EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, 1898.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, E-03a

E.—3a.

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, 1898.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The annual meeting of friends of the Costley Training Institution was held at the Institute, Richmond Road, on Thursday evening, 23rd March, 1899. The Secretary read the following annual report: — Although this institution has now been in operation for upwards of twelve years there are many of the residents in Auckland and its vicinity who are unaware of its existence, whilst there are others who, knowing it by name, are ignorant as to its aims and objects, and we think it expedient on the present occasion again to advert to its origin. Twenty years ago there was a Home for neglected and destitute children carried on in Howe Street, in the conduct of which our present trustees took an active interest. In course of time the Government closed that Home, and removed its inmates to Kohimarama, where a training-school had been established. Soon after this Mr. Edward Costley, a wealthy citizen of Auckland, died, and by his will bequeathed a sum of £12,150 for the benefit of orphan and destitute children. As no special conditions were imposed or directions given under that will as to how the legacy was to be applied, Sir Robert Stout, then Premier of the colony, prepared a Bill, which was submitted to and approved by the Legislature, and when passed was entitled " The Costley Training Institution Act, 1885." It provided for the appointment of trustees of the fund, and authorised them to apply part of the moneys in the purchase of a site for and the erection thereon of a suitable building, properly equipped, for the maintenance and training of boys and girls under certain conditions. Mr. Costley's bequest was shortly afterwards supplemented—the late Mrs. Rebecca Hodge having under her will given the sum of £672. Out of the moneys the trustees purchased the present site and erected the building thereon. Though under no obligation to do so the trustees have made it a rule to convene a public meeting once in each year at which to give an account of their stewardship. It goes without saying' that in an establishment of this kind the work of each year is almost identical with that of the preceding year, yet we think it will be of interest to you to learn how we are progressing. In June last Mr. Ramsay, who had held and efficiently performed the office of manager, and who with his good wife had won the respect and confidence of the trustees, sent in his resignation. Applications for his successor having been duly advertised for, Mr. and Mrs. Hendre were selected from a large number of applicants. Their conduct of the institution has been in all respects most satisfactory. The trustees meet for business purposes regularly once a month, and when required on other occasions. Other than the change in the management there has been no incident of any importance to record. The general health of the inmates has been good, and only on rare occasions has our friend Dr. Knight been called upon to render that assistance he so freely and gratuitously performs for us, and noneof the cases were serious. The tone of the institution is all that can be desired, when it is borne in mind that many, if not all, of the inmates are lads who previously led a roving and nomadic life. Por them to settle down quietly to the routine which necessarily obtains speaks volumes both for the boys and the management. We do not retain the girls in residence here, but as each one is admitted she is boarded out with some lady approved by the trustees and sent to school until, having passed the required standards and attained a fitting age, employment is found for her. No deaths or serious accidents have occurred during the year.

E.—3a

We have recently erected a gymnasium, in which (thanks to the kindness of Professor Carrollo, who first assisted us with his advice as to the most approved building to erect and how best to furnish it, and then took in hand the training of the lads) you have this evening witnessed a gymnastic performance. A balance-sheet will be presented you showing receipts and expenditure, moneys earned, cost of management, &c, from which you will see we are in a sound financial position, though we have been extravagant enough to purchase a new piano. Before closing, kindly allow us a word or two as to the method of admission of inmates. As reported at most of our previous annual meetings, we do not admit any boy or girl who has been convicted of theft or any offence of the kind. All the boys and girls on the roll are of good character. Being orphans, or having parents unable or unwilling to care for them, they have through no fault of their own come under the category of neglected or destitute children. Before admission each one must have been committed to an industrial school by a Magistrate, and from that school we take them. We wish to emphasize this, as many applications are made to us to take children who have not been so committed, and our refusal to accept them has caused disappointment. To prevent as far as practicable the accession to our ranks of any child not in good health, and of moral character, each inmate before being enrolled is taken on probation for at least one month, and subjected to a medical examination as to his health. Of the domestic arrangements of the institution we need not speak. They are open to your inspection this evening, and as they now are so you will find them on any occcasion should you care to pay a visit. We promise you a cordial welcome on the afternoon of any day except Sunday. The improvement of the religious, social, and moral qualities of the inmates is kept prominently in view. We recognise the hand of our Father in Heaven in the success which has attended our efforts in the past, and pray that in all our future work we may have His help and guidance. W. C. Daldy, Chairman.

COSTLEY INSTITUTE. Balance-sheet to 31st Decembeb, 1898. Receipts. Expenditure. £ a. d. £ s. d. To Costley bequest .. .. .. 12,150 0 oBy Land, buildings, furni- £ s. d. R.Hodge .. .. .. .. 67a 3 9 turo .. .. 4,258 7 0 Savings-Bank .. .. .. 369 19 7 Less written off for deBalance Ro venue Acoount .. .. 1,309 14 9 preeiation .. 258 7 0 4,000 0 0 Mortgages and interest .. ~ 10,072 7 6 Savings-Bank Trust Aocount .. 369 19 7 Cash balance .. .. .. 2 15 5 Bank balanoe .. .. .. 56 15 7 £14,501 18 1 £14,501 18 1 Revenue Account foe the Yeae ending 31st Decembee, 1898. Receipts. Expenditure. £ a. d. £ s. d. To Maintenance .. .. .. .. 891 12 BBy Interest Acoount .. .. .. 489 910 Boys' wages .. .. .. .. 13 13 6 Boys' earnings .. .. .. 396 13 1 General expenses .. .. .. 43 19 0 Balance .. .. .. .. 63 2 3 £949 5 2 £949 5 2 £ a. A. £ a. d. To Balance .. .. .. .. 63 2 3 By Balance 31st December, 1897 .. .. 1,631 4 0 Written off for depreciation .. .. 258 7 0 Balance Revenue Aocount .. .. 1,309 14 9 £1,631 4 0 £1,631 4 0 Examined and compared with the books, vouchers, and securities, and found to agree therewith. lam of opinion that the above balance-sheet presents a true position of the Costley Institute as on the 31st December, 1898. Auckland, 31st March, 1899. O. B. Waymouth, C.A. Eng., Auditor. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing(l,37s copies), £1 6s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.]

2