E.—4,

20

t tents for this purpose are superior to those of a building. There have, as usual, been a eon siderable number of sore throats and allied complaints, caused, in my opinion, by the condition of the septic tank, which requires a filter of the kind used at the Benevolent Asylum at Dunediu (the Cameron or Exeter septic tank). Notwithstanding this the general health and condition of the boys lias been generally good. The treatment of boys in class ,\1 for bad habits has been continued as before, with generally satisfactory results, but occasionally an incorrigible case occurs requiring more radical treatment. The tone and discipline of the school have been wonderfully improved since the reorganization effected in J 906. lam satisfied that the detention yard has proved a great assistance in reforming refractory boys, it has had no bad effect on the health of the inmates, but in certain cases of unhealthy boys 1 have not sanctioned their remaining in it. Thus, Mauri buys, who are often prone to consumption, are generally unfit for the detention yard. Tree-planting is regularly continued, but much more is required. 1 have, &c, W. 11. Symes, M.D. CaVEHSHAM IxOUSTHIAL SCHOOL. Sih,— Duuediii, 9tli April, 1910. in presenting tiie annual report of the above school, 1 have pleasure in stating that the general health of the inmates has on the whole been good. There have been a few cases of tonsillitis and swollen cervical glands. Two were sent to hospital for removal of adenoids and tonsils. One boy was sent to hospital with large discharging sore on neck, as no foster-mother would take him until it was better. One girl was sent to hospital with acute peritonitis, and died from pelvic ili.-cess and pyaemia. The child with tubercular knee has improved considerably this year. Two girls have given considerable trouble from incontinence of urine at night. Constipation is a very common complaint among the girls, and 1 should suggest the planting of more fruit-trees in the extensive grounds, such us good eating apples, pears, and plums. Among the boarded-out children, there have been a few cases (if whooping-cough and diarrhoea, and one or two boys have been sent to hospital for circumcision, and removal of adenoids. 1 have, &c., Emily H. Siedebeeg, M.8., L.R.C.P.1., Medical Officer. St. Vixcext dk Paul's (GielsJ Industrial School, Dunedix. Sin,— Dunedin, 30th June, 1910. 1 beg to submit my annual report on the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage, South Dunedin. No deaths occurred during the year, and beyond a few mild cases of whooping-cough no cases of infectious diseases have to be recorded. The children are well housed, clothed, and fed, reflecting the greatest credit on the riev. Mother and sisters in charge of an institution whose hygienic and sanitary arrangements leave nothing to be desired. I have, &C, Eugene J. O'Neill, M.8., K.Ii.C.S.E., Medical Officer. KEPOriT OF HONORARY OFFICIAL VISITORS ON THE BURNHAM INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL. yi Hj — Christchurch. The Official Visitors have the honour to make the following report on the Burnham Reformatory School. It will be remembered that we took up the duties as members of the Board of Advice at a time when matters in connection with the institution were in a very unsatisfactory condition. Having given close attention to the work carried on at the school since our appointment, we can speak with confidence as to the good work that has been done since we assumed ofiice. The policy that has been followed by the Education Department in adopting methods that have found favour in other countries, and in initiating others more suitable to the conditions of this country in dealing with the neglected child ten of the State, has proved entirely satisfactory, with the "result that from the unsatisfactory condition of affairs that existed before this policy was initiated we have now a high standard of methods that reflects credit on all concerned. To obtain better results from that policy, it is essential that further additions be made to the present buildings. That portion recently ereoted was urgently needed, and assists in the work of administration, but further additions are necessary to allow of a complete system of classification of the inmates being carried out. And we express the hope that further efforts will be made in that direction. The buildings detached from the main our are out of date, and should be replaced by more modern ones, especially the one used as a laundry. When it is considered that laundry-work for something like 140 persons has to be done, a suitable building and more modern appliances are necessary to satisfactorily cany out the work than at present exists. Every care is taken with the inmates of the institution. They are well housed, well clothed, and well fed. Their physical welfare is well looked after by a course of physical culture and outdoor games. The military drilling of the boys is of a high standard, and is a feature of _the school, and the general appearance and bearing of the boys both on and off parade leave little to be desired, reflecting great credit on the management of the school and the officers.