Allegations of Abuse
	in churches & institutions
	News Reports - 2004
	Otago Daily Time June 17 2004 Claim of historical assault in boys' home NZPA Christchurch: A 62-year-old man has made allegations of physical abuse in a Christchurch boys' home in the 1950s. Christchurch salesman Lynden Barr alleges he was severely beaten and kicked, and left with welts and black eyes as a 14-year-old at the Canterbury Presbyterian Support Services (PSS) boys' home in Blighs Rd. The abuse was allegedly committed by an employee of the unit, who was then alleged to have assaulted another boy. Mr Barr said he would lodge an official complaint with PSS by the end of the week. Earlier this week, the Wellington PSS confirmed two sexual abuse claims had been received and investigated, and two other allegations made against a former employee of one of its children's homes. The Wellington allegations dated back more than 40 years. Mr Barr said he received a beating that was far beyond what was considered an acceptable level of discipline at the time. "I had black eyes. I was covered in welts on my back and buttocks." The home had a climate of constant fear, with boys "copping a beating" virtually daily from the alleged offender. The 82-year-old accused of the abuse told a reporter Mr Barr's claims were "absolute lies". He recalled the incident Mr Barr was referring to but had a different account, saying Mr Barr had simply been given "six of the best" with a strap on the hand. Mr Barr had been a "red-headed bully", feared by other children, who had to be disciplined for his continual bullying. Mr Barr's father had laid a complaint with the home's committee over the matter at the time. "The committee at the home looked into the matter and felt it was just discipline being dealt with - it was normal," the former staff member said. "We would have had deep problems if we had done [what is alleged]. My board wouldn't have stood for it." He was confused by Mr Barr's motives in laying the complaint, as Mr Barr had visited his house in intervening years to seek personal advice. "If these things have got to him, why would he seek our help and advice? It doesn't line up, does it?" Mr Barr first contacted PSS through a counsellor in January, and said he left the meeting under the impression the agency was investigating the allegations. PSS executive director John Elvidge said the January discussion left the matter in Mr Barr's hands, and the agency was still awaiting a formal complaint. It could only confirm that concerns had been expressed by a former resident.