foster-home placement would be advisable in some cases. Occasionally we have committed to our school boys who come under the subnormal intelligence group but who are not socially inadequate. Without proper facilities for segregation we find these cases the most difficult of solution. Their commitment to our care has a disrupting influence on the programme and disciplinary routine of our school, where the activity is planned for the more normal delinquent group. On the premise that most of the boys sent to us are patients requiring treatment, our various activities form a well-balanced programme of correctional treatment in keeping with modern methods. The number of satisfactory adjustments reported is indication of a goodly measure of success. Medical, surgical, and dental care has been given to all requiring same and the past year has been fairly heavy in this respect, there being 102 days' hospitalization necessary, followed by periods of convalescence at the school. Chest X-ray is now part of our routine examination and several boys have received special treatment and care as a result. The programme of after-care has assumed such proportions that the splendid work of our follow-up officer is particularly heavy and it is impossible for her to keep up with the demands made upon her time without further assistance. In closing I wish to pay tribute to our staff who have worked together very harmoniously, credit being due them for the genuine interest displayed and the whole-hearted co-operation I have enjoyed. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, GEORGE ROSS, Principal. MOVEMENT OF POPULATION, APRIL 1st, 1939, TO MARCH 31st, 1940. Number in school, March 31st, 1939— 42 Number on parole, March 31st, 1939 44 Number in foster-homes, March 31st, 1939 7 Number on extended leave, March 31st, 1939 2 Number away without leave, March 31st, 1939 6 Number of new commitments during year 67 Number committed for second term 6 174 Number of boys released 57 Number at present on parole 36 Number at present in foster-homes 7 Number transferred to Oakalla Prison Farm 1 Number at present on extended leave 6 Number escaped and not returned 7 — 114 Number in school, March 31st, 1940 60 REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 7 LIST OF BOYS COMMITTED FROM APRIL 1st, 1939, TO MARCH 31st, 1940. No. Place of Birth. Parentage. Residence previous to Admission to School. British Columbia. Canada. 1704 1705 1706 1707 1708 1709 1710 1711 1712 1713 1714 1715 1716 1717 1718 1719 1720 1721 1722 1723 1724 1725 1726 1727 1728 1729 1730 1731 1732 1733 1734 1735 1736 1737 1738 1789 1740 1741 1742 1743 1744 1745 1746 1747 1748 1749 1750 1751 1752 1753 1754 1755 1756 1757 1758 1769 1760 1761 1762 1763 1764 Lloydminster, Alta Vanderhoof, B.C Years. 2 Life. 6 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 10 11 Life. 9 14 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 14 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 13 15 7 mos. 5 7 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 13 Years. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 10 11 Life. 9 14 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 15 Life. 15 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. English-Canadian Canadian Vancouver, B.C New Westminster, B.C Victoria, B.C Fulford Harbour, B.C Ridgefleld, Wash English-Canadian Bilt, Holland Kriva, Czecho-Slovakia Dollarton, B.C. Vancouver, B.C Trail B C. Victoria, B.C Russian Penticton, B.C Moricetown, B.C Antler, Sask. - — Irish-French Calgary, Alta Rochester, New York North Battleford, Sask Vancouver, B.C.- Vancouver, B.C - Negro Ukrainian __ Trail B C. Chilliwack B.C. Pincher Creek, Alta.— Canadian Life. 1 Life. Rutland, B.C.— Alexis Creek, B.C Orford Bay, B.C Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 6 6 Life. 2 mos. Life. Life. 4% Life. 9 Life. Life. 7 7 7 6 9 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 13 13 Life. 11 Life. Life. 4% Life. Life. Life.- Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Irish-Canadian Vancouver, B.C Vancouver, B.C Morgentaury, Russia Bishop Auckland, England Dutch-Canadian.— Russian _ _ English Chinese-Indian Edinburgh, Scotland Vancouver, B.C.- Czecho-Slovakia British Columbia Lethbridge, Alta Summerland, B.C Indian Canadian-Irish Mondare, Alta.___ Mondare, Alta Austrian Austrian ., Canadian . Canadian-American Swedish _• . Biggar, Sask — Kenora, Ont * M BRITISH COLUMBIA. List of Boys committed—Continued. No. Place of Birth. Parentage. Residence previous to Admission to School. British Canada. Columbia. 1765 1766 Sweden.. - — Genier, Ont Winnipeg, Man Winnipeg, Man —- Brandon, Man - Stratford, Ont Brancepeth, Sask Swedish —- Years. 10 4 1 week. 1 week. 1 week. 1 week. 10 Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. Years. 10 Life. 1767 Life. 1768 1769 1770 1771 1772 English Ukrainian Canadian Canadian - Life. Life. Life. Life. Life. 1773 1774 1775 Tappen, B.C.- Prince Rupert, B.C - Prince Rupert, B.C American - - Scotch Life. Life. Life. 1776 Maillardville, B.C Life. NATIONALITY OF PARENTS. American (both) Austrian (both) . Canadian (both) Czeeho-Slovakian (both) English (both) 4 German (both) 1 Greek (both) 1 Indian (both) 6 Mulatto (both) 1 Negro (both) 1 Russian (both) 3 Scotch (both) _ 2 1 2 4 1 1 Serbian (both) Swedish (both) Ukrainian (both) __. American-Canadian American-English __. Canadian-American 2 Canadian-English 1 Canadian-Irish 1 Canadian-Scotch Chinese-Indian _.. Dutch-Canadian English-American English-Canadian 5 English-Irish 1 French-Canadian 2 Hawaiian-Irish 1 Irish-Canadian 2 Irish-French 1 Norwegian-Indian 1 Roumanian-Canadian 1 Scotch-American _ Scotch-Canadian _ Swedish-American Russian-Canadian - Welsh-Canadian _. Unknown Total 1 1 1 1 1 1 73 REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 9 COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION, 1937-38, 1938-39, 1939-40. WHERE BOYS WERE BORN. Alberta Belgium British Columbia Czecho-Slovakia _ England Holland Ireland Manitoba New Brunswick __. Nova Scotia Norway Ontario Poland Quebec Russia Saskatchewan Scotland Sweden 1937-38. 5 1 50 1 1 1 7 2 1 1 11 3 1938-39. 10 35 10 1 1939-40. 7 43 2 1 1 United States of America Totals 87 67 73 WHY THEY CAME TO US. 1937-38. . 46 Theft Breaking and entering 10 Breaking and entering and stealing 6 Retaining stolen property 2 Wilful destruction of stolen property 2 Being in possession of stolen property Attempted theft Attempted breaking and entering ____ Assault Vagrancy Hold-up Sexual immorality Carrying concealed weapons Obstructing railway tracks 1 Being in a state of intoxication 2 Indecent act 1 Indecent exposure — Indecent assault — Attempted rape 1 Violation of probation — Supplying liquor to minor — Being unsatisfactory ward — Escaping from custody — False pretence Murder — Incorrigibility 5 1938-39. 32 11 1939-40. 28 1 22 3 4 1 1 Totals 87 67 73 M 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION—Continued. LENGTH OF SENTENCE. Indefinite J.D.A. __ 3 months 4 months 6 months months year — years _. years _.. years _ 1937-38. 43 3 1 2 1 3 31 3 1938-3 24 23 1 4 2 1 11 1 1939-40. 34 16 6 1 3 10 1 2 Totals . 87 67 73 AGES OF BOYS. 1937-38. 1938-39. 9 years _ 10 years . 11 years . 12 years . 13 years . 14 years . 15 years . 16 years . 17 years . 18 years . Unknown 20 20 22 1 1 1 3 3 12 12 17 17 1 1939-40. 1 1 1 2 7 19 12 18 11 Totals . 87 67 73 PLACES OF APPREHENSION. 1937-38. Abbotsford ... Alexis Creek Armstrong _ Barkerville _ Burnaby Campbell River Chilliwack Cloverdale Cobble Hill Coquitlam Courtenay Cranbrook Creston Duncan Enderby Fernie Fort St. John Grand Forks Harrison Hot Springs Harrison Mills Hazelton Kamloops Kaslo 1938-39. 1 1939-40. 1 1 1 REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 11 COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION—C Places of Apprehension—Continued. 1937-38. Kelowna . . . . .. . , 3 'ontinued. 1938-39. 1 1 1 1 3 4 3 3 4 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 15 2 67 1938-39. 3 1 1 16 1 1939-40. 1 2 1 1 4 6 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 2 4 3 4 9 2 4 73 1939-40. 1 9 5 2 Ladner .. . _. ... T<illooet . - .. 1 Maillardville Masset . - . Matsqui Mission 1 Moricetown ..__ . _ .... . ... _ McBride Nanaimo __ __....... Nelson 1 New Westminster - . 5 North Vancouver ..... 1 Lake Cowichan Penticton Port Alberni _ _ . .. 1 Port Moody 1 Port Simpson , 1 Powell River _ . .. .... _ .. 2 Pouce Coupe Prince George . „ . . ... 3 Prince Rupert .10 Princeton . ... __ ... . _ _ Red Pass - ,. Revelstoke . . . . - . ,, ... Richmond ..... _. _ . _ . . 1 Saanich ._ . 1 Sidney .. . Summerland ..... .... Terrace . Trail ,. 3 Vernon _ .. 1 Totals 87 RELIGIOUS STATISTICS. 1937-38. All Saints ,' 1 Baptist . . 4 Chinese Christadelphian Church of England 10 Greek Orthodox - Free Methodist . . .. ' . - - 1 M 12 BRITISH COLUMBIA. COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION—Continued. Religious Statistics—Continued. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. Interdenominational __ .... 1 Lutheran 1 2 Mission 1 Moravian __ 2 Pentecostal 2 14 Plymouth Brethren 1 Presbyterian 14 5 6 Roman Catholic 22 16 18 Salvation Army 2 3 Seventh-day Adventist 2 1 United 21 8 11 Non-denominational 11 10 Totals 87 67 73 BOYS AND THEIR PARENTS. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. With both parents living 66 42 38 With both parents dead 3 13 With father living and mother dead 3 5 6 With mother living and father dead 8 4 8 With both parents living but separated .... 8 10 With father living and stepmother 2 2 3 With mother living and stepfather 5 15 With foster parents 1 With parents whose whereabouts are unknown .... 3 Totals 87 67 73 REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 13 HEALTH. Dental Report. " SIR,—During the year ended March 31st, 1940, the mouths of all the boys entering the school were carefully examined and record charts made. Of the seventy-two examinations, only two boys were found to have healthy mouths, many having had no previous dental attention. " It was necessary to extract thirty-nine hopelessly diseased teeth with local anaesthetic. A total of 229 teeth were filled. Twenty-two were treated for gingivitis, twenty minor treatments given for relief of pain, and three teeth were devitalized and the roots filled. " As far as possible the boys leaving the institution had the dental work completed and this service should contribute much toward improved health and the making of better citizens. " Emery Jones, D-D.S." Medical Report. " Sir,—During the year we have inaugurated a new system of keeping medical records of the various boys coming under our care. This is a compact sheet on each boy, showing the height and weight upon admission and the results of the Kahn test and the chest X-ray which we now give as a matter of routine. To this is added a record of any illnesses, operations, special tests required, a notation as to the dental-work done and a monthly check-up on height and weight. In cases of undernourishment, cod-liver oil has been given, resulting in satisfactory gains in weight. " In December of last year we were visited by the Travelling Clinic of the Division of Tuberculosis Control. Skin tests were given to all our inmates and a number of the members of the staff. Any positive reactions noted were followed up by X-ray. We are now giving each lad on admission a chest X-ray. These examinations have shown that several of the boys must be re-examined at various times in the future, while one boy, who spent a year in Tranquille Sanatorium previous to his commitment here, is being given special care. " We are pleased to report that we have been free from venereal disease with the exception of one case, which required hospital treatment. " Seven boys were given eye tests and of this number four were found to require and were provided with glasses. " Hospitalization for the past year included the following:— Cases. Tonsillectomies '. 9 Circumcision 2 Treatment for infected hand 1 Treatment for gonorrhoea 1 Treatment for broken limbs 3 " I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation for the assistance that has been given me in my first year at the Boys' Industrial School by the members of the medical staff at the Provincial Mental Hospital and the doctors taking charge of our boys while in hospital. " Isobel Elliott, Nurse-Matron." KITCHEN AND CULINARY DEPARTMENT. It has been our aim in this department to serve to the boys and staff as balanced a diet as possible. Our experience with this type of lad shows an overeagerness for starchy foods. As much as possible we have pointed out to the boys the necessity of a more balanced diet, with emphasis placed on consumption of fruits and vegetables. Our chef, Mr.' Hoffman, has been most co-operative and in this way the health of the boys has been much improved. During the year a number of boys have had the opportunity of working in the kitchen. Of these, three have been given definite instructions in cooking and the preparation of meals. One boy particularly has been outstanding in his good work and we feel that this training may prove of real value to him when he seeks employment. The following sample menus illustrate the type of meals served to the boys:— Breakfast.—Cream of wheat porridge, buttered toast, coffee, and milk. Dinner.—Roast beef, gravy, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, bread, rice pudding, milk. Supper.—Cold meat, vegetable salad, bread and butter, stewed rhubarb, cookies, tea, and milk. M 14 BRITISH COLUMBIA. CASH EXPENDITURE AND PER CAPITA COST. 1937-38. 1938-39. 1939-40. $977.85 2,085.63 333.75 $914.73 2,284.32 628.32 1,023.85 908.50 392.84 78.06 532.49 874.00 2,400.00 483.48 7,656.44 1,656.93 600.00 820.48 89.68 NU 700.87 925.49 26,540.73 $880.39 (2) Travelling expenses _ _ , 1,909.74 619.39 991.83 450.69 185.71 403.10 822.00 2,400.00 439.65 8,506.35 1,435.87 600.00 999.65 330.65 NU 353.74 1,256.08 27,621.84 2,155.46 389.45 (4) Janitor supplies and maintenance of grounds _ (5) Light -- Heat 1,057.61 808.00 2,400.00 727.07 7,359.45 (7) Medical—Doctor's salary, medicine, and opera- 1,729.26 600.00 1,186.57 Nil Nil (11) Vocational supplies for various departments 306.52 1,753.73 26,352.92 Total expenditure „ ■ $50,194.39 $49,511.21 $50,235.56 651.65 3,166.28 129.16 3,939.74 211.39 $49,583.91 5,145.76 Total expenditure for year Total revenue for year— $53,489.83 $1,539.19 3,888.80 $53,662.34 $54,729.67 Rent _ $120.00 $375.00 15.00 $48,061.84 $53,542.34 $54,339.67 $2.86 $3.71 $3.30 EDUCATIONAL. " Sir,—We divided the boys attending school into two groups as in previous years. The seniors attended classes in the morning and the juniors in the afternoon. The number of names placed on the register during the year was forty-two. Twenty-eight discontinued their studies during the year for various reasons, leaving fourteen on the roll as at March 31st, 1940. For the first time in at least ten years, no boy completed his Entrance year, the last one having left at the end of the Christmas term. " Intelligence tests were given to each new admission to the institution. The average intelligence quotient was 82. " Library work was continued with fair success. We added 100 new volumes to our shelves. We must replace our old books as soon as possible with modern types. The average boy at the school to-day is more interested in stories dealing with aeroplanes and other modern inventions than those that interested boys of a decade ago. " Eric W. Blagburn." REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 15 TRADES AND VOCATIONAL STATISTICS. Tailoring Department. " Sir,—The following is my report of the work done in the tailoring department for the year 1939-40:— " Thirty boys have received instruction in sewing and general repairing of clothing. All year two and three boys have worked steadily in the tailor-shop. " The year's work consisted of the making of the following articles: 95 pairs of denim pants, 62 pairs of tweed pants, 187 pairs of shorts, 24 khaki aprons, 2 curtains, 48 tea-towels, 111 pillow-covers, 150 hand-towels, 144 sheets, 12 table-cloths, and 45 pillow-ticks. In addition, 28 suits and 59 pairs of pants were pressed. A great variety of odd jobs—for example, repairing of gym mats and mattresses and attaching number-tags to purchased garments— has been completed in the tailor-shop this year. " With the closing of our shoe-shop at the beginning of the year, the checking of the shoes once each week for necessary repairs was detailed to the tailor-shop. " J. Henderson, Tailor." Motor Mechanics Report. " Sir,—The past year in this department has been very satisfactory, with the attendance of the boys showing the interest they take in this branch of our shop programme. Large classes were registered every month, punctuality was noticeable and very few absentees had to be reported. We have increased our class periods to six hours per week in order to take care of the number of boys who have enrolled for instruction in motor mechanics. " I have mentioned in previous reports how fascinating this trade is to the majority of boys and, realizing the benefits to be derived from it in our machine age, I hope that this branch of instruction will continue to be available to them. " D. W. Munro, Instructor." Greenhouse and Gardens. " Sir,—All admirers of garden and greenhouse produce agree that regardless of the toil necessary in obtaining results, it is well worth the effort. " The garden supply of vegetables carried us well through the year. Credit for the work must go to the boys for their exceptionally keen interest in carrying out the programme arranged. Cultivation, weeding, and thinning are always monotonous chores, but the destruction of weeds and the increased production are incentives to carry on. " On wet days the work in the greenhouse, especially preparing our fall display of chrysanthemums, occupied our time. There were 142 pots of beautiful blooms which required a lot of attention. " In our work this year a great deal of effort has been spent in trenching land to bring more of the available plant-food into use. Our spring work is well under way, which should bring a good harvest. "The following vegetables were produced: Potatoes, 5,046 lb.; onions (Dutch sets), 25 lb.; onions (green), 440 lb.; onions (seed), 593 lb.; radishes, 4% lb.; beans (green), 275 1b.; beets (tops), 264 lb.; beets (roots), 2,260 lb.; carrots, 2,735 lb.; parsnips, 1,206 lb.; cabbage, 1,976 lb.; cabbage (green), 207 lb.; leeks, 169 lb.; cauliflower, 170 lb.; peas, 23 lb.; tomatoes, 1,194 lb.; corn (cob), 124 doz.; lettuce, 308 heads; celery, 285 sticks; raspberries, 270 lb.; rhubarb, 252 lb. ,, D w Munr0j Gardener. Department of Manual Arts. " Sir,—The Manual Arts Department has been very busy this past year, the February and March enrolment showing sixty names listed for two half-days' instruction per week. The boys enrolled for the various classes in the following numbers: Woodwork, 29; sheet metal, 4; draughting, 5; electricity, 14; forging, 8. " Naturally, the interest in woodwork predominates. It seems to be the only subject where the material used can be moulded to suit the needs of the individual boy. For instance, a boy of low intelligence is quite happy, satisfied and mentally busy, whilst whittling a piece M 16 BRITISH COLUMBIA. of wood with a pen-knife. On the other hand an intelligent boy can, and does, turn out really workmanlike jobs. " Some of the projects completed in the past year were: Three tables and a magazine end table for the office of the Superintendent of Neglected Children; three novelty tables; repairing chesterfield; window screens; fitting the interior of the sewing-room with cupboards and cubby-holes; 175 seed-boxes for the greenhouse; vaulting box for the gymnasium; new tool cupboards for the Manual Arts Department. In addition to these larger projects, numerous articles were made by the boys and taken home with them. " The sheet-metal classes have done some satisfactory work this year. As no patterns are used, the boys have to do their own draughting, the accuracy of the drawings being severely tested when the sheet metal is cut out and assembled. " The sheet-metal, draughting, and forging classes have a fairly low enrolment, as at least average intelligence is required in these studies. For example, draughting and sheet- metal work requires visualization, which is hard even for a normal boy, while forging requires a knowledge of mathematics and the ability to calculate. A typical forging job would be to make a gate-hook or a link for a chain. In both cases mathematics are absolutely essential in calculating the amount of stock required. While every effort is made to keep the work within the scope of the boy's ability, as soon as any project is suggested which requires a little thought the enrolment drops. " The electricity class is showing signs of promise, several boys having finished the study of bell wiring, magnetism, measurement of current, and related theory. They are now ready for knob and tube work. To this end we have erected the studding of a miniature two-room cottage, and as soon as the supplies arrive this phase of the work will be carried on. " A photography club was inaugurated last February, one evening a week being devoted to this work. Arrangement of pictures, backgrounds, etc., developing and printing are ideas being worked upon and some of the boys are turning out to be camera enthusiasts. " Throughout the year the majority of boys have shown keen enthusiasm in the work, and while the instruction has to be adapted to cover a wide range of abilities, still the effort put forth is more than repaid by the noticeable improvement in the boys' work and attitudes. " Arnold Hewson, Instructor." RECREATION. " Sir,—The activities for the year 1939-40 were similar to those of the previous year. From May 1st to the end of August most of the activity took place in the field. Football, baseball, and lacrosse were played in junior and senior divisions by all the boys. Representative teams were picked and outside games were arranged with teams from New Westminster, Vancouver, and the surrounding communities. Some of the boys who were not interested in these activities were allowed to work on such projects as the construction of horse-shoe pits or other playground apparatus for their own use. Once a week the boys were allowed to go to the lacrosse and Softball games in New Westminster and Vancouver. As swimming and fishing were very popular at this time of the year, numerous trips to both the Coquitlam River and Stave Falls were made. On these trips, a busy day of fishing and swimming was often concluded with a period around the camp-fire, at which time there would be stories, stunts, and sing-songs, with an occasional potato or weiner roast. " In September a gymnasium programme was commenced. A system based on the methods in use in the Y.M.C.A.'s and the Pro-Rec. centres of the Province was used, with a view to preparing the boys for entry in similar activities when released. A stiff course in ordinary calisthenics was first given as a groundwork for more advanced apparatus work. A very keen interest was shown in the mat work, horse work, and work on the high bar. All the boys were required to do the fundamental exercises on these pieces, but extra instruction was made available to the more interested boys with very fine results. " All the boys played basket-ball, but from the group representative teams were chosen who played a total of twenty-five games with teams from the Y.M.C.A.'s, the High Schools, the various churches, and the University. These games were arranged with the hope that the boys would build up a knowledge and appreciation of the fellowship and clean fun to be had in these groups and would, as a result, attach themselves to such organizations when the REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 17 opportunity was given to them. Indoor football, volley-ball, and group games were also played in the course of the evening programmes. " Our swimming-tank, which is one of the largest indoor, fresh-water pools in British Columbia, was used a great deal. Swimming and aquatic games were very popular, especially among the younger boys. All the boys who were allowed to use the tank were taught to swim as soon as possible and the more advanced swimmers were given classes in life-saving. " The concert party, a group of boys interested in amateur theatricals and the organization of an entertainment club, was again organized and because of the high standard of its presentations received the same high praise that it has in previous years. " During the winter a hobby club was formed and financed by a few of the more interested boys. The club admitted only those boys whom the members felt would fit into its programme and live up to the standard and reputation established by the club. The programme of this club consisted of the construction of small boats, leather articles, and model aeroplanes, and in the pursuit of other interesting hobbies. The club, which has built its own club-room, limits its membership to from twelve to fifteen of whom they consider to be the best boys in the school. A boy must be voted into the club unanimously and must work through a probation period of a week to the satisfaction of the members before he is admitted. This club has produced some very fine work and has functioned with surprising success for the last six months. " This organization and the photography club mentioned in a previous report will undoubtedly supply their members with a very strong interest. It is our hope that these interests will be of value to probation and follow-up officers as a medium for bringing in contact and holding the boy on parole with the right groups and associates, and that by these associations the boy's relations with the best in his community will be more firmly established. " Hugh G. Christie, Instructor." SOCIAL WORK REPORT. In keeping with the accepted approach to the problem of delinquency, a complete social history is prepared on each lad before he is presented to the Provincial Psychiatrist for examination. Mr. W. G. Dixon, who has been in charge of this department, reports the following summary of the thirty-six examinations made during the past year: — Intelligence ratings— Cases. Superior intelligence 1 Average intelligence 7 Dull, normal intelligence 6 Border-line 13 Moron - 8 Imbecile 1 36 Mental abnormalities recognized by clinic— Psychopathic personality 1 Suspected psychopathic 1 Isolated personality 1 Introverted personality 1 Physical defects recognized by clinic— Tonsils and adenoids needing attention 12 Tonsils requiring attention 3 Teeth requiring attention 5 Poor vision 1 Poorly developed 1 Suggested X-ray for tuberculosis 1 Physical picture of sub-thyroid 1 Poor hearing 1 Nasal infection 1 Circumcision recommended 1 M 18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Recommendations— Cases. Extended training and discipline 11 Country foster-home ' 9 Foster-home placement 5 Return home -. 3 Placement on boat t 2 Home or foster-home 1 Placement with relatives 1 Commitment to mental hospital 1 Farm placement 1 Further training and country placement 2 36 The foregoing represents a great deal of work on the part of the clinic staff, the Welfare Field Visitors, and our social worker. Interviews, observation of the patient's behaviour, reactions, contacts with committing magistrates, police, school teachers, family doctors, parents, etc., are necessary before the data are assembled and a picture of the boy's heritage revealed. Adequate after-care and follow-up upon a boy's return home is still an unsolved problem, and this is not only desirable but necessary if the efforts of our school are to have any permanent value. From our observation and contacts, we are impressed with the fact that there is an evident lack of suitable spare time activity in most of the outlying districts from which the majority of our population comes. This is particularly applicable to the Indian communities and has a definite relationship to the problem. REPORT OF FOLLOW-UP OFFICER. " The success of the past year in the work assigned to me has been progressively gratifying in many ways. My personal activity in the many cases coming within my jurisdiction has appreciated measurably, as will be seen from the following itemization: — Visits to homes 1,187 Visits to office 948 Business calls and interviews 863 Telephone calls 986 " It will be noted that a greater number of home visits were undertaken. This, I think, has resulted from a greater sense of harmonious responsibility assumed by parents, who, in a great many eases, are eager and anxious to give more spontaneous and desirable co-operation. In all cases this has resulted in the achievement of better results throughout the whole chain of effort. " In my work this past year, as a result of a more understanding sense of responsibility and a greater desire to assist in this invaluable work, a greater degree of effort was required with reference to contacts with business-men. I have found that business-men generally have demonstrated a real and a serious desire to co-operate to the end that the work in question, in so far as their part is concerned, is facilitated. The evident desire to co-operate should be highly commended, because in the re-establishment of these young men the facility and rapidity wherewith they can be fitted into suitable jobs is of paramount importance. I find it equitable, therefore, to pay this highly merited tribute to the business-men. In almost all cases the boys themselves have responded generously in becoming good, efficient employees and have merited the trust placed in them, which generally presents a happy picture. " As a result of greater facilities afforded to place the boys into positions in the industrial arena, there has not been required that degree of co-operation formerly afforded by the forestry camp administration, in the department of the Honourable the Minister of Labour, which is past years has been of great assistance. " In matters appertaining to relief, assistance on my part has not been required to the extent it was essential in previous years in so far as the boys and parents themselves are concerned and in the major number of incidents it was for and on behalf of indigent parents. It REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. M 19 was thought wiser to give assistance in such cases in order to invite greater co-operation on the part of the parents involved in such cases. " A greater degree of effort was expended in endeavouring to supervise better companionship. In some cases, in order to insure non-contact with former undesirable associates, assistance was given in moving family residences, in fostering a closer contact with the parents and giving constant vigilance and advice to the boys in question. " I have been very happy to note the anxious and intense interest apparent in the boys towards entering in the militia to do their part as soldiers of our country. There are many instances of boys below age misrepresenting their age in order to enlist for active duty. The general interest evinced speaks well for the loyal and patriotic qualities of these boys. " The work becomes in volume progressively greater and in this way somewhat difficult to pursue to the meticulous degree required in order to attain satisfactory results. However, having regard to the time and effort expended, the resultant good is incalculable, inasmuch as the rehabilitation of a boy into society as a good citizen in the community whereof he forms a part is a work which cannot be gauged in financial equations. " I have also given a great deal of time, attention, and effort to preventive work, which is a branch of service of extreme importance. This work can only be done effectively by winning the confidence of those boys needing such assistance, by creating in their yet plastic minds a desire to do good, and by close and constant contact with the boy, the family, and the home. The importance of this work cannot be overestimated or overstressed. " The invaluable co-operation of Mr. Ross and his staff of the Boys' Industrial School, and of Mrs. Westman and her associate attendants, together with other agencies such as the Social Service Exchange, Social Agencies, the Department of Neglected Children, Child Guidance Clinic, the Juvenile Court, the Chief Probation Officer, the Provincial and City Police Departments, the Provincial and City Relief Departments, and Public and High School Principals, and the Department of the Minister of Labour have all contributed immeasurably in making my year of work one abundant in success and in pleasure of service for me. To these agencies I express my sincere thanks for such co-operation and assistance as may have been given to me. " The year has been one of great satisfaction in its success, and while I feel that all things which might have been accomplished have not been done, yet it augurs well for a happier and more successful future in this highly important branch of social service. " K. A. Moody, Follow-up Officer, Boys' and Girls' Industrial Schools." VICTORIA, B.C. : rrinted by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1940. 425-840-6659
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THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA… British Columbia. Legislative Assembly [1940]
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Title | THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA APRIL 1ST, 1939, TO MARCH 31ST, 1940 |
Alternate Title | REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, 1939-40. |
Creator |
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | [1940] |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
Type |
Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1940_V01_14_M1_M19 |
Collection |
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2016 |
Provider | Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0314069 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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