Hokitika, 27th May, 1868.

REPORT of the Stafford Town and Waimea Schools.

"To the Westland Board of Education."

GENTLEMEN,—We have the honor to report to you, that as instructed, we have visited the before-mentioned schools, and beg to report that at St. Patrick’s School the attendance has fallen off considerably, and that the scholars at present only number thirteen. That at the time of our inspection (in January) there were over thirty scholars in attendance. We found Miss Reagh, the teacher in charge at the time, has since left, having been dismissed by the Rev. W. Larkins; and we also find from the report of the teacher who was in charge of the school in January last, that the moneys voted for the teacher’s salary were not applied to that purpose, and were the more surprised as when we inspected the school in January, Mr Larkin expressed himself as highly satisfied with the teacher. We beg to say that in this particular instance we consider that the funds of the Board were improperly dealt with, and that the Board should institute a rigid inquiry.

The Waimea School, which is under the control of a local committee, and has only been in existence for three months, has made very rapid progress indeed, as far as securing a fair attendance of scholars, though most of them are very young, and the education must only be considered primary.

We consider it is entitled to the consideration of the Board under the present regulations; and we further consider that in the country districts only one school in each locality ought to receive Government aid and ought to be under the control of a local committee, and the education ought to be entirely on a national principle.

We find that under the denominational system each body endeavours to establish a school of their own, and the consequence is there are two or three indifferent schools in place of one good school.

We cannot too strongly condemn placing any school, where the children of the general public are to be educated, under the control of clergymen, and trust the Board will keep the matter clearly in view in dealing with the country districts.

We have the honor to be,

Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servants,

(Signed) JOSEPH COLLYER,
ANDREW MOWATT.

Ross, May 12th, 1867.

To the Chairman of the Westland Board of Education.

SIR,—In accordance with a resolution passed by the Board of Education, on the 29th ult., I have the honor to submit the subjoined report on the working of the Ross Grammar School, together with a statement of the expenditure of the grant in aid.

I have this day had the honor to inspect the school, and have much pleasure in reporting upon its general efficiency, as also the zeal and ability displayed by Mr Hill in the discharge of his duties as teacher.

The average attendance and total number of scholars on the books, as taken from the school register, is as follows:—

The apparent disparity between the total number on the school register and the average attendance is in a great measure attributable to the inclemency of the weather during the past six months, and the great distance at which some of the children reside.

The total amount derived from fees during the six months ending 31st March, 1868, was £84 15s 6d; but in many instances where the parents have been unable to pay, children have been admitted without any charge being made.

During the past half-year a sum of £45 13s 6d has been expended for books and school furniture, of which £7 13s 10d has been received for books sold to pupils.

The following is a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the school, for the six months ending March 31st, 1868.

Receipts and Expenditure of the Ross Grammar School.

Dr.

Cr.

In conclusion I have the honor to submit the following consideration: that at the present time the only building suitable for school purposes is the Wesleyan Chapel, which has been rented by the committee of management.

That there are at present other schools being conducted in this district having an