E.—4,

1937. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION. [In continuation of E.—4, 1936.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1 --EXTRACT FROM THE SIXTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. CHILD WELFARE. Number op Children under Supervision. The total number of children under the supervision of the Child Welfare Branch as at 31st March, 1937, was 7,240, classed under the following headings : State wards— In foster-homes, hostels, and with friends .. .. . . .. 2 663 In situations (includes 19 absent without leave) .. . . .. 885 In Government institutions, receiving-homes, &c. .. .. .. ig4 In private institutions .. .. .. . . _ _ ]0g Inmates in special schools for backward children .. . . . . 253 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. . . .. .. _ _ g0 At School for Deaf, Sumner .. . . .. _ _ g 4,241 Young persons supervised in their own homes by Child Welfare Officers, by order of Court . . .. .. .. ~ ggg Infants supervised in foster-homes registered under the Infants Act . . 830 Pupils at School for Deaf, Sumner (other than State wards (8) included in figures above) .. .. .. , . , _ _ _ Children dealt with as preventive cases .. .. . . 1 182 Children at New Zealand Institute for Blind for whom the Department makes payment .. .. ~ .. _ _ _ _ 21 Total •• •• •• •• .. .. 7,240 The number of children committed to the care of the Superintendent during the year ended 31st March, 1937, was 432, classified according to reasons for committal, as follows : Indigent, 175; delinquent, 23 ; detrimental environment, 46 ; neglected, 22 ; not under proper control, 89 ; accused or guilty of punishable I—E. 4.