E.—9

22

viously been learnt in cases where they are required. I should state, however, that this is not a weakness peculiar to this school, but arises from a difficulty inherent in the subject. It is found in all our examination papers that the problem, whether occurring in the simple arithmetic of the Lower School, or in the more complex algebra and Euclid of the Upper, is passed over by two-thirds of the Form, while the question which involves mechanical work only is successfully attacked by all. Of course, this is one of the difficulties which an earnest teacher will constantly strive to conquer, and I hope that next year will see a marked improvement in this particular. Arithmetic has been taught throughout the school. In the higher Forms algebra and Euclid have been added to the course of study, and in the Sixth Form trigonometry has also been read. Last term seventeen pupils were reading tho last-mentioned subject. During the first term of the year one of our senior pupils read mechanics and hydrostatics. Singing. —At the commencement of the year this subject was taught by a visiting master ; but during the course of the year it was thought advisable to teach the subject by means of the regular staff. For the purpose of singing the school was divided into two large classes. The girls had arrived at the stage of being able to sing very nicely in tw ro parts. Tho Fifth and Sixth Forms do not learn singing. Drawing, —This subject is taught by a visiting master, and the work done throughout the year has been very satisfactory. During the lesson each class is supervised by its own teacher, while the visiting master exercises a supervision over the whole. Sewing. —This subject is taught in the Lower School in a thorough manner, while in the Upper School the facility which has been previously acquired is maintained and improved. For a few weeks previous to the closing of last term the girls were busy in making garments for gratuitous distribution. The headmaster offered prizes, one in the Upper and one in the Lower School, for the best-made and most useful garment for a child. About two-thirds of the school competed, and the result was that there were 130 or 140 really useful well-made garments. The ladies who kindly undertook the tiresome duty of adjudging the prizes were exceedingly gratified at the character of the work. Seven of our girls presented themselves for the matriculation examination in the beginning of December, and one competed for a University junior scholarship. The Inspector-General visited the school on Friday, the loth October. Unfortunately, tho day was a half-holiday ; but the morning was spent by him in looking into the mathematical and classical work at the school. The Visiting Committee has paid monthly visits to the school, and I have to thank them for the prompt manner in which any suggestion of mine has been carried out. During the first and second terms of the year sixteen scholarship and five certificate holders attended the school. One scholarship was, however, forfeited at the August examination, by the holder not complying with the conditions. It is also my sad duty to report to the Board the death, in xlugust last, of one of our most promising scholarship holders, Miss A. M. Browning. At the opening of the school for the third term four other district scholars attended, and one holder of a foundation scholarship. Three girls who had obtained certificates of proficiency in the previous August examination also entered the school at the same time. These girls all give great promise of good work. During tho third term, therefore, nineteen scholarship and five certificate holders attended the school. It will be gratifying to the Board to hear that in the case of all these girls I can speak in the highest terms, both of their exemplary conduct and of their industry and attention to work. In conclusion, I beg to tender my heartiest thanks to all my colleagues for the loyal manner in which they have fulfilled their arduous duties. I append the returns which were asked for. I have, &c, The Secretary, Board of Education. John F. Sloman, 8.A., Headmaster.

4. Bepobt of the Inspector-Genebal to the Hon. the Ministeb of Education. Auckland Girh' High School. —Inspected 16th October, 1885. Since I visited the school last year Mr. Neil Heath has retired from the position of headmaster, which has been taken by Mr. Sloman. No change of any importance has been made in the organization and work of the school. The senior class of girls is reading Livy, and the next class Horace. I think it would be better for both of them to read easier authors. Throughout the school the teaching is active and energetic, and the pupils display intelligence and interest in their studies. The highest and lowest work of the school is as follows: — Highest Form. — Latin —Composition, Bradley's Arnold ; Livy, Book XXII. English—Literature, Prologue to Canterbury Tales; original essays, criticism of style, &c, paraphrasing; Morris's Historical Grammar. History —Devolution to accession of Victoria. Geography—Political, general, physical, atmosphere, ocean, climate, &c. Mathematics —Arithmetic, general; algebra, to progressions. Geometry — Book VI., riders. Trigonometry — Hamblin Smith's Book. Physics —Elementary. French —Hachette's Third Beader, Toepffer, Chardenal's Exercise Book for Advanced Students, Blouet's Composition. Lowest Form. — English — No. IV. Eoyal Eeader; grammar, parts of speech in simple sentences, with inflection of the noun. Geography —Principal physical features of the world, outlino of New Zealand. History — Eoman period to Eichard 111. (Eeader). Arithmetic —Simple and compound rules. French — Pronunciation and elements of grammar, Object Lessons on familiar subjects. Sewing, which is taught throughout the school.