176

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

There had been an interruption of the school during the previous week. I am informed that the master was at this time in a state that unfitted him for his duties. I need not now enter into particulars, as I believe the matter is under correspondence between the Board and the Local Committee.

I was unable to find any evidence that the school had been efficiently conducted during the current quarter; indeed, whatever I could ascertain led me to form a contrary opinion.

Special Report on the Roman Catholic schools in Barbadoes-street, Christchurch, visited together with the Chairman of the Board, November 21, 1865.

(Present 91 children.)

1. SITE.—The site is sufficiently central and accessible, adjoining the Roman Catholic Cathedral.

2. BUILDINGS.—A large and well-finished school-room, with class and other rooms adjoining.

3. PREMISES.—Satisfactory.

4. BOOKS, Apparatus, &c.—A good supply of books is kept up by continual recourse to the Educational Depot; apparatus sufficient for present purposes. The flat tables used instead of desks, have a somewhat cumbrous appearance.

5. ORGANIZATION AND DISCIPLINE.—The children are remarkably clean and neat, and are well behaved, although the arrangement of the classes is not that most conducive to the maintenance of quiet and of good order. A superior Master, and an assistant Mistress are constantly employed; they appear to be thoroughly earnest and faithful in their work.

6, 7, 8. The attainments of the children, though quite elementary at present, are creditable for the short time that so large a school has been assembled.

Further details of each examination are entered in the Journal.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

J. P. RESTELL,
Inspector of Schools.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE MONTH
(December 1—28.)

To the Honorable H. J. Tancred,
Chairman.

Sir,—I have the honor, in obedience to your instructions, to submit a summary Report on the schools examined, and other business transacted during the month.

Twelve schools including 694 children, have been examined.

Eight schools have benefited by supplies from the Educational Depot, to the amount of £3 13s 4d.

OF THE SCHOOLS EXAMINED:—

Avonside......... School, Dec. 1, present 51, New School, (special report.)
Kaiapoi Ch. Eng. .. " 4 " 45 Satisfactory.
Kaiapoi Wesleyan " 4 " 51 "
Woodend ......... " 5 " 45 The junior class less satisfactory than usual.
Saltwater Creek . " 5 " 17 Very creditable.
Leithfield ....... " 6 " 20 Satisfactory.
Ashley Bank ..... " 7 " 23 A falling off. (supplementary report.)
Rangiora ......... " 8 " 51 Satisfactory.
St. Luke’s ....... " 11 " 84 "
St. Michael’s ..... " 13 " 200 " The buildings inadequate for so many.
St. Andrew’s school, Dec. 12, present 92,
very creditable. A very good school, quite of its own kind, attended chiefly by a superior class of girls. The school-room and the children thoroughly clean and neat, and in excellent order.

St. Paul’s school, Papanui, Dec. 14, present 75,
generally satisfactory. The knowledge of the Bible was however very moderate; the attainments in that subject being chiefly due to the Sunday school; not sufficient attention being paid to it during the week; also, as I have before observed, the division of labour is unequal; with a separate class-room a pupil-teacher is wanted.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Special Report on the Avonside school, visited this day (December 1, 1865), with the Chairman of the Board.

(Present 51 children.)

1. SITE.—The site is convenient, sufficiently central, &c.

2. BUILDINGS.—A newly-built room 14 x 28, not adequate for more than the present attendance; without chimney, or other provision for warming; will be too cold in winter—separate closets under one roof, for boys and girls.