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DUNEDIN SCHOOL OF ART. Sir, — Drawing-Master's Report. I have the honor to submit my annual report for 1880 on the School of Art, and the work done in the various schools in which drawing is taught in connection with it. The total number that received instruction in the school, or through its agencj', during the year 1880, was 5,942. This total includes 5,563 pupils of public schools, 77 students in training, 90 teachers and pupil-teachers, 57 students who attended the afternoon class, and 155 who attended the evening classes. The same arrangements have been adhered to as in previous years. The teachers and pupil-teachers have made good use of their time and made satisfactory progress. The students and teachers in training were examined in drawing at the annual examination for teachers' certificates, but the result is not yet known. The afternoon and evening classes continue in a very satisfactory condition. Numerous excellent drawings and paintings were executed during the year, of which 41 were sent to the Melbourne Exhibition, and 15 were exhibited in the Otago Art Society's gallery. Eight competitors entered the list to compete for the Builders' Association's prize, the subject chosen being a design for a small cottage. About the middle of the session the advanced students, and others who had had considerable practice in sketching from the antique, formed themselves into a class for the purpose of drawing from the living model, and made very fair progress. Public Schools. —The progress made in drawing by the public schools was most satisfactory, except in one instance. On account of the general retrenchment, the amount of assistance allowed me by the Board was considerably reduced, and consequently visits to a number of important schools had to be discontinued. I trust the Board will soon be in a position to grant the requisite number of assistants, so that the work of the school may not only be carried on as formerly, but that its usefulness, instead of being curtailed, may be widely increased. It is of the utmost importance that those desiring ,to become skilled artisans should have an opportunity of acquiring in their earlier years a knowledge of what is admitted to be one of the most useful branches of education. No notice has been taken of the suggestion made in my last report regarding examinations in drawing along with the other subjects prescribed in the school course. Were such examinations held, and certificates granted to those who reached the required standards, much good would be accomplished, and a certain test of the work done in the various schools would be supplied. At the close of the session an exhibition of the works executed by the students was open for five days, and was largely attended by all classes of citizens. I have, &c, The Secretary, Otago Education Board. David C. Hutton.

REPORTS OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. AUCKLAND. Sic, — Auckland, 17th February, 1881. I have the honor to report that the administration of education reserves in this district during the past year calls for no special remark. The Commissioners have held periodical meetings as usual for the transaction of business. Tenders for the lease of 327 acres of country land, at an annual rental of £34 25., and of 16 allotments of town land, at an annual rental of £53 10s., have been received and accepted during the year. The demand for leasehold lands north of Auckland is very limited, and that at nominal rentals ; while towards the East Coast some valuable blocks, which could be let, are not yet under the Commissioners' control. Owing to the depreciation in the value of land in the Gisborne district it was found necessary, as intimated by letter of 12th July last, to cancel many leases in that locality, the rents of which were not paid, and could not be recovered. The sum of £325 19s. Id., part of the arrears shown in the 1879 statement, has thus had to be written off as unrecoverable. The lands are, however, of good quality, and will yield fair rentals with the return of better times. The Commissioners latterly have not felt justified in dealing with reserves Crown-granted under " The Public Reserves Act, 1854," owing to doubts having arisen as to the interpretation of clause 4 of " The Education Reserves Act, 1877." In response to the invitation contained in your Circular No. 66 for suggestions relating to the subject of education reserves, the Commissioners call your attention to the fact that much unnecessary expense is incurred and delay occasioned in readvertising lands for lease for wdiich competition may have already been duly invited, as required by section 14 of the Act. It frequently happens that no tender or bid for a lot is received, although put up for lease at special request. The Commissioners are of opinion that, having given the one month's notice, required by section 14, of intention to let any lot, and having fixed an upset rental, they should have the power up to a certain time to accept that upset rental without the delay and expense of readvertising. In August last Dr. Campbell resigned the office of Commissioner, and William P. Moat, Esq., was nominated by the Education Board to fill the vacancy. Mr. Joseph May was elected Chairman. The general statement of accounts for 1880, forwarded herewith duly audited, shows in detail the appropriations of primary and secondary reserves revenues during the year. Appended hereto is a copy of a resolution altering one of the regulations for the transaction of business. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Joseph Mat, Chairman.