5

E.—s

Trigonometry.—The subject of trigonometry was not prosecuted to any extent. The foundations for future building were laid. Next year will show to what extent these foundations have been sound. Latin. —The study of Latin has progressed on the whole to my satisfaction. The stock of Latin grammars and Eclogte Latinos was not sufficient for our wants, and many of the girls in the middle fourth had to get up their work as best they could. The results were, however, encouraging. In the upper fourth, fifth, and sixth, the pupils made varying progress. My assistants are becoming better acquainted with the language, they are anxious to do their work to my satisfaction, and I look forward with good hopes of a considerable advance in Latin scholarship next year. French.—ln French the work of the year has not been what I could have wished. Where my own assistants were responsible for the grammar, composition, and translation, very satisfactory progress indeed was made; but not so in the classes which I had to intrust to the French master. German. —The few pupils who remained loyal to their German have been making excellent progress. They have ceased to dislike the study, and now lam certain of good results. Science. —Lectures on the basis of Roscoe's Chemistry were delivered to the sixth form during the first term. The upper fourth has devoted one-half of the year to the study of physiology. Objectlessons varied the work of the other forms where and when it was found to be desired. Music.—The theory of music has been taught to every pupil in the school; the knowledge of scales, intervals, &c, enabling the fifth and sixth forms to proceed to the study of harmony, in which they have taken marks that would have entitled them to honors in the Senior University Local Examinations in England. Drawing.—The progress made by the school generally in drawing has not been marked. I observe that a very large number of the girls have not, and do not appear to be able to acquire, a reasonable knowledge of proportion. The drawing-master does his best. The sixth went through a course of geometrical and perspective drawing. Sewing.—Sewing has been, as usual, a great success —each girl having contributed some useful article, the work of her own hands, to the Benevolent Society. Fancy-Work.—A few enthusiasts have held on to the leather-, wool-, and wax-work. The lady who teaches them reports very favourably. Visitors have admired, and, in some instances, been astonished at the beauty of some of the work. Singing.—An extra class for singing, according to Hullah's system, was opened about midwinter. It has met with very moderate support. Dancing.—A dancing-class, which was very badly patronised, was held twice a week during the winter months. A system, reputed to be new, was being taught outside, and the pupils of the school preferred to join the private classes. Drill. —A drill-instructor has given each girl one hour's drill per week. He has greatly improved the carriage of the girls. Piano. —The yearly average of pupils learning the piano has been sixty-nine. Each girl had two lessons per week, half an hour in the early and half an hour in the latter part. Changes.'—Mr. E. F. C. Browne, 8.A., :f Christchurch, was appointed assistant-master at the commencement of the year. Having ascertained on his arrival what; subjects he had to teach, he thought it better not to enter upon work with which he was not familiar, but to return at once to Christchurch, which he did. The Board of Educatiou, under these circumstances, appointed the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Onehunga, who taught up to the end of July, when bad health compelled him to resign. Instead of recommending any fresh appointment, I determined to make the most of my assistants, and of myself I have had no reason to regret the stop. A junior teacher for the second form had to be appointed, and my staff was once more complete. The death of Miss Williamson, one of the assistants, towards the close of the year, was very unexpected. This lady had improved very much, and was fast becoming an influence for good amongst the younger children, whose affections she had gained. The tone of the school is excellent. I have to regret the loss of the girls of the sixth form. Their conduct has had an exceedino-ly good effect on that of the other forms. Neil Heath, F.G.S., F.E.1.5., Head Master.

Statement of the Accounts for the Tear ended 31st December, 1880. Seceipts. £ a. d. Expenditure. £ a. d. Fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,648 0 4 By balance due to Board Eund, being excess of Grants from Government... ... ... 2,100 0 0 expenditure over receipts in 18. 8-7-t* ... 1,224 18 2 Grant from secondary reserves ... ... 85 11 3 Salaries ... ... ... ... 1,877 0 3 Rent ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Examination, printing ... ... 314 0 Books and stationery ... ... ... 79 17 3 Furniture and fittings... ... ... 35 8 2 Repairs to buildings ... ... ... 40 16 7 Cleaning, repairs, water-supply, and sundries ... ... ... ... 57 5 2 Balance ... ... ... ... 287 2 o £3,833 11 7 £3,833 11 7 * Statement appended. Vincent E. Rice, Secretary. J. M. Clark, Chairman. Examined and found to be correct. —L. A. Durrieu, Auditor. 25th February, 1881.