EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, Sess. II., 1897.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1898 Session I, E-03a

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1898. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. (" THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, Sess. II., 1897.]

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

The annual meeting of friends of the Costley Training Institution was held at the Institute, Eichmond Eoad, on Thursday evening, 20th January, 1898. The secretary read the following annual report:— In submitting their annual report, the trustees are very thankful to tell you that the year just closed has been a most successful one. With a roll of four girls and twenty-eight boys it is surprising—and, they submit, speaks well for the domestic management of the institution—that, in view of the large amount of sickness prevailing last year in this community, there has not been one really serious case of illness amongst the inmates. Whilst everything in connection with the internal working of the concern proceeds with clockwork-like regularity, there is none of that stiffness which might be expected to prevail. The aim of the trustees—and it is well backed up by the manager and his wife—is to make the inmates feel that the institution is their home. Whilst moral and spiritual training are afforded, the old adage " all work and no play" has not been forgotten, and. rational amusements are provided. Sunday is observed by the inmates attending Divine service each morning and school each afternoon, whilst the evenings are devoted to reading and singing. Family worship is conducted every evening. To the extent of the means in their power the trustees continue to have technical instruction imparted ; and in effecting this the carpenter's bench, the blacksmith's shop, and the turning-lathe have been kept actively in operation. As it is not convenient or desirable to locate the girls in this building they are boarded out, especial care being taken in every case to find a respectable and responsible home for each. Of the twenty-eight boys, two have been, under circumstances which warranted it, allowed to return to and reside with their widowed mother; another two are away on farms ; whilst fifteen are learning trades, several of them duly-indentured apprentices; and. nine attend day-school. Thanks are again tendered to Drs. Knight and Parkes for the permission kindly given to call upon them at any time for gratuitous advice and attention ; and that their services have not been required in any serious case is a matter which doubtless is as gratifying to them as to the management. During the year two entertainments were provided. For one of these, a sacred concert, our thanks are due to Miss Eimmer and her friends; for the other we are indebted to our friend Captain Morrow and those who so kindly assisted him. Needless to say, both functions were highly appreciated. On previous occasions the trustees have notified their desire that the public show its interest in the concern by visiting the institution. At any reasonable hour on weekdays the manager will give a hearty welcome to, and show round, any visitor. Especially would it please as well the trustees as the inmates would some lady or gentleman visit the institution in the evening and give the lads a short practical address. Notwithstanding the efforts made to vary them, each day's proceedings are much the same, and an occasional hearty practical address would obviate monotony and be highly valued. A note sent to the manager a few days before the appointed evening would enable him to make the required arrangements. Once again —for it is possible there are some present who are not aware of it—it is wished to emphasize the fact that no past or present inmate of this institution was placed here because of criminal acts or instincts. Upon our roll can only be subscribed the names of girls and boys who, through no fault of their own, have no place called "home." A balance-sheet will be submitted this evening, and will explain itself ; but, to prevent any misapprehension, it may be well to mention now that outside the costs of actual domestic management —repairs to building and renewal of furniture— not one shilling of expense has been incurred by the trustees for several years past. Directors' fees, office rent, legal expenses, and sundries are conspicuous by their absence. The trustees pray that God's blessing may follow their work and labour of love. W. G. Daldy, Chairman,

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costley institute. Balance-sheet to 31st Degembeb, 1897. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. d. To Costley bequest .. .. .. 12,150 0 0 By BuMings ana furniture 2,946 6 6 Rebecca Hodge .. .. .. 672 3 9 Lana .. .. 1,050 0 0 Savings-bank .. .. .. 403 7 9 3,996 6 6 Balance Revenue Account .. .. 1,631 4 0 Mortgages and interest .. .. 10,137 8 6 Savings-bank .. .. .. 403 7 9 Gash balance .. .. .. 9 18 6 Bank balance .. .. .. 309 4 3 £14,856 15 6 £14,856 15 6 Eevenue Account for the Yeab ending 31st Decembeb, 1897. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. dTo Maintenance .. .. .. .. 809 5 9 By Interest Account .. .. .. 496 2 6 Boys' allowances .. .. .. 9 6 0 Boys' earnings .. .. .. 272 16 11 General expenses—Rates, insurance, &o. 39 2 0 Suspense Account .. .. .. 74 19 0 Balance .. .. .. 13 15 4 £857 13 9 £857 13 9 Examined and compared with the books and vouchers, also securities, and found to agree therewith, and I am of opinion the above presents a true state of affairs of the institute. O. B. Waymouth, Auckland, 19th January, 1898. Public Accountant and Auditor. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the chairman said that no boy was admitted until he was twelve years of age. They had turned out eighty-five boys since the institution was first opened. The first boy was admitted on 9th August, 1886. They had twentythree boys at present inmates of the institute, but they could accommodate thirty boys, and were anxious to have that number. Their finances were all right, and it would be gathered from the balance-sheet that they had a good deal of money out at interest. Thanks to the Eebeeca Hodge endowment, they were also able to provide for girls. Mr. Eobert Bntrican seconded the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. He said that he was sure Mr. and Mrs. Eamsay did their best for the boys of the institution. The Eev. E. Sommerville said he was glad to hear the boys were not committed to the institute by a Magistrate ; they therefore had no criminal instinct, and were more likely to get on. He knew from personal observation that a great deal of attention was paid to the boys' comfort by Mr. and Mrs. Eamsay, and they acted as father and mother to them. The speaker paid a tribute of praise to the trustees and secretary for their honorary services in the interests of the institute. He thought the whole community owed them a debt of gratitude for the state of affairs. He frequently visited the institute, and he knew that the boys got a good training, for all were under the watchful eye and firm hand of Mr. Eamsay. Eev. E. P. Macnicol gave the boys some practical advice, telling them how many hundreds in the Old Country would be glad to have their comforts and opportunities. At intervals a number of the boys gave recitations and songs. At the close of the programme the visitors inspected some of the boys' work in the shape of saddles, boots, cabinet-making, &c, which certainly bear out the statements that the inmates do not play at learning their trade, but thoroughly prepare themselves to hold their own in life on leaving the institution. The workshops were also looked over. The splendid manner in which the building is kept by Mr. and Mrs. Eamsay was a theme of commendation. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,500 copies), £1 6s. 6d.

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