Story: Children’s homes and fostering

Boys' dormitory, Burnham Industrial School, 1874

Boys' dormitory, Burnham Industrial School, 1874

Industrial schools were government institutions for children. They were first opened in 1867 and operated until 1916, when some were closed and others reorganised. This is a boys' dormitory at the Burnham Industrial School in Christchurch. The barn-like room and spartan furnishings suggest a life of few comforts for the inmates, though the sun spilling through the windows on the right lightens the scene.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: CW 15 box/item 5*8

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Children’s homes and fostering - Government institutions', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/28563/boys-dormitory-burnham-industrial-school-1874 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 21 Dec 2018