Much care is taken in the correction of exercises, and good penmanship is insisted on.

The fourth master appears to have a disproportionately larger share of the work in the instruction of 30 boys, the remaining 32 being divided amongst the other three masters. The younger boys can do less for themselves, and require more constant instruction and supervision than the elder ones.

The third master appears to have the entire charge of the arithmetic and mathematics. It seems to me that both more teaching power and more time is wanted to ensure a fair standard knowledge of and accuracy in arithmetic at least, to say nothing of the higher branches.

The buildings and premises are adequate for the accommodation of double the present number of pupils. The examination was interrupted by the incessant vibration of a loose shingle in the roof of the new building. This nuisance is liable to recur with every north-west wind unless speedily rectified.

J. P. RESTELL,
Inspector of Schools,
November 30, 1864.

CHRISTCHURCH HIGH SCHOOL.

The classical class in this school was occupied with Latin Grammar, and the translation of easy Latin sentences. The boys appeared to be exceedingly well drilled in the work which they had done, and were able to answer grammatical questions very fairly. There appeared to be rather a tendency to encourage readiness and smartness of answering, at the expense of a solid acquaintance with the language, the result being that those boys showed best in examination who professed not merely a good and retentive memory, but a quick and ready memory.

I would suggest occasional exercises in translating easy English sentences into Latin, on paper, as a means of encouraging reflection and originality. The boys who were most advanced had been a considerable time in the school.

In this school considerable attention appeared to be devoted to mensuration. I am unable to say anything of their excellence in this subject, from want of acquaintance with it, but they answered such questions as I gave them from their book readily and correctly.

In Euclid four boys could answer propositions in the three first books very well. One of them Johnstone (aged fourteen, and six years at the school) will probably become a good mathematician.

This school enjoys a great advantage in having a good play ground; and the head master pays considerable attention to the gymnastic training of the boys.

The number of boys on the books is 130, their age ranging from fourteen to six, and two are aged fifteen and sixteen respectively. They are under the care of two masters.

G. S. SALE,
Inspector of Schools.
November 30, 1864.

THE HIGH SCHOOL, CHRISTCHURCH.

The pupils present at the inspection, 126 in number, are instructed in two separate rooms by Mr. Scott, rector, and Mr. Cook, assistant.

The school-rooms are well fitted, furnished, and lighted; there is at present no provision for warming them. A warm aspect, thick walls, and good roof obviate much cold.

The ventilation was sufficient on the day of inspection. The boys, in the upper school, taught by Mr. Scott, passed a generally creditable examination in English and in arithmetic. Their expertness in the latter has always been remarkable. About six boys in the upper school are able to work questions in fractions, practice, and proportion, and three of them in higher rules.

The lower school is very creditably conducted by Mr. Cook, several of the pupils in his highest form competing advantageously with the forms next above them in the upper school.

The discipline is good, securing good order and remarkably punctual and regular attendance.

J. P. RESTELL,
Inspector of Schools
November 30, 1864.

LYTTELTON HIGH SCHOOL.

Classical studies form no part of the work in this school. The reason alleged is that none of the parents of the children have any desire that the classics should be taught.