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of stock, &c. The body of youths engaged in these activities have their interest stimulated to watch the progress and to appreciate the results of their labours, to follow the seasonal rotation of farm tasks, to observe the various experiments being carried "out, to feel the challenge of problems requiring further experiments. If they can be thus guided into an industry that needs recruits, an economic purpose will be served. But in its personal educational values the farming branch of this Borstal has its tale of good results not less to be reckoned than its more measurable material products. The Borstal band fully upholds its good reputation, though its frequently changing membership continues to handicap the instructor. The proficiency being gained under him may well, in afteryears, be developed into a permanent accomplishment. Apart from that, as a quickening influence in the general life and atmosphere of our little community music is to be highly valued : we could do with more of it. The classes for systematic physical training have been regularly held during the year. Improvement in physique and alertness is an obvious benefit; but there is hope that their experience of the pleasure of the increased physical and mental fitness may induce these lads to carry with them the lesson of how to maintain that desirable condition. In the senior class, work of a high standard was demonstrated in displays that evoked unstinted praise from visitors. Following the advancement made last year in organized games, which now fill such an important part in the scheme of training, a further step was taken this year when we entered a team for the thirdgrade football competitions held under the control of the Southland Rugby Union. To the executive of that body we are under deep obligation for the readily granted privilege of playing under its banner and for the uplift of all its encouraging help. Out of the fifteen matches played the Borstal team won eleven, lost three, and drew one, finishing up a very close second after playing off with the eventual winners of the competition, the Southland Boys' High School first fifteen. In view of the fact that the majority of the Borstal players had learned their football since entering the institution, this must be regarded as a very satisfactory performance. The chief credit of the success won is due to Mr. W. F. Sutton, to whose expect coaching and infectious enthusiasm the players one and all responded with right good will. Their conduct on the playing-field was highly spoken of by the gentlemen who acted as referees, more than one of whom stated that in all their experience they had never found iteasier to control the game. Further unsought tributes came from members of the union, who informed me that the visiting teams were impressed by the high standard of sporting conduct which they found at the Borstal. In connection with this new departure of meeting outside teams in well-governed national games competition, the experience of the past year adds emphasis to what was said in the report of the previous year. To the Borstal inmates as a body as well as the team members, admission to the competitions presents a friendly gesture from without, and they respond readily. A place in our representative team is an honour to be won and to be held not alone by efficiency in football but also by worthy conduct, and it is pleasing to record that no member of the team had to be disciplined for even a trivial breach of regulations. But the football authorities, in a very encouraging respect, have carried their good offices further afield ; throughout the Dominion they are prepared to welcome into their clubs boys of Borstal training and to encourage them to continue playing the game. This considerate attitude gives an exemplary lead at the very juncture where the Borstal system faces the most difficult hindrance to its purposes —that is, the juncture at which its trainees seek re-entry into the social relations which, they have forfeited. Cricket has been taken up with enthusiasm, and this season, availing ourselves of the great advantages placed at our disposal by kindness of the Cricket Association, we entered a team for its competitions. Our best thanks are also due to the Invercargill Sports Trust, which very kindly supplied us with equipment at the beginning of the season, and further to Messrs. A. E. Wish and J. Hamilton, who as coaches are rapidly bringing zest and progress into the efforts of the Borstal players. To date our team has played seven games, winning five and losing two. General athletics have found wide favour. Several meetings providing a varied programme of contests therein have proved an unqualified success, both as to the large number of entries for each event and as to the good performances witnessed. Our institution could put forward a team that would compare favourably with teams representing large secondary schools. The record of the Association class for the past year confirms former evidence as to its marked value among the moral influences brought to bear on the youths of the Borstal. Membership is keenly appreciated both as being a kind of order of merit and as conferring desirable privileges. To those who have already won their way into the clubs it is a strong incentive to keep up to the mark in their conduct; to the rest it represents an attainment within reach and worth striving for. One privilege that has invested it with special attractiveness is that of attending the summer camp, the third of which was held during Christmas and the New Year weeks. We chose the former picturesque, secluded camping-ground by the Oreti River at Otatara. The weather was ideal, and during the fourteen days under canvas, our longest period yet, a happy holiday spirit imbued one and all. It is difficult to realize how exhilarating it must have been for the boys to be suddenly transferred from the restricted confines of an institution to the free expanse of the open spaces. They responded finely ; the full confidence placed in their honour was never abused ; in hearty co-operation, in individual loyalty to the collective purposes, in general tone, it would be hard to find any camping company of higher merit. The Y.M.C.A. once more came generously to our assistance. As before, its National Secretary, Mr. R. M. Brasted, became the enthusiastic leader in the diversions, which filled each succeeding day. Again the big marquee and the cinema machine, with supply of films, both lent by the Y.M.C.A., and films lent by the Civic Pictures and Majestic Picture Theatre, Invercargill, and the first-class wireless set lent by Mr. P. C. Hazeldine, were invaluable for the nightly entertainments. Friendly emulation in a series of competitions was kept going during the camping period. For example, daily marks were awarded for the best-kept tents, with the result that the aggregates barely separated winners from
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