E.—4

16

temperamental instability, rather than to serious mental defect, appear incapable of making satisfactory progress in a public school, and require special class or school training. The intelligence quotients of these children may range from 75 to 80. The standard (I.Q. 50-75), therefore, cannot be an arbitrary one. Children whose intelligence quotients are 45 or lower are not, as a rule, suitable. Special Institution for Boys at Otekaike, near Oamaru. On the 31st March, 1928, the number of boys in residence was 185, against 190 on the Ist April, 1927. During the year twelve boys were placed at service, thirteen were returned to friends, one was placed at board, nine were transferred to the Boys' Training-farm, Weraroa, four were transferred to the Salvation Army Boys' Home, Putaruru, five were admitted to a mental hospital, one died in hospital, and one boy absconded and was not located. Thirty-four new pupils were admitted, one boy was returned from board, and three boys who were returned from service during the year were in residence on the 31st March, 1928. * In the industrial department the inmates were employed in farm, garden, and orchard work, boot making and repairing, coir-mat making, seagrass-furniture making and basketmaking, sawmilling, and domestic work (laundry, kitchen-work, &c). The average daily number in this group was seventynine, with a chronological age of sixteen years and upwards, and an average mental age of eight years three months. One hundred and three boys were in attendance at the day school, the average chronological age being eleven years five months, the average mental age seven years three months, and the intelligence quotients 0-64. The organization and classification are similar to that of previous years. Physical training in all its forms still holds importance of place in the curriculum. During the past year the chief innovation to this work has been the introduction of two periods of rest daily, and a few minutes' postural work, for the whole school in the afternoon, as a corrective to probable wrong posture during manual occupations. The first rest-period follows the morning physical activities, while the second period immediately follows midday dinner. During this period when the boys lie in a correct, restful posture, they enjoy gramophone selections, or stories. Besides proving beneficial from the aspect of the children's health, this period, therefore, is one of enjoyment to the boys. Our manual occupations remain much as usual. As the boys grow more proficient, more difficult forms of handwork are being introduced in the junior handwork classes, and the work of the senior class has been extended. Marquetry has been added to the senior handwork occupations. As the output of the handwork classes has increased not only has a greater number of private orders been executed, but some of the manual work, raffia and pine-needle, is now sent to Oamaru for sale. As a result of the free occupation work the senior boys are learning to use common tools, and, when required, can make much useful material for the junior classes. As musical work forms an invaluable part of the training of the subnormal, it is hoped that before long a mouth-organ band may be formed. As formerly, classification for mental work is determined by (1) school attainment, (2) results of intelligence tests, (3) temperament. Scholastic work from PI to Standard 111 is being carried on at present. This work is made as varied in method, as individual, and as practical as possible. During the year definite sense training has been introduced for the children of lowest mental age. To this end, a Sequin sense-training room has been added and fully equipped, the apparatus and method of training being based on that devised by Sequin, and later amplified, by the late Dr. Fernald, of Waverley, Massachusetts. From the periodic visits of Mr. Stuckey (Senior Inspector), Mr. Roydhouse and Miss Dickson (Physical Instructors), and Mr. Green (Instructor in Agriculture, Otago Education Board), the school staff has gained much valuable assistance. The health of the inmates during the year was very satisfactory. Special Institution for Girls at Richmond, near Nelson. During the year 109 pupils passed through the school. Of that number eighty-eight remain on the school roll— i.e., eighty-eight residential, one day pupil, and three on vacation. During the year twenty-two new pupils were admitted, excluding five temporary admissions, and sixteen left, including five temporary admissions. Fifty pupils are attending the regular school classes daily, and all show marked improvement in their work. The usual school curriculum is taught up to the Fourth Standard, and satisfactory progress has been made by the majority of the pupils. The handwork (needlework) section has expanded in a marked degree, and excellent results are being obtained from the pupils in this branch. Orders from the general public for the various articles manufactured are in excess of our present output, and future development will prove a valuable asset to this institution. The senior girls assist in domestic, gardening, and orchard work, also poultrykeeping. These branches of work are also promising profitable expansion. The Rev. Mr. Daynes, Vicar of Richmond, pays his usual weekly visit to the children, who also attend Divine service in the village on Sundays, weather permitting. Organized games —dancing, singing, and drill—are carried out in an efficient manner. Miss Blackburn and Mr. Price, drill instructors for the Nelson District, visit the school and introduce new features into this section. Mrs. Morrow again very kindly placed her furnished house at Tahuna at the disposal of the children for a holiday at the seaside. In addition to visits of inspection by officers of the Child Welfare Branch the school was visited during the year by Dr. A. Paterson, Director of School Medical Services ; Dr. Keith, Schools Medical Officer; and Mr. Dalglish, Inspector of Primary Schools, Nelson. The Nelson schools dental clinic attended the pupils during the year and carried out the necessary requirements.