24 Statistics of Van Diemen’s Land. 
by the Church of England show an increase of 6°13 per cent. ; 
those in the British and Foreign Society's Schools exactly 
agree in centesimal proportion with the Church of Scotland, 
the Wesleyans, and the Independents combined : while the 
Roman Catholic children are fewer by 5°88 than would be 
expected by their numerical strength on the census. 
The cost of the whole number of 3256 children under 
education as above is exactly £3000, or at the rate of 18s. 5d. 
per head, being a considerable reduction upon the proportion 
expended in 1848. The Infant Schools show a reduction in 
the number of their children to the extent of 23°7 per cent. 
upon the year; but the probability is that they have been 
mostly absorbed into the other day schools.—The Queen's 
Orphan Schools indicate but little variation in their work- 
ing since 1848.* The number at commencement of 1849 
was 460: there were received during the year 26° per cent., 
apprenticed 6° per cent., discharged to friends 18° per 
cent., and died 2°8 per cent., leaving a total of 456; in the 
respective proportions of 13°59 per cent. children of free 
parents, and 86°41 per cent. children of convicts. It may 
be added, that the latter are supported entirely at the expense 
of the British Government, while those of the former are 
* [Important changes have been effected, and many great improvements 
introduced, in management and discipline since the commencement of 1849. 
A system of industrial training, suited to the ages and capabilities of the chil- 
dren, and to their probable future position and requirements in society, has been 
instituted. Periodical Examinations and Bazaars are held, when the public 
attend: the proceeds of the sales, the exact reflex of the industry and ability 
of the young producers, become their property, and is placed at their disposal. 
The industry, the rivalry in labour and skill, and the love of approbation, then 
only developed on a mimic scale, will, ere many years, become active, indepen- 
dent principles, to exert their influence on the character, and to yield their 
colour and bias to conduct, throughout the mass of the working population 
of this community. With His Excellency Sir Wm. Denison these measures 
have originated; and itis but just to add, that it is chiefly owing to the un= 
tiring assiduity, kindness, and zeal of himself and his excellent lady, personally, 
that they have practically proved so successful.—Ep. J 
