H.—3.

NUMBER OF CANDIDATES EXAMINED.

During the last financial year (1878-79) the number of candidates examined at different places was: Auckland, 47; Thames, 5 ; New Plymouth, 13; Napier, 5; Wanganui, 12 ; Wellington, 18 ; Blenheim, 12; Nelson, 25; Hokitika, 1; Christchurch, 11; Timaru, 1; Arrow, 2 ; Duuedin, 26 , Invercargill, 10. Since the establishment of the Board the number of candidates examined in each year has been:— ISG9 ... ... ... ... 12 candidates. 1870 ... ... ... ... 16 IS7I ... ... ... . . 11 1872 ... ... ... ... 39 „ 1873 ... ... ... ... 57 1871. ... ... ... ... 56 1875 ... ... ... ... 65 1876 ... ... ... ... 103 1877 ... ... ... ... 164 1878 ... ... ... ... 199 „ Half-year 1879 ... ... ... ... 64 786 candidates examined. As there are almost invariably fully twice as many candidates for the December examination as for the June examination, there is little doubt that the number of candidates examined by the Board during tho present year will exceed that examined during any previous year. Several applications have already been received for next December examination.

PEOPOSED SUBSTITUTION OP UNIVEESITT ENTEANCE EXAMINATION FOE SENIOE CIVIL SEEVICE EXAMINATION. The following resolution passed by the Senate of the New Zealand University has been submitted by tho Hon. the Minister of Education to the Board for consideration : — " That the Chancellor be requested to negotiate with the Government for the adoption by the Civil Service Board of the entrance examination papers for the Senior Civil Service examination in December next, and for the general arrangement and supervision of the entrance examination being undertaken by the Board ; and that the Chancellor be further authorized to cause tho instructions and forms used for tho Civil Service examination, or a modification thereof, to be used in conducting tho entrance examination, if he considers their adoption desirable as a part of such arrangement." The Board does not see its way to recommend tho Government to adopt the course proposed, as it involves changes which might lead to miscarriage. As stated above, applications have already been received from candidates for the December examination, under the impression that the existing regulations would be continued in force. It would therefore place candidates, who are studying for the examination under that impression, in a disadvantageous position, if the change were made without longer notice being given.

EXAMINATION PAPEES. Copies of the examination papers used at the December, 1878, aud June, 1879, examinations are appended.

EECEIPTS AND EXPENDITUEE. £ s. cl. £ s. d. Voted by Parliament ... ... ... 200 0 0 Preparation and revision of papers ... ... 96 6 0 Examination fees aud fees for certificates ... 30 7 0 Supervision of examinations ... ... 94 10 0 Attendance of member, not being a member of the Civil Seryice ... ... ... 12 10 0 Hire of rooms, furniture, &c. ... ... 8 16 11 Boots ... ... ... ... 2 5 0 Kefund of fees paid in error ... ... 6 6 0 Messengor ... ... ... ... 3 10 0 £224 3 11 Balance unexpended ... 6 3 1 £230 7 0 £230 7 0 I have, &c, G. S. COOPEE, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Chairman.

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