41

E.—lβ

taken in two divisions, the lesson for each division lasting one hour, and the average time attended by each student was nine hours and a half. Teachers had the privilege of attending the classes free of charge, and were allowed free railway travelling. Needless to say, the institution of these classes was hailed with delight, and the work, which was new to most of the teachers, was entered on with an enthusiasm that was well maintained throughout the course. In accordance with the provisions of the Manual and Technical Instruction Act, the Timaru Technical Association was formed, with the Education Board as controlling authority ; and, though it was so late in the year that there was time for only one term of lessons, evening classes were established and successfully conducted by the association. We hope to find this association appreciated by the townspeople, and so loyally supported that at no distant date a fully equipped technical school may be established in our town. So far as the teachers are concerned, the most important event of the year was the passing of the Public-school Teachers' Salaries Act. As a result of the passing of this Act, the salaries of the great majority of the teachers in this district have been very substantially increased; and we are sure that, working under happier conditions, the teachers will carry out their arduous duties with no less faithfulness than has characterized their efforts in the past, and perhaps with greater buoyancy and cheerfulness. We have, &c, Jas. Gibson Gow, M.A.,) t . A. Bell, M.A., '(inspectors. The Chairman, Education Board, Timaru.

Summary of Results for Roman Catholic Schools.

OTAGO. Sic, — Education Office, Dunedin, Bth February, 1902. We have the honour to present our general report for the year 1901. The schools at the following places were closed before their examination time came round : Catlin's, Glenledi, Kaihiku, Nenthorn, Eomareka, and Wanaka Road. Owing to the destruction of the building by fire, Waihemo was without a school for a large part of the year, and the children were therefore not examined. Whare Flat and Ahuriri Flat Schools were not examined, the former because it was closed for a considerable time before its examination time came round, and the latter because it was not opened till near the end of the year.

Efficiency of the Schools in Terms of Standard Passes.

6— E. Iβ.

Classes. Presented. Present. Passed. Average Age of Pupils in each Class. Yrs. mos. Above Standard VI. ... Standard VI. V. „ IV. III. „ II. I. . ... Preparatory 11 62 70 83 87 81 91 197 60 66 80 82 79 87 37 56 68 77 76 80 14 3 13 5 12 5 11 4 10 0 8 11 Totals ... 682 454 394 11 9* * Mtan of average age.

Classes. Presented. Present. Passed. Average Age of those chat passed. 481 1,453 2,171 2,491 2,548 2,439 2,157 6,451 Yrs. mos. Above Standard VI. ... Standard VI. V. IV. III. II. IPreparatory... 1,399 2,094 2,414 2,493 2,384 2,127 1,099 1,764 2,047 2,145 2,204 2,039 13 10 12 9 11 4 10 10 9 10 8 8 Totals ... 20,191 12,911 11,298 11 2-5* • Mean of average age.