H.—l

44

far, and in what branches, each class may be examined, leaving it to the Inspector to decide whether, under the circumstances, the standard aimed at is high enough, and whether, on the whole, it has been fairly attained. The teacher is not under that perpetual temptation to do just as much as, and no more than, is required of him, which must always exist where his work is gauged by an arbitrary set of standards, to which he must rigidly adhere, and which, moreover, to be at all workable, must, of necessity, be pitched low. Considerable latitude is also allowed as regards the method of imparting instruction, the bent of each teacher being interfered with as little as possible. It may be said that there are two quite distinct theories of inspection. According to what may be termed the " detective " theory, an Inspector's business is pretty much confined to reporting on whatever failures to attain the prescribed minimum of instruction he may discover. According to the other, which may be called the co-operative theory, Inspectors and teachers are supposed to work together so as to attain the best result possible under the ever-varying conditions by which the standing of each school is modified. Although there is a certain loss of uniformity and symmetry in the second plan, which has been followed in Nelson, it is believed that this is more than made up by the freer scope given to individual energy and skill, and by the kindlier relations that are likely to subsist between teachers and Inspector, when the latter is regarded quite as much as a counsellor as a critic. It is to be regretted that the Inspector's report for 1577, which, in compliance with the provisions of the Nelspn Education Act, had to be published in July, is now comparatively out of date. In future, arrangements will be made to meet the altered requirements of the case, so that the final examinations can be made towards the close of the school year, and all information can be brought down to the latest possible date. Sciiool Accommodation. Although the fund hitherto at the disposal of the Nelson Board for building has been extremely limited, it has been found possible, by the exercise of the strictest economy, and by dispensing with everything approaching to architectural embellishment, to provide decent school accommodation for the children within the several school districts. More than half of the sum set down for buildings will be required for the accommodation of the children in Reefton, Charleston, and Addison's Flat districts, where private enterprise has until now supplied school room, and also for the scholars in the City of Nelson who will attend St. Mary's Schools until the end of June, but for many of whom provision must be made after that date. The estimates of cost have all been framed on the modest scale to which the Board has so long been accustomed, the buildings contemplated being of the plainest and most inexpensive character. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, J. W. Barnicoat, Wellington. Chairman, Nelson Education Board.

GENERAL STATEMENT of RECEIPTS and EXPENDITURE for the Year ending 31st December, 1877.

BALANCE - SHEET of RECEIPTS and DISBURSEMENTS in respect of EDUCATION RESERVES for the Year ended 31st December, 1877.

Income. £ s. d. 'o Balance on 31st December, 1876 ... 325 16 5 Grants from Government—Ordinary ... 11,694 14 8 Buildings ... 1,896 12 2 Net rents aud profits of education reserves, &e. ... ... ... 468 8 3 Household rates .-. .„ .- Capitation rates J Expenditure. £ a. d. By Secretary's salary, also Inspector ... 568 15 0 Clerk's salary ... ... ... 77 1 8 Printing, advertising, &c. ... ... 119 3 9 Teachers' salaries and allowances ... 7,689 14 11 Subsidized schools ... ... ... 868 10 0 Rent and rent allowances ... ... 37 6 0 Petty repairs and other costs ... ... 952 12 6 Scholarships ... ... ... 120 0 0 Law expenses, other than for reserves ... 10 7 6 School buildings ... ... ... 1,896 12 2 Incidentals ... ... ... ... 41 12 7 School material ... ... ... 895 18 9 Balance ... ... ... ... 1,602 16 6 Total ... ... £14,880 11 4 Total ... .:. £14,880 11 4 30th March, 1878. Robebt Pollock, Auditor.

Receipts. £ s. d. ?own Lands —To rents collected for year current. 5 0 0 Suburban and Kural Lands —To rents collected for year current ... ... ... 317 10 6 tents in Arrear — To amounts collected on account oftown lands ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 To amounts collected on account of suburban and rural lands ... ... 146 5 3 Expenditure. £ s. d. Legal expenses ... ... ... ... 10 7 6 Total Expenditure ... ... ... 10 7 6 Balance carried to Education Fund Account 468 8 3 Total Receipts ... ... ...£478 15 9 Total ... ... ... ... £478 15 9 Examined and found correct. Robeet Pollock, Auditor. J. W. Babntcoat, Chairman of the Board.