E.—3

10

A list of those treated by me, who have been placed under the care of foster-parents, is also 1 given. The plan of boarding-out children has been found to answer very well indeed ; and it is to be hoped that the Government will see their way to extend the system as much as lies in their power. The following is a record of the manner in which the inmates of the school are distributed: — Boys. Girls. Total. In the institution ... ... ... ... 106 52 158 At service ... .., ... ... ... 54 26 80 Boarded out ... ... ... ... ... 87 . 59 156 With friends ... ... ... ... ... 27 14 41 Missing ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 8 In hospital ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 1 Total ... ... ... 283 161 444 The institution has been kept throughout in a clean and orderly manner. The alterations in the nursery have been effected, and answer exceedingly well. The chimney in the dining-room has been removed, thus greatly improving the appearance of the room and affording increased accommodation. The wall which divided the boys' dormitory has also been removed. This alteration has very materially improved the appearance of the apartment, and has added to the comfort and healthiness of the inmates. The water-supply has been increased, and the drainage improved and attended to. The old swimming-bath has been converted into a play-shed, and answers the purpose admirably. A newand complete swimming-bath has been constructed. This is one of the most important improvements that have been effected at the institution. The bath is 83ft. by 32ft., and it has an average depth of 4ft. As there is a constant flow of water through the bath, its contents are kept perfectly sweet. In a former report I directed attention to the great importance of excluding criminal children from this institution. I have given my attention to this matter from time to time since, and lam more than ever convinced of the injury that will be inflicted on the 'institution if criminal children are introduced in any numbers. I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the able and efficient manner in which Mr. Carson has carried out all alterations in the building. I desire also to point out that both Mr. Carson and the other officers of the establishment have shown a praiseworthy desire to render those under their care as comfortable and happy as the circumstances would permit. I have, &c, H. H. Peins, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Medical Officer.

No. 5. Dr. Bubns's Eepoht on Caveesham School. Sic, — The Industrial School, Caversham, 31st March, 1885. I have the honour to report that the past year has been marked by nothing eventful. The health of the inmates has been good, and no death has occurred in the institution. Very little sickness existed amongst the boarded-out children, and one death occurred, in the case of Albert Barnes, aged seven years, from croup. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Eobeet Buens, F.B.C.S.E.

No. 6. PARNELL ORPHAN HOME. Bepobt of the Managers for the Year ending 31st March, 1885. The Board of Management have again the pleasure to report the steady and satisfactory progress of the institution. There are now 57 inmates in the Home, namely, 41 boys and 16 girls. This is a decrease in numbers as compared with last year. During the past year 20 children have been admitted into the Home, while 25 have been removed by relatives, and 2 have been placed at service. Two of the children have been admitted on the nomination of Government, making 15 children at present in the Home toward whose maintenance the Government contributes. Three of the children in the Home were originally paid for by Government, but, having attained the age of twelve years, the payments on their account have ceased, and they are now maintained at the cost of the institution. The disproportion between the sexes still continues. To meet the want of room occasioned by this disparity zhe Board during the past year have devoted part of the legacy of the late Mr. Sauerbier to the erection of a western wing to the building, to which the name of " The