The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1872-04-06

Mn. EDITOR AS one of the public institutions of
the country. designed and adapted to be OF great
service to the good morals of the community, l., Tor
one. should very much regret to have a e clamor F"
succeed in Its abolition" Such a childish
:. clamor' as Won allude to in your remarks on
this subject in the Semi-Weekly of the 2Sth, Is not
founded in any reason whatever. The School as
doing great good, and promises to do much more.
1t is an honor to its founders, and its design is
creditable to those who Instituted 1t, and brought
il into existence. And as 1t Is now administered,
I see no reason to abandon it, or to cripple its use
fitness by a senseless &" clamOr " for It's abolition"
But in connection with it, there are certainly
grave questions to be met, and a system to be
devised. which require not " clamOr." but calm
deliberation and wise decision. As the institution
fills I'D, and it's inmates become older, 1t Is quite
apparent that some disposition should be made OF
its older inmates. They cannot be supported IN
unproductive idleness until they are all of age.
This would not be for their own good nor do the
Dublic wish to be so taxed for their support.
1t seems to me quite proper and desirable that
| as fast as they arrive at Il proper age, they should
be apprenticed to useful trades, for a sufficient
term of years to acquire a knowledge OF their
business. and long enough TO compensate their
employers for the time and trouble of their instruc-
ton.
This has been the practice. l am aware. to some
extent. already but the objection to 1t, In many
cases. is. that master mechanics have no place tor
such bows. out of working hours. \ home tor
them, when not at work. is Il desideratum. Could
this want be provided for, there is little doubt that
suitable places could be found for all, as they
arrive at a suitable age. And if any of them
proved inapt. or incompetent to learn 4 mechanical
trade. and were only capable OF ordinary farm or
plantation labor. l do not see why they shonid not
be appTenticed TO that. Not. perhaps. 10 De turned
in with all sorts of coolies. or even native adults.
without oversight or care but to conslderate ana
conscientious employers, who would regard IL q
duty to look after them, and teach them. IN a dlt-
ferent manner from common employed laborers-
And over them all the Government should nave a
paternal oversight seeing that they are not abused
or i'll treated and also, that they do Nelr DUTY 100
Tz..,, -, r, NJ Editor tbaf there Is no ne
cessitv for d" abolishing " an Institution OF great
promise, because it has not yet had sufficient prac-
teal experience to adapt its practice to all emer-
pencies that NAV arise. And If II should happen
that some of the pupils of the School should turn
ont to be unfit for other cmplOymentS. ana should
be apprenticed to planters. do not perceive that
it need be called - but a nursery Tor plant1tloh
hands, That is not its object but to reclaim the
class of vicious youth. who knew not proper
parental guardianship. The approaching them 10
planters is. and ought % be, tor the few only VINO
do not show a readiness for employments requiring
more abilities. Plantation labor Is greatly needed
and like agricultural or farm labor IN all ciVIl'Ieu
countries. requires less skill than mechanical puT-
suits. In itself. it is not degrading. or disreputa-
Bile. Aud have little doubt. that II some "Ao
raise such a " clamor" about ii. would engage IN
il. it would be better for themselves, and LOT the
country. 80
usefulness: and hope it will not be " abolished.
But think great care should be given to the cases
presented for admission to it. Especially in these
very young subjects. VINO are pto"gu' : III
Magistrate for petit offences n single Peccadliio
which NAV not at all indicate a VICIOUS course o
life. should he carefully investigated. before con,
signing a mere child to the ~r'ormator school I'll
of age. Parents. ar Other guardians should be
con.,Ited. before Sn important a decision Il gwen
do not say this has not been done; but somt
recent cases. as they have been reported. seem Il
have been rather sumnariiy disposed of, ever
AGAINST the remonstrance of parents. 1t should
, NOT be the aim of the Government TO get as many
as possible into the School, but as few. consistently
with the good of the individuals and public mo
rality. \ VOTER