EDUCATION: INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. [In continuation of E.-3, 1901.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1902 Session I, E-03

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1902. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. [In continuation of E.-3, 1901.]

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

No. 1. EXTRACT PROM THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. In December, 1901, the total number on the books of all the industrial schools was 1,765, or 62 more than at the close of the year 1900. On the books of the Government industrial schools there were 1,227, an increase of 64 over the corresponding number for 1900 ; on the books of the private industrial schools there were 538, or 2 less than at the end of the previous year. The number in residence at Government schools was 293, and at private industrial schools 348, so that 641 was the total number of "inmates" actually in residence. The number boarded out was 419, one being from a private school and the rest from Government schools. There were 17 girls maintained in various corrective institutions, 13 boys and girls in orphan homes, 1 boy at the Blind Institute, Auckland, and lat the School for Deaf-mutes, Sumner. The total number of inmates dependent on the schools for maintenance was therefore 1,092, or 56 more than the number at the end of 1900. The remaining 673, although still subject to control and supervision, were not dependent on the schools for maintenance. They may be classified as follows : Licensed to reside with friends, 155 ; at service, 448; in hospital, 4 ; in lunatic asylum, 5; in the Costley Training Institution, Auckland, on probation, 2; in other institutions without payment, 13 ; in gaol, 6 ; absent without leave, 40 —namely, 29 from service and 11 from the schools. There were six Government industrial schools in existence in 1901, and the numbers of inmates on their books at the end of the year were as follows : Auckland, 97 ; Eeceiving Home, Wellington, 69 ; Keceiving Home, Christchurch, 226; Burnham, 281; Te Oranga Home, 46; Caversham, 508: total, 1,227. Those belonging to private industrial schools were distributed as follows: St. Mary's, Auckland, 130; St. Joseph's, Wellington, 76; St. Mary's, Nelson, 305; St. Vincent de Paul, Dunedin, 27 : total, 538.

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TABLE T.—Inmates, 1900 and 1901.

The Government industrial schools are of two kinds : reformatories and industrial schools proper. There is one reformatory for boys at Burnham, and another, Te Oranga Home, near Christchurch, for girls. An addition, in the form of a new wing, is now in course of erection at the latter institution, and this, when completed, will relieve the present overcrowding, and will facilitate the classification according to character which is so essential an element of success. At Burnham there are many who, if they had not been sent there, would probably be found in the prisons of the colony ; where they are, however, they are regularly taught farming, gardening, carpentry work, bootmaking, tailoring, and other trades, and have every chance of being reformed in character. They are divided into three classes, promotion from a lower to a higher class being according to good conduct and diligence in learning a trade. Those in the first and second classes receive small payments as pocket-money, and any boy in the first class who earns more than the cost of his maintenance has the surplus paid into the account of his earnings in the same way as if he were licensed out to service. So far as there is room, also, those belonging to the first class live in cottages on the farm, under the supervision of married attendants, and enjoy thus a taste of home life and considerably more liberty than boys belonging to the other two classes. The individuals placed in the third class need for the most part a considerable degree of control, and it is hoped that the detention-yard to be erected shortly will enable close supervision to be exercised over these boys while they are employed on useful work, so that absconding may be almost impossible and discipline may be maintained without the occasion to have recourse to corporal punishment or detention in cells. Marked benefits have already resulted from the system of classification that has gradually been introduced into our industrial schools, more especially during the last three years. This opinion is confirmed by the Burnham Board of Advice in a letter which will be printed in E.-3, satisfaction being expressed at the general improvement shown, and particularly as regards the effect of the industrial training of the boys, which is now such a prominent feature of the school work. Caversham is the largest industrial school, properly so called, in the colony. Boys and girls of known criminal or vicious instincts are not sent there ; those who are in residence are such as at the time of committal were too old to be boarded out, or such as need a somewhat firmer measure of control than can be looked for in a foster-home. The site for the new boys' industrial school at Horowhenua has been cleared, and is now quite ready for the erection of the buildings required. These will consist of the main building, in which will be quartered the boys needing the direct supervision of the manager; four to six cottages containing each about fourteen boys in charge of a married attendant; a manager's house, an office, a school, workshops, dairy, cow - shed, stables, and other small buildings. All the boys will dine together in the dining-room of the main

Boarded out. In Residence. At Service, &c. Totals. a I S « - g » u o o 6 g o (D g o QJ ® r o Q 5 O Q P 5 P I p g I! g a 1 6 1 I s § I 8 3 R P rovernment SchoolsAuckland Receiving Home, Wellington Receiving Home. Christchurch Burnham Tβ Oranga Home, Christchurch Caversham 'rivate Schools — St. Mary's, Auckland St. Joseph's, Wellington.. St. Mary's, Nelson St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin 46 162 194 2 39 147 162 10 48 39 147 184 16 108 12 95 3 2 10 7 5 35 19 2 10 115 17 130 32 292 1 205 28 69 28 2 126 30 28 69 166 29 194 94 562 13 494 3 69 226 33 14 281 97 69 226 281 46 508 11 2 5 *2 4 100 49 202 4 10 8 96 39 194 27 31 100 7 6 10 34 37 110 127 82 307 3 (■) 2 130 76 305 1 16 3 19 8 8 24 3 27 Totals 409 188 178 419 598 65 22 641 696 148 139 705 1,703 351 289 1,765

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building, but those living in the cottages will take their other meals there. The site is being planted, and is already stocked with cattle. The soil is very fertile, and fruit and garden crops should, do well there. Probably not less than 120 boys will be trained at the institution. Caversham has now more boys than it can properly accommodate, and the boys' quarters there are old and inconvenient ; moreover, it does not possess sufficient land of good qualities to give the facilities for that tfaining in out-door pursuits which is so important an element in the success of an industrial school system. It will therefore be a most important step in advance when the Horowhenua buildings are finished and the new institution is ready for receiving inmates. Caversham and Mount Albert will then be the two Government industrial schools for girls. The Receiving Homes at Wellington and Christchurch accommodate girls and young boys who, on being ordered to an industrial school, are waiting to be sent to a foster-home, or to the school best fitted to train them. On the books of the Receiving Homes are found also the names of the industrial school inmates boarded out or placed at service in their respective districts. It is still necessary to transfer many inmates soon after committal, as the Magistrates in some cases still continue to send special classes of children to industrial schools which are not intended for them —for instance, now and then girls suited for an industrial school proper are sent to Burnham, which is a reformatory for boys. The interests of boarded-out children are looked after by the managers and by the official correspondents at the several centres; they are also visited monthly or oftener by the local lady visitors, who send monthly reports on all inmates to the managers. Inmates licensed to service, or with friends, are visited by the managers in the case of Government industrial schools, and it is desirable that the same plan should be followed in respect of private industrial schools ; so far, however, the managers of those schools have not seen their way to carry it out completely. Two officers of the Department act as Assistant Inspectors of industrial schools; one of them is also the chief clerk in charge of this important branch, and the other also carries out, with two other officers specially appointed for the purpose, the work of making a regular visitation of all the boarded-out children, and of such of the inmates at service and with friends as the managers have not been able to visit lately, and of such others as the Department may think it necessary. It is intended that as soon as possible a lady shall be appointed to take part in this work, with especial reference to girls placed out at service. General regulations relating to all the divisions of industrial school work have now been gazetted ; and, as this is the first time that such general regulations have been issued, it may be as well to call attention here to the chief features embodied in them. Except in a few details the regulations are made to apply equally to Government and to private schools. Ample powers are given for the thorough inspection of all schools, for frequently visiting children residing away from the schools, and for auditing wages and other accounts. In the case of private schools, managers not residing at the schools are required to inspect the institution at least once a week, and to make themselves fully conversant with the details of management and acquainted with each inmate. The medical officer of a school has wide powers. He has the right to visit at any time, but there must be a monthly inspection. He is responsible that the physical well-being of inmates is attended to, and that the rules of sanitation are observed. The punishment - book is to be regularly produced to him. Managers are enjoined to co-operate with medical officers. Inmates are, throughout the year, to have at least one warm bath weekly. Underclothing is to be changed weekly. Closets are to be readily accessible to dormitories. Bedding is to be comfortable in all respects. Provision is to be made for the safety of inmates in case of fire. An Official Visitors' book is to be kept. Directions are given to insure that the food is in all respects satisfactory, and that it is sufficiently varied. Full provision is made for the proper clothing of inmates. Industrial training is to be thorough and regular for all inmates of suitable age, and female inmates are to receive domestic training. The attention of inmates is to be directed to rural life, and they are to be taught dairy-work,

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poultry-keeping, gardening, &c. Military drill, swimming, and life-saving are to be taught. Proper provision is to be made for inmates' recreation, and libraries are to be provided. Thorough classification is to be maintained. Facilities for religious training are to be given. Careful supervision over inmates is enjoined. Each dormitory must be under the supervision of an officer. Lights are to be shown in dormitories. Managers are to visit dormitories at least once nightly. Inmates licensed out are to be regularly visited, and" complaints of licensed inmates are to be promptly attended to. An inmate who absconds or damages property may be fined. Inmates who through misconduct frequently return to the schools may be required to contribute from their accumulated earnings towards the cost of their maintenance at the schools. Inmates who for special reasons cannot be licensed out may be remunerated for their services at the schools. Monetary rewards and badges for good conduct may be given. A certain relaxation of the regulations formerly in force relating to corporal punishment has been made, though, as the maximum amount of punishment has been more carefully defined, the effect is not to make any very great difference. In connection with this form of correction it must be borne in mind that the class of inmates to be dealt with is the class that is most difficult to manage at the public schools, while in the reformatories many of the inmates are so degenerate that kindness and moral suasion are to them indications of weakness on the part of the officers. In the report of the proceedings of the National Conference of Charities and Correction, held in 1900, at Topeka, Kansas, the Superintendent of one of the State industrial schools, in the course of an address, and while advocating the superiority of the system of "rewards for merit," says: "Yet, do not misunderstand me; there are cases that come to all—at least, they come to me —when sterner measures are necessary. To hesitate then is to strengthen in the mind of the offender the idea of your weakness," &c. And again, "In my judgment, when you punish it is best to use plain so-called corporal punishment." The punishments in industrial schools and in reformatories have been differentiated; in the latter they are the more severe. As a rule the punishments to be inflicted will be such as may be lawfully inflicted by schoolmasters. Managers may inflict the punishment or may depute officers to do so in their presence. In general the officer reporting the offence is not to be the one to inflict punishment. A cane or leather strap is to be the instrument for punishing boys, and a strap for girls; twelve strokes to be the maximum. Under careful restrictions, and for grave offences, male inmates may be birched on the bare breech, but the birch must be approved by themedical officer; the maximum of strokes is twelve. Both males and females may be put in cells for a maximum of ten hours in industrial schools and a week in reformatories. Under proper restrictions, dietary discipline may be used. Badges of degradation may be used only with the approval of the Minister. A register of punishments is to be kept, and a copy is to be sent to the Education Department monthly. The regulations relating to inmates who are licensed to reside away from the schools are founded on the practice of the past nineteen years. For the first time, however, it is recognised that a foster-parent may administer corporal chastisement to boarded-out children. Provision is made for limiting the amount of work which a foster-parent may cause a boarded-out child to do. Of the 139 inmates who during the year 1901 ceased to be under the control of the schools 80 were discharged by warrant, 35 attained twenty-one years of age, 7 were transferred to the Costley Training Institution, 7 were married, and 10 died. As in the preceding year, the number of deaths (10) was above the average. The certificates of the medical attendants show that of the 5 inmates who were in residence at the time of death 2 died of gastro-enteritis, lof inanition, 1 of gastro-intestinal catarrh, and 1 of tubercular meningitis ; in hospital there was one death from intestinal perforation; a boy at service was accidentally shot; and 3 boarded-out children died of bronchitis, disease of the brain, and tubercular meningitis respectively. The number of admissions during the year (197) shows an increase of 5 over the number for 1900. Of these 43 were sent from Dunedin, 40 from Wellington, 34 from Auckland, and 31 from Christchurch. Of the remaining 49 children, no one town or country district sent more than 7 to the schools.

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From information taken from the Magistrates' orders for admission it is found that 101 children are to be brought up in the Church of England denomination, 56 as Koman Catholic, 24 as Presbyterian, 14 as Methodist, 1 as Baptist, and 1 as belonging to the Salvation Army.

TABLE U.—Admissions, classified according to Parents' Circumstances and Character, 1901.

At the end of 1901 there was in the Post-Office Savings-Bank on account of the earnings of inmates of Government industrial schools a sum of £1 1,508 19s. 3d., and on account of inmates of private industrial schools £1,901 9s. 4d. For inmates of Government schools a sum of £1,133 os. 9d. was withdrawn during the year, and for inmates of private schools £49 10s. 6d. In Table W is shown the cost of the Government schools, in which is included the expenditure for the maintenance of inmates boarded out and the salaries of the resident staffs and medical officers; it also shows the cost of supervision of all inmates who are licensed to reside away from the schools; and, further, the amounts of the recoveries from Charitable Aid Boards, from persons against whom orders for maintenance have been made, and from the sale of farm produce, &c.

TABLE W.—Expenditure on Government Schools, 1901.

'recei lew 'oin bioi ii of C 1901. Iren Imii Fathers, described as Mothers, described as i 6 d 3 D 5» 3g 11 I 11 & 3 6 3 a s a O «m ra O © 'da g « I* Total. Dead Dead Good Unknown Bad .. Deserter Dead Good Bad .. Dead Sick, lunatic, &o. Good Unknown Bad Deserter Dead Good Bad .. Deserter Dead Good Bad .. 3 8 1 3 1 3 5 2 n 1 4 4 13 4 12 2 10 37 10 2 1 1C 3 9 1 9 18 18 2 1 14 11 4 Good ... 1 6 4 1 1 15 1 6 1 6 7 8 6 3 "i 4 25 4 Unknown 6 2 1 1 1 2 3 Bad " .. '.'. 3 2 3 2 10 6 6 Deserter 2 1 13 6 1 1 3 1 Totals .. 86 18 88 57 197

School. Gross Cost of School. Cost of boarding out. (Included in preceding column.) Salaries of School Staff. (Included in first column.) Recoveries. Net Cost. mckland lorowhenua (proposed) Jurnham .. Javersham .. 'e Oranga Home leoeiving Home, Wellington .. teceivicg Home, Christohurch £ s. d. 3,427 18 6 1,612 11 13 8,879 5 4 8,189 8 3 1,622 14 5 626 14 4 1,864 16 2 £ s. d. 705 16 10 1,461 11 9 3,045 8 5 £ s. d. 295 11 8 62 8 0 1,814 10 2 1,089 6 0 330 0 0 183 5 0 265 10 3 £ b. d. 478 18 0 1,799 4 2 4,933 12 1 21 19 3 126 7 10 100 7 11 £ s. d. 2,949 0 6 1,612 11 11 7,080 1 2 3,255 16 2 1,600 15 2 500 6 6 1,764 8 3 129 6 8 949 2 0 Totals 26,223 8 11 6,291 5 8 ' 4,040 11 1 7,460 9 3 i 18,762 19 8 ialaries and travelling-expenses travelling-expenses of other offi> Jontingenoies of Assistant Im cers .. ipector and visiting ifficers 1,278 7 9 90 8 6 64 16 8 Tots il 20,196 12 2 20,196 12 2

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Table X shows the payments made by Government on account of inmates in private industrial schools, the recoveries, and the net expenditure by Government. The contributions from Charitable Aid Boards are made directly to the managers of these schools, and are not included in the recoveries shown. -

TABLE X .—Government Expenditure on Private Schools (R.C.), 1901.

The Government or Charitable Aid Boards paid for the maintenance of the 32 children previously stated to be in corrective or other institutions or homes. The payments made by the Government were as follows : Rescue Home, Auckland, £2 25.; St. Mary's Home, Karori, £23 Bs. ; Levin Memorial Home, Wellington, £28 125.; private home (special treatment), £29 Bs. 7d. ; St. Mary's Home, Richmond, Christchurch, £6(5 17s. sd; Samaritan Home, Christchurch, £18 25.; Mount Magdala, Christchurch, £146 16s. 4d. Six children belonging to St. Joseph's, Wellington, and St. Mary's, Nelson, private industrial schools were boarded at the Mission Home, Jerusalem, Wanganui (Mother Aubert's) — 4 for the whole year and 2 for ten months—the Government paying during the year £96 4s. for their maintenance.

No. 2. ADDITIONAL STATISTICS. "Inmates," 31st December, 1901.

Kecoveries. Net Expenditure by Government. School. Payments. St. Mary's, Auckland St. Joseph's, Wellington St. Mary's, Nelson St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin £ s. d. 1,427 9 0 284 19 0 1,464 8 11 73 0 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 122 15 0 1,304 14 0 17 3 4 267 15 8 353 7 3 1,111 1 8 11 5 4 61 14 8 504 10 11 2,745 6 0 Totals 3,249 16 11

Go'ernmei it Schools. Privai te Scho ioIs. .11 Schools. Inmates. I 14 s i SP35 B. G. B. G. ■S»3 ill O B. G. ■9 S3 05 fcn g ft V> a .a H 3-3 S ce a> 4J a $ S ■ ■a SS "3 ■§ I o I 'S g £ 8 .3 B. G. B. G. G. B. G. G. o £ cq o B. G. In the schools Boarded out With friends At service In hospital In lunatic asylums In Blind Asylum, Auckland In School for Deafmutes, Sumner At Costley Training Institution (on probation) Under oontrol of refuges or cognate institutions In Orphanage, Cottage Home, &c. In gaol Absent without leave.. 2 27 1 2 I 17, 1 21 22 3 4 19 .. 17 10 5 KH 4 10 10 59 7 47 115 ' 17 32 .. 103 4 1 1 .. 99 90 20 70 1 31 94 9 79 1 44 8 52 5 16 89 9 25 1 126 37 41 08 \ 7 10 19 5 3 387 227 100 240 1 i 254 192 55| 208 3 1 641 419 155 448 4 5 1 254 405 87 322 3 1 1 387 14 68 126 1 4 1 1 i 2 i 1 1 2 1 .. 24 27 27 20 8 14 16 10 Totals .. j 36 61 27 •1 I 6! 42 102 124 5 25 281 46 1 4 292 5( 1 216 D8 "i 73 76 h 214 1 91 27 6 38 1,009 2 756' 6 40 1,765 6 30 1,141 io 1 57 623 )5 765

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Admitted during 1901.

Discharges, 1901.

Numbers of 1900 and 1901 compared.

Government Schools. Private Schools. All Schools. Admitted as a . o a n ° If s o o Kg a≤ I a L p M 1 R i i c > OB I it U OD fl Cβ a !*« as I 1 B. G. B. G. B. ! G. B. G. G. B. G. ! B. I G. G. B. G. G. O 'A )estitute r agrant.. .ssooiating with disreputable persons Jnoontrollable .. Locusedor guilty of punishable offences 'ransferred from gaol 9 2 2 4 4 5 7 G 1 5 7 2 6 ■2 5 5 3 3 i i 11 ■2 2 15 7 2 3 4(i 11 12 89 8 21 85 19 33 4 i 2 i '4 9 1 2 9 7 2 49 1 4 3 53 1 22 8 1. i 3 2 3 2 5 Totals .. j 22 13 12 12 9 8 38 8 7 75 198 26 18 1 15 6 3 123 14

Government Schools. ivate Schools. All schools. Cause of Discharge. Auck kland. Keceiving Beceiving Home, Home, Welling- Christton, church. S a> Burnham. g S S3 Cav sha rerun. St. Mary's, Auckland. - rf a If St., jo a Marys, Nelson. G. B. G. a a 0 I 5 " B. a. B. G. B. G. B. G. G. B. G. B. j G. G. 05 >. O S I ill Vairant of discharge 2 )eath .. .. .. 'o Costley Training 7 Institution leached age of 21 years Carriage .. (~? Totals .. ] ~— 3 1 .. I .. 8 1 .. .. .. .. 4 33 1 .. 1 .. 1 15 2 10 1 1 1 9 ! 2 3 .. 59 7 7 21 80 3 10 7 I i 1 4 1 .. 1 .. 35 I 6 2 41 I 3 8 2 5 2 1 (i 29 35 .. .. 3 .. i 1 2 .. .. i I 7 7 9 ! 7 1 1 .. 10 2~~ _) 20 19 •• i * 8 H I 3 79 60 189 .6 3!

Inmates. 1900. 1901. Increase or Decrease. In the schools Boarded out With friends At service In hospital In lunatic asylum In Blind Asylum, Auckland School for Deaf-mutes, Sumner At Costley Training Institution (on probation) Under control of refuges or cognate institutions In Orphanage, Cottage Home, &c. In gaol Absent without leave 598 408 139 473 2 3 2 1 ■2 33 8 3 31 641 419 155 448 4 5 1 1 2 27 16 6 40 + 43 + 11 + 16 - 25 + 2 + 2 - 1 - 6 + 8 + 3 + 9 Totals 1,703 1,765 + 62

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No. 3. SUMMARY OP REPORTS BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT. The following brief remarks indicate the general condition of the various institutions inspected by officers of the Department : — Auckland Industrial School, Mount Albert (Girls and Young Boys). This school maintains -its high standard of efficiency. The accommodation is not adequate, but it is hoped that additional rooms will be erected very soon. St. Mary's, Auckland. Takapuna Branch (Boys). This school for boys is under the control of Sisters of Mercy. The discipline is very good, and the general state of the school is satisfactory. A new day-school building has enabled more dormitory accommodation to be provided in the main building. Ponsonby Branch (Girls). There are no very young children at this school. The girls look healthy and cheerful; and the Sisters are evidently whole-hearted in the work. Wellington Receiving Home. This small Home in connection with the boarding-out of children in the Wellington District is fulfilling the purpose for which it was established. The manager is not experiencing any difficulty in providing good foster-homes for children. The boarding-out system seems likely to be as successful in this district as it is in others. St. Mary's, Nelson. Stoke Branch (Boys). The reorganization of this school has produced satisfactory results. At the last inspection a great change for the better was noticed in the tone, and the boys looked remarkably healthy. It is most important that in this and, indeed, in all other schools systematic and varied industrial training should be made an essential part of the school life. Its importance can hardly be overestimated. Nelson Branch (Girls). This school continues to do good work, but the number of very young children in residence is not a satisfactory feature. Boarding out has proved itself to be the most natural and efficient way of providing for little children in New Zealand. Christchurch Eeceiving Home (Girls and Young Boys). This Home has not sufficient accommodation, and is otherwise unsuitable to the purpose. There should be no delay in securing more commodious premises. The number of children committed has been very small during the past few months. Te Oranga Home (Reformatory for Girls). In the face of many difficulties, really good results have been obtained. The new wing now being built will make classification much more easy. The girls are under good discipline. Burnham (Beformatoky for Boys). A considerable expenditure is necessary to make the buildings more suitable, and to provide efficient drainage and water-supply. The work of classification is now difficult, but it is receiving the attention that its importance demands. Industrial training is doing an immense amount of good. Notwithstanding the committal of a large number of older boys, the discipline is very good, and is maintained with apparently less effort than formerly, although constant watchfulness on the part of the staff is very necessary. The manager speaks gratefully of the loyalty of his officers. Caversham (Boys and Girls). The boys' quarters are in such a dilapidated state, and are so overcrowded and otherwise unsuitable, that the erection of the new school at Levin cannot longer be delayed. The girls' branch is, on the whole, very suitable as regards the buildings. The manager deserves credit for the efforts that he is making in discouraging circumstances to carry on the boys' branch successfully. St. Vincent de Paul's (Girls). This school is now very efficient. New bath-room and lavatory accommodation has been provided, and other matters formerly open to criticism have been remedied. At the last inspection there was strong evidence that the Sisters are working on lines that will produce good results. Private Institutions. Costley Training Institution, Auckland. The boys appear to be well provided for. The trustees are handicapped owing to the revenue being now less than formerly.

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Mount Magdala, Christchurch. The work at this institution is being carried out on the same lines as formerly. The girls under Government control are in very good health. The question of dealing with young women who upon reaching twenty-one years of age are morally unfitted to leave the asylum is an important but most difficult one. Mother Aubert's Mission Home at Jerusalem, Wanganui River, has been periodically visited by the Lady Visitor appointed by the Minister; and the Levin Memorial Home and St. Mary's Home, Karori, Wellington, at both of which girls belonging to the Wellington Receiving Home are maintained, have been visited by the manager of the last-named institution.

No. 4. REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS. Auckland. Sir,— Auckland, sth July, 1902. In reporting on the health of the children under my charge in connection with the Auckland Industrial School, I have again the pleasure of saying that there has been no death among them. There have been several cases requiring operation under chloroform, all of which were successfully performed by Dr. A. Challinor Purchas, and resulted in recovery. One, which was for necrosis of the tibia, has saved the limb, and enabled the boy to regain his health. Another was the means of restoring sight to a girl who would have become blind. Others were for removing obstructions to the breathing, and one for a large and troublesome naevus. One girl has been much benefited by medical treatment after suffering for a long time from mental weakness. We have not had any epidemic, but occasional instances of ordinary children's complaints. In the Home itself everything has gone on to my entire satisfaction. lam glad to find that some needed improvements in sanitary matters are being carried out. I have, &c , A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S. Eng., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

Canterbury. Sir,— Christchurch, 21st July, 1902. I have the honour to report that I visited the Burnham Industrial School regularly every month during the past year. On each occasion I inspected all the boys, after which I made a careful individual examination of all those who complained of anything, or who seemed to require attention. From April to October about 25 per cent, of the boys presented themselves for examination, but from October to March only half that proportion made any complaint. The complaints are generally trivial, except in the case of boys with hereditary deficiency. The boys are most of them healthy, strong, and well nourished. There has been a better milk-supply this year than formerly, and much less cod-liver oil has been required. The recommendation which I made in my last annual report, that a night-watchman should be appointed, has been carried out, with the best results. Bad habits of a secret nature are, however, still a cause of injury to body and mind, though less so than in the previous year. To effect further improvement we require more classification, which means more buildings. There has been lately a marked increase in the number of big lads, who are practically young men. The known character of these lads, some of whom have been in gaol, suggests some anxiety lest they should at any time require more means of controlling them than Burnham affords at present. The excellent discipline maintained by the manager has hitherto been effective in preventing any serious misconduct, but it is well known that indulgence in vicious personal habits renders an individual liable to explosive outbursts of impulsive violence. I have, &c, W. H. Symes, M.D., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

Otago. Sir,— Dunedin, 31st March, 1902. I have the honour to furnish you with my annual report on the health of the inmates of the Caversham Industrial School. The general health of the children has been good, and any diseases complained of have been of a minor type. It is a matter of congratulation that with our much increased numbers no death has occurred in the school since my last report. A boy, aged twelve years, died of spinal cavies in the house of his foster-mother after a long illness. He was a hunchback from childhood. This deformity was so aggravated that life would have been one long misery. In this case death was truly a happy release. Our numbers have been largely swelled by receiving a contingent of boys from northern schools, thereby making our numbers for the year 118—87 boys and 31 girls. I feel it my duty to say that the old buildings in which the boys are accommodated are a constant source of anxiety to all the officials, and that it is extremely desirable that something should be done, either in the way of replacing the wooden building or transferring the boys to the proposed school at Horowhenua. I have, &c, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Robert Burns, F.R.C.S.E.

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No. 5. LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF ADVICE OF THE BURNHAM INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL. Sir,— Christchurch, 6th June, 1902. The members of the Burnham Board of Advice would like to put before you some of their impressions concerning the work done at Burnham during the last two years. For some time previously to April, 1900, things had been in an unsatisfactory and unsettled state, owing to the separation of the girls from the boys and consequent reorganization of the staff. For some time longer things did not work smoothly with the staff, resignations being frequent and complaints rife. However, on further inquiries, these complaints were found to have been largely exaggerated, and due in some cases to stories concocted by the boys. At the present time the Board is glad to say that a much better state of matters prevails, harmonious relations apparently existing between master and staff. Soon after the formation of the school into a boys' reformatory a further classification was begun, that of dividing the boys who were less hardened from the more criminal ones. This plan has now been accomplished by means of the two cottages of the labour-master and shoemaker, to which are attached dormitories and sitting-rooms, where the better class of boys sleep and where they can employ themselves, all, however, having meals together in the dining-hall. The Board would like to say that it hopes this classification will yet be completely carried out to the entire separation of these two classes of boys. Workshops for carpentry, tailoring, and shoemaking were also started building, and are? now in full working order. These shops supply a long felt want, opening up as they do to smart, intelligent boys interesting and profitable occupations, instead of their being compelled, as formerly, totake to farm labour, irrespective of individual tastes. On the last visit of the Board to Burnham it was particularly struck by these good workshops, where the boys were busily engaged under their respective teachers in turning out creditable work. In the carpenter's shop a dray was in course of construction ; in the shoemaker's boots of a good working kind were hanging on the wall, which had been made by the boys; and in the tailor's piles of working moleskins and white kitchen suits were being made up. Amongst the changes during the process of reorganization was one —that of the loss of the bandmaster—which interfered much with the efficiency of the band. From a good standard it fell considerably. However, quite recently a new bandmaster has taken charge, and already a marked improvement is shown, which it is hoped will continue. The Board, on its visits to Burnham, has gone through the different parts of the building, and has always found everything clean and in good order; the boys also being healthy and looking well cared for. In connection with the attendants, the Board would like to bring under your notice the long hours worked by them. The nature of the work in Burnham, requiring as it does constant watchfulness, is trying, and when to this is added a long day of ten hours, after deduction of mealhours, it will be seen chat it is small matter for surprise when attendants get dissatisfied, and on small provocation are more anxious to leave than they otherwise might be ; while, in the case of the tradesmen in charge of the workshops, their hours compare unfavourably with those of others in the open market. The Board would like to express its satisfaction at the way in which its suggestions have been met hitherto. I am, &c, Emily K. Black, Hon. Sec, Burnham Board of Advice. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

No. 6. EXAMINATION REPORTS. St. Mary's Industrial School, Auckland (Girls' Branch), (examined 16th December, 1901). Pass-subjects. —Presented: Standard IV., 2; Standard 111., 16; Standard 11., 12; Standard 1., 6; Preparatory, 11. Examined in Standards: Standard IV., 2; Standard 111., 16; Standard 11., 12 ; Standard 1., 6. Passed : Standard IV., 2 ; Standard 111., 15 ; Standard 11., 10; Standard 1., 4. The work of Standard IV. was very satisfactory throughout: reading, spelling, writing, and composition were all very good. In Standard 111. reading was very good, writing fair, and composition fair ; there was some falling-off in spelling in this class; arithmetic was on the whole well done, though the problem-work proved too much for some; lam of opinion that the writing shown was in too large a hand for Standard 111. In Standard 11. the reading was satisfactory, though the children would do better were they to speak out with a little more boldness ; spelling was very satisfactory here, as was also the writing; mental arithmetic was not so good, though the children did well in their set work, and generally well in numeration and tables. In Standard I. arithmetic was good; spelling rather weak, writing good, and, with two exceptions, reading, satisfactory. Class-subjects. —Geography was not at all satisfactory. Allowance may be made in cases of girls who do laundry-work and cooking; but the work of Standards 111. and 11. was exceedingly disappointing after the other work shown. It may be stated that the teachers have not had a copy of the Standard Regulations to guide them ; but even on the work presented by the teachers more might have been expected in the way of definite answers by the children. The grammar of Standards IV. and 111. was fair. Knowledge of object-lessons was not so good as one could wish. In the lower classes there was plenty of fluency ; but, as most of the children's recitation was

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inaudible, I can hardly say it was satisfactory work. In the higher classes better results were obtained. Additional Subjects. —Singing: Rounds were fairly sung, and songs in unison well given; I think a two-part song or two might be taught, and am sure it would be a success. The needlework done is useful, both as a school subject and as a practical subject; the children sew well, and make articles of dress, &c, for use in the institution. Drill and exercises not seen. Instruction of Preparatory Classes. —The instruction of Preparatory Classes 1, 2, and 3 seemed to me satisfactory in every way. General. —The children were very quiet in school. With the exception of two or three girls in one class, there was nothing to complain of in the general tone and behaviour. The children must learn to do their work with silence, and without whispering, and such petty faults, which point to want of self-reliance —a virtue so necessary, especially in the case of children such as these. In the main, however, the day's work shows that the children have received good attention at the hands of their teachers. William W. Bird, M.A., Acting-Inspector.

St. Mary's Industrial School, Auckland (Boys' Branch at Takapuna), (examined 17th December, 1901). Pass-subjects. —Presented: Standard VI., 1; Standard V., 3 ; Standard IV., 9 ; Standard 111. 11; Standard 11., 12 ; Standard 1., 4; Preparatory, 21. Examined in Standards: Standard VI., 1; Standard V., 3; Standard IV., 9; Standard 111., 11; Standard 11., 12; Standard 1., 4. Passed: Standard VI., 1; Standard V.,3; Standard IV., 6 ; Standard 111., 6; Standard 11., 9; Standard 1., 4. The work of the boy in Standard VI. was satisfactory; his weakness lay in arithmetic ; his geography was good, and his work in drawing very good ; reading was also good. Arithmetic, again, was the weak point in Standard V., the other work being satisfactory. With the exception of two boys, the pupils in Standard IV. might be considered weak in arithmetic ; their spelling, too, was not so good as one might wish. The same remarks apply to the work shown by Standard III.;' indeed, the weak point of the whole school lay in its middle classes; in Standard 111., moreover, the reading and composition want strengthening. On the whole, the work shown by Standard 11. was satisfactory, the work of the class in arithmetic and spelling being considerably better than that of the senior classes ; one or two were not quite at home in numeration and notation. The work of Standard I. was quite satisfactory. Class-subjects. —Geography in Standards VI., V., and IV. was satisfactory—in some cases good knowledge was shown ; in the lower classes the work can only be considered as unsatisfactory, both to examiner and teachers—so far as correct answers were concerned, very little success was met with. Standard 11. was slightly better than Standard 111., but there is vast room for improvement in both classes. The drawing throughout was very good. Grammar was, generally speaking, fair; there were also but few grammatical mistakes in composition. Physiology is taken as science, and the elder boys showed a fair knowledge. Naturally in this institution handwork plays an important part of the day's work, though not of the school-work proper. I saw some butter that had been made by a boy, and it seemed tome first-rate. Gardening, sewing, and baking are also done. Additional Subjects. —The boys sang songs in unison with so much force that in their first song they went out of tune ; the singing on the whole was very fair ; patriotic songs were well represented. Drill and exercises were not done. Instruction of Preparatory Classes. —The instruction of Preparatory Classes 1, 2, and 3 must be considered in all respects satisfactory. General. —The large, airy schoolroom, the clean and bright appearance of the boys in khaki jackets with white collars, and the general happy tone of the whole place prove that the children are in good hands. Their behaviour in school, though marred to some extent by the petty faults generally to be found in a school of boys, was very good. The most important parts of the school syllabus are evidently attended to in a satisfactory manner. The freedom of the life led by the boys at the institution, and the regard manifested by them towards the Rev. Mother Superior and Sisters, were sources of considerable satisfaction to me. William W. Bird, M.A., Acting-Inspector.

St. Joseph's Industrial School (examined 15th and 16th August, 1901). Pass-subjects. —Presented: Standard VII., 1; Standard VI., 2; Standard V., 10; Standard IV., 9; Standard 111., 9; Standard 11., 12; Standard 1., 4; Preparatory, 12. Examined in Standards : Standard VI., 2; Standard V., 10 ; Standard IV., 9; Standard 111., 9 ; Standard 11.. 12; Standard 1., 4. Passed: Standard VI., 2; Standard V., 10; Standard, IV., 7 ; Standard 111.. 7 ; Standard 11., 12 ; Standard 1., 4. Reading satisfactory. Spelling good ; the candidates in Standard VI. were not strong. Writing fairly satisfactory. Composition satisfactory to good. Arithmetic : Nearly all candidates passed in this subject, but they were not so successful in the sums requiring a little thought. On the whole, the work shows improvement. Class-subjects. —Geography : Standards VI. and V. good, Standards IV. and 111. very fair. Standard 11. good. Drawing: Freehand only; satisfactory to good. Grammar weak. Elementary science, object-lessons, &c. : Standards VI. and V. attend, technical school for cookery ; Standard IV. reading a Domestic Economy Reader. Recitation satisfactory. Additional Subjects. —Singing very good. Needlework done in the workroom of the institution. Drill and exercises : Musical drill taken; very fair (infant department).

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Instruction of Standard VII. and Preparatory Classes. —The candidate in Standard VII. passed. The work shows a decided improvement on that of past years, more especially in pass-subjects and geography. The school is held in two rooms. I beg to recommend the authorities to place an experienced teacher in charge of the lower department, and to allow Miss McKenny, now in charge of Standards 11. and I. and Preparatory, to assist the experienced teacher in charge of the upper department. The Sisters have worked hard, and with satisfactory results. T. R. Fleming, Inspector.

St. Mary's, Nelson (Stoke Branch, Boys), School (examined 20th December, 1901). Pass-subjects. —Presented: Standard VI., 7; Standard V., 11; Standard IV., 26; Standard 111., 21; Standard 11., 13; Standard 1., 6; Preparatory, 8. Examined in Standards: Standard VI., 7; Standard V., 11; Standard IV., 25; Standard 111., 21; Standard 11., 13; Standard 1., 6. Passed: Standard VI., 6; Standard V., 9; Standard IV., 16; Standard 111., 16; Standard 11., 13; Standard 1., 5. In Standard VI. there is slight weakness in spelling and arithmetic. In Standard V. a little weakness in arithmetic. In Standard IV. there is considerable weakness in arithmetic and spelling, especially the latter. In Standard 111. the weakness is uniform; worst subject, reading ; control is defective; so is attention. Standard 11. is a good standard on the whole ; class taught by headmaster. Class-subjects. —ln geography good work was shown in Classes V. and VI., fair in IV., and weak in 111. In drawing the senior work is satisfactory. In grammar the seniors are very good; IV., fair; 111., very weak. History as above; seniors very good. Elementary science, objectlessons, &c.: Much good work has been done with elementary physiology. Recitation fair in the lower standards. No handwork was seen. Additional Subjects. —Singing: Rather rough, but something has been effected; rounds are not unpleasantly sung. Needlework: None. Drill and exercises, except what was shown in school, was unseen ; it was very late when work was finished. Instruction of Standard VII. and Preparatory Class. —No Standard VII. Although some of the preparatories are decidedly poor, some of them write satisfactorily. James H. Pope, Inspector.

St. Mary's, Nelson (Girl's Branch), School (examined 21st December, 1901). Pass-subjects. —Presented: Standard VI., 5; Standard V., 13; Standard IV., 9; Standard 111., 8; Standard 11., 5 ; Standard 1., 6 (also 3 boys) ; Preparatory, 31—viz., 12 boys and 19 girls. Examined in Standards: Standard VI., 5; Standard V., 13; Standard I"V., 9; Standard 111., 8 ; Standard 11., 5; Standard 1., 6 (also 3 boys). Passed : Standard VI., 4 ; Standard V., 12; Standard IV., 9; Standard 111., 7; Standard 11., 5; Standard 1., 6 (also 3 boys). In Standard VI. there was a little weakness in arithmetic—in book-work, at all events ; so also in Standard V. Standard IV. was good on the whole. Standard 111. : A little weakness in spelling. Standard II.: Writing in a transition stage. Standard I. was good in some respects ; writing pretty weak. Class-subjects. —Geography: Highly satisfactory. Drawing: Books were generally very neat, and they contained good work ; the drawing was mostly freehand. Grammar : I was very pleased with this work. History : Very good indeed. Elementary science, object-lessons, &c.: Physiology was the subject taken ; it was very pleasing. Recitation good. Additional Subjects. —Singing: Both practical and theoretical work was well up to the mark. Needlework : There was not, generally, the extreme neatness shown in the best work done by Maoris, but all that I saw was very good. Drill and exercises : Very pleasing musical drill. Instruction of Standard VII. and Preparatory Class. —No Standard VII. The teacher of the infant department is not experienced. It seems to me of paramount importance that the teacher of the lower division of a school like this should be very able. It is highly desirable that children should be put on the right track at the very beginning. A kindergarten infant-school teacher should, I think, have charge of the lowest division. James H. Pope, Inspector.

Burnham Industrial School (examined 12th December, 1901). We beg to submit the following report on the pass, class, and additional subjects examined by us at Burnham Industrial School to-day : — Reading throughout the school is good. There is a tendency to neglect the letter "h" (in the upper classes, at any rate) ; but there is nothing further to remark, except perhaps that the readingbook Longmans' Fourth is a trifle easy for the boys. The spelling may be regarded as good, and the writing is satisfactory, being weak only in Fourth. Composition in the Third Standard was good, but this is the weakest subject in Standards IV. and V. The arithmetic throughout the school is very good, The work was also carefully set down by the boys. Geography was well done by Standard 111., and the work of Standards IV. and V. were also very satisfactory. The drawing throughout showed neatness and good work, and special mention must be made of the modelling-work done under Mr. Wicks in the upper classes. This is probably the first attempt to introduce cardboard-work into the industrial schools—possibly also the first in our public schools. In history the children showed satisfactory knowledge of their subject.

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Singing has not been taught in the school since the lady teachers have left. The drill comprises dumb-bell exercises and physical drill with model rifles. The boys showed very good work in both, moving with precision to the music supplied by an older boy. The classification of the children by the head teacher is entirely satisfactory. Whatever failings there are lean to virtue's side. The behaviour of the children is very satisfactory : they were orderly in school and diligent in their work. Generally speaking, the results are very satisfactory, and show that the head teacher and his assistant have worked conscientiously and with good effect. William W. Bird, ) T . m a tit r Inspectors. Thos. Alex. Walker, ) r

Caversham Industrial School (examined 11th December, 1901). In the absence of the proper departmental form on which to record our opinions of the quality of the work done in the various subjects as required in sections 8, 9, and 10 of the Standard Regulations, we beg to submit the following : — The work done in the pass-subjects was satisfactory on the whole. In the lower classes there was a weakness in reading. In composition the most frequent mistakes were the wrong use of capitals, too much repetition, and want of attention to punctuation. Arithmetic was satisfactory in the lower classes and fair in the upper classes. As regards geography, the work of the higher classes was satisfactory, but the definitions in the lower classes might be given in a clearer manner. The writing of the school, on the whole, was fair. The children read well from tonic sol-fa, followed the pointer well, and sung rounds and songs with clearness and good expression, tune, and style; the singing must be considered excellent. Under the manager of the school the drill shown was of a high order; it included physical exercises and military drill, which were well done, evolutions being smartly performed to bugle-call; even flag signalling has been acquired, and messages were correctly sent and received from a considerable distance ; the work shown was excellent. We understand the girls do not drill: if this is so, we are of opinion that a course of physical exercises such as shown by the junior boys would be extremely beneficial to the girls. Sewing is not a part of the school-work, and was not examined by us. Agricultural science is taken in the upper classes, and the children have a good knowledge of the subject ; but the head teacher is handicapped in this work by the want of some simple apparatus and experimental aids. In the object-lessons the lower classes showed that a fair amount of work had been done, but allowance must be made for the fact that the mistress has had to work single-handed with many classes. Repetition and recitation were good. It is desirable that promotion should be made not on the results of one examination only, but on the general work of the year. We suggest, therefore, that the headmaster hold quarterly examinations through the school, and base his promotions on the results of these examinations. What weakness is noticeable in the present work arises probably from the promotions having been made on one examination. Finally, we desire to express our satisfaction with the general good behaviour and healthy tone of the children of the school. No cases of dishonesty came under our notice, and, generally speaking, the conduct of the children reflects great credit on their teachers and on the school. William W. Bird, ) InsDectors Thos. Alex. Walker, f lnspectors -

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