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street are much in need of repair. The low state of the funds is the reason why these evils have been suffered to continue, although we must observe that our remarks with reference to the existing debt are equally applicable here.

The report of Mr Hamill, the teacher of the male school, showing the daily average attendance of scholars, and the number on the rolls is also annexed (marked C). From this it appears that—

The number on the roll is 61
Daily average attendance 58

The number on the roll of the female school is 26
Daily average attendance 25

The weekly charge is from 1s 6d to 2s 6d in both schools. The fees are received by the teachers, and are often in arrears and difficult of collection.

The Female School had only been opened about three weeks at the date of inspection, and some of the children in this school are paid for by the Rev Mr M’Donough.

Mr Hamill, the teacher of the Male School, appears to be well qualified for the instruction of the pupils in his charge, and has had previous experience in teaching.

Miss Oakes, the teacher of the Female School, has also been engaged in teaching at Wellington and in Christchurch.

The subjects taught are chiefly—

1. Reading,
2. Writing,
3. Arithmetic,
4. Geography,
5. Music.

One boy is learning French. Some of the boys’ classes being examined before us, appeared to evince a fair degree of intelligence and progress, and the writing of many is specially to be commended. The average age of the pupils is from four to ten years, with occasional exceptions. We must remark, however, that there was a want of tidiness about some of the boys, which ought to be remedied.

A deficiency of school furniture and requisites, especially maps, was apparent; and the books of many of the children were in a very dilapidated condition.

At this school all denominations attend, but religious instruction is only given to members of the Roman Catholic Faith, at a special interval in the day time, when the other children are absent.

THE HOKITIKA ACADEMY.

Date of inspection, 13th May, 1868.

Is situated in Tanered-street, Hokitika, and is under the charge of Mr Alexander Malcolm, who has been engaged in teaching in some of the principal schools in Scotland, and has also been one of the masters in the High School at Dunedin.

There is no female teacher in this school.

The building at present occupied is the property of Mr Malcolm, but is rather small for the number of children in attendance.

The playground is rather confined, but is dry. The new school house erected by the Presbyterian body (partly by the aid of the Board) is not quite finished, but is constructed on a model principle, well calculated to facilitate an efficient supervision of the pupils.

No playground has yet been made, nor have any conveniences been erected.

Mr Malcolm’s report (marked D), hereto annexed, specifies the course of instruction carried on at the Hokitika Academy. The scholars are of both sexes; the number on the roll, 89.

The daily average attendance, 53.

The fees charged are 2s 6d per week for each child. In this school also the fees are often in arrear, and the attendance fluctuates considerably. All denominations are received, but religious instruction is confined chiefly to the historical portions of the Bible and the main doctrines of Christianity.

From an examination of some of the classes by their teacher, we found the children attending this school are more advanced than in the other schools inspected by us. The senior boys appeared to be well grounded in history, English grammar, geography, and the chief elements of an English education. Latin and the higher mathematics are taught; also French, but only to one or two boys.

On the whole, the inspecting members were much pleased with the school, and are satisfied that in the hands of a painstaking teacher, such as Mr Malcolm apparently is, much good may be effected amongst the rising youth in our midst.

The statement of the Treasurer as to the disposal of the grant-in-aid is hereto annexed (marked E).

THE KANIERI SCHOOL, KANIERI.

Date of inspection, 19th May, 1868.

(Note.—Mr Byrne did not take part in the inspection of this school.)

Is managed by a committee of the Wesleyan body, of which the Rev W. Connell is Chairman.

The school has been established about twelve months. Mr Jones Cooper, the only teacher, has had no previous experience in teaching.

The school building belongs to the Wesleyan community, and is given for use rent free. It is a well-lighted room, but although amply large for the attendance, has no fireplaces. Being situated on a hill, the playground for the children is not good.

The manner in which the money granted by the Board has been disposed of is shown by the statement F, hereto annexed.

All denominations are received; the school is of a very primary character, some of the elder boys but just learning to write. The elder boys read before us from the Third Book, and managed tolerably; their spelling was better. The writing, considering the