Inspection & Change

Inspection, 1890

An inspection in 1890 recorded that 15 boys were working with the tailor, 24 with the shoemaker, and 16 with the joiner. The printing shop had been extended, and the work more largely developed. Some of the junior boys did knitting, sewing, and mending; four boys worked as bakers, six as cooks. Many of the juniors attended school all day. The school had an efficient band and the boys drilled well. The other staff at the school now included: schoolmasters, Messrs. B. Harrison, Oakes, and Walker; clerk, tailor, shoemaker, printer, joiner, baker, engineer, assistant matron, sewing mistress, laundress, cook, housemaid; and a drill and gymnastic master (occasional).

Change

Mr and Mrs Andrew Ross, who succeeded the Mackays as superintendent and matron, departed in March 1896. The head schoolmaster, James Allison, and his wife then took charge. A report in the same year noted that the interior of the front building was ‘cheerful’, as were the dormitories, school rooms and dining-room, with ample heating throughout. The wing buildings were mainly taken up with workshops, boiler-house, play-shed etc. The printing department was about to be discontinued. Physical training now included swimming, drills with dummy rifles and bayonets, and weekend walks. Life-saving was made a special feature in the swimming instruction. The school’s only play-field was a public park, however. A recreational evening class in repoussé (ornamental metalwork) had been introduced in the winter.

In July-August 1897, the boys went to camp at Prestatyn for a fortnight. A summer camp of two or three weeks became an annual event. Another such camp took place at Meols, near Hoylake on the northern coast of the Wirral peninsula. These experiences were said to be beneficial to the boys in both mind and body.

Typical causes of committal, about 1900

Among the reasons for boys being committed to the school were the following:

• Found wandering without proper home or guardianship

• Frequently with the company of thieves

• Charged with theft

• Beyond the control of parents

• Would not attend school

• Would not attend school, habitually wandering with bad company.

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