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46. For what length of time?— Different times. I have put a girl in shortly after we have gone outside to work, about 1.15, and left her there until we got back, and then, if she was not better behaved, have left her there until tea-time. 47. When do you get back? —Ten minutes to 5. 48. You would not know whether that girl had been visited during the time you were out at work ?—No; but I would report it to some member of the staff. 49. Always? —I cannot remember not having done so. 50. Do you make any allowance for difference in age when punishing girls? Would you punish a young girl to the same extent as you would an older one ?—lt would all depend upon the offence. 51. Do you remember making a statement to this effect before the whole staff one day : that the only way to manage the girls was to keep your foot on their necks?—l have no recollection of making it. Ido not think I have ever used that term in reference to the girls. 52. If you were told you had made it, you would not deny it? —I have no recollection of having said it. It is not a term I have ever used at any time. 53. When you took D D to the Matron to be punished she slapped her on the back? —Yes. 54. Are you quite sure she did not hit her upon the neck? —I am positive on that point. 55. You say the girls are perfectly satisfied with their surroundings and food, and so on, and never make any complaint. Is that so?—I did not say they never made complaints. 56. What complaints do they make?— Some of them grumble, but only when they are in that mood. 57. Have they ever complained to you about their food? —On one occasion, they did. 58. Only one"?— Yes. 59. Have you heard them talk about the bread and dripping and bread and jam as bread and scrape?— They may have, but I cannot remember it. 60. Is it not a common expression amongst the girls?—l do not think it is. 61. Have you ever heard the Matron, in speaking of some of the girls, call them "beasts " and " great hulking hulls," or anything of that kind?— Never. 62. Is it not the habit of the staff to discuss the girls' faults and speak of their morals at the meal-table?—We have done it, but we do not often do it. 63. You have done so?—lt is the only time we have together to speak about the girls. 64. Why should you wish to speak about the girls?— The only way we can manage them is tc know of their failings, and meal-time is the only time we have to talk these matters over. 65. The faults and immorality of the girls is the general subject of conversation?—l do not think so. We have spoken of it, but it is not the general subject.of conversation. 66. Mr. Russell.] Mr. Salter has spoken as though you people like to inflict punishment. Personally, do you like inflicting punishment?—l never do it unless I have to. 67. You try every other means before resorting to punishment?— Yes. 68. In such a case as sending a girl, away from the table, have you first argued with her and tried to bring moral suasion to bear ?—Yes. 69. I may take it that punishment is only resorted to after every other alternative has been tried? —I have never seen a girl punished unless she deserved it, and after other means have been tried to prevent punishment. Elizabeth Simpson examined on oath. 1. Mr. Russell.] How long have you been an attendant in the Home?— For sixteen months. 2. At present you are in charge of the commissariat, and superintend the cooking and all that? —Yes. 3. What methods are adopted in order to teach these girls cooking? —I have four girls at a time—one in the kitchen, one in the scullery, one for the dining-room, and one for the sitting-room. 4. When are they changed?— Every month. 5. So in time all the girls have a month's training?— Yes. 6. Are you friendly with the rest of the staff?— Yes. 7. There is no trouble between you and the rest of the staff? —None. 8. You personally are interested in.,this question of helping girls?— Very much. 9. You are not here merely for salary?—No; I like the work. 10. Are you satisfied during the time you have been here that you really are doing good work for the girls? Can you see any substantial improvement in the girls?— Yes. 11. Do you notice as time goes on that the girls get less rough in manner?— Yes, they are quieter and brighter, and I think nicer altogether to work with. 12. Are you satisfied that the surroundings of this place and the training here is bound to do these girls a lot of good and make them better women ?—Yes. 13. Generally, so far as you can see, are the girls happy here?— Yes, the majority of them. I think the elder girls are more dissatisfied. 14. Generally, is there an atmosphere of fun and brightness here, or is it all gloom?— Brightness and happiness. 15. The children are laughing and chatting whenever they get a chance?— Yes. 16. So far as you can see, except loss of liberty, is there anything different here from what one would get in an ordinary good home?—No; I think they have everything here they could wish for. It is their own fault if they do not appreciate it. Everything is done for their good and to make them happy. I know the staff lay themselves out to do that. 17. Do you like the Matron's ways of dealing with the children?— Very much.

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