Inmates of any institution, supported in and by any political subdivision of the state, in which the merit system is adopted and a civil service board appointed, may be assigned, by the lawful authorities thereof, without test or registration, to such minor duties, in such institution, as they are fitted to perform, but without pay or compensation other than privileges or liberties of the institution, except by special permission of the civil service board.
(1949 Rev., S. 880.)