books, 43; average, rising rather steadily from 10, first week in July, 1867, to 35, last week before application. Income, £21 19s; expenditure, £13 19s 3d. School hours, half-past 9 to 12, 2 to 4. Subjects of instruction, besides ordinary ones—English Grammar, geography, history, book-keeping, drawing, &c. Fees, 1s 6d to 2s 6d, according to classes, but allowance made to several scholars from one family. No denominational catechism used. Scripture read on Fridays. (The school was placed under a Local Committee of Messrs Aylmer, Cornish, Nyulasy, and Joshua Gibson, and a grant paid in aid. See Schedule 4.)

Okarito School.

First application, 24th September, 1867. Conducted by Mr Ruffe (whose case was represented to the Board by Mr Warden Price, the statements being verified by Mr R. C. Reid, member in Okarito of the Board.) School opened 21st May, 1867. Attendance average first quarter, 20 weekly; afterwards, 16.

The Board required the school to be placed under the management of a local committee, who were accordingly chosen, viz., Messrs Heron, Adamson, Tizard, Price, and Mueller, and to them a grant in aid was paid. (See Schedule 4.)

Kanieri Wesleyan School.

First application, 8th November, 1867. Conducted by Mr Jones Cooper in Wesleyan church, 33 by 16 feet, lent for the purpose by the Wesleyan community. The subjects include grammar and geography. Average attendance, 18; fee, 2s and 1s 6d. Six children do not pay.

Mr Abbott visited this school, and ascertained teacher had not been trained for a teacher. No register kept. Highest number in attendance at any time, 26; but a large number of children, 40 to 60, in the neighbourhood want schooling. Whole income hitherto about £70 a-year, but yet fee too high.

Fresh national books used. Desks sufficient. No method. The Rev. W. Cannell, and Messrs Learmonth and Henderson, became a committee to watch over the school, and a grant was paid in aid. (See Schedule 4.)

South Spit—Mrs Cameron’s School.

First application, 18th November, 1867. A small school in Mrs Cameron’s house, on the Hospital reserve, being the only resource for those living on the South Spit. Attendance has ranged from 2 to 3; but if school is supported so that fees, 2s 6d a-week, may be reduced, attendance of 13 constantly may be expected.

(A sum was granted for Mrs Cameron to a Committee of the Board appointed for the purpose, but the progress of the school did not come up to the expectations formed of it, and on 5th February, 1868, Mrs Cameron stated the grant would not be usefully applied if given to her, and she declined to receive it. The Committee agreed in Mrs Cameron’s view of the matter, and the money was therefore repaid by them to the Treasury.)

Woodstock.

On 16th November, Mr Abbott ascertained that no prospect existed at present of successfully establishing any school.

The houses are few and widely scattered over rough ground. There are fewer than 20 children in the whole township, including a good many babies.

Mr Mitchell, a storekeeper resident there two years, said he would communicate with the Board if a better prospect for a school should at any time appear.

Blue Spur.

On 17th November, Mr Abbott ascertained that neither at Blue Spur, Little Paddock, nor Big Paddock, is there any demand for a school. The population is most numerous at Blue Spur, but there the houses are few and widely scattered, and the children do not exceed 15 or 16 of all ages. The population appeared to be diminishing.

SCHEDULE 4.

GRANTS TO SCHOOLS.

Total | £855 0 2 |