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E.—2

the very great interest taken in this work by master and pupils. The teaching of the master was exceedingly pleasing It followed on the true scientific method, proceeding from the known to the unknown. The assistants gave very satisfactory lessons, phonetic work in preparatories being good, and the English work in Class S2 was all the more interesting in that the teacher is herself of Maori race, and has learned her English in our Native schools. As showing what can be done, I should add that the English work by the class referred to was afterwards completed by written English. The results, though not so large as in former years, are most satisfactory. The highest classes were very good, and Classe S2 and S3 were exceedingly good. The handwork in the school is taught exceedingly well: cardboard and carton work in the upper classes, cane-weaving by girls, paper-folding and modelling in the lowest classes are all done in such a way as reflects the greatest credit on the teachers. More than this, Mr. Hamilton finds that cardboard-work especially is of great use in teaching measurement and helping the drawing. This extra work has in no way detracted from the value of the general school work. Practical lessons are also given in needlework by Mrs. Hamilton. The workshop connected with this school is now in thorough working-order. At the end of the year there were nineteen pupils and four ex-pupils on the workshop roll. The fittings, including six very fine benches complete in every detail, were all made by Mr. Hamilton, assisted by the boys, and they certainly are exceedingly well constructed. The Department has every reason to be satisfied with the working and prospects of the shop. Tikitiki (examined 27th July, 1903: Mr. Bird). —The attendance here had been very regular. Time-table arrangements would be more satisfactory were fuller provision for English made. Children were well behaved, and the tone is a very healthy one. Interest in the school is well maintained; the parents and children seemed loth to go after a long day's examination. The parents are evidently attached to the teachers. Handwork of various kinds receives due attention throughout'the school, and many pretty specimens were to be seen. Dumb-bell and club drill are exceptionally good. The methods of teaching shown during the day were satisfactory. Much advance had been made in the most important division, the preparatory classes, where the methods are such as must in time make their effect felt throughout the school. The results are good. The habit of forcing through into Standard 1. —a habit encouraged to an extent by the present system of payment —which has obtained in this and other schools was responsible for the weakness in Class S2. This habit cannot be too strongly condemned; there is nothing like a thorough preparation, which should extend over at least two or three years. Waiomatatini (examined 24th July, 1903 : Mr. Bird).- —It seemed probable here that fuller provision was necessary for English work in the lowest classes. So far as the internal tone of the school is concerned, there is little to find fault with. One or two children required special attention owing to their inclination to help each other. Beyond this the discipline and tone were satisfactory. The attendance had again been seriously interfered with, and the constant disturbances of school work that had occurred during the year had doubtless a bad effect on the examination. Extra subjects were fair. The master lacks confidence in his own powers to teach singing. He teaches it, however, better than he thinks. The exercises in drill lacked certainty and vigour. The children in the lowest classes had apparently got their reading lessons off bj heart, a fact which points to the need of using more than one Reader. Handwork exhibited would have been better had more neatness and accuracy been shown in its production. Most of the children who failed were those who had been away for some considerable time during the year ; those who passed did well. Tuparoa (examined 23rd July, 1903 : Mr. Bird). —The children of this school know well how to behave, and their manners are very pleasing. They attend school regularly, though some come from a considerable distance. The time-table shows that twenty-minutes lessons are in use. This is, perhaps, more suited to infant-classes than the longer periods. Extra subjects had somehow drooped, and want fresh life and vigour. Kindergarten and handwork, receive proper attention. There is need, here, as elsewhere, of thorough drilling in sounds, in order that the difficulties of pronunciation may be overcome in the earliest stages. Considering the change that has taken place in the school, and the distraction incident thereto, the examination produced satisfactory results; those children who passed passed well. Whareponga (examined 21st July, 1903: Mr. Bird). -Though there are not many children here, the attendance has been very regular, and the parents take great interest in their school. The children appeared to be well looked after by the teachers; one might say that they are slightly overindulged. The time-table should provide conversational English work for Class P at least once every day. Extra subjects, especially club drill, were very good. The teachers recognise the importance of giving a thorough foundation to the work of the lowest classes. Mental arithmetic should, however, be made the prelude to the more advanced work. Plasticine-work has been very well done by the upper classes, and paper-work by the lower ones. The results were good. High marks were obtained in the lowest classes, Class SI doing very well. The school appeared to be on a thoroughly sound basis. Hiruharama (examined 20th July, 1903 : Mr. Bird).—The garden and grounds are here neatly kept. Arbor Day being made proper use of. One or two children were inclined to mutual help, otherwise the order and tone leave nothing to complain of. As regards the extra subjects, drawing shows considerable w-eakness when compared with, the other two, of which drill is very good indeed. It will be found, I think, in teaching that it is unwise to trust too much to general action. Children should therefore be encouraged to make their own conversation and ask their own questions. Answers in complete sentences should also be required. The teaching of arithmetic was satisfactory. Kindergarten work is taken up. The basket-weaving was very creditable. The infants do also paper weaving and folding. The results were, on the whole, satisfactory; the lower part of the school did well. English is the difficulty that must be grappled with thoroughly in this as in other schools.