E.—3

8

to induce suitable ladies to visit the ioster-mothers regularly, so as to encourage them in their difficult work. The training of degenerate children is a much more serious matter than that of normal children. In conclusion, I wish to testify most cordially to the excellent training in domestic work which is imparted to the girls in the Eeceiving Home. I hear the same commendation expressed by all the ladies in whose services the girls are placed. I have, &c, W. H. Symbs, M.D., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

OTAGO. (toveknment School. Sib, — Dunedin, 31st March, 1905. I have the honour to forward my annual report on Caversham Industrial School for the past year. With a total average number of 134 resident inmates—32 girls and 102 boys —we may consider ourselves fortunate in having so little sickness and no epidemic disease. I have one death to record, that of A.M., twelve years of age. The case was one of erysipelas of the leg. I had the boy removed to the Dunedin Hospital, where he died four days after. The greatest care is always observed to procure the best hygienic conditions and keep the drains flushed with the ample water-supply we now enjoy. The healthy looks of the inmates corroborate this. I often overhear remarks regarding the well-set-up carriage of the boys as observed in their march through town to their own music. It is part of my duty to look after the health of the boarded-out children in this district. I had occasion to give a death-certificate in one case where the child sixteen weeks old was seen for the first time by me a few hours before death. The infant had been detained longer than usual in the public institution where she was born. Her congenital debility was all along recognised. With the prospect of removal of the School to Horowhenua at no remote date I am happy to make a report so gratifying to myself, as it must also be to Mr. Burlinson, the Manager, and to the other officials in charge. 1 have, &c. Eobbrt Bubns, F.8.C.5.8., Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer. St. Vincent de Paul's (R.C.). Sib,— . Dunedin, 7th April, 1905. I have the honour to submit the annual medical report of the Industrial School of St. Vincent de Paul, South Dunedin, for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. The health of the inmates has been excellent, no deaths and no cases of serious illness having occurred during the year. The ventilation of the rooms and the sanitary arrangements of the institution are all that could be desired. The children are clean, well fed and clothed, bearing testimony to the skilled management and care bestowed upon them by the Mother Superior and Sisters in charge. I have, &c, Eugene J. O'Neill, M.8., F.R.C.S.E., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer. Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (1,900 copies), £ 7 ss.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9os. Price 6d.]