after they have been established, while that to non-vested schools is limited to the part-payment of salaries, and the expenditure on books; and before any grant is made the managers or promoters of the non-vested school must have erected and furnished the necessary buildings, and also provided a well-qualified teacher.

In the establishment of vested schools the Commissioners contribute two-thirds of the cost of the site, if it is necessary to purchase one; but if there is Crown land available for the purpose, a sufficient piece of such land may be conveyed by the Executive.

The Commissioners also contribute in the same proportion to the cost of the buildings, furniture, and apparatus, providing also the whole of the first stock of books and maps.

On the other hand, the powers of the Board are greater in the case of vested than in that of non-vested schools, so far at least as regards the appointment of teachers. In the former the appointment and removal of teachers rests solely with the Commissioners, who, however, it is understood, will pay regard to representations from local authorities; while in non-vested schools this power rests with the local managers, the Board requiring to be satisfied with the character and competency of the teacher as the condition of the payment of his salary.

Establishment of new Schools—Initiatory Proceedings.

When it is proposed to establish a vested school, it is customary for the promoters of it to call a public meeting of the residents of the district, for the purpose of discussing the question, and for electing a Provisional Committee, whose functions are to collect subscriptions and make a preliminary application to the Board.

As soon as a sufficient amount has been subscribed, the Provisional Committee summon a meeting of the subscribers for the election of the local patrons for the new school.

If the Board approve of the application and confirm the election of the local patrons, and are satisfied with the plans of the buildings, the funds contributed locally must be deposited in the Bank, being not less in amount than one-third of the estimated cost; the Board will, then, instruct the local patrons to call for tenders, intimating at the same time the extent of aid, not exceeding two-thirds of the estimated cost, which they are disposed to grant.

Where grants of land for a site cannot be obtained from the Crown, the applicants are required to describe the site of the intended building, and the nature of the title, and to procure a conveyance in fee simple (or lease where specially agreed on,) to be made to the Board.

As a general rule the Board require before granting aid towards the establishment of a school, to be satisfied that there is a reasonable probability that the number of children in average attendance will be at least thirty.

Sites and Buildings.

In addition to the school building, towards which the Board contribute two-thirds of the estimated cost, a residence for the master must be provided out of local contributions, and must contain not less than three decent rooms and a kitchen.

The school building must, besides the ordinary schoolroom, contain a room to be used for giving special religious instruction by ministers of religion, or other persons authorised to impart it.

The school buildings must not be used either for religious worship, or for political demonstrations. As a general rule the Board consider no plan of a schoolroom suitable, in which a less width is assigned to the school-room than 16 feet where the school is small, than 18 feet, when the attendance is expected to exceed 50, and 20 feet in a larger school, an allowance of 8 square feet must be made for every child in average attendance.

Local Patrons Appointment.

The local patrons are originally appointed by the subscribers, but the Board has the power at any time to add to their number, and to remove any local patron where sufficient cause is shewn.

Qualifications.

Local patrons are expected to be persons of prudence and discretion, of temperate habits, and of good moral character, and to be able at least to read and write. It is desired that each of the leading denominations should be represented in the person of at least one local patron.

Duties.

The following are some of the more important matters falling within the province of the local patrons.

(a.) To make due provision for keeping the school buildings in constant repair.

(b.) To take care that they are not used for any purpose forbidden by the Board.

(c.) To see that there is a proper provision made for furniture, apparatus, and books.

(d.) To take precautions for excluding from the school, during school hours, all books not sanctioned by the Board.

(e.) To inspect periodically the school registers and records, and to countersign the returns made to the Board.

(f.) To use their influence with parents to induce them to send their children regularly to school.

(g.) To fix the rate of fees (within limits specified below, and subject to the approval of the Board), and to determine the mode of payment, whether weekly or quarterly, whether in advance or otherwise.

(h.) To see that the school is open on all the usual school days, and that the teacher is present.

(i.) To report at the end of every year upon the condition of the school, and the conduct of the teacher.

(j.) To conduct all correspondence on behalf of the school.