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281. Do you object to the provision in the Act with respect to the inspection of secondary and high schools? —No; we have always had that, and have always stood by that clause. 282. You have never made any objection —in fact, you have always extended to me, speaking personally, a welcome as hearty as I have received from any other school in the colony?—We are always glad to see the Inspector-General. We do not suppose that we are perfect; we can always get a few hints. 283. You have no objection to inspection in that way?— Not the slightest. 284. Do you think the words " industrial training" in the grant would be most nearly met by the definition in the Secondary Schools Act?—l should say it would more than amply meet it. We have four or five of those subjects now. 285. May I take it that you have not really got laboratories enough to give every boy in the school practical elementary scientific instruction ?—We have not enough room to give the whole school instruction in the laboratory. 286 But, if you got the small amount necessary for the apparatus for the younger boys and a larger amount for the others, you would have no objection to including this?— Not the slightest. 287. With regard to the Maori Government scholars, I should like to make it quite clear that the suggestion is to take selected, well-educated boys who have passed the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Standards, and who are able to speak and write good English: Do you see any objection to taking them at Wanganui?—ln theory 1 have no objection to them. My only objection to them in practice is that we have not been successful with the raw material. I admit we have never had boys of the sort you mention. That might be a very different matter; but I would much rather they went to Te Aute first for a year to get them into the run of a boarding-school. 288. Have you seen the Education Bill now before the British Parliament? —I have seen a copy of it. I have not read it all through. 289. Have you read the part that relates to trusts somewhat akin to these trusts—clause 16? -Yes. 290. Would you have any objection to subclause (3) of that clause—namely, "Where, under a scheme made in pursuance of this Act, any special religious worship, religious observance, or instruction in religious subjects is sanctioned or directed in any school, college, or institution in connection with the application of the endowment, the parent of any pupil attending as a daypupil at the school, oollege, or institution may, by notice in writing to the principal teacher, claim the exemption of that pupil from attending that worship, observance, or instruction, and that pupil shall be exempted accordingly, and a pupil so exempted shall not, on account of the exemption, be deprived of any advantage or emolument in the school, college, or institution, or in the endowment, to which he would otherwise have been entitled, except such advantage or emolument as may by the scheme be expressly made dependent on the pupil attending the worship, observance, or instruction from attendance at which he is exempted " —being incorporated in any scheme or legislation to apply to Wanganui?—This clause exactly expresses our position now. Our daypupils can absent themselves as much as they like. This clause says nothing about boardingpupils. 291. Would you object to that applying to the boarders? —Yes, we should. 292. The Chairman.] With, regard to the suggested removal of the school buildings or the erection of new buildings on a different site, what is your opinion about that ?—AVell, my opinion is that it would be a very good thing if the money could be raised. The trustees have been only too anxious to do it for some years past, but they have been unable to raise the money. 293. What site do you suggest is a suitable site, having regard to all the circumstances, and more particularly to the financial aspect?—l think the only possible site is on the sandhills at the back of the railway-line. That is not an ideal site, because it is too near the railway and a sawmill. The only other site is on the top of St. John's Hill on the borough reserve, but that would require an enabling Bill to allow of an exchange. I think, myself, it would be very inadvisable to remove the school so far from the town that day-boys would be unable to attend. 294. I understand you appoint the masters subject to the veto of the trustees? —Yes. Joseph McNaughton Christie examined. 295. The Chairman.] You are a duly qualified medical practitioner, residing at Wanganui? - Yes. 296. Are you the recognised medical attendant at the College?— Yes, but not officially appointed. 297. You have had ample opportunities of seeing all parts of the buildings?— Yes, I have attended since 1899. 298. What is your opinion about the building as regards its sanitation and fitness for the purposes for whicii it is used?—l think the building is quite suitable at present. I think the sanitation is good. 299. Speaking generally, has the health of the boys been what one would reasonably expect in a school of that size?—Y'es; I think the health of the boys is about the average. 300. Mr. Hogg.] Do you consider the rooms where the boys have to sleep and live quite satisfactory ?—Yes, considering the amount of ventilation they have. 301. The dormitories are not overcrowded?— Not considering the ventilation. 302. Do you think the bath-rooms are properly furnished?— Yes, I do. Although wood is not the ideal material, it is quite safe considering the cleanliness observed at the College. 303. The Chairman.] In your opinion,, do those in charge of the, school show proper care and attention to the health, general comfort, and happiness of the boys?— Yes. I do not think it could be improved upon. 304. You know the new sick-room?—I do. 305. Do you think that will be an advantage to the College?—l am sure it will. It is a room that is wanted.