E.—No. 9

with the terms of the Deed of Trust. The object evidently contemplated by the founders of the School was the education of children, and not young men. The Institution is at present under the management of Rev. Thomas Chapman. On Mr. Chapman's register, twenty-one names are entered as inmates of the Institution, beside.--three infants drawing rations, and for whose maintenance no allowance is made, either by Government or by the Board of Native Education. Of the twenty-one inmates, there are six married men and women. ... 12 One widower (a Native Deacon) .......... 1 Two unmarried men, one women, two girls ........ 5 Three half-caste children—viz., one boy, two girls. ...... •'$ Total 21 On the roll kept by the recognized and salaried Teacher of the Institution, the names of only nine are entered as class attendants. The married women never present themselves for instruction in the English language. They are taught either by Mm Chapman or other ladies of the district, at their private houses. This system is, I fear, too desultory and unsystematic to be effectual. The men, who are either in the Ministry or else candidates for holy orders, receive religious and, if I mistake not, secular instruction also from Bishop Stlwyn, Sir Win. Martin, and Archdeacon Kissling, at their several residences. Ten pupils were examined by me—viz., five men, five girls—two of whom were only temporary residents. Three of the pupils on the Teachers roll were absent —one (a Native Deacon) was travelling with the Bishop ; one absent from sickness; one engaged baking bread. The married women were not in attendance. The following is the result of the examination : — Males. Reading. —Two can read any English book freely ; three can only spell their way througli monosyllables. . Spelling.—Two very good ; one fair ; two failures. Arithmetic.—One solved questions in Practice promptly and correctly ; two were slow in working a sum in Proportion; two fair in Compound Multiplication. Maori Dictation.—All very fair. English do. —One very good ; one slow ; three failures. Writing.—One can write a good running hand ; four write well, and neatly. Of the five men examined, two have been in the Institution for some years past ; one about twelve months ; and the remaining two about nine months. Girls (five ih number). Two can read and spell English freely, and also make a creditable attempt at English Dictation ; they can also work with tolerable correctness questions in the four first simple rules of Arithmetic. The remaining three are in monosyllables and letters. Internal Arrangement. In this respect, everything appears to be on a satisfactory footing. The married couples have a room to themselves, with fireplace. The small children sleep under Mr. Chapman's own roof. Appliances for personal and domestic cleanliness provided. Occasional European help is called in to supplement the labour of the Native women in keeping the place strictly clean. The clothing is good, and the supply sufficient. The quality of the food is also good, and the supply liberal. Breakfast consists of bread, tea, and sugar; dinner—potatoes and meat daily (one pound of meat i.s allowed to every three) : sapper —same as breakfast. The Scholars are not restricted as to quantity of bread or potatoes. The bread is baked on the establishment. One death occurred during the year. Very little sickness reported. Buildings. The main building in which are the Manager's apartments, dining-hall, School-room, kitchen, and several bed-rooms, is built of wood and is in good preservation. The married couples occupy a detached stone building. In January last a considerable portion of this building was destroyed by fire (since rebuilt). The Insurance covered the damages. Industrial Employment. The men are engaged in out-door work each day from 9 to 11 a.m. The women set apart Monday and Saturday in each week for washing of clothes and cleaning of house. On these days they receive no instruction. ■'• ' - • . :

8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.