“The chief defects noted were as follows—
(_a_) Physical deficiency and deformities 126 per 1000 (_b_) Mental deficiency 25 " " (_c_) Affections of heart, lung, and principal organs 129 " " (_d_) Visual defects 49 " " (_e_) Auditory defects 14 " "
“They were regularly inspected at work, and their training and general well-being were closely supervised.”
“The very poor physique of the inmates on admission impresses one very much more than is shown by the figures of comparison with any so-called normal standards, as we do not separate our town and country inmates. Our country inmates, as a rule, have better physique, and though not so mentally quick are more hopeful cases when once a hold can be obtained of them. Among the town inmates one finds two classes, one showing signs of degeneration, as poor physique, narrow chest, short stature, light weight associated with a low cunning and a peculiar restlessness of their eyes, watching for every movement; and among these a high arched palate is often noticed.”
“Although evil environment must of course take first place among the causes of most of these youths’ downfall, I am becoming more and more struck with the importance of physical unfitness as a determining factor.
“From observations actually made among a large number of our older receptions, I find that some 60 per cent. had tried (some many times) to join either the Army or Navy. Only 15 per cent. of these had passed ‘fit.’ Many of the remaining 40 per cent., knowing that their physical defects would unfit them, had not been to a recruiting-office, so that presumably, but for physical inferiority we might have saved about one-half of those sentenced to the Borstal system.”
Note.—The above remarks become the more striking when it is borne in mind that Borstal receives the best and healthiest young prisoners.
“A new feature has been the formation of ‘An Aged Convicts’ Party’ consisting of old men of sixty-seven years of age and upwards; they are located together, with special diet and privileges. A day room has been provided, also a garden with a yard adjoining; they are expected to do any light work they can undertake, without being tasked, and they are allowed to read and converse together. They appear to appreciate the relaxation of the ordinary prison discipline, and so far their behaviour has been excellent.