David Burn, a visitor to Point Puer

David Burn visits Point Puer

The following extract is taken from David Burn’s publication –

An Excursion to Port Arthur in 1842.

Point Puer

Embarking in a special six-oared whaleboat we crossed the bay to Point Puer, the boy thief’s establishment. They were busily occupied in learning and repeating the catechism. At the penitentiary of Point Puer we encountered Queen Caroline’s celebrated witness, Lieutenant Flynn, of the Navy, a miscreant who was convicted in 1839, at the Old Bailey, of forging poor widows’ pension tickets. For this fellow Queen Caroline obtained the third-class order of St Ferdinand, and since his arrival here letters have been actually addressed to Sir John Flynn. Lights are kept burning throughout the night in the penitentiary barracks, the inmates of which are never for a moment sure when or by whom they may be visited. We accompanied the Commandant in one of his tours of inspection, visiting several of the wards at 10 p.m. In one the odour of tobacco smoke was discerned, and as the possession of tobacco is an offence against the regulations, notice was given that the entire ward would be placed in charge until the smoker was known. When we came away they had not discovered the offender, and in consequence every man was made to sleep in a silent apartment. In passing along the road on the settlement after dark, every sentry challenges, and without the countersign even the Commandant would be peremptorily detained. Every soldier invariably bears loaded arms; the penitentiary yards are commanded in various places. They are repeatedly visited, and such is the severity of discipline, such the rigidity of scrutiny aye, and such the felons mutual distrust, that anything like concerted revolt is as hopeless as impracticable. We slept in perfect tranquillity in a house unconscious of window shutters – guiltless of window shutters.

The Point Puer Workshops

          Having witnessed the devotional exercises of Point Puer, we next morning paid a visit to the various workshops. In this admirable establishment between 600 and 700 boys are taught the means of obtaining an honest livelihood. When first received they are instructed in the use of the spade, the hoe, and the grubbing axe. They clear, break up, fence, and cultivate their own land, the product being principally confined to potatoes, cabbages, turnips, and other vegetables. After a term of good conduct the option of trade is conceded as a boon, five or six kinds of handicraft being submitted for election. At the head of each department the necessary instructors are to be found; and as means and opportunities admit, these are chosen from among persons arriving free in the colony. The juvenile sawyers first attracted our notice; of these there are from 15 to 20 pairs. At present they work in open pits, but sheds are in progress to shelter them from the weather. These lads not only cut sufficient timber for their own buildings, but furnish considerable supplies to the other work. The boat-builders’ department, in which is Kirby, the prisoner of his master at Lincoln, now a young man of exemplary conduct, comes next under review. There a beautiful whaleboat of Huon pine, the timbers of light (a resemblance of rose) wood, was rapidly attaining completion. At the cooperage, tubs, buckets, mess kits, and ship buoys were in progress of manufacture. About 50 tailors actively cut out and make up clothing, while there are 75 shoemakers equally assiduous in their vocation. Every scrap of old iron is turned to account in the blacksmith’s shop, where the boys were converting fragments of hoops into nails, rivets, and the like. At the carpenter’s shop they were framing doors and window sashes, and preparing boards. The bookbinders were in full employ, having several of Mr Manton’s volumes in hand. The turners alone were inactive. I must here remark that any of the boy or adult mechanics or labourers performing work for any of the civil or military officers, a record of the amount of such service is kept and charged against the employer. Some £500 a year thereby finds its way into the military chest. The stonemasons were next visited. They have a great variety of material prepared and preparing for the purpose of erecting a large and substantial barrack, together with an extensive range of improved workshops. At the bakery a large supply of goodly provender, the production of sundry juveniles, met our eyes, whilst the savoury steams of the cook-house induced us to take a peep at the excellent fare, the boys being allowed an equal ration with the adult. Before dinner the boys are taught a habit of cleanliness by being obliged to wash. A short space is also allotted to play, and every afternoon half of the youngsters attend school. Although the origin of this establishment be founded in guilt, it is one of deep interest, for, from the very core of crime, there springs the cherished hope of fairer, happier days. Infamy may be lost in industry, sin give place to grace, and transportation itself may, through the blessing of God, be the balsam of the reckless. Such consummation is within the power of all. Many, no doubt, have, and will again clutch the offered gift; and I earnestly hope, as I sincerely believe, that many will bless the hour they saw Point Puer, which, under Providence, may prove the salvation (body and soul) of hundreds. Several instructed there are already earning comfortable livelihoods in various parts of the colony, and numbers have feelingly acknowledged to Captain Booth the blessings they thence derived. How many of England’s poor, but virtuous children would be overjoyed with the full provisions, excellent lodging, and comfortable clothing – not to say a word of the beneficial instruction – of Point Puer.