B.- -3a

1908. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION. ("THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT, 1885," AND "THE COSTLEY TRAINING INSTITUTION ACT AMENDMENT ACT, 1907.") [In continuation of E.-3a, 1907.]

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

THE COSTLEV TRAINING INSTITUTION, AUCKLAND. The following is the report of the Trust Board for the year ending December, 1907 :— On the 31st December there were twenty-seven boys in residence at Richmond Road. Of this number, sixteen were engaged in various trades in the city, and eleven were attending Richmond ltoad Public School. There are also seventeen under the charge of the Trust Board not resident at the Institution. Of these, eleven are working at trades in Auckland, and by permission of the Board receive their own wages and pay their mvu expenses. Of the others, four are in the country and one at sea. An amendment of the Costley Training Institution Act of 1885 passed through the House in August last. Under this Act the number of Trustees may be increased to five (instead of three) by the appointment of two additional Trustees. The Trustees will be a body corporate under the name of "The Costley Training Institution Trust Board." Messrs. Charles Hudson and Wesley Spragg have been appointed. The former (Mr. Hudson) accepted an invitation as an associate Trustee in 1901, and for six years has rendered much valuable assistance to the management of the institution. The latter (Mr. Spragg) is a new member. The Board is pleased at being able to secure the services of this gentleman, whom they feel sure will take a keen interest in the working of the institution. Mr. Spragg has been for many years connected with the Young Men's Christian Association. The report of the Honorary Medical Officer is attached, showing the health of the boys to have been good. The best thanks of the Trust Board are due to Dr. Aicken for his valuable services. The best thanks of the Trust Board are also due to Messrs. Carter and Foster, dentists, of Karangahape Road, for their kind and gratuitous services to the boys. The boys have again, through the kindness of Mr. A. J. Farmer, been able to enjoy a very beneficial stay at Kawau during the Christmas holidays. All the boys regularly attend church according to the religious body to which they belong. On Sunday afternoon, by arrangement with Archdeacon Calder, the boys have received religious instruction under the Rev. F. C. Thomas, and have made good progress. Eleven received conditional baptism, and fifteen were confirmed. Several entertainments have been held during the year, and the boys have been invited to several plays, including the pantomime. The Board wish to thank all who have interested themselves for the boys' amusement.