E—No. 8,

NATIVE SCHOOLS

C. Wellington 28th, February, 1860. I haste to give your Honor the information that you desire on the first years of ?t. Joseph's Providence, and your Honor's goodness in having vouchsafed to preside over the examination of the children, makes it a very agreeable task for me. St. Joseph's Providence was opened on the Bth of September, 1852, under very auspicious circumstances. The fears of the benefactors, and especially of Sir George Grey, as to the success of the establishment, at once vanished. The numerous strangers who visited the house were delighted with the amiable manners of the children. People were anxious to see them at their different works, and during their meals and recreation. Many exclaimed that they had not seen a better regulated boarding-school in Europe. The excellent Governor and his I.ady received with emotion a visit from the inmates of St Joseph at their departure from Wellington. This honoured founder is not forgotten. Each day the tribute of gratitude is offered in the prayers of the children to heaven for him, under God, to whom they are indebted for the benefits of education. Towards the end of the second year the measlojs, which caused such ravages in the Province, struck this infant establishment, and despite the care lavished day and night by the doctor, two children died in the house, and some others in the bosom of their families. The flower of the house was cut off; it was a terrible blow, yet lessened by the reflection that these children went to receive the reward of their virtues, for all had made their first communion. The Native children, affrighted, would no longer dare to approach St. Joseph's Providence, which was at the point of ruin. Ever so God tries His works. But by degrees all fears were dissipated, and from that epoch the sanitary state of the house has been most satisfactory. Your Honour may hence infer that it would be difficult for me to find many of the children that have left this house. However, among the few that I can mention, I shall only name two Native girls. One Melania Horomona, about 15 years of age, has become a servant at Mrs. Huntley's, who is quite pleased with her character. No doubt the virtues of this gord family will powerfully second the views of Divine Providence on this young- Native. The othtT Native, named Taiihira Ilupini, about 1G years old, after having been some years in our establishment, also went to service. Later, she returned home to Taupo : there she acts as schoolmistress to the Native children of a Catholic tribe, being only visited at long intervals by the Catholic priest of Ahururi. This young and interesting mistress, perhaps surpassed by none of her race, knows English well. Her fine voice, pleasing beyond expression, pours out the sacred songs of our holy religion in this centre of New Zealand. Taiihira is a powerful helpmate for the Catholic missionary It is a gieat grace on the part of the Lord for the Natives of Taupo, ever faithful in the midst of long trials. Enclosed, your Honor will find the names, race, and dates of entry of the children, &c. I have, he, \\ u P. T. Viard, To His Honor Catholic Bishop. Mr. Justice Johnston. INSPECTORS' REPORT ON NATIVE SCHOOL "KAI IWI," WANGANUI. Resident Magistrate's Court, Wanganui, 10th May, 1860. Sir,— In compliance with your communication of 25th January, 18G0, we have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that we have inspected the Kai Iwi School in accordance with the 11th Section of the "Native School Act, 1858," and now beg to submit the following Report: — "In respect of the atlaiments and progress of the Scholars, and of the nature of the instruction given," we beg to observe that the Scholars are daily taught Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, and instructed in Agricultural and Manual Labor. We feel pleasure in being able to report that the attainments and progress of the Scholars are considerable, in all their pursuits, particularly in their favorite study of Arithmetic, where advancement in a very marked degree has been attained. With respect to Food, we found the same to be of good wholesome quality, and the following quantities supplied weekly to each scholar, -viz.,—Flour, 51b. 40z.; Meat, 211). lOoz.; Potatoes, ad libitum; Sugar, 8oz.; Tea, 3oz. With respect to Clothing, the following articles are supplied to each scholar, every third month, viz., —1 Blue Shiru; 2 Cotton Shirts; 1 pair Moleskin or Cord Trowsers; 1 Cloth Cap; and, in addition to which, the Men are supplied with Boots. With regard to the Cleanliness and Health of the Scholars, we found them in both respects in a satisfactory state; but we must remark that, although cleanliness is much promoted by the practice of devoting one hour daily to washing clothes, &c, yet that in many other respects the kind offices of a Matron were desirable. The Buildings are as follows: — 1. A Scboolhouse, weather-boarded and shingled, containing three large rooms—one being appropriated for the Schoolroom, the other as a Dormitory, and the third as a Kitchen and eatimr apartment; attached to this building is als a small dwelling-house for the Native Teacher, and the convenience of a Brick Oven, in which is baked the bread consumed on the establishment.

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