H.—IB

1880. NEW ZEALAND.

DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of H.—1, Session II., 1879.]

Presented to both Homes of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. PBOSPECTUS. Deaf and Dumb Institution Established by the Government at Sumner, near Christchurch, under the Directorship of Mr. G. Van Asch. This Institution will be open for the Education and Training of Deaf-mutes on the Ist of March, 1880.. It is requested that, if at all possible, intending pupils be entered not later than the 10th of March. Pupils will also he received after the midwinter holidays, on a day that will be hereafter announced. The objects of the Institution are— (1.) To train young mutes (below 12 years, and in some cases over that age) to utter articulate sounds, and to read spoken language from the lips of their teacher. (2.) To employ this acquired power of speech as a means tor the instruction of the pupils—first, in the understanding and use of easy language, and in reading and writing ; and, at a more advanced stage, in English composition, geography, history, arithmetic, drawing, elementary science, &c. The result of a complete course of instruction, as herein indicated, will in almost all cases be to enable the pupil to read with thorough comprehension, and to hold oral conversation with relatives, friends, and even strangers. (3.) To impart to the pupils a good moral training, and to teach them habits of industry, with a view to the increase of their own happiness, and to their becoming, as far as is consistent with their natural defect, useful members of society. (4.) To render effectual assistance to children who, from fever or other causes, have lost the sense of hearing, and who would in consequence become wholly dumb. (5.) Arrangements will be hereafter made, as far as practicable, for affording to boys, before the completion of their course of instruction, an opportunity of learning a trade or of acquiring a practical acquaintance with gardening and farming. Girls will receive thorough instruction in household economy, needlework, &c. The pupils will board with the Director and his wife, and will be under their care and direction. Every pupil on entering should be provided with a supply of clothing sufficient for at least a half year's wear. Every article should be plainly marked with the owner's name. Each pupil is also expected to take the following articles : Two dessert forks, and one spoon; six table napkins ; two pairs of twilled sheets ; two bath towels ; and four hand towels. The charge for board, lodging, and education is at the rate of fifty pounds (£5O) per annum, payable to the Director half-yearly in advance. The parents, guardians, or friends of deaf-mutes within the Colony who are unable to pay the whole or any portion of the cost of their residence at the Institution, are invited to communicate with the Hon. the Minister of Education.

The following is an extract from the report of the Commissioners in England appointed to select a teacher : " Mr. Van Asch appeared to us to be quite suitable for the appointment. He has a thorough knowledge of the German system; 'and the results as witnessed by ourselves on. his pupils, are astonishing in the extreme. The testimonals submitted by him show that he has entirely satisfied the parents of the children who have been with him. The pupils we saw, about ten in number, were of various ages from seven years to seventeen ; and their general behaviour and obvious cheerfulness impressed us no less favourably than their proficiency in articulation and lip-reading. Mr. Van Asch is accustomed to take the whole charge of his pupils, including their board and lodging, and would therefore be suitable for the duties of that nature required by the conditions set forth in the instructions of the Government. "

Mr. Van Asch strongly urges that, as the process of education in the case of Deaf-mutes is necessarily very slow and gradual, they should be sent to the Institution at an early age, and maintained there for the full term of from eight to ten years. By order. Department of Education, . John Hislop, Wellington, 4th February, 1880. Secretary to the Education Department.