II Oct., 1909.] Training Boys at ilic \' iticiiUiiral College. 



613 



General educational facilities are also granted, and the boys are en- 

 couraged in every possible way to liecome \vell -equipped for their after life. 

 The education and supervision of the lads during the evenings are under- 

 taken by Mr. Geoffrey Egg, House Master ; and no one better fitted in tact 

 and attainments for this onerous and responsible position could well be 

 found. 



Do the lads appreciate all that is bting done for them? Perhaps not 

 now. Gratitude is never a g'lut in the market anywhere ; but, judging from 

 letters received from " old boys," gratitude is aroused and appreciation ex- 

 pressed, when the value of their training shows itself in after life. 



Moral Improvement. 



An important feature of the institution is the endeavour to uplift the 

 lads and form their characters. The moral atmosphere bv which we try to 

 surround them begins to tell. The inculcation of the highest ideals, the 

 development of the best in character, quickly influence .some, more slowly 

 others, while a few seem unresporisive. Generally, however, the improve- 

 ment is noticeable. The boy will soon look you for the first time straight 



NURSERY BUILDINGS, WAHGUNYAH. 



in the face. The evolution of the " man " has begun. The one who for- 

 merly went about his work listlessly or sullenly, regarding it as drudgery, 

 now takes a pride in it. He rapidly picks up new mediods and intelli- 

 gently employs them. The aptitude that might have developed him into a 

 skilful pickpocket is turned to nobler ends, and a skilled and intelligent 

 workman is in the making. 



Too much praise cannot l)e given to the members of the Rutherglen 

 Mini-sters' Association, who regularly visit the College and conduct services. 

 Their splendid voluntary help is greatly appreciated. 



Entertainments are frequently provided. We are under lasting obliga- 

 tions to many friends who provide interesting and instructive evenings in 

 the form of lectures, concerts, and general entertainments. These brighten 

 up the boys' lives materially. We have an excellent lantern, and this is 

 frequently called into requisition to provide instruction or amusement, or 

 both. Without fear of contradiction, we can assert that no lads are better 

 looked after, or catered for, physically, morally or mentally, than the 

 wards of the State at the Viticultural College. 



There are unbounded possibilities for these lads. Many are doing well 

 in various parts. As soon as a boy's time is up, a position is secured for 



