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No. 3. Report of the Medical. Officer. ■Sic, — Christchurch, May, 1891. "I have the honour to submit the following report on the Deaf-and-Dumb Asylum at Sumner: — The pupils number forty-nine—fifteen girls and thirty-four boys—distributed as follows : In the main building, fifteen girls and sixteen boys ; at the boys' home, seventeen; at Mr. Van Asch's house, one boy. The buildings have been kept clean and orderly. With the exception of whooping-cough, one case of bronchitis, and other trifling ailments, for which I prescribed at my house, they have enjoyed good health. The pupils are progressing very satisfactorily in their education. I have respectfully to draw the attention of the department to their taking into serious consideration the necessity of erecting a permanent brick or stone building for safety from fires, and providing accommodation for better supervision and more economical working of this very useful institution. At present they occupy three separate buildings, some distance apart from one another. They are so crowded that fresh pupils cannot be admitted. The dining-room and dormitories are small and crowded. The class-rooms are small and insufficient, both for the number and for the classification comprised in the method of teaching the deaf-mutes in use at the institution. In fact, the present buildings are now ill-adapted for the proper management, efficient supervision, economical working, sanitary arrangements, and health of the officers and pupils. In conclusion, I must express my entire confidence in the untiring care, attention, and kindness bestowed on the pupils by the director and Mrs. Van Asch, who are cordially assisted by the other members of the staff. I have, &c, H. H. Peins, The Minister of Education, Wellington. Medical Officer. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing, (1,600 copies), £1 13s.]

By Authority : Geoegb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price 3d.]

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