E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Waipa School (Wesleyan). Inspected on the 10th and 11th February 1860. The teacher of this School is Rev. A. Reid, assisted by Miss Harrison, who also acts in the capacity of Matron. Number of Pupils. On the Roll, 22. Present at Inspection, 21. In average attendance during last Quarter, 20. Classification of Pupils according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories. Half-castes. Boys, 6 Boys, 2 Total—B Girls, 10 Girls, 2 12 Adults—Male 1 Female 12 Total 22 Children's ages vary from 3 to 14.

Subjects of Instruction-Judgments awarded — Observations. Scale.

There are two classes in this school. The first is instructed in the above specified subjects; the second is composed of infants learning the alphabet. The school has been in existence about twelve months, in which time the pupils have made most satisfactory progress, not only in learning but also in treneral intelligence, propriety of deportment, and cleanliness. From a comparison of the judgments awarded for reading and spelling, it might be inferred that the teacher overlooks the importance of correct spelling. Such is not the case. Mr. Reid proceeds on the system much commended of late, which is to let children learn to read words from sight first, and afterwards, in the course of time, to learn the letters which compose the word. School-room Furniture. The school-room is well furnished with all necessary appliances, viz., a large table, four forms, reading-cards, reading books, black boards, slates, maps, &c. School Buildings. There is a large wooden building length 40 feet, bieadth 18 feet, height 9 feet, portion of which viz 24 feet long, is used as a school-room, the remaining portion, properly partitioned off, is used as the dormitory. The school-room is well ventilated and lighted. There is also a detached raupo cottage, which the married couple occupy, provided with a fireplace and chimney. The school premises and furuiture are in good order and repair. Sleeping Accommodation, fyc. As stated above, the dormitory is part of the school-room, it is 16 feet long, and is occupied at night by eighteen children. The rest of the pupils sleep iv the detached cottage. The sleeping accommodation is very good. There are seven beds on the floor, each consisting of a mattrass, one blanket and one quilt. In winter-time additional covering is supplied. Clothing and Cleanliness. Each child has three suits of clothes in the year, which are kept clem and in good repair. The personal cleanliness of the children is carefully attended to by Miss Harrison. The good order, neatness, and regularity visible in every part of the establishment deserve our highest commendation. Diet and general Manner of Livitig. The children are allowed three meals per day. They get boiled flour and milk nearly all the year round for breakfast. Potatoes, with meat occasionally, for dinner. Boiled wheat or maire for supper. The meals are properly served up, and the children sit to the table in a well-behaved, orderly manner. Hours of Instruction and daily routine of Business. Rise at 6 a.m., wash, make beds, and prepare for breakfast ; 8 a.m., prayers and breakfast; play and preparation for dinner till 10 a.m. 10 to 1 p.m., needlework; 1| to 3, dinner and play ;3 to 6J, school; 7 p.m., supper; 8, prayers and bed.

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Verv Good, j -5. Good. 4. Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading Spelling Writing 2 3 2 6 1 5 1 6 4 5 4 6 1 14 11 12 13 Arithmetic 4