Annual report for the year 1906 : (9th year of issue) / Metropolitan Asylums Board.

  • Metropolitan Asylums Board (London, England)
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Annual report for the year 1906 : (9th year of issue) / Metropolitan Asylums Board. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    105/418 (page 79)
    The cruisingof the brigantine “Steadfast” was continuous fromApril to October. 220 boys were practically trained, and 40 of the band boys who did not go on mid¬ summer leave were sent out for a fortnight’s cruise. The mates are employed during the winter months when the brigantine is laid up, instructing the boys in knotting and splicing. The boys were admirably instructed in this department, the drills Gunnery. beingehort and frequent. The closest touch has been kept with the naval alterations in all drills, so that with the means at our disposal the boys are kept thoroughly up-to-date. There is every probability of the Admiralty lending us a quick-firing gun, which will enable us to increase the knowledge of the boys in this department. A sub-target has been purchased to practise the boys at aiming, and also some small rifles, and as soon as the range is completed at Westfield House regular classes will be formed for rifle practice. The numbers given below are those in the various classes in gunnery :— Leading gunners . . . . . . . . 89 1st class 2nd ,, 3rd „ 4th Band 5? 80 88 87 82 152 578 The band boys have been instructed by Dr. Partridge and his partner Ambulance. to injured persons. The examiner appointed by the St. John Ambulance Association was Dr. M. Coates. 33 boys passed the examination and were awarded the certificate. The additional instructor appointed last year has enabled this drill Gymnastics. pe great]y extended, and has much improved the physique of the boys. The usual examination was held by Mr. James Harvies, Associate of British College of Physical Education. In his report to me he says :— On my visit to judge the gymnastics on board your training ship “Exmouth,” on June 12th I am pleased to state that I found the boys’ physical condition above the average of ordinary school boys of the same age. They did good work and in very good style on the whole. Taking into consideration that the senior instructor has charge of the swimming class and the junior teaches boat-pulling, this is a most gratifying report. Mr. A. E. Butler, H.M. School Inspector, paid his annual visit to the ship, and had three days’ examination of all the boys under examination. His report is as follows :— I inspected the “Exmouth” on February 22nd, and was much pleased with all I saw. The new ship gives ample opportunity for the very thorough training the boys receive. Seamanship, exercises, and drill were done with great keenness by the boys, and the time available for school work is well occupied.