1

1884. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: DEAF-AND-DUMB INSTITUTION (PAPERS RELATING TO THE). [In continuation of E.-4, 1883.]

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

1 Extbact from Sixth Annual Bepoet of the Minister of Education. The institution at Sumner for the education and training of deaf-mutes has now been in successful operation for upwards of four years. A year ago there were thirty-one pupils. Since then one girl died, another girl was removed for family reasons, and two youths left after having attained a fair degree of proficiency. Five fresh pupils (three boys and two girls) were received during the year, making the number of inmates at present thirty-two. Sixteen of these are boys and sixteen are girls. The following are the provincial districts from which the pupils have been sent Auckland, 7 ; Taranaki, 1, Hawke's Bay, 1; Wellington, 1, Canterbury, 10, and Otago, 11. The thirty-second pupil is a deaf-mute girl who has been sent from Adelaide, South Australia. During the past year the Director has had the aid of an assistant master and a mistress The method of instruction is that which is known as " the articulation method," by which deaf-mutes are trained to the use of the organs of speech, and learn both to speak, m the ordinary sense of the word, and to understand (from the motion of the lips) the speech of others. The use of finger-signs, or other means employed as substitutes for speech, is strictly excluded. The course of instruction includes reading and writing m the first instance, followed by English composition, arithmetic, geography, history, drawing, elementary science, &c. The girls are also instructed in sewing, knitting, and other useful domestic accomplishments. There are in connection with the institution three separate residences and a detached schoolroom, at convenient distances from one another. There are also a large garden, playgrounds, and other useful adjuncts. These detached residences are m many respects well adapted to the purposes of such an institution. They afford better facilities for satisfactory separation, according to age and sex, than one large building would do. During the day the pupils are assembled for meals and for school instruction under the eye of the Director and his two assistants. After school lessons and meals are over for the day, the pupils separate and retire for the night to their different residences. One of these is under the supervision of Mr and Mrs. Van Asch, the second is occupied by girls, under the care of the lady assistant; and the elder boys, in charge of the assistant master and a trustworthy matron, are accommodated in the third residence. The institution is visited as occasion requires by the medical officer, Dr. Prins, of Christchurch, who takes much interest in the work of the school; it is also visited from time to time by the Minister of Education and officers of the department. The ability and zeal of the Director are deserving of high commendation, and the results of his labours invariably call forth expressions of