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The Association Class is fulfilling its good promise of becoming a vital internal factor in the progress of the institution. Accordingly its membership has been largely increased, and its government based more fully on the honour system. From the rising-hour till the retiring-hour the lads of the class have their room-doors left unlocked. In their dining-room no officer is present, the keeping of order being in the hands of their prefects. After each meal they are free to retire to their own rooms, or to proceed to the recreation-room without restriction. Further, for purposes of assisting the officers and of exercising self-government the class elects a committee of six, of whom one acts as chairman. This committee looks after the arrangements and the progammes for the entertainments held on all Saturday nights and on other occasions. A responsible part of its functions is to assist in maintaining discipline among the class members and seeing that the institution rules are implicitly observed. Minor breaches are dealt with by the committee, the decision in each case being recorded and submitted to the Superintendent for confirmation. There is reason to believe that these administrative developments are on sound lines. An increasing measure of good will and interest towards our aims is manifested, and the general tone of the institution is raised. Even outside the Association Class membership this loyal attitude is evidenced in practical form. For example, when it was decided to proceed with the erection of a new wing, it became necessary to have as soon as possible a supply of building-material in the form of concrete blocks. A party of eight, specially trained by the foreman builder, was set the task, and these lads, working without other supervision than a brief daily visit, turned out some fifteen thousand concrete blocks in three and a half months. A second contingent, directly employed on the new building, worked double shifts, carrying on after the usual working-hours, and giving the best proof that the presence of a supervising officer would have been superfluous. The excellent progress made with the whole undertaking is mainly due to the interest which all the workers have shown in the tasks entrusted to them. The summer camp was looked forward to with lively expectancy, arising from the impressions left by the outing of the previous summer. On that occasion the Association Class of forty had revelled in ten days of camping out; this Christmas and New Year holiday period there were sixty who had earned the coveted privilege. They pitched their tents on the spot formerly occupied, in the shelter of a fir grove, with the broad Oreti River flowing past. In front an open, grassy area offered an ample arena for athletics ; beyond this sward lay stretches of native bush ; and the Foveaux Strait beach was within easy access. Our resources were reinforced on a generous scale by the Y.M.C.A., which sent us from Wellington a large marquee to form an assembly and entertainment hall, a moving-picture plant with a sufficient supply of films, and, above all, its National Secretary, Mr. R. M. Brasted, whose vivid personality was a felt influence in the camp during the whole period. His experience of young men and of their camps, his tact, enthusiasm, and versatility, qualified him to organize and inspire the activities and entertainments of the camp. He did all that with tireless energy, and, moreover, got into personal touch with the individuals of the company. The impression he left is such that, in future, the Y.M.C.A. will represent to the campers a friendly agency that is glad to help them, and that may be of specially useful service when they are free to take their place again in the general community. Thoughtful kindness from other quarters claims our grateful acknowledgment: the radio set lent by Mr. Hazeldine gave exceptionally clear transmission, and the New Year programme of films proved a treat. The twelve days' encampment did not contain one vacant, listless, hour. The diversions and the interests were manifold : one and all entered into them with zest. On visitors' day, when sports were held, the entries for the running events alone totalled 480. While the utmost freedom was permitted, none attempted to abuse their liberties. The few camp rules were cheerfully respected, the orderly duties cheerfully and well performed. On New Year's Eve a gathering round a huge bonfire reflected the good will and comradely sentiments fostered by the conditions under which the days were being spent, and the opportunity was taken by those in charge to give the lads a message in season. The whole outing brought to the fore the best that was in them. It was not merely a time of amusement: the moral values of it are not to be gainsaid. It created an atmosphere in which the springs of conduct can best be reached, in which influences towards a self-respecting life are most likely to find their mark. The Invercargill Rotary Club continues to take practical interest in Borstal work. Every Thursday evening the Kiwi Club, as the Association Class is designated for such occasions, meets under the auspices of Rotarians, one of whom, as chairman, conducts the meeting on lines similar to Rotary. Usually the proceedings are opened by community singing, after which the visitors discourse on subjects of interest such as travel, adventure, inventions, literature. Rotary night, combining instruction and entertainment, and closing with a " parting thought" given by the chairman, is greatly appreciated. In addition to the regular Saturday evening concerts provided by the boys themselves, we have had some admirable entertainments given by the musical fraternity of Invercargill, including the bands. Visiting lecturers have likewise been laid under tribute to good purpose. Thanks are due to Mr. H. B. Farnall, librarian of the Public Library, for classifying the Borstal library and putting it on a basis which will make its contents readily accessible to the readers. All the books have been removed from locked cupboards and arranged on open shelves. Each lad has his own library card, and is permitted to come along and make his own selection of reading-matter. During the year several liberal donations of books have greatly added to the value of our collection. The spiritual side of education is not neglected. Services are conducted each Sunday by ministers of the various denominations, and by the City Missionary, Mr. A. McLean, who also holds service at the Ranch on Sunday afternoons. A special service is held by the Salvation Army on the last Sunday afternoon of each month. Bible classes are held every week, the leaders being the Rev. C. J. Tocker, the Rev. J. A. Lush, and Mr. McLean.

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