8.—3

12

but in spite of this the boys are thoroughly interested in it. The system of monetary rewards for good behaviour should be introduced, and a properly equipped gymnasium erected. The discipline is very good, considering the difficulty that is experienced in preventing boys from absconding. A suitable detention-yard is absolutely necessary to keep the boys from running away. It is not right that settlers in the Burnham district should be harrassed by these absconders, who, finding themselves without the means of obtaining food or shelter, commit thefts and other offences of a more or less serious character. These lads can seldom give a reason for leaving. It is probably the result of their early nomadic habits. The fire-prevention precautions are excellent. All the staff seemed to be satisfied with their treatment. The school is now doing thoroughly good work, but its efficiency will be greater when complete classification is in force. Cavebsham (Boys and Gibls). "Visited by the Inspector-General of Schools, 19th November, 1900, and 25th May, 1901. Everything connected with the management was satisfactory. The increasing unsafeness of the boys' quarters makes the early completion of the boys' school at Levin most necessary. A fireannunciator system was being installed at the time of the November visit, and was in working order in May. It is desirable that elder inmates, who, for some cause, cannot be sent to service, should be remunerated for work done at the school. Visited by Mr. E. H. Pope, Assistant Inspector, on the 14th and 15th May. This visit was unannounced. The buildings were clean and neat, the food, clothing, and bedding satisfactory, and the general welfare of the inmates most thoroughly attended to. All the inmates seemed well nourished. A few of the boys had bad coughs. The bill of fare shows that on some mornings breakfast consists of bread-and-dripping and coffee. This seems hardly adequate. The drill of the boys was very creditable. The girls were not seen at drill. Ample time is allowed the inmates for recreation. The school is in a high state of efficiency. St. Vincent de Paul's (Girls). Visited by the Inspector General of Schools, 21st November, 1900. A punishment-book should be kept. It is said that corporal punishment is very infrequent. The ventilation of the dormitories should be improved. There are not enough occupations for the girls. Laundry-work is taught pretty thoroughly. The food was good, the premises and bedding clean, and the children apparently contented. The defects noticed were probably the results of ignorance rather than of negligence. Visited 16th May, 1901, by Mr. E. H. Pope, Assistant Inspector. Visit unannounced. The dormitories were clean ; there is now good provision for ventilation; the bedding of infants' cots was in one or two cases in a very bad state, the beds having evidently been repeatedly made up wet. The means for supervising the dormitories were not sufficient. The closets were in bad condition. Here, as in St. Mary's, Nelson, very young children are in residence, and the remarks respecting that school as to the necessity for boarding these children out are equally applicable to St. Vincent de Paul's. It is a great pity that this school was built on such low-lying ground, as the inmates are very much shut in. There is a small library. No punishment record is kept. It is said that the punishments are very mild. The dinner was of good quality, but owing to the delay in summoning the children after it was served it was practically cold before they sat down to it. The girls seemed to be well clad and kindly treated, but somewhat subdued in manner. There is very little attempt at decoration of the institution, a remark that applies more or less to all the Eoman Catholic girls' schools. The Sisters appeared most anxious to carry into effect the suggestions that were made to them. Pbivate Institutions. The following private institutions have been inspected : — Gostley Training Institution, Auckland. This home was visited by Mr. E. H. Pope, Assistant Inspector, on the 13th March, 1901. The time for the visit proved to be inopportune, the elder boys being in town at their occupations, and the younger ones about to return to school for the afternoon. The institution was clean and in good order. Attention is given to industrial training. There is a good gymnasium. The welfare of the boys is evidently being properly attended to, and the objects of the trust carried out. Mother Aubert's Mission Home, Jerusalem, Wanganui River (Boys and Girls). Visited in September, 1900, by Mr. H. B. Kirk, Assistant Inspector of Maori Schools. The institution was in a satisfactory state, and the general welfare of the inmates properly attended to. This Home is visited monthly by a lady official visitor, whose reports are very favourable. Levin Memorial Home, Wellington (Girls). This cottage home has been visited from time to time by the official correspondent for the district. It is efficiently managed. The girls who are of school age attend the public school. St. Mary's Home, Karori, Wellington (Girls). This is a corrective institution. It has been visited occasionally by the official correspondent, who speaks well of the general management. St. Mary's Home, Richmond, Christchurch (Girls). Visited on 11th May, 1901, by Mr. E. H. Pope, Assistant Inspector (unannounced). As usual, the condition of this Home was very satisfactory. For several years past St. Mary's has rendered valuable aid to the Department in the care of refractory girls, but the establishment of Te Oranga Home will probably make it unnecessary that any more committed girls be sent there.