4

4

Numbers of 1894 and 1895 compared.

No. 3. Dr. Pubchas's Eepobt on the Auckland Distbict. It is pleasant to have to report that another year has passed without a death among the children under my charge in connection with the Auckland Industrial School. Although typhoid fever has for some time been unusually prevalent, we have nqt had a single case. The health of the boarded-out children has been exceptionally good, and in the Parnell Home most of the cases have been of an ordinary character. There have been two exceptions, in each of which it was necessary to recur to surgical operation, with the gratifying result that the patients are now in excellent health, and can walk well without artificial support. It gives me much pleasure to add that this result is largely due to the efficient aid of my son, A. Challinor Purchas, M.B. and CM. of Edinburgh, as operator, and to the excellent nursing and constant care of Miss Jackson and her assistant, Miss Clarke. ' Auckland, 9th June, 1896. A. G. Puechas, M.E.G.S., Eng., and L.S.A.

No. 4. Dr. Pbins's Eepobt on Buenham School. Sir,-— Christchurch, May, 1896. I have the honour to forward the following report on the Industrial School at Burnham :— During the year no special cases of illness occurred : the inmates have generally enjoyed good health. The institution has been kept clean and in good order. The new additions to the main building will, when completed, add considerably to the convenience and comfort of the staff and inmates. The boys and girls—numbering 169—boarded out are doing well in their foster-homes. This system continues to give complete satisfaction. The boys and girls (192) in situations are on the whole doing exceedingly well. The band continues to afford enjoyment to the inmates, and gives satisfaction whenever they are invited out to play. The garden and orchard are giving profitable returns. The Manager and Matron still take the greatest interest in the school, and study the comfort and happiness of the inmates. They are cordially assisted by the other members of the staff. I have, &c, The Minister of Education, Wellington. H. H. Prins, Medical Officer.

No. 5. Db. Bukns's Eepobt on Cavbksham School. Sib, — Dunedin, 4th June, 1896. I have much pleasure in being able to give a satisfactory account of the health of the inmates of the Industrial School for the past year. The continued good health of the children furnishes little material for a report. The absence of any fever or continued sickness is the best proof of the salubrity of the site, and of the success of the sanitary precautions sedulously looked after by the Manager. The one death—that of C E. M occurred in Dunedin Hospital. On his reception into the school he was noted as suffering from rickets and diseased bone, and, after a fortnight's residence, was sent to hospital for more skilled nursing. The boarded-out children continue to be looked after with every attention from their fosterparents. I trust that the present quiet state of affairs will not lead to forgetfulness of the dilapidated condition of the buildings. Neglect in this direction savours strongly of tempting Providence. I have, &c, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Eobbrt Bitbns, F.E.C.S., Ed.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,575 copies), £i 4s. 9d.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Brinter, Wellington.—lB96.

Price, 3d.]

Inmates. 1894. Increase or Decrease. |_ I In the schools Boarded out With friends At service In hospital In lunatic asylum In gaol In Blind Asylum, Auckland At Costley Institute In refuge or cognate institution Absent without leave 593 402 116 408 4 4 560 416 103 419 8 6 1 1 3 14 .1.5 - 33 + 14 - 13 + 11 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 1 + 8 + 6 _ 3 2 8 18 Totals 1,555 1,545 - 10