11

E.-4

Recreations The children enjoy the various forms of suitable outdoor recreations and walks. We arc now provided with a piano, which is very serviceable for teaching singing, musical drill, and also for our evening games before bed. Through the kindness of the Hon. George Jones, M.L.C., who allowed me the use of his paper, the Oamaru Mail, we have collected sufficient funds for a phonograph. Altogether, through Mr. Jones's help, we have a sum of nearly .£3O. The instrument will provide a eonstani source of amusement for the children. In addition, we hope to make our own records, to help us in our articulation lessons. Through the instrumentality of Mr. Isaac of the Education Department, we arc on the eve of possessing a magic lantern, which will prove a welcome addition to our stock of amusements for the boys on winter evenings. The provision of two or three bagatelle-boards would also be very acceptable. In addition to the amusemeni of the elder children, it would materially help us with the teaching of number. Additions to Buildings. We have had a very busy year in erecting suitable buildings for the boys and stall. During the year we have built a new steam laundry, new lavatories with hot and cold water laid on, urinals and latrines, and have also practically completed an entirely new drainage scheme with a septic tank attached, and duplicated our water-supply. We have also completed the building of a new house for myself, so thai in the course of a few weeks the rooms in the main building which 1 at present occupy will be available for u» ;is hoys' dormitories and schoolroom. The latest addition has been the erection of a separate cottage Eor the reception of special cases, so that we may commence a scheme of classification. All the new buildings that have liven erected have been reticulated Eor gas, as well as the main building. At present the whole of the buildings are lighted by kerosene-lamps. 1 am hoping, however, to see in the near future the completion of the generating apparatus for the gas, so that the great danger from kerosene lamps in an institution for the feeble-minded will be a thing of the past. While on the question of buildings. I may say that we are sadly in want of a kitchen administrative block, with stores and staff-rooms attached. 1 have prepared a plan of this building, and am hoping to Ix; able to proceed with its election shortly. This is a consummation devoutly to be wished as far as the economic and efficient administration of the institution is concerned. For the information of those who would wish to see the accommodation provided for the boys in the Classification Cottage, I append a plan of the same, which is on a scale of approximately one-tenth of an inch to one fool. Grateful Lbttehs. I have received many grateful letters from parents during the year, from which 1 lake the following extracts : — " Ith August, 1909. — 1 must say he is looking very well indeed; we certainly <lid uol expect to sec so much improvement- in him." ""nil September, 1909.—1t is a great pleasure to find him proud of being able to do Ihe various things he tells us about. Dr. , who saw him lately, says he is looking well and, as his letters prove, happy." " 6th December, 1909. We were pleased to have such a good account of his health and general improvement. I have noticed lately that his writing and composition have much improved." " "22nd December, 1909.—1 am pleased to say our little sou arrived quite safely, ami we are verj pleased to see him looking so well. Greal credit, is due to you in the managemeni of the school." " 22nd December, 1909. —We desire to thank you heartily for the healthy condition of the boj I cannot tell you how happy his mother feels since his return: he knows her. kisses her, and called her " mamma "—it made us so happy. Me called all his brothers by their name just as if ho had never left home. You have been, indeed, a kind and careful guardian of the poor boy, for which may God bless you and yours, and may you be spared in health and strength to carry out the good work for the helpless ones under your care!" " llth January, 1910.—Permit me to say that we have much pleasure in informing you that we see a marked change in for the l>etter, ami for your care and instruction of the little fellow allow us sincerely to thank you." " 28th January, 1910.—The boy is wonderfully improved. He never once went away from home unless taken by one of the family, and he got so obedient. The parents of the children under your care have much to be thankful for, and we must feel under a deep debt of gratitude to you I'm- your linn and humane treatment of the helpless ones under your tuition." " 3rd February, 1910.- You will be pleased to learn that every one we know has remarked on the wonderful improvement noticeable in him—physical and mental." Provision fob Feeblb-mindbd Girls. The provision of a suitable institution for the training of feeble-minded girls is, to my mind, even more important than providing for the boys. Feeble-minded girls and women form a large proportion of the unmarried mothers who come to the lying-in wards of workhouses in England.