I.— n

52

Hokitika District High School — continued.

Report of Inspector. The class at the time of the examination consisted of thirty-one pupils. Two of these had joined late in the year, and had consequently prepared a limited course. Of the remaining twenty-nine, four pupils were in the third year, eight in the second, and seventeen in the first. Seven of the pupils hold scholarships under the Westland Board. During the course of the examination no weak paper was presented by any of the pupils, the lowest award being " Fair," and even this was recorded only in a few instances. On the other hand, a very large number of strong papers were received in all the important subjects. The answers in general were full, accurate, and neatly set out. The past school year is notable not only for the excellence of the work presented but also for the initiation of free secondary education. This change should extend the sphere of usefulness of the class ; and the strengthening of the staff by the appointment of a master to give instruction in secondary subjects provides for the maintenance of a high standard of efficiency. The following is a reference to the work presented in each subject of the course of instruction : — (1.) English : This subject was prepared by all the pupils ; and the course consisted of grammar and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, with the addition for the second year of Tennyson's Morte d'Arthur and a study of figures of speech. The results are highly commendable, and the papers on the studies in literature referred to were of exceptional merit, the awards in the second test being ten " Very good " and twelve "Good," with none below "Satisfactory." (2.) Latin : First year, Via Latina, to page 55 ; second year, to page 123 ; third year, the whole book, with Book I. of Caesar's Commentaries. Of the twenty pupils prepared in this subject all recorded at least the mark " Good " —a very creditable result. (3.) Algebra : All the pupils of the class prepared a course of study in this subject, that for the senior pupils including quadratic equations. The result equals in value that of the preceding subjects, the lowest number of marks obtained being 60 per cent., and of thirteen the record is from 90 to 100 per cent. (4.) Euclid : The course for the senior pupils includes two books with the exercises; and of the twenty-three studying the subject the papers of eighteen were at least good, the remainder being satisfactory. (5.) Arithmetic : All the pupils were presented in arithmetic, the senior pupils preparing more advanced work, including mensuration. The individual results varied from 46 to 100 per cent., and were in nearly all cases commendable. (6.) Science : A somewhat limited course in chemistry was taken by fifteen pupils, with satisfactory results. Half the class presented good papers. Arrangements have been made for the adoption during the ensuing year of an extended experimental course in physics and chemistry. (7.) Book-keeping : A very suitable course in book-keeping was prepared intelligently and accurately by eleven pupils. (8.) Geography: Eleven pupils were presented in this subject, the pupils of the second and third years including a study of physical geography. The result was satisfactory. A. J. Morton, 8.A., Inspector.

Subject taught. Number of Pupils in Class. Class during Last Quarter of Year. Work done during the Year. Ihemistry ... jatin I. II. I. II. III. 9 8 14 3 3 ! Jago's Chemistry, to page 120. Via Latina, to page 55. Via Latina, to page 123 ; and Scalse Primee, to page 32. Via Latina, the whole book; with Book I. of Caesar's Com mentaries. General (Longmans'). reography ... I. II. III. I. II. 2 7 4 8 5 i Longmans', including physical geography. 5ook-keeping Thornton's Primer, to page 52. Thornton's Primer, with exercises.