B.—3a.

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. (" THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885.") [In continuation of E.-3a, Sess. II., 1897.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The annual meeting of friends of the Costley Training Institution was held at the Institute, Eichmond Eoad, on Thursday evening, 20th January, 1898. The secretary read the following annual report:— In submitting their annual report, the trustees are very thankful to tell you that the year just closed has been a most successful one. With a roll of four girls and twenty-eight boys it is surprising—and, they submit, speaks well for the domestic management of the institution—that, in view of the large amount of sickness prevailing last year in this community, there has not been one really serious case of illness amongst the inmates. Whilst everything in connection with the internal working of the concern proceeds with clockwork-like regularity, there is none of that stiffness which might be expected to prevail. The aim of the trustees—and it is well backed up by the manager and his wife—is to make the inmates feel that the institution is their home. Whilst moral and spiritual training are afforded, the old adage " all work and no play" has not been forgotten, and. rational amusements are provided. Sunday is observed by the inmates attending Divine service each morning and school each afternoon, whilst the evenings are devoted to reading and singing. Family worship is conducted every evening. To the extent of the means in their power the trustees continue to have technical instruction imparted ; and in effecting this the carpenter's bench, the blacksmith's shop, and the turning-lathe have been kept actively in operation. As it is not convenient or desirable to locate the girls in this building they are boarded out, especial care being taken in every case to find a respectable and responsible home for each. Of the twenty-eight boys, two have been, under circumstances which warranted it, allowed to return to and reside with their widowed mother; another two are away on farms ; whilst fifteen are learning trades, several of them duly-indentured apprentices; and. nine attend day-school. Thanks are again tendered to Drs. Knight and Parkes for the permission kindly given to call upon them at any time for gratuitous advice and attention ; and that their services have not been required in any serious case is a matter which doubtless is as gratifying to them as to the management. During the year two entertainments were provided. For one of these, a sacred concert, our thanks are due to Miss Eimmer and her friends; for the other we are indebted to our friend Captain Morrow and those who so kindly assisted him. Needless to say, both functions were highly appreciated. On previous occasions the trustees have notified their desire that the public show its interest in the concern by visiting the institution. At any reasonable hour on weekdays the manager will give a hearty welcome to, and show round, any visitor. Especially would it please as well the trustees as the inmates would some lady or gentleman visit the institution in the evening and give the lads a short practical address. Notwithstanding the efforts made to vary them, each day's proceedings are much the same, and an occasional hearty practical address would obviate monotony and be highly valued. A note sent to the manager a few days before the appointed evening would enable him to make the required arrangements. Once again —for it is possible there are some present who are not aware of it—it is wished to emphasize the fact that no past or present inmate of this institution was placed here because of criminal acts or instincts. Upon our roll can only be subscribed the names of girls and boys who, through no fault of their own, have no place called "home." A balance-sheet will be submitted this evening, and will explain itself ; but, to prevent any misapprehension, it may be well to mention now that outside the costs of actual domestic management —repairs to building and renewal of furniture— not one shilling of expense has been incurred by the trustees for several years past. Directors' fees, office rent, legal expenses, and sundries are conspicuous by their absence. The trustees pray that God's blessing may follow their work and labour of love. W. G. Daldy, Chairman,