WAIMEA WEST.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIII, 15 November 1854, Page 3

WAIMEA WEST.

Mr. Moore, Schoolmaster. Boys, 7; girls, 9. Average attendance, 13; actual attendance, 30th October, 16. The eldest boy under 14, the youngest under 6 ; the eldest girl under 11, the youngest under 5. Reading— ln the Scriptures, 6(3 of the 6 reading also in Third National Book, the other 3 reading in Second SequqJ) ; in Second National Book, 3 ; in Fijst Dally Lesson Book, 3 ; in First National, 1 ; in two and three letters, 3. Writing-*s£ Copy Books, 6. Arithmetic— ln four first rules, Simple and Com* pound,- 3. ;-• An Evening School— 9 young men in attendance. When it is considered that not more than onethird are above 8 years of age, much proficiency iv learning cannot be expected. But we have pleasure in stating that their reading was good and distinct, and they showed a good knowledge of what they read. There was not the simple reading only, but their understandings were in. formed as to the meaning of words. The examination proved that much pains had been taken by the teacher. Still there was a fault, and we must notice it : the children, in answering the questions of the teacher, gave their answers in a hasty whine, all in one breath ; to say the least of it, it was most disagreeable, and we sincerely trust we have now said the last of it.

It was pleasing to observe an interest in the school on the part of the parents — many of them were present on the occasion of our visit. It was stated that there were about 30 children in the district who never attended school. This is rather a melancholy state of matters, and some remedy should be tried to correct it. The school fees average, per annum, £20, and £30 is the allowance from the society. £40 should be sought for as the minimum; if £50 could be obtained (and that not too much) then so much the better for the cause of education. School buildings in full repair.