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a.—s

7. The Te Aute College Students' Association. —In the last report submitted to the Synod reference was made to this association. Since then annual conferences have been held at Tuparoa (East Coast), Tapawai (Wairarapa), and at Wanganui. At these conferences subjects of great moment to the welfare of the Maori race have been discussed. The Maoris are year by year evincing a deeper interest in the work of the association, which is rapidly coming forward as a most important factor in Maori economy. Thiough the liberality of a friend it has been possible to appoint a travelling secretary, an old Te Aute student, himself a thorough patriot, whose whole time is devoted to furthering the interests of the association. J. Thornton, 25th January, 1901. Headmaster.

Report op Hukarere School. Hukarere School, founded in 1875, was affiliated to Te Aute in 1892. It provides accommodation for sixty scholars, twenty of whom are holders of Government scholarships, and the average number during the last three years has been fifty-nine. The building having proved too small, a considerable addition is now being made which will add greatly to the convenience and comfort of both teachers and pupils. In December, 1898, both the head-teacher and matron left, after many years of valuable service, and have been replaced by competent persons. Religious instruction takes a prominent place in the school work at Hukarere. In 1899 a course of lessons was given to the senior classes on the Gospel of St. Mark, and last year the subject was the life of our Lord. Instruction is always given in the Church Catechism, and last October eighteen of the girls were presented for confirmation. It should be mentioned that the Government have lately instituted hospital scholarships (one of which is open to Hukarere scholars) for the purpose of giving a year's training in nursing to old pupils who have passed their examinations. The fiiet Hukarere scholar left after a few months, but her successor has done well and is now in great request as a nurse amongst her own people, who thoroughly appreciate her services. Reports from the Inspector are appended. That for December, 1900, has not yet been received. A. M. Williams, 28th January, 1901. Lady Superintendent.

Copy of Inspector's Report, December, 1898. " The Inspection took place on the Ist March, 1898, and the examination on the sth and 6th December. At the examination the work of the senior girls (three) was decidedly pleasing, although one of them broke down in Latin and another in algebra ; the third girl gained fair marks in one of the two subjects in which she was examined. The lower classes were very good indeed; strong, sound work had been done throughout. The middle of the school, however, was decidedly weak. The classes of which it consists are constantly receiving new pupils from outside, often girls that are still far from strong in English and that need a, great deal of special attention ; indeed, a special teacher for this part of the school is almost indispensible. There were five candidates for the second-year examination ; theso all passed. Although the seventeen girls taking the subjects for the first year showed some very good work, especially in physiology, drawing, and history, only five succeeded in passing ; one of these gave in excellent work."

Extracts from Inspector's Report, December, 1899. " The extra subjects are effectively taught —singing, drawing, and drill are all very good. Dressmaking is attended to by the head mistress, with pleasing results. Without discrediting in the smallest degree the work of previous teachers, who, indeed, have to a very large extent made the paths smooth for their successors, I may say that there is good reason to expect excellent work from the present staff. The examination was to have taken place on the 6th December. When this date was reached there were fifty cases of influenza in progress, and the examination had to be deferred till after the reopening of the school in 1900."

-"■I EXHIBIT No. 2. i ::,j ' "■ F " DIOCESE OF WAIAPU. Native College, Te Aute, Hawke's Bay. Report for General Synod. 1. Attendance. —The average attendance for the three years under review has been 72.5. This practically means that the institution is always full, for although it would be possible to make up a few more beds this would lead to overcrowding in the event of sickness. Recently, however, a new dormitory has been added, which will not only obviate overcrowding but will provide a quiet room furnished with books and papers for the use of the senior students. 2. Scholastic. —ln the last report submitted to General Synod it was stated that in December, 1900, twelve candidates sat for the Matriculation Examination. When the list was published in January, 1901, it was found that six out of the twelve had passed. Since that time the passes have not been so numerous though we are hoping for better results this year, having once more sent up twelve