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Papworth
and Preston
Hall village
settlements
Patients sent to the Papworth village settlement, Cambridge, and Preston
Hall colony, Aylesford, Kent, are carefully selected, having regard to fitness to benefit
from the special facilities afforded at these institutions for the employment of patients
in the industries, and possible settlement.

* Exclusive of patients at the Douglas House annexe of Preston Hall.
Burrow Hill
colony
The youths between 14 and 18 years of age who are sent to Burrow Hill colony
for treatment, combined with training either for clerical work or gardening, are
retained in the first instance for 12 months. In suitable cases the Council has
granted a second year. The course of instruction is approved both by the Ministry
of Agriculture and the Board of Education. The instruction given permits the youths
to continue their general education during their period of residence. A high standard
of success has been attained by students who have studied for the examinations
of the Royal Horticultural Society. Those entering for the clerical course have
obtained distinctions in examinations in shorthand, typewriting, bookkeeping and
business methods set by Pitman's Institute and the Royal Society of Arts.
During 1937, 20 youths were discharged from the colony. Of this number
4 completed a two years' course of training.
In conjunction with this scheme, there is an arrangement whereby selected
youths who have taken the gardening course are offered employment in the parks
department of the Council as "improvers." Since 1931, 30 youths have been
accepted for employment and only one left the service on health grounds, which
result is undoubtedly very gratifiying. Four are now on the permanent adult staff
and six others are eligible, but failed to pass the medical examination for entrance;
they will be re.examined in due course. The youths have done well in the Council's
horticultural examination, the passing of which is a condition of appointment.
Eighteen have qualified including one first place in the examination. Satisfactory
reports continue to be received with regard to the work of these employees. The
youths are evidently keen to do well and are rendering the Council good value in
their work. Time lost owing to sickness has been approximately 2'04 per cent.,
which is considered very satisfactory.