H.—2l.

76

[a. moobhouse.

11. You have had a good opportunity of seeing the methods adopted in the treatment of these girls by the Matron and staff? —Yes. 12. Are you satisfied that the conditions here as carried out by the Matron and staff are all that could be wished for the purpose of improving these girls mentally and physically? —Quite satisfied. I am not satisfied with the Home, because I want additions to the buildings, but I am satisfied, so far as the Matron's administration is concerned. I think she does the very best with her limited accommodation, but I do think more accommodation is wanted, so that the girls could be separated. 13. The Commissioner.] You want more facilities for classification? —Yes, but I think, with the facilities, she has managed excellently. 14. Mr. Russell.] Some complaint has been made as to the food. You have seen the food from time to time? —Yes, and tasted it. It is very nice. 15. You are quite satisfied, as Medical Officer, there is no legitimate grounds for complaint on that score?— Not so far as I have seen. I have gone into the kitchen on every visit. I have inspected the various pots, and tasted the food on occasions, and I have been with the girls when they have been eating it. It is very good plain food. 16. There was no chance of preparation before you came?— No. 17. You do not encourage a large amount of meat being given to the girls? —Suffering as some of the girls do from certain bad habits, I have told the Matron to give them no meat, or, at least, a very limited quantity, but plenty of other food. 18. From what you have seen, are the girls happy here?— Very, I should say, judging from the jovial way they greet me. I paid a surprise visit one evening with Miss McLean, Inspector of Mental Hospitals, and we were particularly struck with the cheerfulness of the girls. They seemed absolutely full of fun and mischief. When we went into the dormitory the girls were in their nightgowns, and three of them bounced out from behind a' door at us, and the Matron and they seemed full of fun. One caught hold of the Matron's hand and chaffed her, and another passed a remark, and Miss McLean, and I were both pleased at the freedom, with which they behaved with the Matron. We thought it showed absolute confidence in the Matron, and an entire absence of fear. 19. Do you think the Matron has those qualities a woman should have here?—l think so. I think she is severe when necessary, but I think also she is a kind motherly woman, who goes into the girls' troubles, and does her best to advise and help them. 20. Have you had an opportunity of seeing whether the staff loyally co-operate with the Matron in helping the girls?—So far as I can judge, I think they do. I have only the Matron and Miss Hunt and Miss Harrison to do with. They all seem to uphold the Matron's authority, and to speak well of her. 21. Have you ever noticed the girls frightened or in fear of the staff?— Not the least. They are rather bold sometimes. 22. Generally, do you consider that anything that could be done here for the girls to help them upwards is being done, putting aside the question of classification? —I do think so. 23. Something has been said from time to time about a room which the Matron uses for the purpose of examining these girls : do you think that is necessary or desirable in the interests of health and sanitation? —Absolutely necessary. It is a room in which the girls can be examined privately, away from the other giris, and it is quite necessary they should be so examined. Then it is reported to me, and I see any girl if necessary. I see them myself in that room. 24. Do you know of your own knowledge whether the Matron has gone to any trouble and pains to get these girls well?—I know she has. I know girls have gone to her themselves and asked her to help them. 25. There is nothing to object to in that room?— Nothing, and it is absolutely necessary. 26. And it is not work, any woman would undertake if she could possibly help it?— Certainly not. 27. The Commissioner.] The diseases are all venereal? —Yes. 28. Mr. Russell.] And it can be nothing to the Matron's discredit that she does her best to get the girls rid of that disease?—lt would be absolutely to her discredit if she did not. 29. Mr. Salter.] Do you not think that all examinations of that kind should be made by the Medical Officer? —I~do see them. 30. Is it necessary for the Matro"ii to examine them as well as you ?—I only pay a visit once a month, and if the Matron did not examine them on admission a girl might have to wait over three weeks. 31. Do you not think that as soon as a girl came in requiring attention in that way you should be summoned to come at once?—l think the Matron is acting in the position of nurse in that case, and it is her duty to make an examination and see the girls sometimes and report it to me. 32. Have you seen and tested the bread and dripping and bread and jam?—l have not tasted the bread and dripping, but I like it very much. I have it frequently in my own house. 33. Have you. .seen it spread for them?—l saw them eating it one night, and thought it quite good and wholesome. 34. What have you to say in reference to the Matron boxing girls' ears?—l strongly object to it. I think it is very unwise. 35. There should be no hitting about the head at all?— None. 36. Mr. Russell.] Have you ever noticed any girl who has developed any symptoms which would show her ears had been boxed? —Not the slightest symptom. 37. Mr. Salter.] One girl stated here that she had mentioned to you that her ears had been boxed, and that she had had a buzzing in the ears as a consequence?—l remember it. Her name was A , an extremely violent girl, who had been fighting with three other members of the