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cricket and badminton. In fine weather all suitable lessons are taken
in the garden, and the abundance of fresh air and healthy exercise are
responsible for a decided improvement in the physique and mentality of
the children.
The curriculum consists of the usual three R work, together with
many and varied forms of handwork. Interesting crafts, such as leather
and pewter work, barbola, gesso and dargeena, chair-caning and basketry
are taught in the senior classes. The oldter boys also receive instruction
in wood-work and gardening; and in connection with the latter occupation,
each boy has his own plot of ground, in which he grows vegetables.
On the girls' side of the school, the children are taught cookery, laundry
and house-wifery, also every branch of plain and fancy needlework, including
the repair and renovation of garments and simple dress-making.
"Oak Lodge scholars have taken prizes for hand-work in open competition
with children from normal schools in the Northern Metropolitan
area. Drill and country dancing are also taught, and are greatly enjoyed
by the children. Another interesting feature is the school library, which
helps to inculcate a love of reading as a leisure occupation.
Every opportunity is taken to interest the children, not only in their
immediate environment, but in the greater world outside, and with a view
to this, school journeys are taken to places of interest, such as the Natural
History Museum at South Kensington, Westminster Abbey, and the
Zoological Gardens, and such visits do much towards raising the standard
of intelligence.
The majority of the children, on leaving school, become selfsupporting.
Many work in shops and factories, also in domestic service,
and1 are not only able to obtain situations, but to remain in them for
considerable periods.
Orchard House Open-Air Class.
The Open-Air Class at Orchard House has 35 boys in attendance.
A marquee has been provided and this has proved to be a useful
addition to the accommodation previously existing there.
The boys are selected by the medical officers and are re-examined
at frequent intervals. It is satisfactory to state that in practically
every case there has been an increase in weight and improvement