E.—3

6

for so many years seems less intelligent than at the last inspection, and there are two others in a semi-idiotic condition. One of these, said to be six years old, is very small, but has an immense and greatly misshapen head, due to chronic hydroceplialus. Mrs. Hogan informed me that his lack of intelligence was the cause of great trouble to the attendants, as it was found impossible to teach him to keep himself clean. He is the elder of two brothers named F . There is, in my opinion, no reason to expect any great improvement in his condition, although he may probably live many years. Notwithstanding the pleasantness of the site, and the fair bodily health of most of the boys, their general appearance is characteristic of dissatisfaction with their lot. I found everything about the premises clean and orderly ; and, notwithstanding the long continuance of exceptionally dry weather, the supply of water was not exhausted., and remained of good quality. I hear that an effort is being made to obtain funds to purchase a steam launch. I think that such a boat would be a great convenience, especially now that the number of older boys is considerably reduced. I trust that no very young boys will be kept at the school, as lam sure there is more hope for them by being placed with respectable foster-parents. In previous reports I have expressed my satisfaction with what I have seen of the boarding-out system, and another year's experience has not caused me to alter my opinion. We have had some cases of serious illness from scarlatina, whooping-cough, and diarrhoea, but happily no deaths. At the Kent Street School I found everything in excellent order, with a trifling exception. The iron pipe of the washing-boiler was unsafe, and required immediate repair, which the Matron had already asked to have done. The path which had been made for the convenience of access from Ponsonby Eoad had been disturbed in consequence of the building and enlargement of the SavingsBank, and the subsequent cutting-down of the allotments; but the manager of the bank has undertaken to have the necessary scoria-ash supplied to restore the path to its former good condition. The Matron wishes to have some more rooms added to the building—namely, another bedroom, a workroom, and an office. At the present low prices this might be done at a small cost. The girl A S , who has been suffering from partial blindness for some years, was so much worse when she returned from the hospital to the school that it became necessary to remove one of her eyes to save her from total blindness. lam glad to say that she is now so much better that she«can go about by herself, and is able to give some help in the home. I have, &c, The Secretary, Education Department, A. G. Purchas, M.E.C.S. Eng., Wellington. Medical Officer, Auckland Industrial Schools.

No. 4. Dr. Peins's Eepoet on Bubnham School. Sib,— Christchurch, 31st March, 1887. I have to report that the institution has been kept in good order throughout the year, and that every attention has been paid to the comfort and cleanliness of the inmates. The addition of a good-sized reading-room for the use of the boys has proved of great service to the school, enabling the children to pass many hours in an agreeable as well as profitable manner. The engagement of a second male attendant, who is also competent to act as bandmaster, has resulted in a marked improvement in the efficiency of the band in a very short period. The Manager, moreover, is taking steps to raise funds to procure—what is very much needed— a new set of band instruments. In addition to the farming operations, which have been undertaken with the object of contributing to the support of the school, it has been resolved to form an orchard. Two acres of land have already been planted with apple-trees, and two more are being trenched for the same purpose. I am pleased to be able to say that the boarding-out system continues to give entire satisfaction. The foster-parents chosen by the department have, as a rule, provided good homes, and the children have almost invariably been well taken care of. My experience leads me to the conclusion that it is highly desirable that the department should do everything in its power to extend the boarding-out system. The Master, Matron, and other officers appear to work in accord, and to do all that lies in their power to make the institution a comfortable home for the children under their charge. The Manager's duties and responsibilities, I may add, appear to have increased since the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act has come into force. I append a list of all the children treated by me, as well as a list of those treated at the Christchurch Hospital during the year. I have, &c, 11. H. Pbins, The Minister of Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

List of Patients admitted to the Christchurch Hospital during the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1887, from the Burnham Industrial School.

Admitted. Initials of Name. Disease. Discharged. 1th May, 1886 ith July, 1886 !5th September, 1886 ... th December, 1886 ... A. G. A. S. K. A. E. ... J. G.H. ... Chronic pneumonia Hip joint... Congestion lungs ... Sclerotitis 10th July, 1886. 10th November, 1886. Died 27th October, 1886. In hospital.