E.—2

8

tenure were really admirable. The children have been encouraged to reproduce in plasticine natural forms from the actual objects. They vied with each other in selection of these objects. One child brought ferns, another a spray of lemons, while another had speared a flounder, brought it to school, and made a model of it that was exceedingly lifelike. This kind of work is what is desired in all schools. Waima (examined 22nd April, 1903: Mr. Bird). —The school has been closed for some time owing to the former master having left the service. Proximity to the gumfields also affected the school. There had been at examination-time only about a fortnight's school under the present master. Illness in his family also tended to upset work. The examination results were therefore very poor; indeed, no result could be expected from the career of the school. The teacher has since had a very unpleasant time at the place —his wife and children were taken ill, and, unfortunately, one of his children died. He therefore asked for removal on the ground that the place did not suit his family's health, and he was fearful lest a recurrence of the illness should take place. His request has therefore been granted. Otaua (examined 21st April, 1903: Mr. Bird). —This school has made a gratifying increase in numbers since last examination, and there were present at the Inspector's visit thirty-seven. The time-table showed rather much written and not enough oral work. Discipline is satisfactory, and there is a good tone. The teaching is also on good lines, and the examination results showed that earnest work had been done during the year. The teacher has her time fully taken up, as there are no less than eight classes to manage. Grouping the classes as much as possible should be resorted to. The Chairman of the Committee is doing valuable work in keeping up the school attendance. Bay of Islands, Whangarei, and Kaipara. Kaikohe (examined 20th April, 1903: Mr. Bird). —There were present at inspection fortyseven children, which shows that the school is still doing successful work. There should be, however, many more children in regular attendance if their'parents valued the school as they ought. The children behaved very well during a long day's work, and the order is very good. Extra subjects are satisfactorily taught. The teaching would gain somewhat in English if complete sentences were always insisted on, and in arithmetic if more blackboard teaching were taken in the cases when difficulties present themselves. The teachers have succeeded, in spite of many obstacles, in working up a presentable school, in which the infant department is now a very important part. The examination results were on the whole satisfactory. They will improve as the teacher's methods and hard work make themselves felt. Plasticine modelling has been well done here. Ohaeawai (examined 30th April, 1903 : Mr. Bird). —This school is not a large one, but it has been long established, and the master has now under him the second generation. The discipline is of the fatherly kind, and one or two children are inclined to presume on this account. The people do not show particular interest; they leave everything to the teacher. One or two of the children had not the "shining morning face" which is so pleasing to the eye, especially in a Maori boy. The examination results were marred by the prevailing epidemic. Some of the best pupils were absent ill. Geography was not strong; reading and English were fair. The passes in the lowest classes were very good. Kindergarten work is fairly well done. Te Ahuahu (examined Ist May, 1903: Mr. Bird). —This school has increased considerably in numbers, as well as in efficiency, since the appointment of the new teacher, Mrs. Smallwood. There were present twenty-three children, all of them exceedingly clean and smart-looking. The tone of the school is first rate; children behaved well all day, and are apparently attached to their teacher. The teaching is earnest, and the examination results were very good, and I was very pleased with the new spirit that pervades the school. It is to be deeply regretted that death has removed the late Chairman of the school, the Rev. Timoti Kiriwi. He was a very strong support to the teacher, and his loss is one that cannot be easily supplied. Oromahoe (examined 4th May, 1903: Mr. Bird). —This school has increased to such an extent that additions are absolutely necessary. There were present forty-five children at examination, the majority of them being in the first two standard classes. The work is here very satisfactory. The master works quietly, but very efficiently. English work is again specially commendable. The results of the examination were good. They would have been better had some of the children spoken out more distinctly. Some of them were also not quite conversant with plural forms. There is a very good tone in the school. The Committee look after its interests, and there are cordial relations existing between the people and the master. The children were, on the whole, very presentable, though one or two of the younger ones proved exceptions. Taumarere (examined sth May, 1903: Mr. Bird). —With regard to the building, there has been no improvement on the state of things mentioned in last report. There were present at examination twenty children out of a possible twenty-one. The recommendations with regard to time-table arrangements have all been carried out. Extra subjects show improvement, though there is room for more vigour in drill. In teaching English by the natural method as much life as possible should be introduced, interest being one of the chief essentials to memory. Arithmetic is somewhat weak, and in the examination the upper classes were not quite up to the mark in English and dictation. The results were fair, and showed that conscientious work had been done. The buildings are altogether against successful work. Karetu (examined 7th May, 1903: Mr. Bird). —This is not a large school, but it continues to do excellent work. The place is kept exceedingly neat and clean, yet only one bucket has been requisitioned for since the school opened, some seventeen years ago. Discipline is unsatisfactory in every way. Extra subjects are fair, though drill ought always to be taken outside. The examination results were good, arithmetic being very good. There is need for constant attention to and practice in English work; the children should be taught to speak in sentences.