Case 8645

3rd March, 1902
Dictated

Dear Mr. Harris
Re H
I have questioned this boy and feel quite convinced that his statement respecting the stick with a knotted rope is sheer fabrication. He told me that he read a story before he came to the Home where one was mentioned, and that put it into his head, but he is evidently very untruthful, and it is just possible that he may have heard of such a stick in connection with the previous alleged cruelty. He stoutly maintains that the master told the other boys to hit him, and it is possible that there is some truth in this. If so, the practice should be at once stopped. Will you please make a careful enquiry on this point? When the boys require punishment, it must be administered by the master, and an entry made in the register. I return the letter which you were kind enough to send.

Overwritten in pencil: copy