Their salaries will also be forfeited by those who fail to advance, at least by one class, for two of those annual examinations.

The salaries of pupil teachers are fixed according to the following scale:—

4th class (highest), male £50, female £40

3rd " " 40, " 30

2nd " " 30, " 25

1st " " 25, " 20

It may be useful to mention the subjects of examination for admission to the four classes of pupil teachers, in order to obtain an idea of the standard of attainments, and the course of study required by those who are eventually to take charge of the schools.

Every pupil teacher must pass an examination on the following subjects for admission into the

1st (or lowest) Class.

I. Reading.—To read fluently the Irish National Board’s third book, or some equivalent to it.

II. Writing and Composition.—To write out neatly in small hand, with correct spelling, any passage dictated from the third book or its equivalent.

III. Grammar.—To point out the parts of speech in a simple sentence.

IV. Geography.—To have a knowledge of the elements of geography and the outlines of the map of the world.

V. Arithmetic.—To write from dictation sums in the first rules of arithmetic, simple and compound, work them correctly, and know the tables of weights and measures.

VI. Needlework.—(For female pupil teachers) to sew neatly and knit.

2nd Class.

I. Reading.—To read the Irish National Board’s fourth book, or its equivalent, and be acquainted with the subjects contained in the third book, or its equivalent, with the exception of stories, fables, and poetry.

II. Writing and Composition.—To write from dictation neatly, and in a small hand, with correct spelling and proper punctuation, any passage from the Fourth Book, or its equivalent.

III. Grammar.—To know the substance of the large print of Sullivan’s English Grammar to page 98, or its equivalent.

IV. Geography.—The Geography of Australasia.

V. Arithmetic.—Arithmetic to simple proportion and practice, with the elements of mental arithmetic.

VI. Art of Teaching.—To exhibit ability to give a class a reading lesson, and conduct it through exercises necessary for preserving order.

VII. Needlework.—To instruct the younger girls in sewing and knitting.

3rd Class.

I. Reading.—To read with fluency and proper emphasis. To know the subjects contained in the Fourth Book.

II. Writing and Composition.—To write from memory neatly, and in a small hand, with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, the substance of a narrative read.

III. Grammar.—To know the substance of Sullivan’s Grammar to the end of etymology and the elements of parsing.

IV. Geography.—The geography of Europe and the first four chapters of Sullivan’s Geography generalized, or its equivalent.

V. Arithmetic.—As far as vulgar fractions, decimals and interest, and mental arithmetic.

VI. Art of Teaching.—To teach a class grammar and arithmetic, and keep the class in attention, order, and activity.

VII. Needlework.—To exhibit increased skill in needlework.

4th Class.

I. Reading.—To read with ease and expression either prose or poetry, and to know the first three sections of the fifth book, or its equivalent.

II. Writing and Composition.—To write from memory, neatly, and in a small hand, with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, the substance of an essay previously read.

III. Grammar.—To have a good knowledge of syntax.

IV. Geography.—The geography of the rest of the world, and the first fourteen chapters of Sullivan’s Geography, generalized, or its equivalent.

V. Arithmetic.—All the subjects contained in the Irish National Board’s small work on arithmetic, with the elements of book-keeping.

VI. Art of Teaching.—To teach a class grammar, geography, and arithmetic on slates, and to manage it properly.

VII. Geometry.—The first book of Euclid.

VIII. Algebra.—As far as division.

IX. Needlework.—To exhibit some skill in fancy work, and do plain work well.

Conditions of Aid.

The conditions on which aid is to be granted are of two kinds, either aid is granted towards the establishment of a new school, or for the maintenance of a school already established.

Those of the former class have already been mentioned as laid down in the Act, the latter are mostly additional regulations laid down by the Board.

The conditions as to buildings have already been specified under the head “Sites and Buildings.”

The conditions as to local committees are laid down in the Act.

The conditions as to the number of children in average attendance which entitles the school to aid are also laid down in the Act.

School Fees.

The rate of school fees is determined for each school by the local committee, but must not exceed...