B.—3a

1902. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1835.") [In continuation of E.-3a, 1901.]

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

At the annual meeting of friends of the Costley Training Institution, held at the Institute, Richmond Road, Auckland, on the 20th March, 1902, the following annual report was read : — The trustees have much pleasure in presenting their report of the work of the institution for the year 1901. The year has not been without incident outside the ordinary routine—the most important of which is announced with great regret, viz., the resignation of the Hon. Colonel Haultain of his office as trustee. Colonel Haultain was one of the three original trustees appointed by the executors of Edward Costley's will to receive the moneys payable under the will to the training-school at Kohimarama. This money, by a special Act of Parliament, called " The Costley Training Institution Act, 1885," was authorised to be applied for the purposes of this institution, and Colonel Haultain, Captain Daldy, and Mr. S. W. Hill, the three trustees selected by the executors, were by the Act continued in that office. Colonel Haultain has spared no time or trouble to promote the interests of the institution, and his zeal and energy have done very much to place it in the high position it now occupies. The vacancy caused by Colonel Haultain's resignation was filled by Major R. B. Morrow, who had for some years past been associated with the trustees, and had rendered them much valuable assistance. Mr. Charles Hudson has accepted the invitation of the trustees to be associated with them, and to assist in the management of the home. There are at present twenty-five boys in the institution at Richmond Road; of this number thirteen are atttending the Richmond Road public school, and are well reported of by the headmaster and his assistants, who have taken a very kindly interest in our boys. The other twelve are apprenticed to various trades in the town; and there are three in the country. There are also four lads in the town, of whom the manager is still the legal guardian, but who, on account of their age, and for other good reasons, are not actually living at the institution. The funds of ths institution are intended for the benefit of girls as well as boys, but there are only three girls now under our charge, two of whom are boarded out, and the third is in domestic service. There has been practically no sickness among the boys during the year, but the warmest thanks of the trustees must again be accorded to Dr. A. O. Knight for his gratuitous services so willingly given whenever called for. The trustees also desire to tender their hearty thanks to Messrs. Carter and Poster, dentists, of Karangahape Road, who have for many years rendered gratuitous service to the boys. The trustees are pleased to be able to report their continued confidence in Mr. and Mrs. Hendry, who undoubtedly have the interests of the boys at heart. It is not to be expected that the management of such an institution as this can be accomplished without some little friction occasionally, but the trustees venture to think that very good results are being obtained with a minimum of friction. The discipline is good, and the buildings and grounds are always clean and well kept. The institution was favoured by a visit from His Excellency the Governor on the 20th July last. His Excellency, as on former occasions, made a close inspection of the premises, and conversed freely with the boys. There have been four entertainments during the year, which were promoted respectively by Dr. Knight, Mr. Manson, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Makune, to whom the trustees desire to express