H.—2o.

The special class which is conducted under the auspices of the Southland Branch of the Workers' Educational Association met regularly during the winter months under the capable direction of Mr. J. Stobo, M.A., who reports as follows :— " This class met at the Invercargiil Borstal on Friday evenings during the months of May, June, July, and August. The work of the evening usually consisted of a short lecture by the tutor, followed by a prepared debate on a series of lecturettes by the class members, following a syllabus drawn up at the commencement of the session. Variety was provided on occasions by two play-readings (one in costume), a travel talk illustrated by lantern views given by Mr. G. Hill, M.A., a gramophone evening, and a concert." We are again indebted to the Southland Branch of the League of Nations Union for arranging a course of lectures during the winter. The lecturer, Mr. A. R. Dunlop, M.A., secured the intelligent interest of his class ; he reports as follows : — " The Invercargiil Branch of the League of Nations Union conducted a class in the Borstal Institution during the winter session of 1933. The course of lectures extended over eight evenings and books were supplied to the boys. The average attendance was about forty-five. At the end of the course an examination was held and the work handed in showed that the boys had been interested in the subject and many had carefully studied their books and notes. Ten prizes in the form of carefully chosen books were distributed to the boys who had handed in the best papers." The evening school classes have been held regularly throughout the year under Mr. J. S. McGrath, 8.A., assisted by Messrs. L. J. Clapp and T. McFarlane. The Institution band continues under the capable direction of Mr. A. R. Wills. The band instruments which were second-hand when purchased many years ago, have now reached a condition when their replacement will have to be considered. Mr. J. Page, Physical Director to the Southland High Schools' Board, continues to direct the physical education of the lads. Their response, under his capable lead, gives high value to the training in which all share. Whenever called upon, Mr. Page's Borstal pupils can give an exhibition which compares favourably with the best that is done elsewhere in free gymnastics. The house system, inaugurated here in May, 1932 has now had time to manifest its values. In the various departments of sport its stimulating influence has been notable. Thus, in respect of numbers alone, 100 players took an active part in football during the 1933 season, 70 lads took up cricket, swimming showed corresponding accessions, there being 120 entries at one of the carnivals held during the warmer months, while tennis, fives, and volley-ball attracted smaller bands of keen votaries. In general athletics the inter-house emulation lent a fine zest to the numerous events contested at our sports meetings, which were held on the 18th February, 25th March, Labour Day, and Boxing Day. The number of entries ranged up to 66 for a single event. The Champion Cup for the highest aggregate in all branches of sport went to Wakatipu House. Borstal entered two teams, third and fourth grade respectively, for the Southland Rugby Union contests. Of its 13 games the former team won 9, lost 3, and drew 1, scoring an aggregate of 138 points, as against 87, and finishing up third among the competing teams. The latter, playing 12 matches, won 7, lost 4, drew 1, and won fourth place with 157 points against 87. The lads are under a great obligation to Mr. E.G. Kelly for his untiring services in coaching the teams. In cricket the inter-house matches brought into the game, to their advantage, a number of lads who had not previously caught its fascination. A series of games arranged with outside teams, which included some leading players, added greatly to the interest of the season while also furnishing profitable examples to our less-experienced cricketers. That victory rested with the Borstal in ten out of thirteen games thus played, evidences a satisfactory standard of attainment. Visiting experts likewise lent fresh zest and purpose to the swimming practices and carnivals. The Oreti Life-saving Club, at one of these carnivals, gave an instructive display in the art of swimming and life-saving. The eighth Annual Summer Camp, which was held on the usual spot at Otatara, evoked the happy co-operation of all the campers. For fourteen days the lads enjoyed the freedom that camping out permits and returned fit and well. Our best thanks are due to the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. for lending the large marquee and providing the cinematograph machine, both of which proved invaluable. Special mention must be made of the kind services of Mr. R. M. Brasted, the National Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. At the conclusion of a sports programme the prizes were presented to the successful competitors by the Chairman of the Visiting Committee, Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M. The spiritual welfare of the lads has been well attended to by the ministers of the various denominations. On Anzac Day a special service was held when addresses were given by Reverend C. J. Tocker, and Mr. George Agnew, representing the Returned Soldiers' Association. A special Easter service was held on Good Friday, the speaker being the Reverend J. Chisholm and Reverend L. P. Bryan. On the occasion of the visit to Southland of the Maori Mission party a service for the Maori lads was conducted in their native tongue by a member of their own race in the person of the Reverend Teuira Te Uira Taetueao. Other distinguished visitors who conducted special meetings for the lads were the Reverend S. Varcoe Cocks, Youth Director, Methodist Church of New South Wales, and Commissioner John Cunningham, of the Salvation Army. The services at the Ranch have been held regularly on Sunday afternoons, while weekly Bible classes have been conducted by Archdeacon Lush, Adjutant Tong, and Mr. Sampson. Among much appreciated voluntary helpers must be mentioned Mr. H. Dobbie, who has again officiated as organist. The library continues to be made good use of by the inmates. During the year a very extensive overhaul of the books was undertaken, and to date 350 books have been neatly rebound in the Institution. There is still a large number under repairs which will be completed when the material comes to hand.

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