E.—l

64

the Training-farm at Nelson it has been possible to close the Nelson Beceiving-home. The probation system resulted in a considerable reduction in the numbers at each of these schools, and by a change in the system of classification at Weraroa it was possible to decide definitely on the closing of the Burnham Industrial School. The actual closing of this school was not accomplished, however, until June, 1918. With a view to increasing the revenue-producing results associated with the industrial features of these institutions, considerable improvements have been effected in connection with the working of the farms" 7 attached to* the trainingfarms at Weraroa and Nelson. At Weraroa the dairy herd has been increased, a factory for the manufacture of small cheeses has been established, the matter of growing vegetables on an extensive scale for|the market has been taken in hand, and provision has been made for rearing a large number of pigs every year for the market. To enable these industries to be carried out successfully it was necessary to obtain additional land for wintering the dairy herd. Suitable land was available adjoining the school property, and the purchase was finally completed during 1918. Provision for Older Girls requiring Institutional Training. The number of girls in residence at both Caversham and Te Oranga Home was so small at the end of the year that the Department now proposes to close the latter school, and by remodelling the system of classification at Caversham hopes to be able to make ample provision for the older girls who require institutional training. Establishment of Probation Homes. The principles upon which the Department's policy is now based are very fully explained in the special report E.-Ia presented to Parliament last year. The complement of the probation system is found in the probation home, which it is proposed to utilize for cases requiring short periods of detention or separation from parents, for punishing minor breaches of probation, for providing shelter and safety for children before trial either on arrest or on remand from the Courts, and for the accommodation of inmates of industrial schools and receiving-homes returning from foster-homes or travelling to and from situations. A probation home has been established at Christchurch, and provision is made in Auckland for the accommodation of suitable cases in the Probation Officer's private house. A property has been purchased in Wellington and will be available shortly for the reception of boys. The matter of acquiring a place in Dunedin is also under consideration. It is not proposed at present to detain any boy in a probation home for more than three months, so that the accommodation provideei at each home is of a very limited nature! Object of Probation System. The object of the probation system is not only the reformation ot the delinquent child in the natural surroundings' of his own home, for in many instances it also assists in the amelioration of the home conditions and is the means of bringing the parents to realize more fully their obligations in respect of their children. Economies effected by Reforms. In addition to the benefit derived by the child from the application of the probationary system, the changes have also been the means of effecting considerable economies. By the closing of certain schools and the reduction in the numbers main- £ tained in other schools the annual saving is . . .. .. 6,300 The increase in the annual revenue derived from farming operations due to more practical and systematic working is .. .. .. .. 2,500 The annual saving through the establishment of a central store and the standardization of materials used, and the adoption of more businesslike methods of purchasing is . . .. . . 4,500 The saving effected in maintenance by the application of the probation system during the past twelve months was .. .. .. 6,050 Estimated total saving for the year .. .. .. £19,350 ___=__" _AB.B