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A most enjoyable treat was again provided this year through the kindness of Mrs. Washbourne, of Eiccarton. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. G. Van Asch.

No. 3. Medical Officer's Eepobt. Sib,— Christchurch, 18th June, 1883. I have the honour to report that the Deaf-and-Dumb Asylum at Sumner is kept very clean and orderly. The inmates (to loth June, 1883), numbering 31, viz., 15 boys, and 16 girls, have, with the exception of a few trifling ailments, for which they have been brought to my house for advice, enjoyed very good health. The accommodation is now limited to the admission of two more boys. If any girls are admitted they will have to be temporarily accommodated in the Director's house. As the admissions will most likely increase after the Chrismas vacation, the Government, with the advice of the Director, will have to take into consideration the advisableness of securing extra accommodation. The schoolroom, however, is large enough to accommodate many more pupils. The pupils are progressing favourably in their education. Those admitted when the institution was first opened are now beginning to converse on small matters among themselves and with their friends ; but no great improvement in this respect must be expected until after a course of training for eight or ten years. It would, therefore, be advisable that the Government should, in some way, draw the attention of parents having children afflicted with deaf mutism, and members of the medical profession attending families, to the advantages likely to be derived by communicating with the department or the Director, and sending such children to this institution at an early age—that most suitable being between eight and nine years. The unremitting care, cleanliness, attention, and kindness displayed in the treatment of the children by the management are great inducements to this being done with confidence, and the improvement in the elder pupils already noticed gives promise of success for an institution sa practically useful as the one under review. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. H. H. Peins.

Authority: Gkoege Didsbtjby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.