60

E.—l

Pupil-teachers.—The annual examination was held in July by the Inspector and the Principal of the Training College. Fifty-six pupil-teachers presented themselves—eighteen for the end of the first year, eighteen for the end of the second year, thirteen for the end of the third year, and seven for the end of the fourth year. Thirty-nine passed, being six for the first year, sixteen for the second, eleven for the third, and six for the fourth year respectively. Of the six who have completed their term four have entered the Training College, one has retired from the service, and one remains in her old position. The classification of the seventy-eight pupil-teachers in the Board's service at the end of the year is—first year, 42; second year, 14; third year, 22. In order to improve the method in force in appointing pupil-teachers, and with a view to the best possible selection being made, the Board has appointed two separate Examining Committees—one for the city and country districts, and the other for the Wairarapa. These Committees consist of the head masters of the larger schools and two members of the Board. The Inspector of Schools is ex officio a member of each Committee. The examinacion is to be of a general character ; and it is believed that the result of this change will be the appointment as pupil-teachers of young persons of whose intellectual, educational, and physical fitness there can be no doubt. Inspection.—From the twelfth annual report of the Inspector of Schools it will be seen that the number of children present at examination showed an increase of nearly one thousand. This report gives full information as to the presentations made at each school, .and the results as compared with those expected. During the year visiting masters for science, drill, and drawing were appointed. The instructors in drill and science have given useful teaching in their respective departments. The drawing-teacher had not entered on his duties at the close of the year. High School. —The Masterton High School opened at the beginning of the year with seven pupils for French, six for mathematics, and five for Latin. The attendance gradually decreased until, at the end of the year, the numbers were—French, 2 ; Latin, 1 ; mathematics, 1. This institution does not seem to have met with the support which was anticipated, and must now be considered as practically inoperative so far as the higher branches of education are concerned. Training of Teachers. — The report of the Principal of the Training College, attached hereto, gives full information under this head. During the year the new building has been completed and more convenient premises placed at the disposal of the institution. The staff has been increased by the appointment of a teacher of drill and gymnastics, whose work appears to give promise of good results. The expenditure during the year has been—salaries, £1,054 3s. -Id.; students, £300 ; contingencies (including new furniture), £527 Is. Id.: total, £1,881 4s. sd. The Hon. the Minister of Education. I have, &c, J. E. Blair, Chairman.

General Statement of Eeceipts and Expenditube for the Year ending 31st December, 1885. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance at beginning of year .. 1,055 15 6 By Office staff, salaries .. .. 384 0 0 Government grant for buildings .. 5,007 0 0 Departmental contingencies .. 423 13 • 9 Subscriptions and donations for build- Inspector's salary .. .. 500 0 0 ings .. .. .. 15 0 0 Inspector's travelling expenses .. 200 15 0 Government statutory capitation (£3155.) 22,237 1 0 Examination of pupil-teachers .. 17 118 Special capitation (55.) .. .. 1,510 9 0 Teachers' salaries and allowances (inScholarship grant (Is. 6d.) .. .. 324 111 eluding rent, bonus, &o.) .. 20,918 8 1 Inspection subsidy .. .. 300 0 0 Incidental expenses of schools .. 2,150 7 0 Grant for training of teachers .. 1,390 3 5 Training of teachers .. , .. 1,881 4 5 Payments by School Commissioners for Scholarships— primary education .. .. 383 17 9 I Paid to scholars .. .. 420 0 0 District high school fees .. .. 30 0 0 Examination expenses .. .. 51 15 8 Deposits on contracts .. .. 65 15 0 School buildings— Examination fee for Public Account New buildings .. .. .. 5,356 3 0 paid in in error .. .. 10 0 Improvements of buildings .. 2,547 19 9 Balance at end of year .. .. 3,103 1 7 Furniture and appliances .. .. 507 4 7 Sites .. .. 100 0 0 Plans, supervision, and fees .. 375 4 8 Deposits .. .. .. 76 18 0 High school .. .. .. 30 0 0 Bents of temporary rooms .. .. 379 10 0 Interest .. .. .. 2 10 0 £36,323 5 2 £36,323 5 _2 A. Dorset, Secretary. Examined and passed.—E. Macalistee, Provincial District Auditor. 17th May, 1886.

HAWKE'S BAY. Sir, — Board of Education, Napier, Bth February, 1886. In accordance with section 102 of the Education Act, the Board of this education district has the honour to forward a summary report of its proceedings for the year ended the 31st December, 1885. Board.—During the year a slight alteration has taken place in the constitution of the Board, Dr. Spencer taking the place of Mr. J. N. Williams, who retired from the Board in March last. It is worthy of notice that five of the present members have sat as members of the Board since it was first constituted in 1878. Meetings.—Eleven ordinary and one special meeting have been held for the transaction of business, the average attendance of members at each meeting being 6-5. The following are the