xli.

It is important to observe the effect of the special grant system as applied to certain Schools; a careful observation or enquiry into the working of the system since its introduction, can only lead to the conclusion that it has interested parents, residents, and the Teachers in securing a good attendance. There can be no doubt that the Oxford, Harewood, Rangiora Girls’, Tai Tapu, and Little Akaloa Schools, are better attended under this than under the ordinary system, and better than in similar Districts where the grant is administered on a different principle. For example, Arowhenua, Leithfield, Ashley, Upper Heathcote, Okain’s Bay, &c., Schools, in Districts where the number of children far exceeds the number at School; if these Schools would not be better attended under the special grant system, a great economy of the grant would be effected.

This system not only secures a larger but also a more punctual attendance than otherwise.

Government aid in England is also administered by a Capitation Grant, for all children who have attended School not less than 176 days in the year, and who can pass an examination in certain standards prescribed for the respective classes.

The manner of testing the average here, has resulted favourably to the recipients of the grant; the number present on the fine and favourable days selected for the examinations without notice, having mostly proved greater than the averages according to the Quarterly Returns. The register and returns might therefore prove a fairer and more correct criterion.

With further reference to the subject of efficiency, I would offer a few criteria which may prove interesting to School managers and Teachers. They are gathered from observation of the results in the Quarterly and Annual Returns, and are these:-

1. The approximation of the quarterly and annual number of attendants.

2. The relation of the average daily attendants to the number of attendants during the quarter.

3. The proportionate number of girls to boys, in mixed Schools.

4. The relation of the amount of School fees to the average attendance.

5. The arrears of School fees.

These criteria are not infallible; they are affected by local and other peculiar circumstances. They afford a general rule of similar data leading to similar results.

I.—As to the approximation of Quarterly and Annual number of Attendants.

It must be evident that where there is a constant source of dissatisfaction to parents, there will be frequent removals of children; their places may be filled up by others, but this only increases the discrepancy between the several results of attendance.

II.—The average Daily Attendance is liable to be similarly affected.

The total average for the quarter is nearly 2000, the total number of attendants nearly 3000; from this result two-thirds of the actual number of attendants is a fair average. With a close and concentrated population as at Lyttelton and the Bays a larger average, and in more scattered districts a less average, may be reasonably expected.

III.—The proportionate number of Girls to Boys.

The number of girls in actual and average attendance is little more than two-thirds of the number of boys. In the towns the proportion of girls is less, owing to the number of private Schools for girls. In country Schools the larger proportion of girls is a criterion of an orderly School, for few parents will send their girls to a disorderly one.

The presence of a Mistress on the premises increases the confidence of parents. Her assistance in School and in instructing in sewing, is a further inducement to send the girls. The constant attendance of an efficient female Teacher, should increase the attendance of both girls and younger children.