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No. 3. SUMMARY OP REPORTS BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT. The following brief remarks indicate the general condition of the various institutions inspected by officers of the Department : — Auckland Industrial School, Mount Albert (Girls and Young Boys). This school maintains -its high standard of efficiency. The accommodation is not adequate, but it is hoped that additional rooms will be erected very soon. St. Mary's, Auckland. Takapuna Branch (Boys). This school for boys is under the control of Sisters of Mercy. The discipline is very good, and the general state of the school is satisfactory. A new day-school building has enabled more dormitory accommodation to be provided in the main building. Ponsonby Branch (Girls). There are no very young children at this school. The girls look healthy and cheerful; and the Sisters are evidently whole-hearted in the work. Wellington Receiving Home. This small Home in connection with the boarding-out of children in the Wellington District is fulfilling the purpose for which it was established. The manager is not experiencing any difficulty in providing good foster-homes for children. The boarding-out system seems likely to be as successful in this district as it is in others. St. Mary's, Nelson. Stoke Branch (Boys). The reorganization of this school has produced satisfactory results. At the last inspection a great change for the better was noticed in the tone, and the boys looked remarkably healthy. It is most important that in this and, indeed, in all other schools systematic and varied industrial training should be made an essential part of the school life. Its importance can hardly be overestimated. Nelson Branch (Girls). This school continues to do good work, but the number of very young children in residence is not a satisfactory feature. Boarding out has proved itself to be the most natural and efficient way of providing for little children in New Zealand. Christchurch Eeceiving Home (Girls and Young Boys). This Home has not sufficient accommodation, and is otherwise unsuitable to the purpose. There should be no delay in securing more commodious premises. The number of children committed has been very small during the past few months. Te Oranga Home (Reformatory for Girls). In the face of many difficulties, really good results have been obtained. The new wing now being built will make classification much more easy. The girls are under good discipline. Burnham (Beformatoky for Boys). A considerable expenditure is necessary to make the buildings more suitable, and to provide efficient drainage and water-supply. The work of classification is now difficult, but it is receiving the attention that its importance demands. Industrial training is doing an immense amount of good. Notwithstanding the committal of a large number of older boys, the discipline is very good, and is maintained with apparently less effort than formerly, although constant watchfulness on the part of the staff is very necessary. The manager speaks gratefully of the loyalty of his officers. Caversham (Boys and Girls). The boys' quarters are in such a dilapidated state, and are so overcrowded and otherwise unsuitable, that the erection of the new school at Levin cannot longer be delayed. The girls' branch is, on the whole, very suitable as regards the buildings. The manager deserves credit for the efforts that he is making in discouraging circumstances to carry on the boys' branch successfully. St. Vincent de Paul's (Girls). This school is now very efficient. New bath-room and lavatory accommodation has been provided, and other matters formerly open to criticism have been remedied. At the last inspection there was strong evidence that the Sisters are working on lines that will produce good results. Private Institutions. Costley Training Institution, Auckland. The boys appear to be well provided for. The trustees are handicapped owing to the revenue being now less than formerly.

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