21

E.—lb

Table B.—Pass-subjects: Proportions calculated in Percentages.

Table C.

The summarised results as shown in these tables require little by way of comment. Except in the number of absentees, for which the exceptionally severe and persistent epidemic of measles fully accounts, the figures coincide very closely with the returns of the previous year, and the differences to be observed are for the most part in confirmation of tendencies to which attention has already been directed. In the 179 schools examined, 21,059 children were presented, an increase of 562 on the total for 1892. Of this number, 11,343 passed their respective standards, giving in the calculation directed by the regulations a " percentage of passes " of 53-86 and a percentage of failures of 13-91, as against 55-64 and 14-39 respectively in the previous year. In the classification of the schools, Standard IV. to the class above Standard VI. contained 28-20 per cent, of the total enrolment, an increase of 2-09; Standard I. to Standard 111., 42-3 per cent. ; and the preparatory division 29-5, a decrease of l - 55 and 053 respectively. Of the 6,213 children below Standard I. there were in all between 950 and 960, or 4J per cent. of the roll-number, over eight years of age at the time of examination. Some of these would undoubtedly have appeared in the presentation at a higher stage had the unfavourable conditions of the year not deprived so many of the schools of the usual period of preparation ; but, as it is, the proportion is somewhat less than before, and we have again to express our belief that the reasons assigned for the retention of these children in Class P are generally such as to satisfy the Inspector that their best interests have received full consideration. On the subjects of instruction and the general condition of the schools we append a report from Mr. Eitchie, who, though appointed only in the middle of the year, has had ample opportunities of forming a judgment from the inspection and examination of schools of all types situated in different parts of the district. His colleagues feel that a separate and independent expression of opinion from one who has so long occupied the position of a teacher in its service must be specially appreciated by the Board. Mr. Eitchie says,— " Prior to entering upon my present duties it had been my opinion that the efficiency of public instruction in this district was steadily improving; that the schools in general were not only producing better work, but that this improved work was being accomplished within a shorter period of school attendance; and that, consequently, the cost to the State of preparing pupils to pass the higher standards was being very materially reduced. After inspecting or examining some sixty schools, situate in all parts of the district, with attendances ranging from 700 down to the modest average of five pupils, it is very gratifying to report that in all important essentials my estimate has been confirmed. In some of the largest, as well as in some of the smallest schools, results have been achieved which should be quite satisfactory to all who are interested in public-school education. " Among pass-subjects, arithmetic, writing, composition, and freehand drawing have, in many instances, attained a degree of proficiency which should satisfy even the most exacting of examiners. It is not implied, however, that such excellent results are universal, or that it is usual to find in the same school a marked superiority in the treatment of all the subjects above named. Each teacher has, naturally, some favourite subjects, and, in my opinion, nothing but good can arise from allowing

Failed, of Sum of Passes am Failures : Percentage of Failures. Classes. Absent. Exoepted. Failed. Passed. 1893. 1892. Itandard VI. ... V. ... „ IV. ... „ III. ... II. ... I. ... 3-99 5-76 9-00 6-87 7-73 9-19 1-30 2-60 3-27 4-73 2-03 0-80 14-18 17-88 20-84 15-90 4-98 3-55 80-54 73-75 66-90 72-50 85-26 86-47 14-97 19-52 23-75 17-98 5-52 3-94 15-46 22-01 24-04 18-37 5-91 4-85 All classes 7-54 2-65 12-49 77-31 13-91 14-39

Class-subjects. Average Marks. No. of Schools. Additional Subjects. Average Marks. No. of Schools. (3-rammar 13istory .. Geography Elementary science, objectlessons, &c. Average of percentage on class-subjects 45-69 42-86 52-92 42-18 177 177 179 179 Eepetition and recitation ... Drill and exercises Singing ... Needlework Subject - matter of readinglessons Average of additional marks 12-88 10-63 11-34 14-40 178 143 134 174 46-20 179 12-71 56-74 178 178