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70. The Commissioner.] The girls were taken there when they were returned to the school after absconding?— Not for that reason exactly. 71. For what do you understand the reception-room, to be?— Girls had disease of some description, and they were examined. That is all I know about it. 72. Mr. Salter.] You know nothing of any harsh treatment of girls whilst you were here? —No. 73. Did the girls in the second class have much to say to the girls in the first? —No. 74. So the girls in the second division might be very harshly treated and the girls in the first class not know of it?—Oh, no. We always knew. The Matron was over there, and we were on the second-class side with the Matron. 75. I thought you said you were kept quite separate?—So we were, but at the same time w<* knew pretty well what was going on. 76. How did you know?— The Matron told us. 77. She talked about the other girls to you? —She used to say if any girl was punished or had not behaved properly. 78. She used to tell the girls in the first class? —The Matron used to speak to us when we were all together. 79. She used to speak of the other girls' faults before you all? —No; she used to advise them and tell them to do better. 80. Mr. Rttssell.] This was at prayer-time?— Yes. 81. And then she would advise the girls not to do it again? —Yes, and tell them they ought to behave themselves. 82. That was in front of all the girls?— Yes. 83. So that all could hear what she said?— Yes. 84. The Commissioner.] Have you ever heard any grumbling amongst the girls generally about the food ?—Not at all. They have always been satisfied. 85. So far as you knew, there was always plenty?— Yes. 86. Was any attempt ever made to induce-you to abscond by any of the other girls?—No, certainly not. 87. Absconding was not discussed generally amongst the girls?— No. 88. Of course, you know there are bad and good in the school? —Yes. 89. Do you think the girls who were badly inclined had opportunities for influencing the others? —They could talk to the other girls. 90. Have they ever tried to influence you at all? —No; I would not be influenced. 91. You would try and show a good example to the others, being an elder girl?— Yes. 92. And you feel your position to-day is due to your life in the Home? —Yes. E B examined on oath. 1. Mr. Russell.] What is your age?—l was seventeen last August. 2. And I think you have been here three years come August?— Yes. 3. Are you in the first or second division?— First. 4. How long have you been in the first?—A little over two years. 5. Then you were one year in the second? —Yes. 6. Do you take any particular part in wood-chopping or a turn all round?—A turn all round. 7. Do you find that work hard upon you?— No. 8. Would you rather be outside in the sun and air or in the house?— Outside. 9. And if you had your choice you would prefer wood-chopping to inside work? —Yes. 10. What members of the staff are with you generally when you are wood-chopping?— Miss Hunt or Miss Dean. 11. Are they kind to you, or do they drive you?— They are very kind to us. 12. Have you anything to complain of about Miss Dean or Miss Hunt?— No. 13. Do you get plenty of rest-time when cutting wood? —Yes. 14. How many afternoons or evenings in the week do you girls get to play in?— Monday and Wednesday. 15. And from what time on Saturday?— From 3 p.m. until bedtime. 16. In the summer-time do you play tennis and croquet?— Yes. 17. Are you free to do what you like in that time so long as you obey the regulations?— Yes. 18. You said Miss Hunt and Miss Dean were kind to you: what about the other members of the staff? —They are all kind to us. 19. Do you get sufficient food here?— Yes. 20. Have you sufficient bedding to keep you warm in winter?— Yes. 21. You are quite sure?— Yes. 22. And do you get enough personal clothing^ —Yes. 23. Does each girl have her own clothes in her locker?— Yes. 24. It has been said that the girls have to scrub in the winter-time with cold water, and that no hot water is allowed them: is that so or not?—On the first-class side we have hot water. 25. Do you know anything about the other side? —I think the girls have it there. They had it when I was there. 26. When you go to school, are you tired with your work in the afternoon?— No. 27. Do you ever feel you are tired, and cannot learn your lessons?- —No. 28. Do you get on well with your lessons?— Yes. 29. Have you been punished at any time? —Yes. 30. What for? —I was put in the cell once for impudence. At other times I went to bed.

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