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The Fernydale boys had their annual camping-out expedition this summer as usual, a pleasure to which they look forward with keen anticipation, and I desire to tender my best thanks to those who so kindly assisted us with provisions, &c, while we were in camp—namely, Mr. David Syme, Mr. David Mitchell, Mr. Mirey, Mr. G. R. White, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Hand, and Mr. and Mrs. Perrin. Very special thanks are also due to Dr. Syme for his kind offices as honorary physician to the school. M. McAskell.

Report of the Visiting Committee on the Wandin Yallock Reformatory. We have to report that the Wandin Yallock Reformatory School (in its three branches at Fernydale, Olinda, and Hillside farms) has been visited by various members of the visiting committee during the past year, and we have pleasure in recording our approbation of the management of the school, and our entire satisfaction with the appearance and demeanour of the inmates of the three farms. Annie Syme. B. M. Perrin. Arthur E. Syme. Geo. R. White. R. Kerr. F. Parker. David Kay. L. B. Thompson. F. W. Perrin.

Bukawert Reformatory. I have to report that one boy completed his term at the school on 21st of May, and left his situation to go to his friends. Two boys were moved from their situations, and had others found for them, and then had to be returned to the depot. Another boy left his place and is still at large. Four boys were admitted during the year ; one was placed at service and is doing excellently. The others are in good health, well-conducted, and learning different kinds of work. There is plenty of evidence that the free life in the country is a great improvement on the old barrack life, both mentally and physically, for the boys, making them feel their responsibility as to work, and giving them a taste for rural sports and employments. H. B. Sadleir, Superintendent.

Straight View Farm Reformatory. I have the honour to report that our work at the Home for the year 1896 has been fairly satisfactory. The boys' conduct has been good, even better than last year. The health of the boys was very good, with the exception of a slight accident and a case of abscess ; in connection with these, I beg to thank Dr. Hill, of Castlemaine, for his kindness in attending to them during their illness at the hospital. Of the boys placed out during the year, the majority are reported to be doing well. Situations are very difficult to get during the winter months, but in the spring-time the boys are readily employed by farmers for milking, &c. The boys have lessons every night during the week, which some of them need badly, as they frequently can neither read nor write. The Rev. Father Murphy visited us on several occasions. Peter McMahon.

Albion Reformatory. lam happy to be able to report most excellent progress in the Albion Reformatory. The work has been making vigorous strides towards perfection, and still better things appear to be in store in the immediate future. During 1896 the general conduct of the inmates of the Home has been distinctly satisfactory; with but two or three exceptions being very good indeed. The whole tone of behaviour has been unquestionably improving. During the past year, thirty new cases have been received from the depot. Of this number eighteen have been placed in service. No less than sixty-six situations in all have been secured. The terms of four girls have been completed through the expiration of time. These are all, we believe, doing well. Four girls have been sent to their friends on probation ; these are also progressing satisfactorily, we understand. The general health of the inmates has been all that could be wished, with but three exceptions. These were transferred to the hospital, but returned to the Home entirely cured. The industries of the Home are in a flourishing condition, with promise of more successful development. Knitting and sewing provide considerable and constant employment throughout the year, and domestic work enables us to train many for service in the future. I propose, almost immediately, to transfer the Homes into better and more suitable spacious quarters in the country, where they will be further removed from the associations of the city, and have abundant fresh air and health-giving surroundings. I trust the institution will prove, by the grace of God, a very haven of deliverance and fresh inspirator towards a nobler life for many hundreds of sin-stained and temptation-harassed souls. We find it is necessary, more than ever, to aim especially at the heart—the citadel of existence, the source of action. We have endeavoured to deepen the spiritual impressions, and to permanently implant the principles of true religion. Among the younger girls, especially, the results have been wonderfully marked. Praying the Lord may abundantly bless you, Cornelie Booth.

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