H.—29

1875. NEW ZEALAND.

NAVAL TRAINING SCHOOL AT KOHIMARAMA, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. Captain Beeton and Mr. Hill to the Seceetaet of Customs. (Telegram.) Auckland, 21st July, 1875. Seteeal cases of desertions lately ; stopped six boys last night; put them on board " Southern Cross " for safety. Another hand absolutely necessary. Please authorize. Will write full particulars by first mail. G. R. Beeton, Manager. Secretary of Customs, Wellington. Thomas Hill, Collector.

No. 2. Mr. McKellae to Collectoe of Customs, Auckland. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 23rd July, 1875. Manages, Kohimarama, to employ extra hand temporarily. H. S. McKellae, Collector of Customs, Auckland. (for Secretary.)

No. 3. Mr. McKellae to the Collectoe of Customs, Auckland. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 24th July, 1875. Visit Kohimarama. Inquire into cause of boys running away. Report as soon as possible. H. S. McKellae, Collector of Customs, Auckland. (for Secretary.)

No. 4. Captain Bbeton to the Seceetabx of Customs. Sib, — Naval Training School, Kohimarama, 21st .July, 1875. With reference to my telegram of this day's date asking authority to engage another hand, I have the honor to furnish the following reasons in support of my request:— On the 22nd June five boya absconded. One of them returned the following morning; two others were apprehended by the police and returned to the school, " to be imprisoned for seven days," on the 7th July. On the evening of the Bth, the boy who had previously returned of his own accord again absconded in company with another. On the 15th these boys were returned, and whipped, under authority of a warrant from the Resident Magistrate of Auckland. On the 19th one of those who had been whipped and one who had been imprisoned, together with a third who had not previously left, again absconded. It would seem from this that punishment has no deterrent effect. These boys were apprehended to-day, and will probably be dealt with at the Police Court to-morrow. On the evening of the 20th it was discovered that six boys had made arrangements for absconding. lat once sent them off to the schooner for safety, and purpose placing the three boys at present in the hands of the police there also, on receiving them back—not as a punishment, but to prevent them going away again, and to keep them there for some little time, till the desire to get away has worn off. To do this it is necessary I should have another man, as one must always be on board, and at night there should be two there. I—H. 29.