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St. Mart's Industrial School, Auckland, Girls' Branch, Ponsonbt. Sir,— Auckland, 3rd June, 1908. I have inspected thoroughly every department of the establishment, and find drainage, water-supply, &c, in good order. The children are well clothed and well fed. The dormitories are kept exceedingly clean and sufficiently ventilated. The children's bed-covering is ample and suited for the season. Every care is taken by the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Francis, to insure thorough cleanliness and happiness amongst the large number of inmates under her immediate control. I have, &c, W. J. Darby, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Hon. Physician.

Boys' Training Farm, Wbraroa. Sir,— 30th April, 1908. During the past year there have been no serious cases of illness. The general health of the inmates has been good. The inconvenience from overcrowding mentioned in my last report still exists, and, although more accommodation has been provided, the number of inmates has largely increased during the year. This is a matter that is of importance, and should have some consideration. The lighting of the cottage homes is defective, and the remarks made in my last report still hold good in this respect. I would again urge that the electric-light installation be extended to them. I have from time to time examined the food, and the living and sleeping rooms, and have at all times found these properly attended to. The water-supply is still defective, in that the filter-beds that have been put in get silted up, and have to be interfered with to allow enough water through for the requirements of the institution. The interference destroys for the time the power of the beds to remove from the water any dangerous ingredients it may contain, and so destroys the utility of the beds. I would suggest that, seeing the town of Levin has decided to put in a high-pressure supply, a pipe should be connected with that supply. This would be a great advantage in case of fire, and would give an unlimited supply of very excellent water for all purposes. The Manager has at all times given me all assistance required in carrying out my duties, and the Matron has given every care and attention to the sick. I have, <fee, H. D. Mackenzie, M.D., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

Wellington Receiving Home. Sir,— Wellington, 13th May, 1908. I have the honour to report that during the past year I have visited and inspected the Wellington Receiving Home at regular intervals, and attended the children there, as well as those at the foster-homes in or contiguous to Wellington. Since my last report additions and alterations have been made to the Home. From a medical point of view these are entirely satisfactory. The general health of the inmates during the past year has been good. Seven patients have had minor operations, five of these being for tonsils and adenoids, and two for the opening of abscesses. There have been three deaths in the Horne —two from meningitis, of which one was 1 tubercular, and one from diphtheria. The latter was extremely ill when brought into the Home. I can speak very highly of the attention of the foster-mothers to the children. I have often found that out of the allowance for board they have bought the children delicacies and simple remedies which must have absorbed several weeks' remuneration. I have, &c, Donald McGavin, M.D., F.R.C.S. (Eng)., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

St. Joseph's Industrial School (Girls), Wellington. Sir, — Wellington, 6th June, 1908. I have the honour to furnish the annual report on St. Joseph's Industrial School, Wellington. I made my annual examination on the 4th June, 1908, and found the inmates happy, contented, and in the best of health. The dormitories, class, dining, and work rooms were scrupulously clean and tidy. The ventilating and sanitary arrangements are all that can be desired. Sister Ambrose is still in charge of the institution, and under her good management the health of the children is well looked after. I have, <fee, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. P. Mackin, M.D., F.R.C.S. (Eng.).