H.—2o,

25

a knowledge of cropping, the cultivation of the soil, the use of fertilizers, the sowing of seed, and the rotation of crops. Others again become quick and adept at milking ; but, as previously mentioned, the training offered is made as wide as possible, to give the inmate an all-round knowledge of farming. Other than the ordinary sphere of farming, and usually to meet the case of those naturally weaker in physique, employment with instruction is afforded in the garden and orchard, while others still are employed under an artificer officer in carpentry and cabinetmaking. The task of building up the physique of inmates is assisted by the training given in Swedish drill. The classes have been held five evenings in each fortnight, and special attention was given to marching with an erect carriage. Night classes have been held on three evenings each week. The work done has mostly been in connection with giving a general education to the youths who prove to have received little schooling, but to others the classes are more in the nature of a refresher course. The report of the Schoolmaster is attached. We are further indebted to the members of the Hamilton Branch of the Howard League for the good services rendered by that body of enthusiasts during the year. Their interest in the inmates has been unflagging. Week after week they have visited here, and with something new and instructive their lectures and entertainments have always kept a freshness and have been looked forward to by the inmates with keen interest. Other concert parties organized at Te Awamut.u periodically visited the institution and gave entertainments. At most of the concerts given a period has been devoted to community singing, and if perhaps to a musical critic the choruses appeared at times a little out of harmony, no fault could be found with the volume and fervour in which the items were rendered. Further entertainment was also provided by the installation of an up-to-date wireless set. On Saturday afternoons seasonable outdoor games were indulged in, embracing cricket, tennis, swimming, and football. To the officials of the Waipa Rugby Union we are indebted for arranging many games with teams playing under their jurisdiction, and although we have not obtained so many visits from cricket clubs this season several matches were arranged among the lads themselves, greatest interest perhaps being aroused in a memorable tussle between teams representing the camp and the main institution. The thanks of the Department are due to the Borstal Visiting Committee, a body comprised of well-known business men of Te Awamutu, who have made regular visits of inspection to the institution, and shown by their assistance in obtaining employment for released inmates their practical sympathy with the work of the institution. Thanks are also due to the visiting clergymen. Divine service has been held on every Sunday, and the Chaplains have been unfailing in attending to the spiritual needs of inmates of their respective denominations. In conclusion I wish to place on record my appreciation for the valuable services rendered by the staff of the institution, and to thank them for the loyal co-operation given in all our enterprises during the year. Schoolmaster's Report. The programme of work carried out during the year included English language and literature, composition, spelling, letter-writing, and arithmetic, which was based on the most practical lines possible, so that it would be of use in everyday life. A feature of the class was the wide range of attainment —from preparatory to secondary school work. -In some cases (more especially the Maoris) but happily very few, the youths could neither read nor write. In the case of the latter, although progress was slow, considerable improvement was noticeable at the end of the year. It is pleasing to note that the inmates, without exception, while attending the class, readily seized the opportunity to try and renew acquaintanceship with the subjects of their schooldays, more especially those who realized that they had forgotten much of what they had learned at school. The changing personnel of the classes (unavoidable, of course) makes it necessary to give considerable individual attention, though I must say that the inmates seem to appreciate the individual teaching, however little it may be, and to prefer it to the customary class teaching. At least once a week, and occasionally twice, short lectures were given. The subjects chosen were as often as not in answer to questions asked by the inmates. The subjects ranged from physiology —a complete course in the first-aid treatment of simple fractures, sprains, and dislocations was given—to zoology (diseases in cattle). After each lecture, ample time was given for questions, and the number and variety of these showed that the majority of the inmates had taken a keen interest. The discipline at all times was all that could be desired, due to the tactful and efficient way in which the discij)linary officer handled the classes, thus enabling me to cover the work with no friction. In general the keenness shown and the interest taken in the work made teaching and supervision a pleasure rather than a task. In conclusion I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the officers for their valuable help readily given, and for the unfailing courtesy extended to me throughout the year. Point Halswell Borstal Institution for Young Women. (Superintendent, Miss G. Watkin.) At the beginning of the year there were 39 inmates in the Borstal Institution and 8 in the reformatory ; during the year 20 girls were received into the former institution, and 26 were released, either on the recommendation of the Parole Board, on expiration of sentence, or by transference to other institutions, leaving 33 at the end of the year. Fifty-six older women were received into the reformatory and 64 discharged, released, or transferred elsewhere, leaving 6 in custody at the end of the year. I am glad to be able to report that we have kept up our usual excellent record for health, one girl having spent a week in the General Hospital in order to have her tonsils removed, and two others having been sent there for seven and three days respectively as the result of slight accidents.

4—H. 20.