8

H.—ll

Reading: Book, 4th Royal Reader. Two fair. Pronunciation fair. Meaning understood. Spelling imperfect. Dictation fair. —Sequel to Koyal Reader No. 3. Three fair, one imperfect. Pronunciation not distinct enough. Meaning understood. Dictation: Writing, good. Spelling fair.— Book, 2nd Royal Reader. Two fair. Lesson understood. Spelling fair. Arithmetic: Tables, and weights and measures: two good, five imperfect. Compound reduction: one, fair. Simple division : one fair, two imperfect. Simple multiplication: one, fair. Addition: one fair, three imperfect. Writing: Copy-books: three good, four fair. The exercise-books of this class were clean, and neatly written. Drawing : Three had made tolerable progress. But drawing is an accomplishment that might very well be dispensed with in Native schools, unless evidence of special talent is exhibited. Singing: In the absence of the mistress, I could not judge of the progress, made. Geography : All but one of the nine examined had an intelligent knowledge of geographical terms, and of general geography. Mr. Wilson, a gentleman resident in the vicinity, who has always taken an interest id the welfare of his Maori neighbours, told me that the master of a neighbouring English school, who conducted the last examination, expressed the greatest surprise at the progress of the scholars during the short period the school has been open. The order in which I found everything in the schoolroom when I entered was very satisfactory. The behaviour of the children was very good, and evidenced the existence of good discipline. The Natives are desirous that the Government should erect a new schoolroom and residence for the mistress. The number of Native residents is hardly sufficient to justify the expenditure, if any other way can be found of providing the necessary accommodation : the present room is quite unfit for a schoolroom. Mr. Hislop, Secretary for the Education Department, suggests the utilization of the old pilot station, now abandoned owing to a change in the mouth of the river. This building would afford ample accommodation, and is not too far from the Maori village. Taieri Ferry: Master, Mr. C. H. Morgan.—Visited 12th March, 18S0. As the master no longer receives any allowance out of the Native School Fund, I did not think it necessary to examine the Native children under his instruction. I examined the register, and took pains to ascertain that it was correct. The highest number on the roll was 9 boys, 10 girls ; total, 19. Three are pure Maoris, the rest half-castes. Waikouaiti: Master, Mr. Moloney. —Inspected 14th March, ISBO. Registers carefully kept. Highest number on the roll: Boys, 19 ; girls, 16 : total, 35. Present at inspection, 30 ; of these, three were English. Reading : Book, sth Royal Reader. Three very good, three good, three fair. The reading of this class has much improved since last examination. Words distinctly pronounced. Meaning understood. Spelling very good. Dictation: Writing not free enough, spelling good. Grammar: three could distinguish various parts of speech.—Book, 2nd Royal Reader." Five fair, one imperfect. Pronunciation fair. Meaning understood. Spelling imperfect. Dictation imperfect. —Book, Ist Royal Reader. Pour fair, four imperfect. Meaning of lesson understood, but not ready iv answering questions. Spelling : four fair, three imperfect. Primer, seven. Arithmetic: Practice and simple proportion: one, fair. Compound multiplication and division: eight fair, three imperfect. Compound addition : two fair, two imperfect. Figures generally well made, and work neatly set down. Simple multiplication : one, imperfect. Simple addition : one good, one fair, two imperfect. The arithmetic is better than last year, but there still remains room for improvement. Writing: Copy-books: One very good, eight fair, six indifferent. The writing is too cramped, owing probably to the copies used. Geography : Four had a good knowledge of geographical terms, and of the geography of New Zealand and Europe, six an imperfect knowledge with the subject. Singing : Miss Duncan, a young lady resident in the neighbourhood, kindly atttends the school two hours a week to give instruction in singing. With the assistance of friends, Mr. Moloney has purchased a small harmonium for the use of Jdie school, but it had not arrived when I was there. Sewing: Mrs. Molone}' has been very sJccessful in teaching the girls all branches of this useful art. She is quite an enthusiast, and has inspired many of her pupils with an ardent desire to excel. With the kind assistance of Mr. Duncan and Mr. McLean, she has procured a sewing machine, which cost £9. I saw six of the girls go through what may be termed machine-drill, in a very smart way. The specimens of fancy and useful needlework done by twelve of the girls were excellent. Some of the half-caste girls who have gone from the school into service have given great satisfaction to their employers. Drill: The school went through the ordinary extension motions very well. The schoolroom was clean and neatly arranged. The children were clean and well behaved, and the general discipline of the school was good. A few members of the Committee were present at the examination, but the majority were busy harvesting and sent apologies for their absence. Several mothers were present, who evinced such interest in the proceedings that they had several times to be requested not to interrupt the children's work by their loud comments. I was sorry to find that the experiment of employing Charles Pratt as a pupil-teacher had not succeeded, as he has lost ground during the year, and Mr. Moloney has failed in his efforts to make him work. Having outstripped the rest the boy imagines he has reached the goal. Mr. Moloney pointed out the want of more water-tanks, and of a slight addition to his dwellinghouse. As I understand his application has been granted, I need say nothing further about the matter. I am glad to report that the most cordial relations exist between Mr. Moloney and the School Committee. Otago Heads: Master, Mr. Lucas. —Inspected, 16th March, 1880. Registers carefully kept. Highest number on the roll: Boys, 23; girls, 22: total, 45. Present at inspection : Boys, 20; girls, 20.