G.—s

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EXHIBITS.

TE AUTE EXHIBITS.

EXHIBIT No. 1. DIOCESE OF WAIAPU. Native College, Te Aute, Hawke's Bay. Report. 1. It was mentioned in the last report submitted to the General Synod that the average attendance for the three years under review was sixty-seven, and that the numbers had been kept down in accordance with the suggestion of the Government Inspector. Since that time the dormitory accommodation has been increased and it is now possible to make up seventy-seven beds in the establishment. The average attendance for the last three years is seventy-three. 2. The annual reports of the Government Inspector continue to be highly favourable. That for 1900 has not yet been received, but the following are extracts from his reports of the two previous years : — (a.) " The bottom of Te Aute College is now fairly well adjusted to the top of the best of our Native village schools : that is to say, that for our best primary Maori schools Te Aute is a true secondary school. It may be added that since Te Aute prepares boys for matriculation there is a complete chain from our lowest standard work up to that for University honours. Two Te Aute students passed the medical preliminary examination last year ; one of these went straight from the Te Aute classes, the other had been for a time a junior master in the school. Also, three Te Aute boys passed the matriculation examination in December last; two of these weie Maoris, the other was a European." (b.) " Year by year Te Aute grounds are becoming more picturesque, and hence better fitted to arouse and maintain in the minds of the pupils respect for and devotion to the institution." (c.) " The rule is mild, principle carefully built up does the work sometimes assigned to fear of punishment by those who do not understand. The school tone is very good ; boys that have been long here may be trusted." m 3. This year twelve candidates from Te Aute sat for the Matriculation Examination, a larger number than has ever been sent up before. The list has not yet been published, so that it is impossible to reporthow many have been successful. It is hoped, however, that in this respect the closing year of the century may prove a record year. In some other respects it has been a memorable year. It has seen the completion of the College Chapel, erected by his friends in appreciation of the life-labours of the Venerable Archdeacon Williams for the welfare of the Maori race. In the field of athletics, too, the year has been a distinguished one. The Te Aute football team scored at length a victory over the Wanganui Collegiate School, both in the senior and junior contests, and also won the Hawke's Bay Championship Shield. The year has beeD also a happy and a healthy one ; only one serious case of illness occurred thioughout its course, and the patient in this case is now quite recovered. Towards the end of the year His Excellency the Governor devoted a day to visiting the College. He made himself thoroughly acquainted with the method, work, and arrangement of the institution, and has kindly since sent two prizes for competition. 4. Christian Union. —The Te Aute branch of the union is still maintained. Weekly meetings are held, which include Bible studies, religious and social discussions, missionary lectures, and the ventilation of questions affecting the welfare of the Maoris. One practical result of the union, which has now been in existence for three years, is that a number of Te Aute students now take regular Sunday work in the Maori settlements in the neighbourhood of the College. After dinner on Sundays parties of boys may be seen wending their ways in different directions to conduct services. Junior boys accompany the seniors, and assist in the musical portion of the services. 5. Technical Education.— The Inspector reports : " The seniors do a satisfactory amount of technical work. The carpentry book is an interesting record. Entries show that all-round teaching is given— e.g., ' Two boys sharpened a plane beautifully to-day,' and again, ' The dovetailing takes a great deal of time, and when a false cut has been made the whole work has to be done again.' Sidelights of this kind are valuable to one who wishes to form a correct estimate of the character of the work done." The whole subject of technical education has received the earnest attention of the trustees during the year just closed, in connection with a proposal from the Education Department to widen the field of industrial work at Te Aute. Seeing that the question has been taken up in Parliament, the trustees have thought it wise, for the present at least, to delay definite action ; meantime the ordinary technical work at the College goes on as usual. 6. Sunday School. —The Sunday school is to a great extent officered by senior students, those who do not go to the Maori settlements being told off for this work. In connection with the religious instiuction of the College, it may be mentioned that during the past year the senior boys have closely studied the Epistle to the Galatians with the headmaster. The work has proved most interesting and profitable to all engaged in it.