xxvi

Considering the qualifications of the teacher, the good stock of furniture, apparatus, and books, and the fair promise with which the school commenced, I am much disappointed with the most meagre result.

The black-board was covered with figures from the Third Book of Euclid; but none of the children knew anything about it; any elder one who had been learning it was absent, or had left.

The teacher made his disappointment at not obtaining certain books of examples his excuse for not having taught more Arithmetic; having, however, an excellent text-book for the use of the school.

Notes. 1. The teaching of Geometry and of other advanced subjects, in the ordinary hours of such very elementary Schools, absorbs too much of a teacher’s time.

2. An injudiciously high rate of fees excludes poorer residents from the benefits of their district school.

WAIMATE.

I found the school-buildings in an advanced state of progress, and in accordance with the plan. So far as I am able to form an opinion on the work done, I concur in that of Mr. Cliff, that it is thoroughly satisfactory.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

INSPECTOR’S SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE MONTH.

(November 30—December 27, 1866.)

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.

Eighteen schools, including 680 children, have been examined. I have also in passing looked at the proposed new school, situate in the Tai Tapu district, and about three miles from the Lincoln school.

Two candidates have been examined:—

Richard Cobden Easby, for the Heathcote Valley School, as per special report of the 24th instant.

Frederick William Thompson’s examination, of the 28th ult., was resumed on the 24th inst., as per certificate of the latter date.

I have also certified Richard Potts Pole to be competent for the mastership of the Papanui Wesleyan School.

Sixteen different requisitions for supplies from the Educational Depot have been satisfied; the amounts varying from 6d. to £5 19s. 6d., and the whole amounting to £14 15s. 8d.

OF THE SCHOOLS EXAMINED—

Papanui, St. Paul’s, November 30. Present, 87. Very satisfactory. The steady efficiency and well balanced attainments of the children reflect great credit upon Mr. Mayo and Mrs. Jennings, who have successfully conducted the school for six years. The school-room and the children are habitually clean and orderly. The arrangement, classification, and discipline generally good. The equable attainments of the children give evidence of the fair distribution of the attention of the teachers among their several pupils. This character the school has steadily acquired and borne for years.

Kaiapoi Wesleyan School, December 3. Present, 35. The school-room and the arrangement of it have been considerably improved by recent alterations. Its shape and dimensions do not permit of the best organization and discipline. The attainments of the children were on the whole satisfactory.

Kaiapoi Church School, December 3. Present, 42. Satisfactory. The wet weather and floods in the Ashley prevented me from examining the Ashley Bank, Rangiora Girls’, and the Oxford Schools on the 4th and 5th instant.