H.—2o

22

were interesting or surprising ? The answer will show whether the author has handled his subject successfully. (2) At what part of the industry do you think you could become useful as a means of advancement ? The answer may be only a day-dream, but it will lead to speculations which might become useful in later life." There was no element of competition, only a desire to ascertain how far the books had aroused thoughtful interest. A ready response came from an unexpected number of readers, and the answers received made interesting reading. Physical and Social Education.—A considerable advance has been made in this phase of our work, more especially in regard to games. The indispensable basis of sound physical culture is to be found in such a comprehensive range of developing exercises for limbs, trunk, and breathing functions as the physical instructor conducts thrice weekly. The pupils are divided into grades to which the exercises are adapted, and the impress of the training on their physique is manifest. In our football a notable departure marks the season of 1929. On the 27th April and thereafter the Borstal team, which competed in the third grade under the Southland Rugby Football Union, met its opponents in the public grounds. To this important concession the Union added a most considerate gift by providing for our team a complete outfit of jerseys, stockings, and boots. The trust and the kindness thus shown were not misplaced: in sportsmanship and seemly conduct the Borstal players proved themselves worthy of the new footing on which they have been placed. Frequent changes in our team arising from releases operated against success. Thus, after the fourth match, an entirely new set of backs and two new forwards had to be found. At the end of t.Ke season only four of the original fifteen were left, while thirty-four fresh players were required to keep the vacancies filled. Despite that handicap, Borstal won ten matches out of fourteen, secured 214 points against 129, and finished up a good second, the winners being the Southland Boys' High School. In the seven-a-side tournament, in which the Invercargill Club proved winners, the Borstal teams were again runners-up. Mr. W. F. Sutton, our enthusiastic coach, deserves the chief credit for this good record. He has inculcated the true spirit as well as the approved art of Rugby, and at the same time has won the appreciation of his pupils. Their gratitude is not lessened when they afterwards find ready admission into clubs wherever in the Dominion they may happen to be located. That one act of friendly recognition helps towards social restoration : and this institution is deeply indebted to the good sports who have set so fine an example. As the outstanding summer pastime cricket maintains undiminished interest. The Borstal representative team, after an unbroken run of seven victories, lost the trophy to the Marist by one run in the eighth and final match. For the current season we have again recorded seven wins and no losses. Our heartiest thanks are due to Mr. A. E. Wish for his excellent services as coach, also the Invercargill Sports Trust and the Southland Cricket Association for providing funds for the purchase of material. Opportunities are arranged also for general athletics, including swimming. On public holidays and other suitable times the inmates are given the use of the recreation grounds for sports. These occasions take the form of a family picnic with out-of-doors lunch and scope for free pastimes. At the Labour Day gathering a special feature was the presence and active participation of all members of the staff. Under such conditions, engendering a less constrained social intercourse and a better mutual understanding between staff and inmates, the influence of the former and the response of the latter are greatly enhanced. During the festive season the Association class, whose conduct record for the year was of the best, enjoyed a fortnight's outing under canvas on the former camping-grounds at Otatara. The Y.M.C.A. again lent a big marquee, besides a cinema outfit, which its representative, Mr. Wallace, operated to good purpose in a neighbouring barn, films being kindly lent by the Invercargill picture-theatres. The radio equipment, for which we have once more to thank Mr. Hazeldine, gave pleasing results. Despite broken weather the most was made of the varied facilities at hand for outdoor recreations. All fatigue duties were efficiently carried out. The utmost tidiness was maintained in every part of the camp and its precincts. The rival efforts to add a decorative setting to each tent produced attractive effects. The good taste displayed and the cheerful unity of purpose pervading the whole company of campers appealed to the numerous visitors, whose presence and whose keen interest added zest to the proceedings of our sports day. The spiritual welfare of the inmates is attended to by the ministers of the various denominations and the City Missionary, Mr. McLean, who conduct the usual services in the institution every Sunday. Bible classes are conducted weekly by the Rev. Canon Lush and Mr. McLean, and a service is conducted by the latter gentleman at the Farm Ranch every Sunday afternoon. Visits that Help and Cheer. —On the 11th December last, on the occasion of their farewell visit to Southland, His Excellency the Governor-Genera] Sir Charles Fergusson and the Lady Alice Fergusson, paid a visit to the institution. Fine weather enabled the reception to be held out of doors on the recreation grounds. The staff and inmates were assembled in front of the dais erected for the viceregal party, which was accompanied by His Worship the Mayor, the Mayoress, and the Town Clerk. On arrival of the party the institution band played the National Anthem, after which the Maori lad's gave a welcome in characteristic Maori fashion. The Superintendent having conveyed greetings and loyal sentiments from the whole of the Borstal community, Lady Alice, who had to leave early to keep another engagement, spoke to the boys in apt terms that placed her in touch with them. His Excellency then delivered a very appropriate address, which was followed with close attention by his audience. By his two visits to the institution, by his ready recognition of its educational character, and by his attitude of sympathetic support, His Majesty's representative gave a clear lead, the influence of which should not fail. The Invercargill Rotary Club extends its active concern in the welfare of the Borstal lads. The regular weekly " Rotary night," when members come along and entertain the lads with song and story, is eagerly looked forward to. One special service gracefully rendered by the Rotary has left