EL-26a

1895. NEW ZEALAND.

NAUTICAL SCHOOL-SHIP OR TRAINING-SHIP FOR BOYS IN NEW ZEALAND (SUGGESTIONS FOR A).

Laid on the Table by leave of the House, by the Hon. Mr. Beeves.

Mr. J. E. March to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir,— Wellington, Ist July, 1895. When, acting under'your instructions to inspect the village settlements in New South Wales, I had the opportunity through the kindness of the Hon. J. Gerrard, Minister of Public Instruction at Sydney, of inspecting the nautical school-ship " Sobraon," and was courteously furnished with full information by the Commander and Superintendent, P. W. Neitenstein, Esq., of the useful and practical work done on board. The " Sobraon "is a roomy vessel, and admirably fitted up for the purpose; the arrangements for insuring the training, supervision, and comfort of the boys are perfect, and there is ample accommodation on board for 500 lads. From information obtained on inspection, and from the report and rules, I find that the staff consists of the Commander, who has entire charge of the institution, and is held responsible for the proper discharge of the duties to be performed by all the officers and petty officers ; he has also to see that the boys are properly instructed by the schoolmasters, and that they are taught habits of cleanliness, industry, and diligence ; that they are properly and systematically drilled, and to do all in his power to encourage moral and honourable conduct amongst them. The duties of the Lieutenant are to see the orders of the Superintendent faithfully and promptly carried out, to visit and inspect every part of the ship at least twice daily, to be present at all musters, and inspect the various messes at meal times, taking care that the provisions are fairly apportioned and properly cooked. The second officer is responsible for the cleanliness and good order of everything below the upper deck; he has to supervise the fitting-out of new boys with clothing and bedding, award them sleeping-billets, and place them in messes. The school hours on board the " Sobraon " are from 9 to 11.40 a.m., and from 1 to 3.45 p.m. The schoolmaster receives the boys from the Commanding Officer at school hours, and at the close of daily lessons the boys are formed up and marched to the upper deck, and there handed over to the Commanding Officer. The carpenter is employed at his own trade, and instructs the boys told off to him for that purpose. The boatswain instructs the boys in drill, is responsible for the cleanliness and good order of the arms of the ship, including the guns and all appurtenances, and is also responsible for the firing of the guns without injury to life or property. The seamen are responsible for the good order of the gear of their respective tops, boats, &c, and must see that boys intrusted to them work quietly and orderly. The bandmaster instructs such boys as are told off for band purposes; is responsible that their clothing, band-instruments, music, &c, are kept safely and in good order. He provides musical recreation for the boys generally in the evenings, and gives instruction to specially-selected lads in part- and solo-singing, the playing of wind-, reed-, and stringed-instruments, and generally to supervise the boys at playtime. On Sundays the boys land and march to their respective places of worship under the supervision of the officers, excepting in inclement weather, when Divine service is held on board. I was informed by the Commander that the general behaviour of the boys was very good, and of late years a large number of lads had been received on board who had turned out failures under various charitable organizations. Firm discipline, plenty of work and drill, with wholesome recreation accomplish wonders with this class of lads, and they do not look upon the ship as a a prison. The admirable manner in which the Commander treats the boys and the deep interest