H.—29

6

Two of the boys, marginally noted,* have shown signs of pulmonary consumption, but under treatment are bearing the winter weather well. There have been two cases of jaundice, somewhat severe but not dangerous. Many cases requiring minor operations have occurred, some requiring the use of chloroform : all have been successful. I paid, since the Ist of January, 32 visits, and inspected the whole of the boys weekly. The number of cases attended during the period above-named, exclusive of some of the warders, &c., is 275. I have again to tender my thanks to Captain Breton for the aid and assistance rendered to the sick, and his generally kind and prompt attendance upon them in my absence, or when my services were not available. I have, &c, The Secretary of Customs Charles J. Goldsbeo', M.D., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., (Marine Branch), Wellington. Medical Officer to the School.

Bishop Selwyn to Captain Breton. Dear Captain Beeton, — Auckland, 23rd March, 1877. I daresay you would care to have a written expression of the good opinion I was enabled to form of the Training School boys during the trip of the " Southern Cross " from AVellington to Auckland. I was glad to see the way in which the young fellows worked, with willingness and good humour, and the cheerful, way in which they took a considerable amount of hard work which fell to their share. Such boys will soon build up a considerable amount ot esprit de corps in the school; and when the boys find that they lead to good apprenticeships they will be all the more ready to work and take pains. I can only add that their conduct at prayers was very satisfactory, and I did not hear a bad word while I was in the ship. Believe me, yours very truly, J. R. Selwyn, Missionary Bishop of Melanesia.

Captain Bongard to Captain Breton. Sic, — Melanesian Mission Vessel "Southern Cross," Auckland, March, 1877. I have much pleasure in testifying to the good conduct of the boys of the Naval Training School, 25 of whom formed part of the crew of the " Southern Cross " during her late visit to southern ports from Ist February to 17th March, their alacrity in obeying orders, and general smartness in working the vessel, going aloft, &c. During a part of the vogago which was unusually rough they were as ready to go aloft then as at any other time, and always stowed and loosed the top gallant-sails and stay-sails (our top-sails are patent reefing), except when it was blowing so hard that it was not prudent to let them go aloft. They picked up steering very quickly; most of them steer fairly, some very well. The boy you have apprenticed to us is a very handy, well-behaved boy, and seems to have the makings of a good sailor. In conclusion, I would say, from the experience of this trip, that I would readily take apprentices from the school in any ship with me. I am, &c, Captain G. R. Breton, Manager, James Bongard, Naval Training School, Kohimarama. Master.

A.—TABLE showing the Educational State of Boys.

Ra id. Write. Cip] ler. Particulars. u __• ._ a c » h-1 HI 47 Well. Not. Total. I Well. Not. Total. Well. & _■ M Not. Total. 80 17 16 80 12 9 iemaining on 30th June, 1876 .dmitted during year ending 30th June, 1877... 25 48 7 59 80 4 22 4 30 16 14 30 1 15 14 30 Total ... 29 70 11 110 17 63 30 110 74 23 13 110 lischarged during year ending 30th June, 1877... lemaining on 30th June, 1877 16 22 15 55 "i 31 79 13 18 18 55 6 31 79 10 10 21 66 31 79 ii Total ... 38 70 2 31 6 110 87 3 110 73 20 110 John ■an 'half-casf , He: Smith.