10

H.—4

District-Inspector McCredie, in his recent inspection, made the following remarks: "Order —good. Discipline—good. Proficiency—tolerable." 7. A considerable reduction has taken place in the expenditure per head. The ship cost £300 less than the preceding year, notwithstanding more boys were dealt with. The lads on the ship cost £23 each. Altogether, including the apprentices, 669 boys was the average daily number under my control, and the cost for the year £7 18s. 9d. each, which is the lowest sum yet reached. 8. Eeligious instruction has been conducted on board by the Eev. W. Charlton, Eev. J. Hagarty, Eev. A. Turnbull, Eev. A. Boyle, the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mrs. Ford, and occasionally by other ladies and gentlemen. The religious instructors are worthy of all praise for their kindness and earnest labours. On Sundays the boys landed and marched to their respective places of worship. 9. A large number of ex-" Vernon" apprentices visited us during the year, and a correspondence has been maintained, to the extent of many hundreds of letters, with a still larger number of former inmates. It is one of the most pleasant things in connection with the ship to find that such a friendly feeling prevails. 10. The officers continue to perform their duties in a cheerful, hearty spirit. They have shown an interest in their work, and have been patient and kind to the boys. I have, &c, Feedk. W. Neitenstein, Commander and Superintendent.

A.— Cost per Head for Year (Daily Average, 219). £ s. a. Provisions ... ... ... ... ... 1,931 5 5 Crockery, mess utensils, knives, forks, &c. ... ... 35 16 2 Clothing ... ... ... ... ... 644 14 1 Stores, rope, paint, &c. ... ... ... ... 196 13 1 School stationery, good-conduct awards ... ... 66 5 2 Salaries (including two teachers for school duties) ... ... 1,842 11 10 Fuel and light ... ... ... ... ... 89 7 3 Boats and oars ... ... ... ... ... 46 16 0 Medicines and surgeon's salary ... ... ... 97710 Bedding, hammocks, and blankets ... ... ... 90 7 6 Eepairs generally ... ... ... ... 223 7 8 Various petty charges ... ... ... ... 39 4 10 Gross cost of only those on board ... 5,303 16 10 Deduct parent's contributions... ... 270 0 0 Net cost ... ... ... 5,033 16 10 Or £23 each, being £1 6s. sd. less than last year, and the lowest cost in the ship's history. Expenses of Apprentices. £ s. d. Proportion of salaries ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Visiting, stamps, &c. ... ... ... ... 76 16 9 Total ... ... ... ... 276 16 9 Net Cost to State of all " Vemon" Boys under Control. £ s. d. Average number on ship, 219 —cost ... ... ... 5,033 16 10 apprenticed, 450—cost ... ... 276 16 9 Total cost of 669 maintained ... ... 5,310 13 7 Cost per head per annum ... = £7 18 9 daily ... ... =005

B.— Admissions and Discharges during the Year.

Particulars. No. : Total. Particulars. No. Total. Admissions — Committals Eeturned, various causes • • • 194 15 Discharges— Apprenticed Young boys transferred to the State Children's Relief Department Otherwise discharged 125 ! I 34 48 % 71 i I Total admissions 209 Total discharges 207