H—2o

lii this table most of the inmates have been included more than once where they have been subject to more than one type of care. The offences for which inmates were committed to the institution included theft; car-conversion ; breaking, entering, and theft; mischief; cycle-conversion ; sexual charges ; assault; idleness ; false pretences ; breach of probation ; arson ; robbery under arms ; boat-conversion ; and fraud. The first three items were again predominant. The ages of the inmates admitted were : fifteen years, 5 inmates ; sixteen years, 11 inmates ; seventeen years, 26 inmates ; eighteen years, 28 inmates ; nineteen years, 22 inmates ; twenty years, 8 inmates ; twenty-one years, 1 inmate. Educational attainment on admission was: secondary education, 20; passed Form 11, 29 ; passed Form I, 24; passed Standard IV, 18 ; passed Standard 111, 6 ; passed Standard 11, 2 ; illiterate, 2. Behaviour. —The standard of behaviour has been maintained at a reasonably good level. There were some who failed to respond to the discipline and routine of the institution, but, on the whole, we find that the lads give most trouble when first admitted, before they settle down. The number of escapes was again rather fewer than the average for the last few years, 12 inmates being involved altogether. All were recaptured promptly, with the exception of the lad who stowed away oh a ship and feached Panama before being returned to New Zealand. Causes of Delinquency. —As stated last year, the major underlying factor is undoubtedly unsatisfactory home and family circumstances. Domestic strife and divorce, with remarriage of one parent and the advent of a step-father or step-mother, are found time and time again in the case-histories. High wages, unsettled economic conditions, and the ease of finding new jobs are probably also contributing factors. Occupations. —One of the most important functions of the institution is to provide suitable work for the inmates and to teach them good work habits. They cannot be taught a trade in the short time most of them remain here, but they can be taught to handle tools and how to make the best use of them. The healthy, outdoor work that is always available builds them up physically, and it comes at a very important stage in their lives. They can leave here capable of steady and sustained work and some knowledge of some skilled occupation. It is necessary to have a variety of occupations for the different types of individuals passing through our hands, and to this end the farm, with its varied activities, is admirably suited to train them. The officers in charge of the industries are qualified to give both theoretical and practical instruction. We also have a variety of other industries, some connected with the farm and others within the institution itself. These are being extended and equipped with more machines in order to train the inmates in modern methods. The bookbinding industry has developed rapidly, and printing-plant has been added to it this year. This not only fulfils a long-felt want as far as the institution is concerned, but assists other Departments and the local public library and also provides useful training for inmates. School Classes. —(1) Wool-classing and Agriculture: These classes have been continued with good results and are found to be well worth while. During the school term holidays the Agricultural instructor was able to give full-time day classes while the farming activities were at a lull, and this gave all the advantages of a short, intensive course. Prizes were donated for presentation to the best pupils. (2) The Evening School: This was divided into four groups, as in previous years, one of which was at secondary-school stage and more advanced work than usual was undertaken. The subjects studied included English, arithmetic, history, geography, and world affairs.

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