ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2903, 14 November 1866, Page 6

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The tenth annual rep irt of the Board of Eucation 1 was laid on the table of the Provincial Council yesterday, by Mr. Dignan. The report states that during tbe quarter ended 30bh September there were 63 schools in operation ; the gross attendance was 2,697, and the average attendance 1,735. These numbers show an advance ou tha previous year, especially ou the average attendance, although the 'schools have somewhat decreased in number. The annual average attendance is still more satisfactory, 'as it shows au inciease of 521 over that of the year 1865. It is a source of gratification to the Board to fiud that, in the book of statistics of New Zealand for the year 1865, the province of Auckland occupies a most creditable position in the field of public education. Otago, akin*, can compete with, it for the supremacy. The province of Aucklaud is represented as having, in the December quarter of the year 1865, twenty public schools in excels of Otago, while Otago had au excess over Auckland of 352 children attending school. Owing to the want of sufficient funds the Board has not been in a- position to give aid toward the establishment of schools in di^tucts where, from the paucity, as well as the poverty, of the inhabitant!), voluntary efforts had proved ineffectual. Only two examinations of candidate teachers, instead of four, were held during the year, ab which 21 males and 8 females presented them-elves. Of this number, 2 were examined, for certificates of a higher clas3, which they failed to obtain ; 2were awarded first-class certificate; 11 were awarded a lecond-class certificate ; 13 were adjudged to be undeserving of any certificate ; 1 retiied before ths examination was concluded. The ieport then proceeds to detail the proceedings of the Bjard in reducing th) allowance made to teachers, and in withdrawing support from city and suburban schools. It is urged that a revision of the Education Act is urgently required. The following were the schools received into connectiou with the Board during the year: — Howick R.C. mixed school, Panmure R.C. girla' school, Pokeuo school, Kaurihohori (No. 2) school, St. James's Presbyterian mixed school (Auckland), Matakana mixed school. Applications for assistance from 15 schools had to be refused for want of funds. The report conc'udes with statiug the necessity of extending operations, to meet the requirements of the country. With the report are transmitted the minutes of the Board for the year, and other document i.