TARANAKI GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

The Board at once found it necessary to take steps to remedy this evil, and have acceded a tender to erect a new and commodious school-room on the plan of the Wellington schools slightly modified, which will be fitted up in as complete a manner as possible, and ready for use in January, at a cost of £292.

HAWERA SCHOOL.

The remarks applied to Patea affects Hawera similarly, the building used being the blockhouse, which is close, ill ventilated, and very objectionable as a school-room. The Board have taken a similar action to that adopted by them in Patea, and a new school will be erected and fitted up with all necessary requirements ready for use in March next, at a cost of £313.

WAIHI SCHOOL.

The number of children up to the present time, and the amount of money at their command, has not warranted the Board in erecting a school in this district. They have, however, granted aid to the extent of £40 per annum to a private school conducted by Miss MacEacharn. Settlers are fast flowing into this part of the district, which is becoming a very important place; and it will be necessary for the Board to take a wider course of action at an early date.

MANUTAHI, KAKARAMA, WHENUAKURA.

The Board found no schools at these places, and as they are becoming more settled every day, it will be imperative that the means of education is placed within easy access. The Board have pledged to supply Manutahi and Kakaramea with a teacher, but are not able with their present funds to provide a school.

NUMBERS OF CHILDREN AND COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.

It must be borne in mind that owing to the ill-adapted buildings, very many children have not been sent to school, and of those names on the roll, the attendance was very irregular through the same cause. At Patea there are 44 names on the roll, Hawera 30, and Waihi 15. It is calculated that nearly fifty per cent. more will attend on completion of new schools.

The course of instruction has been up to the present of a purely elementary character, although at a recent inspection the scholars were found to come up to the average standard of the Wellington schools.

INSPECTION.

The Board obtained permission to engage the services of Mr. Lee, of Wellington, to report upon the teachers, schools, &c., and have obtained very valuable information as to the course to be adopted in carrying out all the necessary details. At his suggestion a supply of books, maps, &c., were obtained, and already some of the books are in the hands of the scholars.

If practicable, the Board intend to obtain the services of this gentleman as soon as the schools are completed, when all details connected with the internal management of schools will be finally decided upon, and a course of periodical examinations, prizes, &c., be determined.

APPOINTMENTS UNDER THE BOARD AT PRESENT.

The following are the appointments under the Board, with their respective salaries:-

Patea School.—Teacher, Mr. H. H. Dyer; salary, £150 per annum.

Hawera School.—Teacher, Mr. C. M. Harkness; salary, £100 per annum.

Waihi School.—Teacher, Miss MacEacharn; grant in aid, £40 per annum.

Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. W. Cowern; salary, £60 per annum.

Total, £350 per annum.

EDUCATION RATE.

With but few exceptions there was a cheerful compliance on the part of householders in paying the education rate, the people clearly comprehending the want of schools and the immense and permanent advantage to be derived from them to the rising generation.