E.—2

4

knowing that he had only very poor results to show, resigned his position. His place has been filled by a very competent master from the Kaipara district. Whirinaki. —This is now a rapidly improving school—one of the most promising in the district. Opianaia. —The examination results were not high, but the appearance of the school at inspection was, as usual, very satisfactory. Waima. —This and some of the other schools in the district have suffered somewhat through the more stringent reading of the regulations which is now considered desirable, but Waima has not, like some of the other schools, collapsed under the increased pressure. Otaua. —The master deserves great credit for his persistent endeavours to make his instruction in every branch of work specified in the code thoroughly effective. For instance, although there were very great difficulties in the way of his teaching the children music, the master has made it possible for them to read easy pieces of music at sight and to sing school songs in parts very creditably indeed. Kaikohe. —This is one of the most satisfactory Native schools, and there is very little in connection with it that one would have changed if he could. Te Ahuahu. —The older girls were found troublesome by the teachers, and were a source of weakness to the school. No doubt their removal, which was about to take place, has proved advantageous. The work of the teachers is good. Ohaeaivai. —The master is a "strong" teacher. Great improvement in the manners of the children was noticeable. Paihia. —This little school has done good work in its time, but not enough of it. It has been closed for the present as having too small an attendance. Taumarere. —A great breakdown took place in the examination; the school had been disorganized for a considerable part of the year. This was owing to the departure of Miss Parsons for England. Satisfactory arrangements have since been made. Waikare. — Nearly always weak, this school made a particularly bad show last year. Unless the improvement shown at next inspection is very decided the school should be closed. Karetu. —There is reason to be highly pleased with the work done here. The English is remarkably good nearly all round, and, generally, the teacher gives promise of being very capable. A little more acquaintance with inspectorial devices for finding out the weak spots in the knowledge of her pupils would be of considerable service in raising the status of the school. Mangakahia. —The teacher works hard, continuously, and systematically, and the results of his work had real worth. There are, however, certain well-marked deficiencies which he should do his best to overcome. The results obtained at examination were not striking, but they will probably be much better next year. Whangarei and Kaipara. — District Superintendent, Mr. J. Clendon, B.M. Poroti.- —This school, formerly among the weakest, did exceedingly well at inspection, and still better at examination. Tangiteroria. —On the whole there is reason to hope that the school will succeed ; energy constantly applied might make this, by-and-by, a very good school. The examination results were satisfactory. Taita.- —This is a very good school. The drawing work was of special excellence. There has been agitation for the establishment of another school at Opanaki, a short distance away. One school ought to be sufficient foe the district. Matakohe. —The master has much energy and organizing power. He needs only additional experience to make him an able teacher. Otamatea. —Examination results were pleasing. This school is now succeeding, after doing rather badly for some years. The Natives are taking an intelligent interest in the working of the school. Pouto. —The results were pretty fair, but not up to the master's capacity. He will probably get on better at the larger school to which he has been removed. Thames and Waikato. — District Superintendent, Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. Kirikiri. —Very fair work is being done here, but this is one of the schools that might be handed over to the Board. Europeans are more numerous in the district than Maoris are, and the Native children know enough English to enable them to profit by the ordinary public school teaching. The Natives, however, are very unwilling to make the change. Eopua. —Very good results were shown. The master, Mr. James Ireland, has now retired, after long and faithful service. Miss Ireland, who was the mistress—and a very good one—has also left the service. Waotu. —Here also the results were thoroughly satisfactory. No one on the staff excels the Waotu teacher in mastery of method. I understand that the Natives are thinking of establishing a plantation near the school for the maintenance of children whose parents live far away. This is a capital idea. Tapapa. —As far as one can see, the hostility of the Natives to European manners and ways of thought is being greatly modified by the influence of the school. Results obtained were decidedly satisfactory. Bay of Plenty. — District Superintendent, Mr. B. S. Bush, B.M. Te Awahou.- —Extremely poor work was done at examination. Too much should not be made of^this, however, seeing that the attendance for parts of the year had been very bad, and that only ten instead of twelve months had elapsed since the previous examination. Still, very much better results should be forthcoming next year.