DEFICIENT CHILDREN.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 138, 5 March 1908, Page 9

DEFICIENT CHILDREN.

: /' r V ——— : v'' " A/ NEW STATE INSTITUTION. (BY, TELEGEArH—SPECIAL CORHESPONDENI.) Christchurch, March 4. In conversation _ with a representative of the "Lyttelton Times," Mr. R. H. Pope, Assistant Inspector of Industrial Schools, referred to tho new State institution to be established on tho Otekaiko estato, near Oamaru. The homestead of the estate has been'set asido in order to provide a place of training for children, who, while not actually defective'mentally, aro unable to take full advantage of the instruction given in the ordinary State schools. It has loTig boen recognised that a special school is Required for backward children, arid'it is hoped that the Otekaike institution will meet tho need. The homestead is one of , the finest country houses in Now Zealand, and was built in the early seventies. by.. the Hon. ltqbert Campbell. Boys only will bo accommodated at Otekaike, and their training will include a good deal of healthy open-air occupation. Some-amount of ordinary instruction will bo imparted, and an effort will be made to securo efficiency in manual' occupations, the methods of .English institutions of a similar character being followed. Without training such as will he given at Otekaike, the .backward and deficient children in tho. community would never ceaso to he a burden to their relatives or the State, but it is hoped that most of tho Otokaiko pupils will acquire sufficient aptitude and skill in somo branch of labour to keep themselves by their own efforts. Already the Education Department has a number of children awaiting admission, and it is anticipated that when parents of backward children realise what an improved chance in life can be given to their offspring by taking advantage of tho Otekaike institution, it will bo taxed to its full capacity. . < : . ' '