10

It will be observed that the general average of attendance in the schools is rather lower than in former returns. An unusually rainy season and the breaking out of hooping cough in the Province partly account for these diminished averages; but they have also been affected by an alteration in the mode of calculating them. They are now found by comparing the daily attendance with the number on the school books; a method which is less accurate and less favorable to the master, because it does not take into account the deductions which may be fairly made for those children who enter after the quarter has commenced, or finally leave the school before it has come to a close; but as a comparative estimate it is more just, as many masters do not make these deductions at all in their returns; and those who do, vary considerably from each other; some making deductions for illness, and absence from unavoidable causes, which others do not. On this account it has been thought right to give the total number who have attended the schools during each quarter, although it may include some who have entered them one day and gone away the next; and more therefore of 60 per cent. thus calculated represents a daily attendance of at least two-thirds of the children; which under all circumstances may be looked upon as very satisfactory. The influx of children from Taranaki has also contributed to depress the averages unduly; but this is an exceptional occurrence which it is sufficient to notice, as it is not likely to recur.

J. D. GREENWOOD,
Inspector.

ALTERATION OF ROADS.

I, the undersigned HENRY G. CLARK, of Lower Moutere, in the Province of Nelson, Surveyor, hereby give notice, that I intend to APPLY to two or more Justices of the Peace having jurisdiction within the said Province, at a sitting to be held on WEDNESDAY, the 17th day of April now next, at the Court House, Nelson, for an ORDER for MAKING the undermentioned ROAD; and I hereby give further notice, that I will on or before the 2nd of March next, cause Survey Plans of the said Road proposed to be made, together with Book of Reference and Estimates to be deposited with the Clerk of the Magistrates, at Nelson, and with Mr. Daniel Talbot, constable for Moutere.

To make a road in the Upper Moutere, 77 links wide, commencing at N. E. Corner of Section, No. 175, and proceeding in a S. E. direction for 14 chains; thence in a S. direction for 19 chains; thence E. by S. for 12 chains, 67 links, across the said section, and terminating at a public road at the S. E. corner of said Section.

HENRY G. CLARK,
Surveyor to Moutere Road Board.
Lower Moutere, 27th February, 1861.

NOTICE.—In the event of the above application being disallowed, it is intended immediately, and without further notice, to APPLY to the Provincial Council to pass an Ordinance to authorise the Making of the Road therein referred to in accordance with the "Alteration of Roads Ordinance 1854."

JOSEPH HEWETSON,
Chairman of the Moutere Road Board.
February 27th, 1861.

IMPOUNDED at Waimea South,
one BULL Red and White.
Branded NR on the left rib. If not claimed will be sold on Thursday, April 4th.

WILLIAM MCGOWAN,
Pound Keeper, Spring Grove.
March 12th, 1861.

Land Office, Nelson,
March 1, 1861.

NOTICE is hereby given, that the undermentioned ALLOTMENTS of LAND will be put up to AUCTION, at the Crown Land Office, Nelson, on SATURDAY, the 6th of April, 1861, at Twelve o'clock, noon.

Ten per cent. of the purchase money to be deposited at the Sale, and the remainder to be paid within one month, or the deposit forfeited.

SQUARE, No. 1.—WAIMEA EAST.

SQUARE, No. 18.—BROOK-STREET and MAITAL.

All the above Allotments are subject to a reservation for right of roads, the deductions of which have been made in the price, as provided in the 44th clause of the Land Regulations.

ALFRED DOMETT,
Commissioner.