3. PREMISES.—Partly fenced; a separate yard for girls, or palings separating the approaches to closets, is requisite.

4. BOOKS, APPARATUS, &c.—Too mixed an assortment of books; a moderate supply of apparatus.

5. ORGANIZATION, DISCIPLINE, TONE.—The children are clean and tolerably orderly, the arrangement is adapted to the room, but not otherwise suitable. Classification not well defined; the master himself does not see enough of the junior classes, which are taught by his wife in the afternoon. A time table is wanted.

6 and 7. BIBLICAL AND ELEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE.—Very moderate at present.

The 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.

(December 21, 1865.)

(Supplementary Report on the Ashley Bank school.)

To the Honorable H. J. TANCRED,

Chairman.

Sir,—It is my painful duty to report a falling off in the progress and attainments of the Ashley Bank school.

The master of this school commenced his work with commendable zeal and energy; and a steady, as well as somewhat rapid progress of the school children was the consequence; but I have lately regretted to observe not only that little progress has been made, but also that there has been a marked falling-off in the attainments of the children. This has already affected the increasing attendance, and threatens to do so in one, or more instances.

In the quarter ending June, I observed that the school was not up to its usual standard of proficiency; but this was explained to be due to the interruptions on account of harvest and sickness.

The school was not examined in the September quarter.

In the recent examination in the December quarter, instead of finding that greater proportionable progress had been made, I found that the same children whom I had examined in the June quarter had made little, if any progress. In some memoriter subjects they did about as well as before—they recollected what they had learnt. Their Bible knowledge and arithmetical tables were fair, or even creditable; but in spelling, punctuation, accent, reading, and generally in those subjects which more plainly evidence the pains taken by the teacher, they did not do nearly so well as might have been expected. The writing had fallen off, some of it was disgraceful.

Some little ones who had been about two years in the school knew little more than their alphabet.

The use of monitors is at all times objectionable, and quite unnecessary in so small a school; but the master appears to have adopted this subterfuge.

Upon enquiring of the Local Committee, the two members whom I was able to consult, stated that they were not satisfied with the present state of efficiency in the school. They think the master competent, and will be satisfied if they can secure from him due attention to his pupils.

It appears that there has been some laxity, if not downright negligence of duties; there has been too great a freedom in the giving of holidays, in which matter the master affects some independence of the Local Committee.

In other matters also the master appears to take the initiative out of the hands of the Local Committee; as in the promotion of school feasts, public examinations and prizes; and as to the occasional use of the school-room.

One objection to this course is that it is apt to have an undue effect upon the parents and children, and to condone negligence for a time, by fostering a little excitement, and a passing popularity.

There is another matter in which I would prefer to be reticent; because I feel that some recognition or promotion is desirable for faithful school masters; but I refer to an experiment of whose injurious working I have had frequent experience. The master, lifted up by an offer of ordination, has readily donned a clerical garb and an importance which renders him less likely to be sub-ordinate to his School Committee.

In conclusion, I again respectfully submit