B.—3b

10

might easily be magnified and made capital of as against the institution; but, viewing the whole •question broadly, I consider the result wonderfully good. I can give no more convincing proof of the sincerity of this opinion than by stating that as the result of this inquiry I have totally changed my opinion of Burnham and its work and management. I shall be much more charitable in my criticism in the future than I have been in the past. The Matron. As regards the Matron, I consider that she has been honest and sincere in the discharge of her duties, and there is no doubt that she is a. valuable factor in the management. Commissioner's thanks due to Mr. Pope and to Mies Eout. In closing this report I desire to place on record my appreciation of the very valuable assistance rendered to me throughout this inquiry by Mr. R. H. Pope, the Assistant Inspector of Industrial Schools. Mr. Pope has made a special study of the industrial-school system in this colony in all its bearings. But he has done more than this, for he has made himself acquainted with the life-histories of a vast number of the boys in all the many institutions, and has shown himself ever ready to help forward any movement that may tend to improve their lot and condition. I shall hope to see Mr. Pope in a position in relation to industrial schools in which he can render still more valuable service to the cause he has so much at heart. I desire also to acknowledge my indebtness to Miss Rout, who has rendered such valuable and efficient service as shorthand reporter and secretary to the Commission. Report of evidence. The full evidence taken before me is forwarded herewith. Signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this eighteenth day of October, in the year one thousand nine hundred and six. H. W. Bishop, Stipendiary Magistrate and Commissioner.

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