EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION. [In continuation of E.-4, 1937.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1938 Session I, E-04

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1938. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION. [In continuation of E.-4, 1937.]

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

No 1 —EXTRACT FROM THE SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. CHILD WELFARE. Number of Children under Supervision. The total number of children under supervision of the Child Welfare Branch as at the 31st March, 1938, was 7,403, classed under the following headings State wards — In foster-homes, hostels, and with friends .. .. •• .. z,b 16 In situations (includes 14 absent without leave) . . . . .. • • 855 In Government institutions, receiving-homes, &c. .. .. . . .. 235 In private institutions . . . • • • • • • • • • • • 193 Inmates in special schools for backward children . . . . . . . • 221 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. .. . . . • • • • • 29 In School for Deaf, Sumner .. .. . • • • • • • • 7 4,213 Other than State wards— . Young persons supervised by Child Welfare Officers m their own homes, with relatives, or with friends, pursuant to orders of Courts .. .. .. 910 Infants supervised in foster-homes registered under the Infants Act .. _ .. 842 Pupils at School for Deaf, Sumner (other than State wards (7) included in figures above) .. ■■ •• •• •• •• •• •• Pupils at schools for mentally backward—Otekaike and Richmond (other than State wards (221) included in figures above) . . . . . . • • 42 Children supervised as preventive cases . . . . . • • • . . 1,273 Children in New Zealand Institute for Blind for whom the Department makes payment .. • ■ • • • • • • • • • • • ■ Total .. • ■ • ■ • • • • 7 The total number of children admitted and committed during the year was 583. Of these, 503 were committed to the care of the Superintendent by Children's Courts. ' The following gives the numbers of children classified according to reasons

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for committal: Indigent, 196 ; delinquent, 36 ; living in a detrimental environment, 46 ; neglected, 26 ; not under proper control, 121 ; accused or guilty of punishable offences, 75 ; and breach of supervision order, 3. The remaining 80 children came under the control of the Superintendent for the following reasons : — (a) Admitted by private arrangement 12, Child Welfare Act, 1925), 13 : (b) Temporarily admitted, 52 : (c) Placed under supervision, and ordered by the Courts to be detained in an institution for a period, 7 : (d) At the time of this report 8 were held on warrant, pending the decision of the Children's Courts (section 13, subsection (2), Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1927). Classifying the 583 children according to age at the time of admission, there were 79 under six months, 23 over six months and under one year, 72 from one to five years, 70 from five to ten years, 152 from ten to fourteen years, and 187 over fourteen years. Out of the 503 children committed to the care of the Superintendent, 89 had previously come before the Courts for other offences for which they had received terms of supervision. The length of period in residence for children temporarily admitted was from one day to eight weeks. At the 31st March, 1938, 138 of the children in foster-homes were receiving higher education at secondary or technical schools. Of these, 82 were over and 56 under the age of fourteen years. In addition, 15 boys residing in the Y.M.C.A. Hostel at Auckland were receiving secondary education, and 21 children were boarded at private secondary schools.

No. 2.—STATEMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHILD WELFARE BRANCH. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1938. FUNCTIONS OF THE CHILD WELFARE BRANCH. Those interested in the early history of the Branch are referred to the article published in " Fifty Years of National Education in New Zealand " (Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd.). This article sketches the growth of the work from the earliest recorded times up to the passing of the Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1927. The main functions of the Branch may be briefly stated as follows : — (1) Supervision and general placement and care of all children committed to the care of the Department through the Children's Courts : (2) Visiting and oversight of all children placed by the Courts under the legal supervision of Child Welfare Officers : (3) Inquiry and investigation of all cases coming before Children's Courts : (4) Inquiry into cases of illegitimate births, to ensure that proper provision is being made for each child, and for the mother where she is a young single woman : (5) Licensing of foster-homes under the Infants Act, and supervision of children placed therein : (6) Administration of State institutions for children and young people who cannot be placed in the community, including institutions for afflicted children : (7) Preventive work—that is, the inquiry in the early stages into cases of difficulty with children or bad adjustment in the home : (8) Inquiry into all applications for adoption of children : (9) Inspection and registration of private institutions and orphanages. Before giving details of the year's work, the following is a brief statement of the Department's organizations outside the Head Office. CHILD WELFARE OFFICERS. There are at present 47 Child Welfare Officers, male and female, stationed in all the main centres in New Zealand according to the needs of each district. For instance, Auckland has 9 officers, while places like Hawera and Invercargill have 2 each. Upon these officers devolves all the preventive, inquiry, placement, supervisory, and other work involved in the functions of the Branch set out above. These officers report direct to the Children's Courts, and are given a wide discretion by the Department in dealing with all matters in their districts. Certain activities or proposals must, of course, have the

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approval of the Minister in Charge, ill terms of the Act, but generally speaking the Department s policy is to decentralize the work so far as may be possible. The officers are se ected according to their atnhty to deal with children and social problems, and to co-operate effectively with officials, with parents, and with the public generally. With women, nursing and teaching experience, and with men teaching or prior social service work, are regarded as essential qualifications. New appointees are trained in their more special duties by attaching them in the first instance to one or other of the larger centres under an experienced officer. HONORARY CHILD WELFARE OFFICERS. There are nearly 200 Honorary Child Welfare Officers, male and female acting at the present time. These officers, who give their services gratuitously, have proved of considerable value to the Department in carrying out its work, and especially so in the smaller centres of population. This is m accordance with the Department's general policy of decentralization and the belief that it should be left as far as possible to the local people to deal with their own cases-the Department merely to guide or assist In cases coming before the Children's Courts these officers as a rule make all the inquiry and report to and attend the Court themselves, unless there are special circumstances which might require the attention of the permanent official for the district. The Department takes this opportunity of again expressing to all these officers its deep appreciation of the services they perform to the Department m particular and to the youth of the community in general. INSTITUTIONS. It is the policy of the Department (section 19 of the Act) not to place any child in an institution unless this should become absolutely necessary. It is recognized, however that there will always be a relatively small proportion of children dealt with who require institutional treatment before they can be returned to the community. For children requiring a more or less lengthy period of detention, the Department has two institutions—one for boys at Weraroa, near Levm and one for girls at Burwood near Christchurch. The ages of the young people admitted or in residence thereat vary from about fourteen to nineteen years Boys remain in residence usually from six months to eighteen months, wMle girls remain sometimes up to two and three years before again being tried m the community Each case is dealt with on its merits. The Department has m hand at present the matter of making better provision for boys requiring reformative treatment, the existing institution at Weraroa being qlUt \n Addition to these two institutions there are smaller institutions—namely, a boys' home and a receiving-home in each of the four main centres, and one additional receiving-home at Hamilton. Phe former homes take in boys from nine years onwards who require temporary housing ; such boys attend the nearest public school. Boys of school age are sometimes ordered by the Court to spend a period of one to six months in an institution, and these are usually provided for at such homes They also provide for older boys requiring temporary accommodation while changing board or service situations, &c. P The receiving-homes are clearing-houses for young children of both sexes, and all girls Older o-irls are admitted pending placement in a foster-home or a situation, while young girls just leaving school who require a short period of training in domestic work are also admitted before being placed out hi connection it may be stated, however, that a number of mistresses prefer to take these vounsf sirls and tram them themselves. . « At both classes of homes children may be admitted on remand or on warrant (section 13 (2) of the Act) pending the hearing of the complaint in the Court. _ The Department has also a Girls' Hostel in Wellington which accommodates about 16 girls. Ihese girls are usually apprenticed to trades or employed in shops or in offices. This institution provides for those who are not well fitted for domestic work but, while likely to do well m other employment, would be better for a period of the friendly supervision exercised by the stall m the Hostel. Backward children under the care of the Branch who cannot be educated at the special classes in the public schools, or, being over school age, require special training, are admitted to the two institutions established] for Department desires to record its appreciation of the services rendered by Dr. J. Russell, the Deputy Director-General of Mental Hospitals an experienced psychiatrist who has examined and reported upon a large number of children referred to him by the Branch and who has kept in close contact with the Department s residential institutions. In the preventive field also his work is invaluable. Parents with problem children call upon or are referred to him for advice, the outcome of which is that frequently satisfactory adjustments in family and community relationships are made. His services have also been utilized to a large extent in connection with special investigations for the information of Children s Courts and examination of cases where any phase of instability or mental retardation in the child is considered Annual reports from the principal institutions are appended to this report. BOARDING-OUT OR PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IN PRIVATE HOMES. Section 20 of the Child Welfare Act of 1925 makes special mention of the fact that children are t0 b Wth over halloa century of experience the Department can say unhesitatingly that this system of placement is the best for normal children who for one reason or another have no homes of their own There is ample evidence to substantiate the beneficent results which as a general rule follow the boarding-out of children in private homes in the community. There are approximately 2,000 children constantly at board. Despite the care taken in selection and subsequent supervision, it is perhaps only to be expected that occasionally a home will be found to have deteriorated or to have become

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unsuitable. As soon as any such case comes under the notice of the Department action is taken to remedy matters or to remove the child. All applicants to board children are required to give full particulars of their home and of their financial circumstances. . The home is then inspected by a Child Welfare Officer, who inquires fully into its suitability for the reception of a child or children. A list is kept of homes that have been inspected and found suitable in each District Child Welfare Office, and when a child is ready for placement the field officers consider carefully which of the applicants might be best able to guide and train it. After placement the home is visited and inspected by Child Welfare Officers at least once every three months—oftener should circumstances warrant this action. Independent confidential reports are obtained regularly from the teachers of the schools the children attend. In addition, the Honorary Child Welfare Officers and local persons interested in child welfare work frequently assist—especially in ensuring that the children take part in the ordinary social life of the community. The outstanding features of the boarding-out system are that the children attend public schools and take their place as members of the community, making friendships with other children that frequently last through life. The manner in which they visit their old foster-homes in after years in many cases is a pleasing feature of the system. Frequently, too, former foster-parents apply after the children have left their homes to have them back again during their holidays. Often these are the only parents the children have known, and it speaks volumes for the goodheartedness of such people when their foster-children, even after marriage, still, as many do, keep in touch with them, and to whom they proudly bring their own first offspring. The Department has ample evidence of the good results obtained from the system, while the number of cases reported of ill-treated or maladjusted children represents a very small percentage. It is hoped by means of adequate supervision and proper placement of each individual child to eliminate even these cases. PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IN SITUATIONS AND ALLOCATION OF THEIR EARNINGS. Generally speaking, State wards, if normal children, are placed in employment on the same conditions as other young people so far as wages, &c., are concerned. The Hon. the Minister has special powers to facilitate the employment of those young people who are mentally, physically, or socially unable to compete on equal terms with their fellow-workers of the same age. The placing of certain handicapped children in the right environment is regarded as being of first-class importance. All license agreements or contracts, which are drawn up for periods ranging from three to twelve months are subject to constant review in the Head Office as well as in the District Offices. Particulars showing the occupations of young people in employment at the 31st March last are shown under the heading " Young Persons in Employment" later in this report. When a child first goes to service, he (or she) is allowed personally a portion of his wages for pocket-money ; the balance is banked by the Department and is drawn out as required for clothing, dentistry, &c. Later he is allowed an increasing portion personally, with the object of training him to appreciate the value of money, to spend it wisely, and to purchase his own clothing under supervision. As a prelude to final discharge he is placed for six months or so on the status of service agreement. This means that he receives all his wages personally and can choose his own situations, except that his supervising officer must approve of his place of employment. The money banked by the Department (section 37 of the Child Welfare Act, 1925) may be paid out at any time, and the Department, as trustee, endeavours to guide these young people in investing or utilizing their money to the best advantage. This is especially essential in those cases where the young people concerned may be mentally retarded and require in their own interests friendly supervision for a longer period than is necessary with the ordinary normal youth. Applications for assistance with board, clothing, medical attention, dentistry, &c., are always promptly attended to. The balance of money banked is generally paid over to the young person concerned after he attains the age of twenty-one years. During the year under review a total sum of £13,010 14s. 9d. was paid out to young people. PRIMARY EDUCATION. The following table, classifying the children according to average age (in years) in their respective classes as at the Ist July, 1937, enables a comparison to be made between State wards attending primary schools and children (including State wards) attending the same schools. The number of State wards attending primary schools was 1,719, while the proportion of State wards to all pupils at that date was approximately 1 to 116.

Table 1. —Average Ages of State Wards and Children attending Primary Schools.

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Class P. S. I. S. II. S. III. S. IV. P. I (S. V). F. II (S. VI). Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Boys.! Girls. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. ~ , Primary schools 6-78 6-72 8-72 8-52 9-71 9-4810-77 10• 53 11 -6311 • 4lll2• 5112-7113-6913-87 State wards .. 7-04 7-05 8-88 9-14 9-9 9-86 1L-0811 -12 12-2112- 13jl3-04 13-0813-7313-47

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POST-PRIMARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION. State boys and girls have the same opportunity as other children of receiving secondary or technical education. Usually these young people continue to remain in their foster-homes and attend the nearest educational institution. There is also in Auckland a hostel to accommodate 15 boys which functions with assistance from the Costley Trustees and Y.M.C.A. Pupils who show special aptitude are helped by the Department to the University. REPORTS TO CHILDREN'S COURTS. At the end of each year the Child Welfare Officers submit to the Courts and to the Department a report on the cases dealt with during the year —the cause of each appearance, the number under supervision and the general results of supervision, the number of second offenders, and generally the position so far as the Court work in each district is concerned. It is hoped that these reports will become increasingly valuable as a measure of the success or otherwise of the methods adopted in dealing with certain types of offences and with cases of anti-social conduct particularly where children are placed legally under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers. It need hardly be stressed that the Department regards " preventive " work—i.e., the social adjustment of children in their own homes without their appearance at Court at all—as of paramount importance. When, however, a child is placed under legal supervision for an offence or is not under proper control it is desirable, in accordance with the general policy of adjusting children in their own homes or at least in the locality in which they live, to adopt the best methods likely to bring about their return as early as practicable to the life of the normal child. The second offender, too, is a case for close study. Even in these cases a boy is often left in his home under supervision, and committal to the care of the State and consequent removal is only resorted to when all other methods have failed. Tables showing the numbers dealt with by the Children's Courts are included in this report, and extracts from the reports furnished by the larger centres are attached :— 1. Auckland District. —Of the total (374) appearing before the Courts, 165 were admonished and discharged, 91 were placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, and 61 were committed to the care of the Department. " The number of children who appeared within the last twelve months for a further offence was 13 of the total number appearing. This very small number of repeating cases is very gratifying, and would seem to show that the methods of social adjustment are on the right lines." 2. Hamilton District.—The number of children appearing before the Courts was 191, compared with 206 the previous year. One hundred and three were admonished and discharged, 4-5 placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, and 39 committed to the care of the Department. " It is noteworthy that nearly 25 per cent, of those appearing before the Courts were of Maori parentage. It is pleasing to point out that sexual offences fell from 13 last year to 6 this year." 3. Wellington District. —During the year a total number of 467 cases appeared before the Children's Courts, representing 378 boys over eight years of age and 89 girls and young children —an increase of 57 cases over last year's total. Of the total number appearing, 220 were admonished and discharged, 100 placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, and 109 committed to the care of the Department. " The year just ended has been productive of the largest number of cases to come before the Children's Courts in this district, and in part it is a serious indictment of the laxity of parental control to-day." 4. Christchurch District. —The total number of children who appeared before the Children's Courts for the year was 527. Of these, 136 were admonished and discharged, 92 were placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, and 84 were committed to the care of the Department. The cases coming under the notice of the Boys' Welfare Officers show an increase of 42 over the figures for the previous twelve months. " It is difficult to account for the increases over the past two years, but the lack of good home control is an important factor." 5. Dunedin District. —Of the cases (157) appearing before the Children's Courts, 45 were admonished and discharged, 67 placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, and 32 committed to the care of the Department, an increase of 7 over the figures for last year. " During the year we have had no cases that presented outstanding difficulties." General. —The total number of children appearing before the Courts for all causes for the year ended 31st March, 1938, was 2,982, as against 2,584 for the previous year and 2,273 for 1935-36. In the matter of supervision most parents have co-operated with the Child Welfare Officers in their endeavours to adjust successfully the juvenile offender in society. In this connection the thanks of the Department and the appreciation of the parents are due to the members of the Big Brother Movement operating under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. and of the authorities of the Catholic Church.

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PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS. A list showing the institutions registered as children's homes under the provisions of the Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1927, is appended to this report. These, in conjunction with other private organizations, continue their beneficent work among orphans and dependent children. COSTLEY TRUST. Under the will of the late Edward Costley, of Auckland, a sum of money was set aside to assist in apprenticing State wards in the Auckland District. Later the terms of the will were varied by legislation to include assistance towards the education or training for employment of any child recommended by Child Welfare Officers in Auckland. Although the funds are comparatively small, it is a most beneficent trust in that the funds are made available by the controlling authorities to assist approximately 60 children annually either to enter a profession, learn a trade, or receive assistance towards secondary or technical education. Some are helped for short periods, some longer, according to the needs of the cases. By this means the trust funds, comparatively speaking, benefit a very large number of children. CASES APPEARING BEFORE THE CHILDREN'S COURTS. The number of children dealt with by the Children's Courts during the year was 2,982, and of these 697 were placed under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers, while 26 had their supervision period extended. .Of the children placed under supervision, 41 were subsequently committed to the care of the Superintendent. The number committed to the care of the Superintendent and admitted to institutions such as receiving-homes, special schools, training-farms, &c., was 503, but all of these, with the exception of 133 (89 boys and 44 girls) who required further training, were suitably placed out in the community before the close of the year. The remainder (1,756) appearing before the Courts were dealt with in a manner not calling for supervision by a Child Welfare Officer (see details below). At the 31st March, 1938, there was a total number of 910 children under the supervision of Child Welfare Officers by order of the Courts. Of the number (697) placed under supervision this year, 58 had previously been dealt with by the Courts and placed under supervision. The Courts ordered 9 children to spend a period in an institution. The following is a comparative statement of the number of children that appeared before Children's Courts, and the action taken : —

Table 2.

Note—Convictions comprise cases that came before the Courts for offences arising out of breaches of Traffic Regulations, by-laws, &c.

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1936- 1937-1 1936- 193737. 38. | 37. 38, Committed to the care of the Superintendent 432 503 Convicted and ordered to be returned to .. 1 Placed under supervision .. .. 636 674 training-farm Admonished and discharged .. .. 600 761 Informal supervision . . .. . . 4 Admonished and ordered to make restitution 278 268 Convicted and fined with costs .. . . 1 Adjourned • • ■ • • • 56 45 Prohibited from obtaining driving license for 1 Dismissed .. .. • • 52 68 a period Supervision extended .. .. 37 26 Dismissed with costs . . . . . . 1 • • Committed to Borstal .. .. •• 30 17 Convicted and discharged and driving license .. 1 Convicted and fined 29 4 endorsed Returned to the care of the Superintendent 22 40 Admonished and discharged and stolen Adjourned sine die 19 23 property returned Admonished with costs . . .. . . 16 9 Admonished and discharged and restitution . . 24 Withdrawn .. .. 10 21 made Admonished and fined .. •• 9 18 Fined.. .. •" " ' „ '' . Convicted and ordered to come up for 8 6 Agreement enforced (section 13 (3), Child . . I sentence Welfare Amendment Act, 1927) Ordered to come up for sentence . . .. .. 14 Admonished and returned to parents Supervision with residence .. .. 4 9 Remanded to Supreme Court .. . . .. 1 Probation • • • • • • 4 3 By-law cases— Admonished and driving license cancelled .. 4 1 Admonished and discharged . . .. 147 169 Convicted and discharged .. .. 3 4 Convicted and fined and/or costs .. 130 lb Discharged 3 6 Pined and/or costs 135 Convicted and costs 3 5 Dismissed 18 4 Ordered to pay costs 2 Admonished and costs .. .. 11 22 Referred to Magistrates'Court .. .. 2 1 Convicted and discharged .. .. o 2 Convicted and driving license cancelled . . 1 .. Admonished and fined . . . . * 10 Convicted and fined and driving license can- 1 I Withdrawn . . celled Placed under supervision .. . . 1 Convicted and discharged and ordered to 1 2 Discharged . . .. make restitution Referred to Magistrates Court .. . . 1 Driving license endorsed . . 1 9 kqa 9 o»9 Acquitted . • • 1 • • Totals 2 > 584 2 ' 982 Admonished and discharged and driving 1 license cancelled

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Table 3.—Total Children appearing before Children's Courts. (Classified according to reason for appearance.)

The records show that, of the numbers dealt with, 264 had been before the Courts for previous offences, but many of these were of a minor nature, and there is every reason to hope that these children will make good with a little friendly supervision. In addition to the above, there were 26 cases dealt with by the Magistrates under the provisions of section 17 of the Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1927, and the informations dismissed as trivial; while there were also 156 cases in which, as a result of consultation between the Child Welfare Officer and the police, the informations were regarded as of insufficient importance to warrant Court action, the children concerned being adequately dealt with otherwise, usually as preventive cases under the supervision of a Child Welfare Officer for a period.

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]936— 193737. 38. (a) Charged with an Offence, or delinquent. Delinquent .. .. ■. 67 150 Theft .. .. .. 723 825 Wilful damage .. .. .. 105 79 Mischief .. .. .. 107 183 Breaking, entering, and theft . . 142 130 Conversion . . . . .. 98 125 Throwing stones . . . . 22 46 Indecent assault .. .. 38 19 Disorderly conduct .. .. 21 25 Receiving .. .. • ■ 28 19 Dangerous driving .. . . 12 13 Assault .. . • ■ ■ 24 16 Discharging firearms .. . . 5 7 False pretences .. ■ • 12 8 Idle and disorderly . . .. 2 1 Obscene language . . . . 5 9 Attempted theft .. .. 5 1 Breach of supervision order . . 5 6 Carnal knowledge .. . . 7 9 Unlawfully on premises .. . . 7 14 Cruelty to animals . . . . 8 5 Breaking and entering .. . . 4 8 Vagrancy .. .. • • 1 1 Negligent riding .. .. 2 13 Driving without license .. .. 26 28 Aiding and abetting .. .. 2 2 Drunkenness . . . . ■ . 2 3 Fraud .. .. .• 1 2 Indecent exposure . . . . 6 2 Negligent driving . . . . 10 15 Breaking and entering with intent 3 12 Breaking insulators . . . . 122 120 False information .. . . 1 Indecency .. .. ■ • 2 3 Absconding . . . . . . 4 Trespass .. .. .. 3 9 Throwing missiles .. . . 15 2 Found on enclosed premises . . 5 Discharging fireworks . . . . 6 3 Forgery . . . . . ■ 4 1 Unnatural offence .. .. 3 1 Attempted breaking and entering 3 Attempted carnal knowledge . . 3 1 Smoking . . . . ■ ■ 2 Dangerous riding . . . . 2 Killing animals .. . . 2 I Frequenting billiard-rooms . . 1 2

1936- 193737. 38. (a) Charged with an Offence, or delinquent —continued. Uttering . . .. .. I 1 5 Presenting a firearm . . . . 1 Attempted breaking and entering with intent 1 Attempted indecent assault . . 1 On licensed premises after hours . . 1 Attempted breaking, entering, and 1 theft Insulting behaviour . . .. 1 Attempted suicide . . . . 1 Breach of agreement under Child 4 1 Welfare Amendment Act Conspiring to defraud . . .. . . 3 Arson . . . . .. . . 2 Unlawful Sunday trading . . .. 4 Attempted theft .. .. .. I Breach of Telephone Regulations .. .. 2 Indecent writing .. .. .. 2 Offensive behaviour .. .. . . 7 Breach of Traffic Regulations .. .. 17 Keeping dangerous animal .. .. 1 Casting offensive matter . . . . 4 Hunting game in a State forest .. .. 1 Attempted arson .. .. .. 4 Breach of Acts — Motor-vehicles t . .. 28 22 Post and Telegraph . . .. 2 Railways . . . . . . 7 12 Fire Brigades .. .. 5 5 Acclimatization . . . . 1 2 Licensing . . . . . . . . 1 Arms . . . . 82 67 Impounding . . . . .. 2 Animal Protection and Game . . . . 4 Breach of city by-laws .. .. 317 361 Total children charged with 2,134 2.447 offences (b) Appearances for other Causes. Indigency . . .. . . 191 211 Not under proper control . . 163 233 Detrimental environments . . 65 51 Neglected .. .. 31 40 Total Court appearances . . 2,584 2,982

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PREVENTIVE WORK. An important part of the work of the Child Welfare Officers is that of adjusting conditions in homes and in connection with families in order to prevent the committal of children to the care of the State, or of coming before the Courts at all. In many cases parents whose children are difficult to manage avail themselves of the services of Child Welfare Officers for the purpose of supervision and friendly guidance. At the end of the year there was a total number of 1,273 being dealt with in this connection. Table 4 shows the number of cases notified during the year.

Table 4.—Preventive Cases. The following table shows the number of cases notified by Child Welfare Officers during the year ended 31st March, 1938 : —

CHILDREN UNDER THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHILD WELFARE BRANCH. At the 31st March, 1938, there were 4,213 children under control (excluding those mentioned under separate headings below), and of these 235 were in residence at Government receiving-homes (many of these only temporarily), training-farms, and training institutions ; 221 in special schools for mentally backward children ; 61 in the four Roman Catholic schools recognized under the Child Welfare Act; 2,041 were boarded-out in foster-homes ; 841 were in licensed situations ; and 579 residing under license with relatives and friends. The remainder were in various private institutions. YOUNG PERSONS IN EMPLOYMENT. Young persons over school age in employment numbered 763 males and 458 females (a number of whom are residing at friends); these are included in the total of 4,213. Of the males, 462 were farm-workers (171 skilled in dairy-work and cheesemaking, and 291 competent to milk and carry out general farm-work), 84 factory employees, 42 shop-assistants, 35 labourers, 11 messengers, 9 clerks, 9 coachbuilders, 7 pressers, 7 carpenters, 6 painters, 6 Railway employees, 6 bakers, 6 butchers, 5 bootmakers, 5 garage assistants, 4 school-teachers, 4 seamen, 4 bowser attendants, 4 storemen, 4 cabinetmakers, 3 motor mechanics, 3 jockeys, 3 electricians, 3 gardeners, 3 freezing-works employees, 3 warehousemen, 2 machinists, 2 engineers, 2 panel-beaters, 2 mill hands, 2 plasterers, 2 grocers' assistants, 1 glass-beveller, 1 nurseryman, 1 tailor, 1 carrier, 1 signwriter, 1 basket-weaver, 1 milkman, I locksmith, 1 plumber, 1 journalist, 1 foundry-hand, 1 upholsterer, and 1 bookbinder. Of the girls, 282 were domestic workers, 91 factory employees, 20 shop-assistants, 16 tailoresses, 11 clerks, 8 dressmakers, 7 waitresses, 4 bookbinders, 4 typistes, 3 machinists, 3 office assistants, 2 milliners, 2 school-teachers, 1 nursemaid, 1 nurse, 1 laundry assistant, 1 fur machinist, and 1 usher. Of the above, 168 (111 boys and 57 girls, including some apprentices) were being partly maintained by the State. INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION (INFANTS ACT, 1908). At the end of the year 842 infants were supervised in 777 licensed foster-homes. Of these homes, 721 had 1 child each, 48 had 2 children each, 7 had 3 children each, ami 1 had 4 children. Payments for maintenance, which were made by the relatives, ranged from 2s. to £2 2s. per week for each child. There were 1,379 infants residing in licensed homes throughout the year, and of these 4 died.

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L t . . _ i Number of District. I Number of Families, j childrenNorth Auckland . . . • ■ • • • • • 26 90 Auckland . . • • • • • ■ • • '* Hamilton . . ■ • ■ • • ■ • ■ 20 Gisborne .. ■ ■ • • • • • • 26 61 Hawke's Bay .. • • ■ ■ • • • • ? Hawera . . • • • • • • • • 23 86 Wanganui . . • • • • • • • • Palmerston North ■ • • • • • • • 1® 27 Wellington . . .. • • • ■ • • 24 34 Nelson and Marlborough . . . . • • • • 4 5 West Coast (South Island) . . . . • ■ • • ' 4 North Canterbury .. ■ ■ • • ■ • 19 41 South Canterbury .. • • • • • • 25 58 Otago .. ■ • • • •• ■ ■ 91 Southland .. • • 18 29 Totals .. • • ■ • • • 277 661

E.—4.

Table 5. —Particulars of Children admitted to and removed from Licensed Foster-homes during Year ended 31st December, 1937.

ADOPTIONS. By an arrangement with the Department of Justice, applications for adoption are investigated hy Child Welfare Officers before being dealt with by Magistrates. During the year ended 31st December, 1937, 406 children were adopted (34 of these being State wards), and in 14 of these cases premiums were approved by the Courts. Of the total number of children adopted, 78 were under the age of 6 months, 59 between the age of 6 and 12 months, 135 between the age of 1 and 5 years, 73 between the age of 5 and 10 years, and 61 between the age of 10 and 15 years. CHILDREN IN RESIDENCE IN CHILDREN'S HOMES REGISTERED UNDER PART I, CHILD WELFARE AMENDMENT ACT, 1927. The following information supplied by the authorities gives particulars of the private admissions to such homes during the year : —

Table 6.

The particulars regarding parentage were as follows : 204 children were orphans, 294 had only mother living, and 664 had only father living.

2—E, 4.

9

. - o o.o o 3» Under 6 SsS See E § S=e 8 as Over 6 r r .,. 0 |„ , S^* 1 £8 3a 5® cs<d s» „ iotals. Months. £>h S ®i* Years. So <n « 10 '®^' H On the books at 31st December, 1936 85 75 139 124 114 105 116 72 830 Placed in foster-homes or transferred 228 58 85 57 53 43 25 .. 549 from other districts during 1937 Totals .. ..313 133 224 181 167 148 141 72 1,379 Removed from homes during 1937— By parents or guardians .. 32 26 66 47 48 27 22 10 278 Deaths . . . . .. 2 1 . . . . • • ■ ■ I • • 4 Adopted without premium 37 27 18 20 13 4 4 2 125 In homes to which exemption .. 1 1 1 3.. 1 7 was granted Brought under operation of 4 12 3 2 3 .. 2 26 Child Welfare Act ' For various other reasons 3 3 6 1 5 4 2 73 97 Total withdrawals .. 78 70 94 71 72 35 30 87 537 On the books at 31st December, 1937 105 97 123 123 134 97 95 68 842

„ ,5 Admissions during 1937. Deaths during 1937. " December, 8 1937. 11 r : ~—' Dfenomination. •§ S ® « J'§ ° g ® « J! °j ,3 ST ® jS J 1 °S ® g H II lis g| II its g| II Its s| 33 S3 «N 25 h. 1 Anglican .. 20 14 29 50 227 1 1 3 11 15 103 583 Roman Catholic .. 12 36 9 161 376 1 1 1 6 | IT 18 163 836 Salvation Army .. 13 730 8 75 1,022 13 1 15 | 82 7 116 479 Presbyterian .. 17 .. .. 52 205 .. .. .. .. j .. . • 86 447 Methodist .. .. 4 .. .. 9 73 | • • 9 183 Plymouth Brethren . . 1 I 15 Baptist .. . • 1 • • • • 14 21 .. . 9 46 Masonic .. . . 2 .. 1 .. 2 .. | 6 . . 19 Undenominational .. 16 16 16 397 1,020 .. .. .. j .. ' 7 18 75 381 Totals.. .. 86 796 63 758 2,946 14 3 2 24 117 64 561 2,989

R.—4

Table 7. —Status of Children and Young Persons under the Guardianship of the Superintendent at the 31st March, 1938.

The following table shows the admissions according to age : —

Table 8. —Committals and Admissions during the Year ended 31st March, 1938.

Table 9 below shows the admissions classified according to the causes of admission. Of the total number (583), 196 were indigent, 121 not under proper control, 75 charged with punishable offences, 36 delinquent, 46 living in a detrimental environment, and 26 neglected. Of the number committed under these headings (503), 371 were placed out in the community before the 31st March, 1938.

Table 9.—Committals and Admissions during the Year ended 31st March, 1938, classified according to Causes of Admission.

Note. —Of the number (503) actually committed to the care of the Superintendent, 89 had been previously dealt with by the Courts and placed under supervision. Of the temporary admissions, 12 were subsequently dealt with by the Courts and were placed under supervision.

10

Status. Boys. Girls. Totals. In residence .. .. .. .. .. 123 112 235 Boarded out .. .. .. .. .. 1,149 892 2,041 At service (includes 8 boys and 23 girls at day service) 533 308 841 With friends .. .. .. .. .. 353 226 579 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. .... 17 12 29 In refuges or cognate institutions . . .. .. 56 34 90 In children's homes registered under Part I, Child Welfare 13 29 42 Amendment Act, 1927 Absent without leave . . .. .. .. 10 4 14 In Y.M.C.A. Plostel, Auckland .. .. .. 15 .. 15 In colleges and residential schools . . .. .. 7 14 21 In girls' hostel, Wellington .. .. .. .. 17 17 In residence, private institutions fRoman Catholic) .. 25 36 61 In schools for mentally backward . . . . .. 168 53 221 In School for Deaf, Sumner .. . . .. 1 6 7 • . > ■ ——: —— Totals .. .. .. .. 2,470 1,743 4,213

Boys. Girls. Totals. I I Under six months .. . . .. . . 40 39 79 Over six months and under one year .... 13 10 23 One year to five years .. .. .. . . 39 33 72 Five years to ten years .. .. . . .. 35 35 70 Ten years to fourteen years . . .. . . 96 56 152 Over fourteen years .. .. .. .. 124 63 187 Totals .. .. .. .. 347 236 583

Taken charge of as Boys. Girls. Totals. Indigent .. .. .. .. .. 102 94 ] 96 Delinquent . . . . .. .. .. 31 5 36 Detrimental environment . . . . . . . . 11 35 46 Neglected .. .. .. .. .. 16 10 26 Not under proper control .. .. . . .. 62 59 121 Accused or guilty of punishable offences .. .. 71 4 75 Admission by private arrangement (section 12, Child 8 5 13 Welfare Act, 1925) Temporary arrangement . . .. .... 35 17 52 Supervision with residence .. .. .. .. 7 .. 7 Held on warrant pending decision of the Court (section 13 3 5 8 (2), Child Welfare Act, 1925) Breach of supervision order (section 30, Child Welfare j 1 j 2 3 Amendment Act, 1927) Totals .. .. .. .. 347 ! 236 583

E.—4.

Table 10.—Children before the Courts during the Year ended 31st March, 1938, and placed under the Supervision of Child Welfare Officers. (Section 13(4).)

Note.— l lwelve of the above were again before the Courts during this period and were placed under a further term of supervision, 41 were again before the Courts during this period and were committed to the care of the Superintendent 16 were already under supervision, and 9 were ordered to spend a period in an institution. Furthermore 4:2 had previously been under supervision.

Table 11a.—Committals and Admissions classified according to Parents' Circumstances and Character (arranged in Families).

11

Boys. j Girls. j Totals. J I Charged with an offence . . . . . . . . 426 35 4.51 Delinquent .. .. .. .. .. .. 101 16 117 Not under proper control , . .. .. .. 79 25 104 In detrimental environment .. .. .. .. 1 4 5 Indigent .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 3 5 Neglected .. . . . . . . . . j I Informal supervision .. .. .. .. .. 3 j 4 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 613 84 697

Reasons for Committal and Admission of Children. § u SR ' § £ 'S d & o |.3 S •- Father described as Mother described as -g n J 'g £ H t§ 1 S U g "So g % m -S o C O "9 a &t> 5 d gQ -f £ 31 -I |-s s.s t's s :§-§ «-<» 3 I s I II -si h os * = u s| g|« 8,« g | is L o «| g«3 -g s ° o -g fc g 3 9 £ CO A OOi I® a o.S 1 Ph Good .. .. 19 21 5 1 44 35 12 5 1 143 Questionable .. 4.. 2 2 1 .. 2 .. .. 11 Bad .. 1 .. .. ., i Good .. .J Dead •• •• 6 2 9 9 1 .. .. 27 Deserter .. .. 1 1 2 1 .. .. 5 Mentally unfit .. 2.. 1 .. 4 .. .. .. .. 7 Identity unknown.. 1 . . , . . . 1 > Character unknown 1 . . . . 1 Good .. .. 12 1 2 4 6 4 .... 29 Questionable 13 1 5 1 5 2 .. .. .. 27 Questionable . . -/ ® ad • • 1 • • • • ■ ■ • ■ ■ ■ 1 I Dead .. .. 22.. .. 4 1 3 .. .. 12 I Deserter .. 1 1 i 2 t Mentally unlit .. 4 1 2 .. .. .. 7 f Good .. .. 2 2.. .. 1 3 .. 1 9 ! Questionable 3 .. 1 1 1 fi • • • •'{ Dead .. .... 1 .... 2 3 i Bad i .. '' ;; i L Mentally unfit 1 . . . . . . 1 f Good .. ..56.. .. 6 6 2 .. 1 26 I Questionable .. 2 .. 2 .. 1 .. . 5 Dead .. .. Bad . . 1 2 ! ! 3 I Dead .. .. 9 1 .. i ,. .. n I Mentally unfit 1 .. .. ., . . .. ] Deserter .. Good .. 3 i 1 ., ,, 5 Mentally unfit ..{ JJentlly unfit " 1 !! !! " i.' } Physically unfit .. Good .. 2 .. .. .. 2 f Good . . .. 15 .. .. 1 4 1 1 .. .. 22 J Questionable 16 1 .. 1 .. .. 18 Character unknown <J ' j ' j J Mentally unfit .. 6 1 .. .. .. .. 7 [ Character unknown 1 1 17 .. 5 24 f Good .. .. 5 1 .. .. .. .. 6 I Questionable .. 4.... 1 2 .. .. .. .. 7 Identity unknown ■; Pf aC !-, '' ? '' '' '' ® j Identity unknown 1 . . . . . . [ | Deserter .. .. 1 .. ,. ., 1 [_ Bad .. 1 .. .. .. x Totals .. .. 139 37 22 14 100 73 48 6 7 *446 * These families represent 583 children.

E.—4.

Table 11b.—Parents described as addicted to Drink at Time of Admission and Committal of Children (included in Table 11a).

In the case of 48 of the children mentioned in Tables 11a and 11b the parents were living apart or were divorced, and 26 families were represented. Seventeen were orphans, 69 mother dead, and 48 father dead.

Table 12. —Committals and Admissions classified according to Religious Beliefs.

The records show that of this total 161, or 27-62 per cent., were known to be illegitimate. The children admitted were from the following districts : Auckland, 95 ; Wellington, 88 ; Christchurch, 84 ; Dunedin, 28 ; Invercargill, 26 ; Masterton, 18 ; Palmerston North, 15 ; Ruatoria, 12 ; Timaru, 12 ; Napier, 11 ; Nelson, 9 ; Wanganui, 8 ; Gisborne, 8 ; Taumarunui, 8 ; Stratford, 6 ; Hamilton, 6 ; Paeroa, 6 ; Rawene, 6 ; Lower Hutt, 5 ; Whakatane, 5 ; Kaitangata, 5 ; Tokomaru Bay, 5 ; Onehunga, 4 ; Hokitika, 4 ; Hastings, 4 ; Ashburton, 4 ; Rotorua, 4 ; Westport, 4 ; Tikitiki, 4 ; Eketahuna, 3 ; Kaikoura, 3 ; Mosgiel, 3 ; Blenheim, 3 ; Levin, 3 ; Petone, 3 ; Whangarei, 3 ; Pirongia, 3 ; two from each of the following places : Hawera, Te Araroa, New Plymouth, Thames, Dannevirke, Rangiora, Waitara, Taihape, Greymouth, Otahuhu, Upper Hutt, Ahipara, Winchester, Marton ; one from each of the following places : Wairoa, Kerikeri, Huntly, Mangatoki, Oamaru, Ngaruawahia, Te Kuiti, Houhora, Riverton, Cambridge, Raetibi, Carterton, Hope, Waiuku, Plimmerton, Waitoa, Reefton, Eltham, Ohau, Roxburgh, Tinwald, Otanga, Helensville, Opotiki, Warkworth, Kaikohe, Frankton, Rona Bay, Darfield, Katikati, Manaia, Pukekohe, Mahoenui, Tauranga. Chatham Islands, Te Puke, and Tuatapere : 383 from the North Island ; 200 from the South Island—total, 583.

Table 13. —Inmates discharged from Control during the Year ended 31st March, 1938.

The average age at discharge for the year was seventeen years ten months.

12

Reasons for Committal and Admission of Children. I GO • _! (-1 C+-I . Cj +3 r O • § 5H O 9 § S g 2 CD O r-O <3-> r< O O •| . & £ | -1 °° | f . Father described as Mother described as -g § H "8 pi So I 2 a° 1i^ I | 3l ! i! lis II §2 i I I i a | II li §11 !'| Q | 5 || g,« g| S o g a phts g ? 00 ■§ £ §i* a §~a 00 2 g> ft «)Ph g J® .9 I I f Bad .. ' 1 .. ] Dead .. ..21.. 1 2.. .. 1 ' .. 7 Addicted to drink <! Physically unfit 1 .. .. I 1 Good '.. .... 1 1 .. 2 4 Questionable .. 3 j .. .. .. 3 Questionable .. Addicted to drink .. .. 1 . . . . . . 1 Totals .. ... 5 2 3 2 4 j .. .. 1 j .. *17 * These families represent 38 children.

o 43 a ~ a § £>•!§ 03 5 S -PH i? j -g £ ~ c-3 . S fig a i £ § a 'i ■■§ g | 2 || g | I ■a | s £ | 3 •si fl « i ® l lmocg £ £ £ h Number .. 279 139 84 36 18 13 5 3 1 1 1 1 2 583 Percentage .. 47-8623-8414-41 6-18 3-09 2-23 0-86 0-51 0-17 0-17 0-17 0-17 0-34100-00

—-— I Boys. Girls. Total. Discharged (section 23, Child Welfare Act, 1925) . . 267 118 385 Attained the age of twenty-one years .. .. 15 28 43 Adopted .. .. .. .. .. 14 19 33 Returned to relatives . . . . . . . . j 30 9 39 Died .. . . . . . . . . .. 4 1 5 Married .. .. .. .. .. 22 22 Extended control expired . . . , . . .. . . 4 4 Totals .. .. .. .. 330 201 531 ■

E.—4,

BLIND CHILDREN. The education of blind children is compulsory, and where necessary the Department arranges for the admission of pupils to the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, a private institution situated at Auckland. There were 17 Government pupils in residence at 31st March, 1938, but many parents arrange privately with the Institute for the admission of their children. The annual report which is issued by the institution gives a full account of its various activities.

Table 14.—Institutions for Backward Children: Numbers at 31st March, 1938.

These two institutions provide for children who, being mentally retarded, cannot, for one reason or another, be taught efficiently at the ordinary school or provided for at a special class. The ordinary school curriculum is adjusted to meet the needs of the pupils and is administered by specially trained teachers of long experience in this particular work. Handwork, of course, occupies a prominent place. The health of the children at both institutions during the year was very good. A competent nurse is attached to the staff of each institution. SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS, OTEKAIKE. In 1906 the Government purchased 159 acres of the property of the Hon. Robert Campbell situated at Otekaike, near Oamaru, and in the following year a further area of 342 acre ). The land purchased was subdivided and disposed of by lease with the exception of the homestead and 65 acres of grounds and plantations immediately surrounding it, which with the addition of 277 acres were handed over to the Education Department. This land and the homestead block were gazetted as land reserved for the establishment of a school for mentally backward children. The first pupils were admitted towards the end of 1908. At that time there were 4 pupils in residence, although accommodation for 22 was available. Later provision was made for approximately 70. The growth of the institution has been rapid, and with improvements to the land and the addition of buildings there are at present 140 pupils in the day-school section and 60 in the industrial section. The climate of Otekaike is invigorating, the rainfall light, and, although the temperature is sometimes low in winter, the altitude and the dryness of the atmosphere make climatic conditions unusually favourable. The annual report of the Manager of the Special School for Boys is appended. Annual Report of the Manager of the Special School for Boys, Otekaike. I beg to submit herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1938, on this School, which was established in 1908 for the purpose of educating and training boys of subnormal mentality who are considered able to benefit by instruction. . On the 31st March, 1938, the number of boys in residence was 200 ; of these, 140 were in the day-school section and 60 in the industrial department. Seventy new pupils were admitted during the year, and 79 left the institution. Of those who left, 75 returned to ordinary life in the community, 4 were found to be unsuitable for training in the institution; of these, 3 were transferred to the Templeton Farm Home and 1 to the Boys Training-farm, Weraroa. . In the industrial department the boys received training in farm, garden, and orchard work, bootmakmg and repairing, coir-mat making, seagrass-furniture making and basketmaking, carpentry, and general domestic work (laundry, kitchen, &c.). j The farm supplied the requirements of the institution in fresh milk, meat, and potatoes. Ihe garden produced an abundant supply of fresh vegetables, and, in addition, all the fruit required for jam-making, &c. In the boot-shop the boots required by the inmates during the year were made, together with the horse and cow covers required on the farm ; and all the repairs necessary to boots, harness, &c., were carried out. Coir mats, seagrass furniture, and basketware were made in the basket-shop. Of the 140 boys in the day school, the average chronological age was twelve years four months, average mental age eight years seven and a half months, with an average intelligence quotient (Terman) of 0-70. these pupils, all were either retarded boys of definite temperamental instability or subnormal boys, the great majority of whom are mentally unstable. . The aim of the School is to re-place in public schools retarded boys as soon as they give promise of making satisfactory social adjustment, and to train the subnormal boys, so that on leaving the school they may be replaced in the community and ultimately become self-supporting. . . + In the curriculum although emphasis is laid on physical, manual, and musical work, academic work is not neglected, and the academic classes for the year ended 31st March, 1938, comprised Primer 1 to Standard 4. Training in woodwork was given by the Woodwork Instructor. When it is found that a pupil has advanced as far as possible in academic work he is transferred to the senior manual class for special manual training to fit him to be generally useful and to enable him to accept, responsibility.

13

( Special School for Boys, Otekaike, and Special School for Girls, Richmond.) Richmond Otekaike Total (Girls). | (Boys). j In residence . . • ■ • • ■ • • • 60 200 260 On vacation .. .. •• •• 1 1 Day pupils .. • • • • • • • • 3 At day service . . .. • • • • • • 1 • • ~ In hospitals, &c. .. . . • • • • • • ? Totals 72 219 291

E.—4.

Recreational activities hold an important place in our training. They consist of scouting, moutn-organ band, organized games, sports, and picnics. During the football season matches were played with neighbouring public schools. One was played against the Kurow District High School, when the Kurow School kindly entertained our team and staff at afternoon tea. In the second term the scouts accepted an invitation to attend the Oamaru St. Paul's Scout Group birthday party ; and in the third term the Special School Scouts entertained the District Scout Commissioner, Girl Guide District Commissioner, and representatives of the Oamaru Scout Groups and their committees. At the beginning of the year a cub pack was formed. To Oamaru Toe Ewe are indebted for their liberal entertainment of the boys. During the winter months the members of Toe H gave them a concert, and in December gave them a picnic, providing toys, refreshments, and entertainment. This proved the gala day of the year to the children. On Labour Day the Salvation Army Band from Oamaru visited, and rendered a programme of band music which was much appreciated. In October, when the mouth-organ band went to the Kurow Anglican Church to provide music for the service, and later, when a number of children gave a concert at Duntroon for the Salvation Army, they were able to repay a little of the kindness and interest shown by our Vicar, Rev. W. Edgar, and the Salvation Army officers. At the end of last year Mr. A. P. Roydhouse organized a visit of thirty-five Dunedin Training College students and teachers. This visit proved a source of interest and pleasure to staff and inmates. The visits of both Otago and Canterbury Inspectors, of Mr. Roydhouse, Physical Instructor, and Mr. Green, Supervisor of Manual Training, have been helpful and stimulating. Talkie-picture programmes were screened weekly in the Social Hall, and these, with the radio, are proving of educational and recreational value, not only giving pleasure to the children but serving to keep them in touch with outside events. We are much indebted to the Films Exchange Association for supplying the films gratis. A good scale of dietary, with adequate variety, including a plentiful supply of fresh milk, eggs, and vegetables, was maintained during the year, and was favourably commented on by the School Medical Officer, Dr. Stevenson, on the occasion of her recent visit of inspection. The health of the institution during the year was very good, and visitors have frequently remarked upon the healthy, well-nourished appearance of the boys. W. Meikleham, Manager. SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, RICHMOND. In 1904 a property consisting of about 28 acres of land with the homestead and out-buildings was purchased by the Department at Richmond for the purposes of establishing a school for mentally backward girls. On account of difficulties in connection with the whole policy of dealing with the feeble-minded the matter of erecting buildings was not undertaken until some eleven years later —in 1915 —and in the meantime the property was utilized by the Mental Hospitals Department for the purpose of housing a number of low-grade imbecile boys. In 1915 a start was made with the erection of two cottage homes, each to accommodate about 35 girls, and the institution was opened for the reception of girls in 1916. Later on a school-house was provided and a large administrative block comprising a kitchen, dining-room, recreation room, and various offices. The original homestead building, known as Top-house, was vacated about 1933 on account of its unserviceable condition. The number of girls on the roll at the 31st March, 1938, was 72. For the inmates under fifteen years a simplified system of primary-school education is provided. For the younger inmates the methods of the kindergarten are largely employed, and special attention is given to hand-work, singing, folk dancing, eurythmics, and organized games. All the inmates participate in the latter, but when a girl passes through the day school she receives an all-round training in housewifery, with the object of placement when fully competent. The system usually followed by the Department is to transfer these girls when their training at Richmond has been completed to one of the receivinghomes in the four centres, with the object of additional training under conditions that approximate as near as possible to those obtaining in the ordinary family home. At Richmond every effort is made to keep the inmates in touch with the outside world. The inmates are frequently taken to entertainments in Nelson and Richmond, and usually attend at any of the children's and young peoples sports meetings. Report of the Principal, Special School for Girls, Richmond. I have the honour to submit the following report for the year ended 31st March, 1938 : — On the Ist April there were 72 pupils on the roll; of these, 3 girls were day pupils, 1 going out by day to work, 1 in hospital, 1 on holiday, 6 in custodial institutions, and 60 resident boarders. During the year 26 girls were admitted, the youngest being seven years of age. Of the 29 who have left the institution, 4 were boarded out in foster-homes, 7 went into the care of relatives, 7 were placed in situations, 8 went to receiving-homes with a view to their placement in the community, 1 went to Templeton Farm, and 2 were transferred to the Girls' Home, Burwood. Thirteen girls spent their Christmas holidays in their own homes or with former foster-parents; the remainder camped at Tahuna Beach for seventeen days with much resultant benefit from the change. Both school and house girls played basketball in the winter, including matches against Tahuna, Stoke, and Richmond Schools, and the Catholic Orphanage team. The house girls have been taught to play tennis and clock golf, and each girl has her own garden plot to care for. They have handwork and drill for an hour in the afternoons daily. The school gained prizes at the Nelson and Richmond Shows for handwork. The health of the girls has been uniformally good and there has not been any epidemic of any kind during the course of the year. G. G. Meddins, Principal. SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, SUMNER. The School for the Deaf at Sumner, Christchurch, was opened on the 10th March, 1880. It is the only residential institution for deaf children in New Zealand. Day pupils whose parents or relatives live in the neighbourhood of the institution also attend the classes. Children of both sexes of normal mentality are admitted, usually between the ages of six and seven years, and leave the School as soon as they have completed their education or when they have reached a standard equivalent to a primary school.

14

E.—4

At the 31st March, 1938, there were 113 pupils on the roll, including 17 day pupils. The annual report of the Principal is appended : — Annual Report of the Principal, School for the Deaf, Sumner, 1937-38. T have the honour to lay before the Department my report for the year ended 31st March, 1938 Data relating to the number of pupils is set out hereunder : —

The standard of work was well maintained during the year. The Canterbury Education Board's Inspectors visited the school, and a thorough survey was made of the genera! attainments of the classes and the work of the teachers. The comments on the work and organization were of a favourable nature. Staff Library.—The teachers' library, which is maintained by regular contributions from each individual member of the teaching staff, continues to grow. Periodicals dealing with current thought and modern trends, as well as standard works on the teaching of the deaf and treatment of speech, are thus available for use and discussion by the whole of the staff. Pupils' Library.—The library books in the girls' library are in good order and are freely used. Most of the boys' library books need renewing, and this matter will receive attention when the new boys' house is available. The Press, Star-Sun, Auckland Weekly News, London Illustrated News, Pictorial Education, and the Geographical Magazine are made good use of in the class-rooms and are available to the children at all times. In addition to the usual school subjects, special attention was given to the boys' woodwork by Mr. L. F. Regnault and very creditable work was turned out. I propose in the near future by the use of power tools to make a start on practical lines with the manufacture of chairs, &c., for use in the institution. The girls were taught sewing and dressmaking. For this purpose three sewing-machines were used by the sewing class. Pinafores, dresses, and other garments were cut out and made up by the older pupils. Knitting was successfully undertaken by many of the girls. Tea-cosies, socks, scarves, and jumpers are also made. Pewter-work instruction was also given. Decorated bowls, candle-sticks, serviette-rings, matchbox-stands, and reading-lamp pedestals were made. Leather table-centres and bookmarkers were made by the girls. Silk art-work in the making of toilet sets, stencilling of cushion-covers and table-runners, was undertaken. Mending, darning, ironing, and laundry-work were carried out by the pupils under supervision. Training in housework also received attention. In the cooking class the girls were put through a variety of cooking and did good work. At intervals the girls were given the necessary ingredients and material and were left to prepare meals, &c., without supervision of any kind. The results quite justified this method of testing the pupils' abilities and knowledge. Gardening-work was given. The work of propagation of seeds, planting, thinning out, and weeding was covered by the boys. Manuring and cultivation of the soil was practised. All the boys leaving school learnt to milk and to attend to the feeding of the cows and horse. Haymaking and stacking were features in which the boys took parr. A stack-cover was made entirely by the boys themselves. I have to record the retirement on superannuation of Miss C. M. Leary, who had been Matron of the School for the last twenty-five years. Miss Leary gave loyal and valuable service to the deaf, and carries with her in her retirement the best wishes of all connected with the school. The vacancy caused by Miss Leary's resignation was filled by Nurse Gray, who entered enthusiastically into her duties as from the commencement of the School vear in February. During the year the School was visited by the Hon. Mr. Fraser, the Minister of Education. As an outcome of his visit plans were prepared for the rebuilding of the boys' house, which was in a tumbledown condition. Work on the new structure commenced in January. The building is to be of wood, and generous facilities are provided for the children and staff. Parents and various people interested in the institution are very gratified that this necessary work has been put in hand. The health of the children during the year was uniformly good, and thanks are due to the Matron and her staff for their care and attention. The diet as drawn up by the Department of Health is in use and is proving highly satisfactory. Under Mrs. Gray's supervision the dormitories and various other parts have been brightened up considerably by tinting and decorating and enamelling the bedsteads and furnishings in suitable colours. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the loyal co-operation of the staff in carrying out the work of the institution during the year. T. F. Chambers, Principal. BOYS' TRAINING-FARM, WERAROA. In 1899 a sum of £1,000 was voted by Cabinet for the establishment of a boys' industrial school in the Wellington District. Two years later approximately 400 acres, a portion of the Levin State Farm, was granted as a site for the proposed school. This land was gazetted on the 11th November, 1902, as "land permanently reserved for a reformatory site." The urgent need for removing the older resident boys from the Caversham Industrial School decided the Government to enter into occupation of the Boys' Training-farm, even although the accommodation at that time was limited. The boys from Caversham accordingly entered their new home on the 2nd November, 1905, and at the end of that year there was a total of 111 in residence. The girls remained on at Caversham. Two sections of the property, one of 32 acres and the other 232 acres, were disposed of in 1933 as unnecessary for the purposes of the institution. At present the question of reorganizing the buildings on modern lines for the purpose of providing additional educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for the boys, is under consideration.

15

j Boys. Girls. J Total. Pupils on the roll as at 1st April, 1937 .. .. • • 57 51 10® Admitted during the year . . .. .. .. . . 7 9 Total .. . . . • ■ • • ■ ■ • 64 60 124 Died 1 1 I Left during the year . . .. . . • • • ■ • • 5 + On the roll as at 31st March, 1938 .. .. 58 55 113

E.—4.

At the 31st March, 1938, there were 51 boys in residence at the Farm. The Manager's report for the year is appended : — Annual Report op the Manager of the Boys' Training-parm, Weraroa, 1937-38. Curriculum.—Boys on admission are given a fatherly talk by the Manager, and spend under the supervision of the Matron and staff a period of six weeks in domestic training and training in habits of personal cleanliness and tidiness. Each boy is then placed, as far as practicable, at the work he desires to take up in after-life, such as carpentering, plumbing, gardening, and agricultural work in all its branches. Aims.—The aims of the institution are to train a boy to rehabilitate himself by endeavouring to inculcate into him new thoughts and new ideals through appealing to his better nature and in other ways. Weekly talks by the Manager on current topics and on matters pertaining to the moral side of life and life in general are featured. This is of great assistance in gaining the confidence of a boy and instilling in him a fuller appreciation of his responsibilities in the community. The response to these talks has proved how much appreciated and beneficial they are. Recreation.—Facilities are provided for football, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, swimming, and' boxing, while the daily newspaper, Weekly Press, and New Zealand Free Lance, together with a good range of books in the°library, are available for the boys. Indoor games and a radio receiver are provided. The boys play games such as cricket and football regularly with local teams. They are linked up with a Young Farmers' Club and attend lectures by the Agriculture Department's officers. Fortnightly visits to the picture-theatre are made, while frequent picnics are held at the river and beach. Religious Instruction. —Ministers of the various denominatious make weekly visits, and are given everv opportunity to make contact with the boys. Diet.—The boys are exceptionally well catered for in this respect, and are given ample milk, vegetables, and fruit, all of which are produced, on the farm. It has been stated that the beef produced on the farm is the best beef killed at the local abattoirs. Health.—Weekly weights are kept of boys, and it has been noticed that boys considerably increase in weight soon after admission. Their health is very good, and there has not been an outbreak of disease or epidemic of any description during the year. On admission each boy is examined by Dr. Hunter, who prescribes for him any treatment that may be necessary. The local dentist also examines the boys on admission and at regular intervals thereafter, and any necessary dental work is undertaken. Records are kept of illnesses, and any boy requiring treatment receives adequate care and attention. Details of admissions to the institution and the subsequent placement of the boys during the year are as follows : Number in residence at Ist April, 1937, 27 ; admitted during the year ended 31st March, 1938, 107 : total, 134. Of the 107 admissions for the year, 83 were new admissions, 14 had been placed at service but returned to the institution, 7 had been placed with friends but returned to the institution, and 3 were transferred from other institutions. During the year 83 were placed out in the community from the institution, leaving 51 in residence at 31st March, 1938. Of those placed out, situations were found for 31, 24 were placed with friends, 11 were transferred to other institutions, 7 were transferred to custodial institutions, 5 were discharged from the Department's control, 1 was in hospital, 2 were absent without leave, and 2 were committed to Borstal. J. J. Hebcook, Manager. GIRLS' HOSTEL, WELLINGTON. A property with residence thereon in Tinakori Road, Wellington, was leased and possession entered into in 1900 for purposes of a receiving-home, and was purchased by the Government in 1906. It was temporarily closed in 1925 on the opening of the Children's Home at Miramar, which was more suitable for the purposes of a receiving-home, but in March, 1927, was reopened as a Hostel for older girls, particularly to meet the needs of those girls who, while requiring oversight, are suitable or desirous of taking up employment in shops and offices. Girls are admitted from all parts of the Dominion to the Hostel. As soon as a girl earns sufficient to keep herself, and the Department is satisfied she is competent to manage her own affairs, she is boarded-out with private people and the supervision over her is gradually relaxed until her discharge. In all cases an endeavour is made to link the girl up with some club or Church organization, &c. A brief report on the working of the Girls' Hostel for the year is appended :— Annual Report op the Matron, Girls' Hostel, Wellington. The Hostel was opened on 14th March, 1927, and since that date the total number of girls who have been in residence for varying periods is 210. Of these the majority are now married, and the rest are doing well in their various positions —there are very few of whom I have no record subsequent to their leaving the Hostel. During the past twelve months the number of new admissions was 18, while 16 girls ceased to reside at the Hostel. Of the latter, 7 went to private board, 3 returned to the care of their relatives, 2 were placed at domestic service, and 4 were transferred to other institutions. Those who went to relatives and private board are doing well in their respective positions and are earning sufficient to maintain themselves. The two placed at domestic service proved unsuitable for other kinds of work, and those transferred to other institutions were cases for custodial care. Of the girls at present in residence, 15 are at various places of employment in the city (shops, offices, factories, &c.), their earnings ranging from 15s. to £1 15s. per week, and 2 are doing domestic work at the Hostel. Six of the girls are at present attending evening classes at the Technical College. The daily routine follows as nearly as possible that of a private home. On returning from work the girls employ or amuse themselves in knitting, sewing, reading, dancing, &c. They have a library, also a radio and a piano, at their disposal. Usually once a week they go to the pictures. When the weather is suitable, picnics and swimming are indulged in during the week-ends. A basketball team has been formed, and during the season it practices and plays regularly against other teams. The general health is excellent, and the dietary scale is as recommended by Dr. David Whyte, who takes a keen personal interest in the welfare of the institution and the girls. Every effort is made to keep the girls happy and well employed. They are taught to do their own sewing and to buy and look after their own clothes. They are encouraged to make suitable friendships and contacts and to bring their friends to the Hostel, and in all other respects to regard the place as their own home. It is only in exceptional cases that the results achieved are unsatisfactory. I. Williams, Matron.

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GIRLS' HOME, BURWOOD. The Government in 1900 purchased at Burwood, near Christchurch, 9 acres of land with a residence thereon, and a further area of 42 acres of swamp land. With additions to the building this property, under the name of the " Te Oranga Home," was opened in 1901 as an industrial school for girls, and the girls from the Burnham Industrial School were transferred there. With the reorganization of the system the property was closed in 1918, but reopened at the beginning of 1928 under the name of the Girls' Home, Burwood, and a number of the older girls from the Gaversham Industrial School were transferred to the institution. Briefly, the purpose cf the Home is to provide for older girls who, on account of certain anti-social tendencies, frequently due to undesirable environments or associations, require a period of guidance and institutional training. At the 31st March, 1938, there were 62 girls in residence. The annual report of the Principal is appended : — t Annual Report op the Principal, Girls' Home, Burwood. During the year the girls have received the usual training in housework, laundry-work, cooking, and dressmaking, while many have been taught gardening and poultry-farming. Our aim is to make each girl capable of managing a home. Most of them will eventually marry, and of those who do not, many will earn their living at housework. The girls leave Burwood thoroughly trained in all branches of domestic work. As well as the laundry for our own Home, we do the Boys' Home and Receiving-home laundry. The poultry-farm provides eggs for the School for the Deaf and the Receiving-home, as well as for our own use. There is a well-balanced and varied dietary scale, fruit and cereals for breakfast, as well as brown and white bread, butter, jam, &c. The girls have meat once a day, and there is fish once a week, and an ample supply of fresh vegetables. In summer salads are provided regularly for tea, and there is always some extra dish besides bread, butter, and jam or honey. The girls have opportunities of choosing what they would like for their meals. Eggs and milk are included in the dietary scale. Every girl attends school for one and a half hours each day, where they are taught embroidery, marquetry, painting, drawing, and other subjects of cultural value, according to their ability. There are three large radios in the institution, and the girls listen regularly to the educational broadcasts as part of their school-work, as well as to the music. One night a week they have a visiting singing teacher. There is a good library. The St. Johns Ambulance Brigade have very kindly sent instructors throughout the year, and classes have been held in first aid and home nursing. Of the 32 pupils who sat for their examination in first aid, 31 gained their certificates ; and of 17 pupils in the home-nursing class, all passed their examination. A mothercraft class also was formed under Mrs. Garland, a Plunket Nurse, in which the girls showed great interest. Further classes in all these subjects are to be held. There is a Red Cross circle, and portfolios are exchanged with circles in other countries. Parcels of clothing are made up as gifts to poor families, the materials being purchased with money which the girls raise for the purpose. During the year they held a concert to help their funds, and on another occasion Mr. F. A. Bullock kindly brought out a concert party, and admission was charged to help the Red Cross Society. Girls attend their own Churches, and visiting teachers of different denominations hold Bible classes tor the girls on Sunday afternoons. . , The «irls' recreation is well catered for, so that when they leave here they can enter into the normal activities "of girls of their own age. There are two basketball-courts, a tennis-court, swimming-bath, and a croquet-green. They have dancing and games for one hour and a half every evening in the Recreation Hall under the supervision of the teacher. In the winter evenings they also play cards. Everything possible is done to keep the girls happy and give them normal healthy interests. The annual garden party was held on the 30th October, and £94 14s. 3d. was made for the Recreation Fund. This fund provides outings and amusements for the girls throughout the year. Mrs. Morrow also brought out a concert party to assist the fund. 114. All the girls have been taken for a number of whole-day outings to the beach, and have gone regularly to the pictures. As well as this, small parties of about eight girls have gone out with one of the staff nearly every Saturday, in summer-time to the beach and in winter to the gardens and for whole-day walks on the hills. They have also attended socials and other Church gatherings. On 12th May the staff and girls of one building invited everybody from the other building to a Coronation party. Four one-act plays were staged, and the evening was taken up with dancing, games, competitions, and supper. At Christmas every girl receives a parcel of presents. , . , There are a number of day-service girls in residence : these are girls who are not yet ready to be placed at service away from the Home but who deserve a chance to prove themselves, and who, we thmk, will benefit by a gradual change from institution life to outside life. They have special privileges; they stay up later in the evening, and have supper. They join in the activities of the other girls who are placed m situations and who come to the Home on their afternoons off, and when free on Sundays. Picture parties are arranged for all the service girls once a fortnight, and they do their own shopping, with assistance from the staff in charge of them Beach parties and walks on the hills are also regularly arranged. The " living-out service girls are encouraged to join clubs such as the Y.W.C.A., Toe H„ &c„ and form friendships away from the Home As they become more self-reliant and capable they are given more freedom, manage their own money, and find their own positions, so that they gradually adjust themselves to outside conditions before being discharged. There were 38 new admissions during the year, Ist April, 1937, to 31st March, 1938. Of the 45 who left during the year 7 were found to be unsuitable for training in this institution, and 3 were accordingly transferred to Templeton Farm, 2 to Mount 1 Magdala, and 2 to custodial institutions; 16 were returned to the care of the parents or relatives, either in this district or elsewhere; 11 were discharged from the control of the Department; 10 were transferred to other districts (4 of these going to the Girls' Hostel, Wellington); and 1 was married. C. N. Findlay, Principal. *

3—E. 4.

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E. —4.

ILLEGITIMACY. By an arrangement with the Registrar-General all illegitimate births are notified (section 41, Child Welfare Act, 1925) to Child Welfare Officers, who investigate all cases and seek to advise and assist the mother where possible. The following table shows the result of such investigations : —

Table 15.

Total number of births, 26,014 (exclusive of Maoris). Illegitimate births, 1,210 = 4-651 per cent, of total births.

Table 16.—Expenditure on the Education of Backward Children.

Table 17. —Expenditure on School tor the Deaf, Sumner, for Period ended 31st March, 1938. £ £ Salaries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..6,176 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Maintenance of pupils and sundry expenses .. .. .. .. .. 2,061 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 319 Maintenance of buildings, furnishings, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 386 8,959 Less — Parental contributions and amount received from Hospital and Charitable Aid Board .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,938 Board of staff .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 452 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 2,393 £6,566 The net expenditure for year ended 31st March, 1937, was £6,365. ■

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ILLEGITIMACY. By an arrangement with the Registrar-General all illegitimate births are notified (section 41, Child Welfare Act, 1925) to Child Welfare Officers, who investigate all cases and seek to advise and assist the mother where possible. The following table shows the result of such investigations : — Table 15. Jglfc £:§ £ o $ « -asl-S £ 0<0< 2S SCSI'S * «3 r o -3 m® « N ' Stodfloo' 2 5S S§S| m S »°S g££i°§ gill 3 © CS3 S ® ° O h O <JJ .... 2 (HM O gj O » e8 g ® District. f g U % ® S I'Ss'S.a 8 "§ ® 3 ! *'g®£'§ S|>H m ■ S<g.g>HS Sort's g « gogi ■§ 1 -;n Si* S > si §!■« !al l°il I|J-~ s°.ai>s2 j>§£.ss j?.54£s «SfSs JI1I5I nllU 111138 n R H S3 B gsootjto 3 North Auckland ..41 47 41 6 3 .. 11 Auckland .. .. 270 226 210 16 2 7 89 South Auckland 121 53 44 9 9 1 22 Gisborne and Poverty Bay 23 21 21 .. 1 3 7 Hawke'sBay .... 59 43 41 2 7 1 11 Hawera and Taranaki .. 42 40 40 .. . . 3 17 Wanganui ..... 27 29 28 1 3 .. 12 Palmerston North 69 37 35 2 1 2 10 Wellington and Wairarapa 211 178 178 .. 73 8 97 Nelson and Marlborough 32 22 22 .. 2 3 13 West Coast (South Island) 19 20 19 1 4 L 7 North Canterbury . . 148 134 129 5 49 21 70 South Canterbury .. 24 19 19 .. 9 3 15 Otago .. .. ..84 70 69 1 29 2 60 Southland .. 40 37 36 1 37 .. 37 Totals .. .. 1,210 976 932 44 229 55_ 478 Total number of births, 26,014 (exclusive of Maoris). Illegitimate births, 1,210 = 4-651 per cent, of total births. Table 16.—Expenditure on the Education or Backward Children. Item. Otekaike. Richmond. Total, £ £ £ Salaries .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,544 3,386 13,930 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 3 4 7 Maintenance of buildings .. .. .. .. 1,241 920 2,161 Maintenance of institutions .. .. .. 6,521 2,475 8,996 Contingencies .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 25,095 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 702 Postage and telegrams .. .. .. .. .. .. Ill Less— 25,908 Board of staff .. .. .. .. 1,416 406 <■ ' 1,822 Recoveries (parental contributions and revenue from farm, sale of articles manufactured, &c.) .. 1,852 3,674 22,234 Table 17. —Expenditure on School tor the Deaf, Sumner, for Period ended 31st March, 1938. £ £ Salaries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..6,176 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Maintenance of pupils and sundry expenses .. .. .. .. .. 2,061 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 319 Maintenance of buildings, furnishings, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 386 8,959 Less — Parental contributions and amount received from Hospital and Charitable Aid Board .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,938 Board of staff .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 452 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 2,393 £6,566 The net expenditure for year ended 31st March, 1937, was £6,365. ■

ILLEGITIMACY. By an arrangement with the Registrar-General all illegitimate births are notified (section 41, Child Welfare Act, 1925) to Child Welfare Officers, who investigate all cases and seek to advise and assist the mother where possible. The following table shows the result of such investigations : — Table 15. Jglfc £:§ £ o $ « -asl-S £ 0<0< 2S SCSI'S * «3 r o -3 m® « N ' Stodfloo' 2 5S S§S| m S »°S g££i°§ gill 3 © CS3 S ® ° O h O <JJ .... 2 (HM O gj O » e8 g ® District. f g U % ® S I'Ss'S.a 8 "§ ® 3 ! *'g®£'§ S|>H m ■ S<g.g>HS Sort's g « gogi ■§ 1 -;n Si* S > si §!■« !al l°il I|J-~ s°.ai>s2 j>§£.ss j?.54£s «SfSs JI1I5I nllU 111138 n R H S3 B gsootjto 3 North Auckland ..41 47 41 6 3 .. 11 Auckland .. .. 270 226 210 16 2 7 89 South Auckland 121 53 44 9 9 1 22 Gisborne and Poverty Bay 23 21 21 .. 1 3 7 Hawke'sBay .... 59 43 41 2 7 1 11 Hawera and Taranaki .. 42 40 40 .. . . 3 17 Wanganui ..... 27 29 28 1 3 .. 12 Palmerston North 69 37 35 2 1 2 10 Wellington and Wairarapa 211 178 178 .. 73 8 97 Nelson and Marlborough 32 22 22 .. 2 3 13 West Coast (South Island) 19 20 19 1 4 L 7 North Canterbury . . 148 134 129 5 49 21 70 South Canterbury .. 24 19 19 .. 9 3 15 Otago .. .. ..84 70 69 1 29 2 60 Southland .. 40 37 36 1 37 .. 37 Totals .. .. 1,210 976 932 44 229 55_ 478 Total number of births, 26,014 (exclusive of Maoris). Illegitimate births, 1,210 = 4-651 per cent, of total births. Table 16.—Expenditure on the Education or Backward Children. Item. Otekaike. Richmond. Total, £ £ £ Salaries .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,544 3,386 13,930 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 3 4 7 Maintenance of buildings .. .. .. .. 1,241 920 2,161 Maintenance of institutions .. .. .. 6,521 2,475 8,996 Contingencies .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 25,095 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 702 Postage and telegrams .. .. .. .. .. .. Ill Less— 25,908 Board of staff .. .. .. .. 1,416 406 <■ ' 1,822 Recoveries (parental contributions and revenue from farm, sale of articles manufactured, &c.) .. 1,852 3,674 22,234 Table 17. —Expenditure on School tor the Deaf, Sumner, for Period ended 31st March, 1938. £ £ Salaries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..6,176 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Maintenance of pupils and sundry expenses .. .. .. .. .. 2,061 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 319 Maintenance of buildings, furnishings, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 386 8,959 Less — Parental contributions and amount received from Hospital and Charitable Aid Board .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,938 Board of staff .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 452 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 2,393 £6,566 The net expenditure for year ended 31st March, 1937, was £6,365. ■

E.—4

Table 18. —Child Welfare. £ Net expenditure on upkeep of child-welfare institutions .. .. .. .. 11,851 Salaries of staffs of homes, Child Welfare Officers, visiting nurses, &c. .. .. .. 34,630 Boarding-out of children — £ Payments to foster-parents .. .. .. .. .. 78,439 Payments to Postal Department as commission .. .. .. .. 714 Issues of clothing, &c. — £ From institutions .. .. .. .. .. 659 From central and branch stores .. .. .. .. 1.580 2,239 Medicine, medical attendance, dentistry, clothing, &c. .. .. .. 7,119 88,511 Inmates at service— Issues of clothing, &c. —• From institutions .. .. .. .. .. 893 From central and branch stores .. ... .. .. 567 1,460 Miscellaneous payments (clothing, medicine, &c.) .. .. .. .. 5,042 — 6,502 Refund of maintenance payments .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 468 Refund of inmates' earnings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 450 Rent, office requisites, postage, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,160 Maintenance of inmates in private institutions .. .. .. .. .. 2,917 Travelling and removal expenses (including transit of children) .. .. .. .. 5,421 Wages of inmates .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 270 Legal expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 47 Sundry expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 71 155,298 Less recoveries— Board of staff and others .. .. .. .. .. 2,567 Parents and others .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18,225 Sale of farm-produce .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,875 Inmates'earnings for clothing, &c. ~ .. .. .. .. .. 5,814 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. i, 363 — 30,844 £124,454 List of Children's Homes registered under Part I of the Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1927. Anglican. St. Mary's Home, Otahuhu, Auckland. Orphan Home, Papatoetoe, Auckland. Brett Memorial Home, Takapuna. Hemi Mataroa Home, Gisborne. Abbotsford Home, Waipawa, Hawke's Bay. St. Mary's Home, Napier. St. Hilda's Home, Otane, Hawke's Bay. All Saints Children's Home, Palmerston North. Wairarapa Home for Boys, Masterton. St. Barnabas Home for Babies, Khandallah. Duncan Cottage, St. Mary's Home, Karori. St. Mary's Home, Messines Road, Karori. St. Mary's Children's Home, Lancaster Street, Karori. Anglican Boys' Home, Lower Hutt. St. Andrew's Orphanage, Nelson. Whakarewa Orphanage, Nelson. St. Saviour's Girls' Home, Christchurch. St. Saviour's Boys' Home, Timaru. St. Anne's Home, Christchurch. Anglican Memorial Home for Boys, Dunedin. St. Mary's Orphanage, Dunedin. Roman Catholic. Star of the Sea Girls' School, Howick, Auckland. St. Mary's Orphanage, Takapuna, Auckland. St. Vincent's Home of Compassion, Auckland. Home of the Good Shepherd for Girls, Waikowhai. St. Joseph's School, Upper Hutt, Wellington. Home of Compassion, Island Bay, Wellington. St. Mary's Orphanage, Nelson. Nazareth House, Sydenham, Christchurch. St. Joseph's Home, Christchurch. Sacred Heart Orphanage, Christchurch. St. Joseph's Boys' Home, Dunedin. St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage, Dunedin.

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E—4.

% Salvation Army. Maternity Home, Auckland. " The Grange," Girls' Home, Auckland. Little Children's Home, " The Nest," Tawa Street, Hamilton. Hoddersville Home, Putaruru. Edward Murphy Maternity Home, Gisborne. Bethany Home, Napier. (Closed meantime.) Boys' Home, Eltliam. Cecilia Whatman Children's Home, Masterton. Maternity Home, Wellington. Florence Booth Girls' Home, Wellington. Maternity Hospital, Christchurch. Boys' Home, Temuka. Little Children's Home, Dunedin. (Temporarily closed. 1 Girls' Home, Anderson's Bay, Dunedin. Red Roofs Maternity Home, Dunedin. Presbyterian. Leslie Orphanage, Auckland. Dingwall Presbyterian Orphanage, Papatoetoe. Boys' Home, Onehunga. Children's Home, Devonport. (Closed meantime.) Margaret Watt Orphans' Home, Mosston, Wanganui. Wanganui Orphanage, Gonville. Presbyterian Boys' Home, Wellington. Presbyterian Girls' Home, Island Bay. Presbyterian Girls' Home, Merivale, Christchurch. Presbyterian Boys' Homes (2), Papanui. Children's Home, Timaru. Presbyterian Homes (3), Dunedin. Nisbet Home for Girls, Anderson's Bay. Allison Home, Invercargill. Cameron Home, Invercargill. Methodist. Wesley Home, Mount Albert. Epworth Home, Mount Albert. (Temporarily closed.) Methodist Children's Home and Orphanage, Epsom. Methodist Children's Home, Masterton. Methodist Orphanage and Children's Home, Papanui. Other Institutions. Papakura Masonic Home. Manurewa Home (Baptist), Auckland. Children's Home, Marton (Seventh Day Adventists). Kirkpatrick Masonic Institute, Nelson. TJ ndenominational. Salem House, Auckland. Bryant Convalescent Home, Raglan. Fairfield School, Gisborne. The Young Pioneers Settlement, New Plymouth. Hawke's Bay Children's Homes (3), Napier. Manawatu Willard Children's Home, Palmerston North. Feltham Children's Home, Otaki. Levin Memorial Home, Wellington. Women's National Reserve Residential Nursery, Wellington. Cholmondeley Memorial Convalescent Home, Governor's Bay. Waltham Orphanage, Christchurch. Children's Rest Home, Roslyn. Victoria Memorial Home for Friendless Girls, Invercargill.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,460 copies), £37 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1938, Price .9c?.]

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