E.—3a.

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, 1898.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The annual meeting of friends of the Costley Training Institution was held at the Institute, Richmond Road, on Thursday evening, 23rd March, 1899. The Secretary read the following annual report: — Although this institution has now been in operation for upwards of twelve years there are many of the residents in Auckland and its vicinity who are unaware of its existence, whilst there are others who, knowing it by name, are ignorant as to its aims and objects, and we think it expedient on the present occasion again to advert to its origin. Twenty years ago there was a Home for neglected and destitute children carried on in Howe Street, in the conduct of which our present trustees took an active interest. In course of time the Government closed that Home, and removed its inmates to Kohimarama, where a training-school had been established. Soon after this Mr. Edward Costley, a wealthy citizen of Auckland, died, and by his will bequeathed a sum of £12,150 for the benefit of orphan and destitute children. As no special conditions were imposed or directions given under that will as to how the legacy was to be applied, Sir Robert Stout, then Premier of the colony, prepared a Bill, which was submitted to and approved by the Legislature, and when passed was entitled " The Costley Training Institution Act, 1885." It provided for the appointment of trustees of the fund, and authorised them to apply part of the moneys in the purchase of a site for and the erection thereon of a suitable building, properly equipped, for the maintenance and training of boys and girls under certain conditions. Mr. Costley's bequest was shortly afterwards supplemented—the late Mrs. Rebecca Hodge having under her will given the sum of £672. Out of the moneys the trustees purchased the present site and erected the building thereon. Though under no obligation to do so the trustees have made it a rule to convene a public meeting once in each year at which to give an account of their stewardship. It goes without saying' that in an establishment of this kind the work of each year is almost identical with that of the preceding year, yet we think it will be of interest to you to learn how we are progressing. In June last Mr. Ramsay, who had held and efficiently performed the office of manager, and who with his good wife had won the respect and confidence of the trustees, sent in his resignation. Applications for his successor having been duly advertised for, Mr. and Mrs. Hendre were selected from a large number of applicants. Their conduct of the institution has been in all respects most satisfactory. The trustees meet for business purposes regularly once a month, and when required on other occasions. Other than the change in the management there has been no incident of any importance to record. The general health of the inmates has been good, and only on rare occasions has our friend Dr. Knight been called upon to render that assistance he so freely and gratuitously performs for us, and noneof the cases were serious. The tone of the institution is all that can be desired, when it is borne in mind that many, if not all, of the inmates are lads who previously led a roving and nomadic life. Por them to settle down quietly to the routine which necessarily obtains speaks volumes both for the boys and the management. We do not retain the girls in residence here, but as each one is admitted she is boarded out with some lady approved by the trustees and sent to school until, having passed the required standards and attained a fitting age, employment is found for her. No deaths or serious accidents have occurred during the year.