PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE EDUCATION: BEING REPORTS-OF INSPECTORS OF NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1860 Session I, E-08

E-No, 8

PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE EDUCATION: BEING REPORTS-OF INSPECTORS OF NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Presented to the Honourable the House of Representatives by command of His Excellency, August 23, 1860, and ordered to be printed.

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

E—No. 8,

INSPECTORS' REPORT ON SCHOOLS IN THE AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Auckland, 7th April, 1860. Sir— We have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that we inspected the following Schools, on the days respectively hereunder mentioned :— St. Stephen's School, Auckland, on the 9th February, 1860. The Three Kings', Auckland, on the 17th February, 1860. St. Mary's and St. Anne's, Freeman's Bay, 23rd February, 1860. St. Mary's, North Shore, 24th February, 1860. We beg to report thereon as follows :— I.—St. Stephen's School. The special object of this Institution is the preparation of Native Candidates for Ordination. There were six of these under instruction, who had all had previous training in one or other of the Schools superintended by Clergymen of the Church Missionary Society. Out of these six Maoris •students, three have been recently ordained by the Bishop of New Zealand. One other Maori pupil had left for the diocese of Waiapu, at the time of examination, and we are informed that he has since been ordained by the Bishop of Waiapu. The Candidates under instruction reside at St. Stephen's, with their wives and families. All are fed and clothed, mainly, at the expense of the Board of Native Education, who allow* £12 a-year for each individual, excepting infants and children under five years of age, as being too young for instruction, and except those above ten or twelve years of age, who are sent on to other schools. Archdeacon Kissling informed us that the Board allowed last year for twenty-five individuals, as on the school establishment, but that thirty persons were maintained and instructed on the average, not including six infants and children under five years of age. In addition to the six men, there are now on the books of tbe school, their wives, the widow of a native teacher, and six of their children. There are also three half-caste girls, two of whom are supported by their friends. The men and one of the women read English, some of them with an excellent pronunciation, and have a fair knowledge of its grammar, and of the construction of sentences ; they do not readily translate Maori into English, but understood all the questions which were put to them in the latter language. They have a good general knowledge of Geography, and excel in Arithmetic as far as the " Rule of Three" Their writing was very good. They were examined in Scripture History by the Bishop in presence of the Inspectors, and acquitted themselves well, but no request was made that their knowledge on religious subjects should be further tested. As they are all intended for the Ministry, they are not trained to any industrial occupation beyond cooking and baking their own bread. They have about six and a-half hours' tuition during the day. The women can read Maori, and are versed in Scripture History. They receive two hours of instruction daily ; they are also taught to sew, and wash and iron, and make all their own and the men's under-clothing. The children can read easy sentences in English, and being taught almost everything in English, they understand English wheu spoken to them tolerably well. They say their Multiplication table together. They have rice and sugar for breakfast, potatoes with four lbs. of meat made into soup for dinner, and bread and tea for supper. One cow supplies them with milk during a portion of the year. A double change of clothing with a change ot linen is provided for all the inmates of the school, besides an extra dress for .Sunday. The men have boots, two pairs per annum at least, but not the women and children. They appear clean and healthy ; there have been four births during the past year, and two infants have died. The buildings are excellent, and in good condition ; the dormitories are now, and built of brick and stone. There are twelve rooms, with fire-places in each; one is appropriated as a wash-house, and has a brick oven also ; each family has a separate room, with bedsteads and portion of bedding. The main building is of wood, and, besides accommodation for the Superintendent and his family, contains two class rooms, dining room, kitchen and other sleeping rooms, &c. :it will shortly require to be re-shingled. There are 80 acres of land attached to the school : it is enclosed and has been laid down in grass, ] but is not very productive. The Institution is under the management of Archdeacon and Mrs. Kissling, who constantly and ! regularly receive valuable assistance from the Bishop, and other friends of the school, and it is evident' that its special object is being carried out in a systematic and efficient manner. There is a trained teacher for the men Two of the students take it in turns weekly to superintend a school of thirty-three Native children at Oraki, on the opposite side of Hobson's Bay. These children were examined in English spelling and reading, and do credit to their teachers. They clothe and feed themselves. They each pay a weekly sum of Is., which goes towards an endowment fund for the support of a minister for their village. They have contributed £48 during the last year. First and last, the adults and children have contributed £118 10*., of which £104 remains balance in hand; and this amount the Bishop purpoes to double, if practicable, with the view of forming an endowment for the Native Pastorate.

Number and class of Scholars, &c.

Attainments and progross and nature of instruction.

Food. Clothing. ; Cleanliness and health. School buildings and land.

Land. Discipline, management and efficiency.

. Affiliated School.

3

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

ll.—The Tnn.EE Kings' School. There are 72 persons on the books of this school, of whom two were absent with their friends. They are chiefly from the Waikato and Hokianga Districts. They may be classed as follows :— 8 Monitors, adults. 4 Women, wives of Monitors. 37 Maori Boys and Lads. 7 Half-caste Boys. 6 Maori Girls. 10 Half-caste Girls. There are also 2 English orphans, who are supported by the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society. Four of the Half-caste Girls also are partly supported by their friends. The Scholars are of various ages, from 5 to 25 or 30 years, and are divided into six Classes. The First Class, consisting ol 5 Girls and 11 Boys, can read English fluently, and generally with very correct pronunciation. They are well informed iv Scripture History, and have some knowledge of the leading features of General and English History. They are well up in Elementary Geography, and perfectly understand the ordinary Rules of Arithmetic, Compound and Simple, as far as Practice. Their style of Writing, as well as that of the whole of the Scholars, was admirable. The other five Classes comprise all below these, of different degrees of attainments, down to those just beginning their English Alphabet. They have about 5J hours' schooling during the day. The afternoons are devoted to out-of-door occupations, the Men and Boys assisting in the repairs of the buildings, and in such fencing, carpentering, gardening, &c, as are done on the Farm ; also taking it in turn to attend to the sheep and cattle, and to the general farm work. They are told-off every week for their separate duties ; as, to cook for School, and wash their own clothes, besides assisting to keep the premises cleanly. The Women and Girls are taught sewing, and make and mend the clothing, &c, of the School; all the clothing, except the moleskin trowsers and blue shirts and frocks, being made by them on the establishment. Their food is rice and sugar in the morning ; a very small proportion of meat (15s. worth in the week") is made into broth with potatoes for dinner; and in the evening they have flour boiled with sugar. On Sunday evenings they have tea and bread. They have also milk during a part of the year. Striped shirts and trowsers, with blue serge shirts or duck frocks, for the Men and Boys. The Girls are well clad and shod, and have also sun bonnets. They all appeared healthy and clean. There have been no deaths during the last year, durin«which period, we were informed, the doctor's bill was under £5. The buildings are extensive and excellent; the dining hall, kitchen, and boys' dormitories, are of wood, in good repair, but expected to require shingling ; and are large, lofty, and substantial.' They are capable of accommodating a larger number of pupils than are at present in the School. The bedding is good and sufficient, but the system of using double beds is objectionable. The Girls'live in a separate stone building with their Governess. Their dormitories are crowded, two or more girls sleeping in one bed. The married couples have separate apartments in another stone building, and appear comfortable. There is also a good detached wooden house for the Superintendent of the Schools. There are 500 acres of excellent land attached to the School, of which about 200 are enclosed and partly in grass. They grow potatoes and other vegetables in sufficient quantity for the School besides oats for the working horses, and straw for the bedding. There are 400 sheep and 30 head of cattle depasturing on the land, which belong to the Wesleyan Mission, but are used for the benefit of the School. The situation of the buildings is dry and sheltered, and the whole property must be of considerablevalue. The establishment is superintended by the Rev. Mr. Stannard, who is expecting a trained master from England to assist him in the tuition. The Girls are under the charge of a Governess who lives with them and has had charge of this department for several years. The orderly behaviour of the Boys and Girls in School, and their contented and happy appearance, and the neatness and order of the arrangements, bear ample testimony to the efficient management of this School. lII.—St. Mary's, Freeman's Bay. There are fifteen pupils, including five Half-castes, at this School, of whom nine are adults. The Half-castes do not receive any regular support from their relatives, who, however, make them occasional presents of produce and clothing. Two of the Half-caste lads, who have been about three years at the Institution, can read Ena-lish very well, and with good pronunciation. They also know something of Grammar, and are trenerallv well informed Ihe Maones and another Half-caste lad can read simple English sentences, of words of one syllable, and a fourth boy can say his alphabet, and is beginning to read English. Ten or eleven of them can read Maori. They all learn to write ; some of their copies are good. Eleven of the pupils were examined in Arithmetic. Two can do ordinary sums in the Rule of Three- two more Compound Multiplication; one, Compound Addition; and the others, Simple Multiplication or rtrtr Tr ?"V 1° 0 ; about one half of them appeared to know" perfectly. The two first-mentioned Half-castes are versed in Elementary Geography and several of

Number and class of Scholars, Sec.

] Attainments ami progress and nature of' instruction. I i

I'ood.

Clothing.

Cleanliness andhoalth.

School-buildings and laud.

Discipline, management and efficiency.

Numbers, kc.

Attainments and progress and nature of instruction.

4

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

E—No. 8

the Maories have a fair knowledge of the Maps of Europe and of the World, and could point out and name the different countries and their capitals. They all learn to sing. They are also taught agriculture, and cultivate potatoes, Indian corn, pumpkins and melons, &c.: they have the use of a horse and cart and a plough. They have generally bread and tea for breakfast, potatoes and fish, and occasionally meat, for dinnner, (the Half-castes get meat generally every day for dinner,) and potatoes, or bread and tea, for supper, but they prefer potatoes. Two cows supply milk also during a portion of the year. They have all two suits of European clothing, and shoes. The bedding is sufficient, —a straw mattress, two blankets, a sheet and a quilt. They appear clean and healthy, and there has been no disease amongst them during the past year. One wooden building contains the Superintendent's rooms, a small school-room and kitchen, and a bedroom for one of the Half-caste lads and the assistant teacher. The remainder sleep in a large wooden building, which has no floor and is very airy; it must be very cold in the winter. A portion of it is used as a store room for potatoes, &c. There are 52 acres of land enclosed, belonging to this and St. Anne's establishments; ten acres are under cultivation. The soil is generally of inferior quality. The school is under the Superintendence of the Very Reverend J. Macdonald, who is assisted by the Rev. J. Haltan and a very intelligent English lad who is preparing for orders. The pupils appear to be well looked after and trained to habits of order and regularity. IV.—St. Anne's School, Freeman's Bay. There are eleven Girls on the books of this school, two of whom were reported as being absent for a fortnight with their friends. Three of the eleven are Half-castes, and are not supported by their relatives; the others are generally the daughters of Chiefs and men of influence amongst the Maories. Eight girls were present at the examination. Four girls, two of whom were Half-castes, read English well, especially the Half-castes. They can all, except two who have recently commenced, read well in Maori; and four of them wrote it from dictation. Three girls have a very good knowledge of Geography; two others are less advanced, but have made some progress. Their Writing is good, and their Singing also. Three of the Maories are making good progress on the piano, which their friends are very anxious they should learn. Three of the girls know their Multiplication table, though roughly, and can do sums in Compound Multiplication and Division; the remaiuder are at Simple Addition. They make up their own clothes, and are taught to wash and iron, and to make bread and confectionery, to cook, milk, &c. They have also learnt a variety of useful accomplishments, such as worsted embroidery and crotchet work, admirable specimens of which were exhibited. Their Clothing and Bedding are good, clean, and sufficient. The girls are patterns of cleanliness and neatness, and appear very healthy; there has been no disease amongst them during the last year. The buildings are ample and comfortable, and stand on part of the land attached to St. Mary's Boys' School, from which they are separated by a paling fence. A small and neat Chapel is common to both institutions. This school is under the efficient superintendence of the Superioress, and another lady of the " Sisters of Mercy," who are assisted by four young ladies about to take the veil. Everything is conducted with the most systematic regularity, and the pupils are well grounded in all they profess to know. St. Mary's, North Shore. A list was furnished to the Inspectors, containing the names of all the students who had been OB the books of the School since the Ist of January, 1859; out of eighty, nine were noted as dead, and twenty as being sick or absent. There were present at the Inspection fifty-seven persons; besides whom, three females were absent preparing food, and two (a male and a female) were sick. Of the fifty-seven, four males and three females were represented as being only day scholars; so tin.t, at tbe present time, there are fifty-five persons (thirty mafes, and twenty-five females) borne on the strength of the school. Of the thirty males, six or eight are boys or lads, and the remainder are adults of all ages, some being far advanced in years, and four being Half-castes. One of them aiso was blind. Of the twenty-five females, six are children, and the remainder adults of all ages, four being Halfcastes. These form the major portion of two parties of Natives who are located on different parts of the school estate. They are generally married. There were four of the girls unmarried, but one of them was to be married immediately. The scholars have not made much progress in their English. Some of them were requested to J read from the " Reading Lessons," by the " Christian Brothers." Of the males, one read a continuous ] lessen of simple monosyllabic sentences. Two Maories, and one Half-caste youth, read from the list of combined monosyllables, in a tabulated form — e.g , "lam;" —"An ox;" —"He is;" —&c. Tw6 more repeated the Alphabet in English. Of the females, one girl, who is a Half-caste daughter of an European settler, read from the 49th Lesson part of the monosyllabic narrative of the Creation. Two others—one being the Matron of the Institution, and married to an European —read from the tabulated Lesson—"l am;"-—"An ox;" he Five more, including one Half-caste, and two adult Maories, repeated the Alphabet in English; and we were informed that several more could also say their Alphabet.

Food.

Clothing.

Cleanliness andhealth.

School buildings.

Land.

Discipline, efficiency and management.

t Numbers, &c. r

Attainments and ] ingress and nature of instruction.

Food and Clothing. Cleanliness and heal tli. Buildings and Land.

Numbers, &c.

Attainments and progress and nature of Instruction, English.

5

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

A few of the men and women intoned the present tense of the auxiliary verb "To be," as " I am happy," " Thou art sad," &c. They also sang the Gamut in "do, ri, ma;" and in numbers, besides singing three verses of an English hymn. About eight women and girls, and as many men, read a little Maori, but not without difficulty, and somewhat imperfectly. They are taught the Sacred History from a Catechism compiled in Maori by Bishop Pompallier, for the purpose; and several of them intoned all together a series of answers to questions asked them out of that book. They are all taught to write. Twenty or thirty copybooks were produced. Some of the writing was pretty good. The remainder, we were informed, write on their slates. There are four Arithmetic Classes. The first and second, about eight in number, know sufficient of the " Rule of Three" to be able to calculate the value of their produce, kauri gum, &c. The third class, of ten, can do the simple rules of Arithmetic; and about twenty more intoned a portion of their Multiplication Table together, but some of them not without the assistance of the book, and very few knew it perfectly. In Geography, a few males and three girls knew the names of the great divisions of the Earth; and could point out and name on the map the countries of Europe, and the cardinal points of the compass. They have two, or two and a half hours of tuition, and prayers in the morning at the school, and the Teacher goes down to their settlement for the same length of time in the evening. The industrial occupations taught to them are fencing and ditching, and other simple agricultural operations. Their food is fish and potatoes, with flnur and rice during the seasons of hard labour ; but only those who res de at the school are regularly fed from thence. The different families have portions of the school land allotted to them, which they cultivate ; a certain portion of the produce is reserved for those living at the school, and the remaindet is for their own use. If insufficient, they are supplied with food from the school funds, in return for work done on the farm; and they have the use of a plough and team of bullocks. During the last season l.hey have grown ten or twelve acres of wheat, from twenty to twenty-five acres of potatoes, Indian corn, &c , and two or three acres of oats. In the ame period £75 was paid by the school for seed potatoes. Most of them have European clothing, but we noticed several of the more aged among them wearing the Native matting or the blanket. They have no regulated supply of clothing Irom the establishment, but they are induced to work at Is. a day occasionally, as may be arranged, and instead of being paid in money, they receive an order for clothes, to the amount earned, upon some Auckland tratler, which order they exchange for clothes, when visiting Auckland. They appeared clean and healthy. There were nine deaths during the last year, three adults and 6ix children, four of the latter dying out of oue family from disease supposed to be of a scrofulous nature. There is a large and well-built stone house of two stories, in good repair. The lower portion contains the Superintendent's quarters, a dining hall, &c. The upper story is a fine large schoolroom, with four small rooms off it, two of which are occupied by the teachers, one by the three resident scholars, and the other is used as a store-room. There is a good bakehouse with brick oven. A wooden building adjacent contains the kitchen and two other rooms, in one of which the two female scholars sleep. The main body of the students live in their Native whares, at distances of a mile or more from the school. They are there supplied with bedding, viz., blankets and mattresses, if they are distressed for such articles, and *sk for them. On visiting several of their whares, we noticed some sort of bedding in most of them, spread upon the ground. The blankets, with occasionally a coverlet or shawl, wete laid sometimes on a mattrass, sometimes on a little loose straw or a mat ; but, as we were not informed what number of persons inhabited each particular whare, we are unable to report how far the suppJy of bedding (where used at all) may be sufficient. The Director does what he can to induce them to sleep on bedding, but does not enfoice it. The whares were without flooring. We discovered no partitions to separate or screen the different ages or sexes from each other, but we noticed in one or two instances what might serve as a substitute for a bedstead. The interior of the whares is more than usually ventilated, neat, and cleanly, for Maori life ; and the number of pigs or poultry seen about them was small. The pupils who are in the College itself, cofte from a distance, and do not belong to the people who cultivate their allotments, and live in their whares, as above desciibed. There is a large raupo building at their settlement, with good doors, windows and a fire-place, which it is proposed to fit up as an evening school-room, or place for players. There are about 400 acres of land belonging to the estate, all of which is enclosed, except 80 or 90 acres. It is chiefly in glass, and is of variable quality. The best portions ot it are occupied by the Native settlements. Thete are ten or twelve head of cattle running on the land. The institution is under the direction of the Rev. J. L. Segala, who is assisted by two European teachers. There is also a Native Matron to superintend the females. Of their zeal and qualifications there can be no doubt, but »s the greater part of the scholars are living in Native fashion, with their families, at a distance fiom school, it must be very difficult to obtain a regular attendance of the students, and to enforce the necessary scholastic discipline. The school, therefore, can scarcely be considered to have attained a high degree of efficiency as a means of educating and civilisinc the Natives. b

Maori.

Writing. Arithmetic.

Geography,

Hours of instruction,

Industrial training.

Food.

Clothing.

Cleanliness and health.

School buildings.

The wliares, bedding fee

Lend.

Discipline, management and efficiency.

6

E—No. 8,

NATIVE SCHOOLS,

The Superintendents of the school state that they intend to floor the loft over the large school-room and use it as a dormitory. But it is obvious, chat this would only become a dormitory available for boys and single men ; and that, unless separate dormitories are erected, the training and education of females could not be satisfactorily carried on at this Institution. We have, &c, George Alfred Arney. T. M. Haultain. The Honorable C. W. Richmond, Esq , Native Minister. ACCOUNT OF EXPENDITURE OP NATIVE EDUCATION RESERVE FUND Auckland, 20th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to forward to you the Account of the Expenditure of the Native Education Reserve Fund from Ist July, 1858, to the present date. As Ino longer receive any Grant on this account, the present may be considered a final account. The small Balance of £7 Is. 2d. will be required for small improvements now in ptogress at St. Stephen's School. G. A. New Zealand. The Honorable The Colonial Treasurer. &c. &c.

RESERVE FUND ADMINISTERED BY THE BISHOP OF NEW ZEALAND.

N.B.—Account from 1st January, 1854, to 30th June, 1858, rendered to Government 10th September, 1858.

G. A. NEW ZEALAND, Auckland, 20th June, 1860.

7

Du. Cr. 1858 July 9 th October 20th December 31st 1859 January 12 th June 30th December 30th Balance from former Account Quarter from Colonial Treasurer I Do. do. do. Interest from Union Bank I £ s. d.l 359 6 81 121 10 0, 121 10 0 4 7 8' I 1858 18th 1859 April 28th !June 13th " 30th ii it Legal Expenses, Grants, &c. ...I Turanga School, second Grant ...; £ s. d. 8 0 0 100 0 0 i Quarter from Colonial Treasurer Interest from Union Bank ... | Do. do. do. ... 121 10 0 7 6 7 0 15 3 1 'August 4th Whanganui School, for Drainage Maketu School, for Books, &c. ... Turanga School, Survey of Estate Ahuriri School, fourth Grant • Papakura School Estate (Crown Grant) and Survey St. Stephen's School, for Stone Building Grant to Insurance Fund for Native School Buildings ... Balance in Union Bank 20 0 0 20 0 0 30 3 0 250 0 0 2 2 0 " 25th 244 0 0 55 0 0 7 1 2 £736 6 2 ;£736 6 2

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

INSPECTOES' REPORT ON SCHOOLS IN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT. Education Office, March 31st, 1860. Sin, — In accordance with the wishes of His Excellency the Governor conveyed in your letter of 16th January last, " that we should co-operate with his Honor Chief Justice Arney and Captain Haultain in the inspection of Native Sohools receiving aid from Government, under the ' Native Schools Act, 1858,' " we beg to state that we have visited the schools mentioned in the margin, and have now the honor to submit our report " upon the attainments and progress of the scholars', the nature of the instruction given in the schools, the food and clothing, cleanliness and health of the scholars, the state of the school-buildings, and generally upon the discipline, management, and efficiency of these schools." We may be allowed to preface our report with a few general remarks, derived from our own independent observation. That the Native race is capable of, and has already made great intellectual advancement, is a statement which few can gainsay. They are a people gifted by nature with those attributes which materially assist in intellectual development, namely, a quick perception, a powerful memory, great docility and patience. With such adjuncts towards improvement, very marked progress might, and in some cases has, already been made. But the great drawback to their advancement is their low social condition. Their improvement in this respect is by no means commensurate with their intellectual progress. The jjrimary steps for effecting so desirable a reformation should most properly be made in the Native schools, but our experience compels us to state that, with two exceptions which have come under our notice, this attempt has not been made, or, if made, lias proved unsuccessful. High mental cultnre, we conceive, should not be the object of these institutions the benefit of which must, to a certain extent, be very limited, but, through their agency a more universal good might be effected by training the children to observe habits of personal cleanliness and decency—habits which contribute so effectually to promote domestic comfort and social improvement. To effect so desirable an object, a system different from that which is now pursued must be adopted. But a difficulty presents itself at the very threshold. Through what agency is this object to be effected ? We desire that it may not be supposed that we wish to depreciate the'services of the Missionaries,—the sacrifices they have already made in endeavouring to improve the Native race and also in the cause of education, bear ample testimony to their sincerity and zeal; but it appears'more than probable that, on the demise of those at present so engaged, few, if any Europeans will be found to undertake an office which presents so many discouraging aspects; and that the work of education must_ either wholly cease or devolve upon the Natives themselves,- who already manifest a growuig interest in the cause. In proof of this latter assertion, we may state that, within our own knowledge, there are already nine schools in existence, wholly and absolutely supported by the Natives. Many young men are now being educated for the combined office of pastor and teacher. lhe favourable issue of this experiment we have some reason to doubt. A tendency to lapse into Maori habits still lurks within them, nor have they that sufficient amount of moral courage to enable them single-handed to combat against customs almost honoured for their antiquity. The startingpoint for the improvement of the Maori race must begin with the laying aside of many lazy dirty habits, to which even the best educated among them are to a certain extent wedded. That a Native teacher therefore could per se overcome an opposition of so formidable a character, and combat against prejudices to which he himself and those among whom he associates so naturally incline seems to be expecting too much. Again, we cannot suppose that Native teachers who have themselves lust barely acquired the prima elementa, can efficiently communicate knowledge, the stock of information upon which they draw being so very limited, while their method of communicating it must both from inexperience and ignorance of better systems, be defective. Viewing the matter in the above light, and concluding from the present aspect of affairs that the education of the Native race if fol owed up, must be committed to Native teachers, we cannot forbear expressing our opinion that unless a remedy be devised, the attempt to educate or improve the Native population must prove a' failure. We might here be allowed to suggest what we conceive would, in a great measure, tend to counteract the i 1-success we anticipate. We refer, first, to the appointment of a paid and permanent Inspector of Schools ; secondly, believing, as we do, that the formation of habits of cleanliness decency and order, is most essential in the proper training of Natives, we would recommend that in every Native institution the services of a European matron should be secured, whose duty it should be in an especial manner to exercise the strictest supervision for the attpinment of so desirable an object It should be the duty of the Inspector to organise new schools, rectify abuses, introduce better systems of teaching, see that the public money was properly expended, and, in short, exercise that vigilance which is requisite for the efficient working of any important measure. The Natives themselves generally, we feel assured, would receive with gratitude such a boon from the Government, and the local managers of the schools would find their hands strengthened and the cause of education prospering under such co-operation on the part of Government. In the hope that it may not be considered we wish to outstep the limits of the office assigned tens, we would venture to make one suggestion. We observed in some of the schools inspected by us that but a portion of the grant paid by Government for their maintenance, to the general manager cr central Committee, was expended on them, while the balance was devoted to the support of more favoured schools, situate in or near the City of Auckland. We cannot forbear exclaiming against tho

Otawhao. Waipa. Whata Whata, Karakariki] Bangiawhia.

8

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

injustice thus done- to the country schools, and for the following reasons :—Schools established in the country can be maintained at nearly half the cost of town schools ; their central position among the Native population affords greater facility for effecting good ; while their greater economy permits of the blessings of education being extended to a larger number than could be compassed in the town. Again, valuable estates are attached to nearly all the country schools;—by applying a portion of the annual grant received from Government to their improvement, these properties might, in a few years, be brought into such a state of cultivation that the schools could not but fail to become self-supporting, and so perpetuate the blessipgs of education without additional expense to the Government. We would therefore offer the suggestion that the payments be made directly to the patron or manager of each school, or, as this might in some cases be unadvisable, that at all events the general Committee should be required to expend on each school its specified grant, and not be allowed, as at present, to distribute the general fund "in such proportions, as to such persons or body may seem desirable, amongst such schools." t We may here make the remark, that the school-registers are not generally kept with that degree of regularity which documents of such a character demand. In some instances this arises from an inadequate supply, in others from carelessness or neglect. In drawing up our report upon the several schools, in obedience to your instructions verbally communicated, we have adhered as closely as possible to the system pursued by Colonel Russell, our predecessor in office. We cannot conclude our remarks without expressing our grateful sense of the courtesy and kindness of the Missionaries and other School-managers with whom we have been brought in contact, and of their friendly co-operation in facilitating the discharge of our official duties. We have, &c, Henry Taylor, L. O'Brien. The Honorable The Colonial Treasurer, Auckland. Koiianga School (Church of England), inspected on the 16th and 17th March, 1860. This School is under the immediate supervision of the Archdeacon of Waikato and Mrs. Maunsell, assisted by Mr. George Maunsell, who has charge of the boys, and Mr. Palmer, who instructs the girls and infants. Mrs. Millar officiates as Matron to the Institution. Number of Pupils. On the Roll, 96. Present at inspection, 89. In average attendance during last quarter, 88. Classification of Pupils, according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories. Half-castes. Total. Boys, 35 Boys, 5 Boys, 40 Girls, 32 Girls, 4 Girls, 36 Aduls—Male, 9 Females 4 89 Absent from ill health, 1 Man and Wife, 4 Boys, and 1 Girl.—Total 7 96 The adults (male) act in the capacity of monitors during the week, and on Sundays officiate as preachers of the Gospel throughout the neighbouring native settlements. Their education is for the most part directed to their preparation for this latter office. There are four married couples in the Institute. The ages of the pupils vary from 25 to 2 years.

Subjects of Instruction — Judgments awarded — Observations. Scale of Judgments (1st Class, Boys.)

9

Reading Spelling Grammar Very good. 1 ». I 3 .. I 1 Good. 4 2 Fair. 3. a Bad. 2. • • Failure, i i. 1 Total. 1 1 5 Arithmetic 2 2 1 1 1 Writing Geography 2 2 1 3 2 2

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

The attainments of the pupi's of this class are of a very satisfactory character. The answering of one native in particular was very superior-, he solved with ease and rapidity questions in Interest, Practice, and Fractions. This class can read English with fluency and correctness.

Class 2. Boys. Scale of Judgments.

The pupils of this class have not, in our opinion, made progress commensurate with the time they have been under instruction. On enquiry we found that they had been at the Institution nearly years; at the same time we were informed that during the greater portion of that time they were not under regular and steady instruction. They have been for the most part occupied in herding sheep and cattle. They read easy narratives in Knglish. The above list indicates failures in the other branches of education. In arithmetic they have progressed no further than simple subtraction and addition.

Class 3. Boys. Scale of Judgments.

This Class is composed of very young children ; their proficiency is about compatible with their years.

Girls' Class (No. 1.) Scale of Judgments.

The proficiency of this class, though of a fair standard, falls somewhat short of what might perhaps be expected from children in attendance upon School for two or three years ; but we must remark, that owing to a shyness of manner (real or assumed) Maori girls will ever appear to disadvantage under examination before a stranger. Their writing from dictation was very fair, but their knowledge of arithmetic very limited.

10

Very Good. 5. Good. 4. Fair. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading 3 5 3 Spelling 1 a 2 5 Geography 1 4 6 Arithmetic 3 3 5 Writing 2 7 2 Tables 1 3 7

Very Gocd. 5. Good. 4. Fair. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading 1 3 5 2 Spelling 1 1 3 6 Tables Geography J 2 1 2 10 7 Writing l 7 3 I

Very Good. 5. Good. 4. Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading 4 2 2 8 Spelling 1 5 2 8 Geography2 s i 1 8 Dictation 1 2 3 1 1 8 Arithmetic 2 4 2 8 Writing 2 4 2 8

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Girls Class. (No. 2.)

This class can read and spell English words of 4 and 5 letters.

Girls Class. (No. 3.)

This class consists of three different sections which were grouped together for examination. The children are for the most part very young, and afford satisfactory proof of the advantage of commencing the education of the native race at an early period of life. 4th Class. Infants. This Class (nine in number) is composed of mere infants, boys and girls, who are learning the alphabet. School Buildings. No. 1. The large quadrangular building commanding an extensive view of the Waikato and its surrounding hills is occupied in part by Archdeacon Maunsell's family, and in part by the native girls and infants. The dining hall is a spacious apartment, 40 ft. in length, by 15 ft. in breadth by 9 ft. in height, with a deep recess 15 ft, by 12 ft. The girls' dormitory and school-room occupy a large section of the south side of the building. The school-room 431. x 18b., x Bh., is ventilated and lighted by one large and three small windows, and is amply furnished with all school requisites. The roof of this large building is now being shingled; heretofore it was only thatched ; other alterations tending to promote greater internal accommodation and the improvement of die property are in contemplation. No. 2. School-room, 201. x 16b by 72 H - > s a wooden building detached, and occupied by the boys, who are under the immediate supervision of Mr. George Maunsell. Its furniture is sufficient. The building is in good order and repair. No. 3. 35l x I7b 7h, is a large shed, at present out of repair. It is the Managers intention to have this building fitted up as the boys' dormitory. No, 4.—20 x x 15b x Cm is a raupo building in good repair, it is at ptesent occupied by five young men. No. 5.—A raupo building 30l x 14b x 6h in good repair, partitioned off foi the accommodation of two maaried couples and their children. No. 6.—Catpenters' shop, a rough slab shed, a,t present used as a sort of lumber room. No. 7.— 17l x 12b x 6h, a raupo building in good repair, occupied by a married couple and five children, it contains two rooms. No. 8, —18l x 14b x sh, a raupo shed where the boys cook and eat their supper. This building is out of repair ; it has neither door nor window. No. 9. —3IL x 12b x the boys' dormitory. This building is in tolerably good repair, but badly lighted and not sufficiently ventilated. No 10.—20 l x 12bx 6h is occupied by a married couple and four boys; it contains afire place and chimney, a luxury seldom indulged in by the Natives, The house is in good order and repair. Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14 are used as storehouses, all seemingly in good repair.

11

Very Good. 5. Good. 4. Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading 4 3 8 15 Spelling 2 1 2 8 I u Writing 3 C 0 1 16 Arithmetic 2 1 6 7 lfi Tables 2 2 2 a 8 16 Geography 1 2 3 10 10

Very Good. 5. Good. 4. Indifferent. ' Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading i 4 4 2 1 15 Spelling 3 4 5 I 1 15 Tables 3 4 8 5 15 Writing i 8 7 4 13 Geography 2 4 3 C 15

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Sleeping accommodation and bedding. Girl's dormitory 32l x 15b x 8h partitioned off into two apartments, contains fifteen iron bedsteads whereon twenty-six girls sleep, while ten others sleep on the floor. Each bed is furnished with a straw mattress, two pair blankets, and one rug. Assistant Matron's room ll feet square, in this room 16 little boys sleep, it is consequently overcrowded. It is in contemplation to enlarge this apartment by an addition of eight feet. Some alteration is absolutely necessary. Adjoining the matron's room is the laundry, which is furnished with a mangle, table, boiler, irons, &c. Boy's Dormitory 31l x 12b x has three iron and one wooden bedsteads. Seven boys sleep on the beds and seventeen on the floor which is boarded. The present accommodation is insufficient. A monitor sleeps in this house and takes charge of the boys. The bedding consists altogether of thirty blankets, three calico sheets and one rug, the supply is therefore scanty, The other boys are located throughout the various monitors' houses. Diet and general manner of living. The Pupils in this institution are well fed and liberally supplied. They are allowed three meals per day. Boiled flour and milk night and morning. Potatoes and other vegetables, wiih meat very often, for dinner. The meals are carefully prepared and nicely served up in the large refectory. The improved manners and social habits of the children betoken a careful supervision on the part of the Directors and Teachers of this institution. One suggesstion we would offer, namely that the boys instead of cooking and eating their supper in the rough shed above referred to, should be alowed to to partake of it in the common dining hall. All the children appealed to be in good health. Clothing and cleanliness. The Pupils are allowed three suits of clothes in the year, with a few exceptions they appeared to be sufficiently clad. We had the pleasure of witnessing one of the many happy results of Archdeacon Maunsell's missionary labours, viz., some sixty or seventy Native children, neatly and comfortably clad, proceeding in good order to the house of God on the Sabbath morning. Hours of instruction and daily routine of business. BOTS. 6 to 8 a.m. Religious instruction, Prayers, and breakfast. 8 to 10-J a.m. School. 11 to 1 p.m. Out-door work. 1 to 2 p.m. Dinner and play. 2 to 5 p.m. Out-door work. 5 to 7 P-m. Play and supper. 7 to 8 p.m. School. GIRLS. 6 to 8 a.m. Religious instiuction, Prayers, and breakfast. Bto a.m. the younger children in school, elder girls engaged in domestic work. 9J to 1 p.m. School. 1 to 3 p.m. Dinner and play. 3 to 5 p.m. Needlework. 7 to 8£ p.m. School. Industrial employment. The boys take part in all out-door work, look after the sheep and cattle, and assist in the garden. In our opinion the services of many of the pupils might be turned to good account, and a real benefit conferred on the youths themselves, by having them properly instructed in carpentering, tailoring, shoemaking, or other useful trades. The girls are thoroughly instructed in needlework and in every branch of domestic usefulness. Cooking implements. The kitchen appeared to be fully supplied with all requisite utensils. School Estate. The estate attached to the Kohanga Institution forms a very valuable propeity. It consists of 750 acres of land, of which 80 are under-grass, 25 acres of rich swamp land, lately drained at an expense of £60, two acres under garden. The stock belonging to the Institution consists of 170 sheep, two cart horses, two mares, one foal. The cows are the private property of Archdeacon Maunsell, but all profits derived from them, as well as the use of the oxen, are appropriated to the school. The profits derived from the cattle in 1859 amounted to £58. George Alfred Arney, C.J. Henry Taylor.

12

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS

Otawhao School (Church of England), Inspected on the 13th and 14th February, 1860. This School is under the supervision of Rev. J. Morgan. The teacher of the School is Mr. Ireland, assisted by Mrs. Ireland, tvho acts (gratuitously) as matron to the establishment. Mr. Ireland had been absent for three months prior to our visit; his place was temporarily filled by Mr. Whale. Number of Pupils. On the roll, S6. Present at inspection, on the 13th February, 45 ; on the 14th February, 67. In average attendance during last quarter In school ...... 67 Engaged on the Farm .... 1 Absent with friends . . . .14 In Hospital 4 Total .... 86 Classification of Pupils according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories. Half-castes. Europeans. Boys 34 Boys 7 Boy 1 Girls 31 Girls 10 Girl 1 67 17 2 Theie are four male and five female adults in this School. The childien are of various ages.

Subjects of Instruction — Judgments awarded — Observations.

The want of proper classification and the apparent novelty of the school-rooms to many of the children almost induced us to believe that regular daily instruction is not given to all the pupils. The first and second class (whose judgments are given above, considering the length of time many of them have been under instruction) appear to have made but little progress. The third class, (whose judgments are given below) improve but slowly, while the fourth class must be regarded as a perfect failure. A lack of system and a want of regularity are manifest throughout tips establishment. No real pood can be effected until some important changes be introduced. We are compelled to state that the children are imperfectly taught, and this not from any inefficiency or inability on the part of the Teacher (Mr. Ireland), but solely from a want of better arrangement, more correct classification, and more regular attendance on the part of the pupils.

Third Class.

Schoolroom Furniture. Six desks, nine forms, five black boards, one clock, reading and arithmetical caids in full supply, three small maps. The furniture of the class-room consists of four desks, four forms, one table, two black boards, eight large maps, one ball-frame, reading and picture cards.

13

Very Good. 5 Good. 4 Indifferent. 3 B»d. 2 Failure. 1 Total. Reading 3 1 7 7 3 21 Spelling I 1 I 13 21 Writing 3 12 11 2 28 Geography 1 1 C 8 Dictation 1 a 3 2 9 Arithmetic i 5 a 12 21

Very Good. | 5 Good. 4 Indifferent. 3 Bad. 2 Failure. 1 Total. Reading * 2 4 1 1 10 14 13 1 IS Spelling 15 Writing IS Tables... 4 10 u

NATIVE SCHOOLS

School Buildings. The school-house, 32i.. x 18b. x 10n., is sufficiently large, with proper means for ventilation, which are improperly neglected ; many, indeed nearly all the windows in the school and class-room> originally made to open, are most carefully nailed up : the consequence is that the rooms in a few hours become almost ut.inhabitable. The class-room attached to the School is 121. x 18b. x 10h. Two Native Teachets' Houses, one 151, x 30b , the other 151. x 25b. are detached from the school premises, and also from one another. These buildings are in good repair. Sleeping Accommodation, S/c. The Girls' Dormitory, 32l x 19b x lOii, with Matron's room attached, forms one wing of the Mission House. In it are 16 iron bedsteads, furnished each with 1 mattrass, 2 blankets, and 1 rug. The proper ventilation of this apartment is overlooked. All the girls, with the exception of 4 married women, sleep in this room. The Boys' Dormitory, 36l x 10b Ch (originally Dr. Harsant's dwelling-house) is about half-a-mile distant from the school. It has 9 beds occupied by 26 boys. There is a monitors' room attached, where a married native and wife sleep. This dormitory is badly lighted and ventilated, the whole building stands in need of repair. Its remoteness from the school premises is objectionable. The boys seem to come or go as they please without any supervision. The bedding, with the exception of a mattrass, is found by the pupils; the supply is, therefore, very limited. The other boys belonging to the establishment are quartered in the Native teachers' houses. Clothing and Cleanliness. The children of this establishment are ill clad; as proof, we may mention that on the first day of our inspection, we found two boys absenting themselves from school by order of the teacher, in consequence of a deficiency of garments. We were not afforded an opportunity of inspecting the children's stock of clothes, but what did come under our notice was ragged and dirty. The dormitories and bedding (both boys' and girls') are essentially filthy. A want of cleanliness is everywhere manifest. This is the more inexcusable as there are so many strong young women on the premises, part of whose duty and education it should be to keep everything iv strictest cleanliness. Diet and General Manner of Living. Three meals per day are allowed in this school. The breakfast consists of boiled flour, the dinner and supper of potatoes. Milk is supplied throughout a part of the year, and meat twice or thrice in the week. The large room, 48l x 21b x lOii, forming the right wing of the Mission Station, is used as the refectory. The meals are roughly served up and more roughly partaken of. The children, with the exception of 4 in hospital from some cutaneous disease, were reported in good health. Daily Routine of Business. From 6 to 8 a.m., work on farm and prepare for breakfast; from 8 to 9, prayers and breakfast; from 9to 1 p.m., school, with an interval qf about 20 minutes. After dinner there is a recess till 3 p.m., when the girls sew and the boys work on farm till supper-time. Industrial Employment. The girls are instructed in needlework, and also assist in out-door work, together with the boys. It is objectionable that they should be so employed, unless under the strictest supervision, which we have grounds to believe is not at all times exercised. The boys take an active part in every kind of farm labour. Wo consider an undue attention is paid to this branch of their education. On this head we would lemark that, notwithstanding we are fully impressed with the necessity of training Natives to work, to occupy their time, and so induce them to abandon the listless, apathetic habits of the Race, still we are strongly of opinion that an undue importance may be attached to labour by the managers of some schools, and that the physical powers of the children may be taxed to their serious detriment. The term " industrial training" should not be confined to mere manual labour only, but should be understood in a wider acceptation. Where a school is endowed, the school estate might, and we think ought to be benefitted by industrial field-training of the pupils. We are induced to make this remark principally from the fact, that the school• estate at Otawhao, a noble endowment of 780 acres granted by Sir George Grey, remains almost quite unimproved. Farming Implements. There is a full supply of all farming implements on this establishment, viz., ploughs, harrows, threshing-machine, scythes, rakes, forks, &c, &c. School Estate. This very valuable property, consisting of 780 acres, is about a mile distant from the school. 80 acres have been surface-sown with grass seed. The rest is in its natural state. The boys' labour, up to the present time, seems to have been wholly employed on the Mission property, 190 acres of which are under cultivation. The produce of the Mission ground is appropriated to the maintenance of the scholars. 200 sheep have been recently given over to Mr. Morgan for the benefit of the school. With such advantages as this school now possesses, we see no reason why, in the course of a few years, it should not be made to exist wholly independent of Government aid. Henry Taylob, L. O'Brien.

14

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Taupiri School (Church of England). At the invitation of Rev. Mr. Ashwell, we visited this School. It having been previously inspected by Chief Justice Arney and Mr. Swainson, we forbear making a full official report: at the same time we feel it our duty to bear testimony to the advanced and really efficient state of the school. The pupils were examined in our presence by Rev. Mr. Ashwell : their quickness in mental calculation was surprising, their style of reading English good, their facility in replying to Scriptural and Geographical questions very gteat. Their musical talents, under the careful training of Mrs. Ashwell, have been highly cultivated and developed. But what patticularly attracted our attention, was the nice motal tone which pervaded the whole school, and the general air of domestic comfort throughout the establishment. Cleanliness, order, and regularity were evetywhere apparent. A School so conducted must tend to contribute in a very great measure to the social improvement of the Native race, —indeed its good results are rapidly developing themselves. Henry Taylor, L. O'Brien. Whata Whata School (Wesleyan), Inspected en the 7th and Bth February, 1860. This School has been placed under the charge of Huirama, a Native Teacher trained at the Wesleyan School, Three Kings, Auckland. Number of Pupils. On the Roll. Present at Inspection. In average Attendance during last Quarter. 12 12 12 There are twelve Maori Boys in this School, whose ages vary from 8 to 14.

Subjects of Instruction. — Judgments awarded. — Observations. Scale.

The Pupils attending this School are divided into two classes : The first class read and spell English wolds of three letters, write on sates, and cypher as far as Simple Addition. The second class read and spell English words of two letters, and leatn the Multiplication table. The boys in the first class have been at school three years ; those in the second some eighteen, and some nine months; their progress has been unsatisfactory. The present teacher has received his appointment within the last twelve months. We cannot speak in favour of his efficiency,—there is an apathy and want of earnestness about him, which has already to a certain extent communicated itself to the pupils. We have been informed that the boys occasionally run away from school for two or three weeks at a time. Schoolroom and Furniture. The schoolroom is Q3l. x 16b. x a portion of which, without any intervening partition, is occupied as a dwelling by the Teacher and his wife. The building is of raupo, in good repair. Ventilation and light insufficient. The schoolroom furniture consists of two forms, two sets of reading cards, and some Bibles printed in Maori. A desk, one of the most essential requisites in a schoolloom, is wanting. The schoolroom in its present state offers no attraction to the children. Sleeping Accommodation. The building' where the boys sleep may be described as an open shed, the roof being the only defence against the weather. There are four beds on the ground, three boys sleep in each bed, which is furnished with two blankets and two rugs, all exceedingly dirty. Adjoining this building is a house 15 ft. l. x 12b,, now in course of erection for the Teacher. Clothing and Cleanliness. The boys are very scantily supplied with clothing, 6 havins only l cotton shirt and 1 pair trousers, 2 having only 2 cotton shirts, 1 pair trousers, and 1 blue shirt ; 2 having only 2 cotton shirts and I pair trousers ; and 2 having only l cotton shirt and l dungaree frock. The foitunate owners of any two garments seem to think it desirable to wear them in duplicate at all times. It does not appear that any clothes have been supplied by the patrons of the School. Personal cleanliness is held in very light estimation.

15

Very good. 5 Good. 4 Indifferent. 3 Bad. 2 Failure. 1 Total. Reading 2 2 2 5 1 IS Spelling •».• 1 2 3 4 2 12 Arithmetic 2 5 7 Writing 1 7 2 2 12 Tables... 3 4 5 12

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Diet and Manner of Living. The boys of this School are allowed only two meals per day, which consist of potatoes. This allowance is not sufficient, as the boys are engaged in out-door labour throughout the greater part of the day. Tbe meals are eaten in the open air, or, in the case of rain, in the dormitory. Daily Routine of Business. From 6 to 8 a.m. work on farm. Breakfast at 8 a.m. „ 9to 11 „ „ „ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in school. „ 1 to 3 p.m. outdoor labour. Dinner at 3 p.m. „ 4to sundown „ when school business is resumed for a couple of hours. It being harvest time when we visited this School, the hours devoted to field labour were prolonged beyond what is usual. School Estate. The land on which the boys' labour is employed is the property of the resident Native Missionary who farms it for the benefit of the School. From this and the contributions of the parents, the food has been supplied. The land is of very superior quality. This year there are under cultivation 7 acres of wheat, 2 of oats, and 9 of potatoes. We beg leave to append to our Report on this and the Karakarika School, a letter received from the Rev. A. Reid, to whom, as the recognized Manager of these Schools, we represented what we considered serious impediments to their efficiency and success. Waipa, February 14th, 1860. Gentlemen, — I deem it right to inform you that, after carefully pondering the remarks made by you respecting the Whata Whata and Katakarika Schools, I have determined to continue the experiment for six months longer, in order that the Managers of the Schools may have a fair opportunity of remedying the defects which you particularly noticed. It is my intention to supply them forthwith with the following articles : — For each school, —a table, which may be used for the double purpose of taking meals and writing ; and a black board. .Foi each scholat, —Two complete suits of clothing, similar to that worn by the children of this School, together with a canvas bag, in which to keep the suit net in wear; one tin plate, one spoon, and one pannikin. The first instalment of the above I am forwarding to Karakarika by your canoe. In addition to visiting the schools once a month, I purpose bringing the children and teachers up to this station to spend a week or fortnight once a quarter, so as to afford them an opportunity of seeing how things ought to be done. This will also seive as a healthy stimulant to all the scholars, by leading them to increased diligence in their studies, &c, so as to maintain the honour of their several schools. I have also thought of requesting Mr. Ferguson, of Whata Whata, to act as Superintendent of these schools, so that by stated weekly visits be may ascertain that proper attention is being paid to the formation of habits of industry and cleanliness. lam rather sanguine as to the successful issue of such an arrangement as the above. Should the result, however, prove me to be mistaken, I shall then feel that the abandonment of the enterprise involves no injustice to the managers, a reflection in which I could scarcely indulge, were I to break up the schools forthwith. 1 have hitherto refrained from supplying clothing, &c, except to a very limited extent, until the necessary buildings should be erected by the parents ; so that the fault of partial failure is to some extent mine. YVhen the above-mentioned articles shall have been supplied, the responsibility will then be transferred to the Managers and Parents, and it will be for them to prove themselves worthy or undeserving of tho assistance which the Government offers. In reply to your question as to how many sets of reading cards we have, I only enumerated those which are actually in u»e. We have in store an ample supply of Sheet-Lessons, consisting of " Varty's Graduated Series," some of those published by the British and Foreign School Society, together with '• Nelson's Step by Step," three sets. We have also of " Irish Books of Lessons," first and second, sufficient to last us for two years, and a three years' stock of copybooks. Of slates, a good supply for present use, and of Maori Lesson-sheets and books we possess a sufficient quantity. Allow me, in conclusion, to convey to you my sincere thanks fur the couiteous manner in which you have conducted the examination of these schools, and to express the hope, that while your visit to this district proves piofitable to us, it may not be wholly unproductive of gratification to yourselves. I am, Gentlemen, Yours very tiuly, Alexander Reid. To. H. Taylor and L. O'Brien, Esqi.

16

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Waipa School (Wesleyan). Inspected on the 10th and 11th February 1860. The teacher of this School is Rev. A. Reid, assisted by Miss Harrison, who also acts in the capacity of Matron. Number of Pupils. On the Roll, 22. Present at Inspection, 21. In average attendance during last Quarter, 20. Classification of Pupils according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories. Half-castes. Boys, 6 Boys, 2 Total—B Girls, 10 Girls, 2 12 Adults—Male 1 Female 12 Total 22 Children's ages vary from 3 to 14.

Subjects of Instruction-Judgments awarded — Observations. Scale.

There are two classes in this school. The first is instructed in the above specified subjects; the second is composed of infants learning the alphabet. The school has been in existence about twelve months, in which time the pupils have made most satisfactory progress, not only in learning but also in treneral intelligence, propriety of deportment, and cleanliness. From a comparison of the judgments awarded for reading and spelling, it might be inferred that the teacher overlooks the importance of correct spelling. Such is not the case. Mr. Reid proceeds on the system much commended of late, which is to let children learn to read words from sight first, and afterwards, in the course of time, to learn the letters which compose the word. School-room Furniture. The school-room is well furnished with all necessary appliances, viz., a large table, four forms, reading-cards, reading books, black boards, slates, maps, &c. School Buildings. There is a large wooden building length 40 feet, bieadth 18 feet, height 9 feet, portion of which viz 24 feet long, is used as a school-room, the remaining portion, properly partitioned off, is used as the dormitory. The school-room is well ventilated and lighted. There is also a detached raupo cottage, which the married couple occupy, provided with a fireplace and chimney. The school premises and furuiture are in good order and repair. Sleeping Accommodation, fyc. As stated above, the dormitory is part of the school-room, it is 16 feet long, and is occupied at night by eighteen children. The rest of the pupils sleep iv the detached cottage. The sleeping accommodation is very good. There are seven beds on the floor, each consisting of a mattrass, one blanket and one quilt. In winter-time additional covering is supplied. Clothing and Cleanliness. Each child has three suits of clothes in the year, which are kept clem and in good repair. The personal cleanliness of the children is carefully attended to by Miss Harrison. The good order, neatness, and regularity visible in every part of the establishment deserve our highest commendation. Diet and general Manner of Livitig. The children are allowed three meals per day. They get boiled flour and milk nearly all the year round for breakfast. Potatoes, with meat occasionally, for dinner. Boiled wheat or maire for supper. The meals are properly served up, and the children sit to the table in a well-behaved, orderly manner. Hours of Instruction and daily routine of Business. Rise at 6 a.m., wash, make beds, and prepare for breakfast ; 8 a.m., prayers and breakfast; play and preparation for dinner till 10 a.m. 10 to 1 p.m., needlework; 1| to 3, dinner and play ;3 to 6J, school; 7 p.m., supper; 8, prayers and bed.

17

Verv Good, j -5. Good. 4. Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading Spelling Writing 2 3 2 6 1 5 1 6 4 5 4 6 1 14 11 12 13 Arithmetic 4

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Industrial Employment. The girls are instructed in needlework every day by Miss Harrison. They also perform, each in turn, domestic duties iv Mr. Reid's house. Tuesday is set apart in every week for washing of clothes, &c. School Estate. This school is without any endowment, but portion of the land adjoining, which is the property of the Wesleyan Mission, is devoted to the use of the school. This year there are 'about ten acres under wheat. It may be proper under this head to state, that out of the funds received from Government this year, Mr. Reid has invested the sum of £50 in the purchase of sheep, as a provisional support for the school upon the expiration of the Government grant. Henry Taylor. L. O'Brien. Karakarika School (Wesleyan.) Inspected on the 6th and 7th February 1860. This school is under the management of Martha Barton, a Native girl aged 20, trained at th., Wesleyan Institute, Three Kings. Number of Pupils On the roll, 18 ; present at inspection, 18 ; in average attendance during last Quarter, 20. Classification of Pupils according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories—Boys," II ; Girls, 7. Total 18. Their ages vary from ;} to 16 years.

Subjects of Instruction—Judgments awarded — Observations. Scale.

The pupils in this school are divided into two classes. The first read and spell English words of three letters, write on slates, and cipher as far as Simple Multiplication and Addition ; they read the Bible and other religious books in the Maori tongue. The second class read and spell English words of two letters. Considering that the school has been in existence for a period of only nine months, we are of opinion, that the pupils have made satisfactory progress ; their pronunciation of English words is very distinct. The mistress of this school is very painstaking and zealous, and under careful supervision might become a valuable and efficient teacher. School Furniture. The school furniture consists of one table, two forms each 12 feet long, and fixed seats all round tbe building, a few printed reading cards and several Bibles in the Maori tongue; of all other books, maps, and appliances for imparting instruction there is a total dearth ; this is to be regretted, especially in a Maori school, where " SegniGV irritant animos demissa per aurem, Quain quae sunt oculis Buhjecta tidelibus, et quaa Ipse sibi tradit spectator." —As a general remark applicable to this, and all the other schools we inspected, we might state, that the introduction of a clock would, in our opinion, tend to form habits of punctuality among the children, and introduce generally some regard for the value of time, of which the Native race seems wholly unconscious. School-room. The building used as the schoolroom is the Wesleyan Char el, 35 feet long by 17 feet in breadth, and 6 feet high, substantially put together, and built of raupo, at present in good order and repair, it is well ventilated and lighted by four windows. This building is not erected on the school estate. Sleeping Accommodation, fyc. The dormitories (undeserving of the name) consist of two detached raupo houses. The Boys' dormitory is 14 feet long by 9* feet deep, and 6 feet high, three boys .(and occasional visitors) sleep iv this building ; it has neither window nor door. The Girls' dormitory is 16 feet long, 8 feet broad, and 5J feet high, and contains two beds. No. lis tenanted by eleven girls, some of the age of

18

! Very Good. 5. Good. I 4 - Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure. 1. Total. Reading 1 7 5 4 1 18 Spelling 1 5 6 6 18 Arithmetic 1 1 1 1 4 6 7 Writing 1 4 2 7 Tables... 2 ... 1 10

E—No. 8

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

16, while Bed No. 2in close proximity, is occupied by a Maori, Ins wife and child. The provision for ventilation in this building consists of two small apertures, intended for windows and a door. Such accommodation, and such an arrangement as the above, must prove injurious to the health of the children, and decidedly prejudicial to the formation of habits of common decency and morality. r l he teacher living at a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile, is precluded fiom exercising that careful and constant'supervision which is so very requisite among young people. The bedding in the Boys' room consists of five blankets and one sheet. The covering of the Girls' bed consists of six blankets and three rugs. The bedstead is formed of wooden slabs overlaid with mats and sailcloth. Both blankets and rugs are extremely dirty. Cleanliness and Clothing. We are sorry to state that the children of this school, as regards personal cleanliness, are allowed to indulge their aboriginal taste to its fullest extent ; no attention seems paid to this very necessary part of their education. Indeed the very scanty supply of clothing which they receive prevents them from cultivating habits of cleanliness. The clothing given by the managers to the eighteen children in this school has been in all, up to the present time, 13 dungaree frocks, which may be valued at 2s. 6d. or 3s. each. The majority of the children are miserably clad, thrre making their appearance in tho school room in the dungaree frcck only, and five in a single cotton shirt. Diet and general Manner of Living. The children have three meals per day consisting of potatoes only; very rarely indeed are they allowed flour or meat. The meals are partaken of either in the Girls' bedroom, or in the open air in true Maori fashion. There seems up to the present time to have been r,o effort made to induce the children to abandon the rude customs of their parents. W T e were informed that the parents of the children alone supplied the food; it would appear, therefore, that no portion of the Government grant allowed for the maintenance of this school, had been devoted to such purpose. Cooking Utensils. The cooking utensils of this establishment consist solely of two iron pots. Hours of Instruction. >. The children attend school for about one hour and a halt before breakfast, they return again at 9 a.m. and remain in school, with half an hour's intermission, until noon, and recommence at 5 p.m. for about an hour and a half. Industrial Employment. The children engage in no industrial employment of any kind whatever. School Estate. About '10 acres of land (though not as yet legally conveyed) have been given over to the trustees of this school. About 2 acres are under tillage, viz.- \ acre under oats, \ under wheat, i under potatoes, and 1 acre under maize. B|nt TayLoßj L. O'Brien. Rangiawhia School (Roman Catholic). Inspected 13th February, 1860. The teacher of this school is William Meehan, a boy of about 14 years of Age. Number of Pupils. On the Roll, 20. Present at inspection, 19. In average attendance during last Quarter, -20. Classification of Pupils according to Race, Sex, and Age. Maories. Half-castes. Boys, 15 Boys, I Girls, — G llls > 2 ""TJ" 3 Total— \% Adults-Male 1 Female 1 Total 20 We are of opinion that the two adults are supernumeraries—the >an seldom, and the woman scarcely ever attending school. The children's ages vary from 8 to 14.

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NATIVE SCHOOLS.

Subjects of Instruction—Judgments awarded — Observations. Scale.

This school is divided into two classes. The first class read words of two syllables, and are instructed in spelling, writing, and the multiplication table. The second class is learning the alphabet. The school was established in January 1859 ; the first clas3 has been in attendance since that time; their progress, except in reading, very inconsiderable. This school cannot be expected to attain to any degree of efficiency under the present teacher and present system of teaching. The education and general management of the children are committed to a mere boy, who gave us proof sufficient to warrant us in stating that the funds granted by Government for the maintenance of this school are not properly administered. School Furniture. The furniture of the school-room consists of two desks of very rude construction, one table, one chair, and four forms. The Chapel is used as the school-toom ; it is a spacious building, well ventilated and lighted. Sleeping Accommodutijn, c\c. Dorm'tory No. 1 is a detachei building, 17 feet deep by 10 feet broad, and 0 feet high; it is provided with one wooden shutter, which serves as a window; sixteen boys sleep in this room in separate lots on the floor. Each bed is supplied with two blankets, one and a straw mattrass. The building is inadequate for the healthy, cleanly and proper accommodation of the number who occupy it. Dormitory No. 2, 16 feet deep by 9 feet broad, and C feet high, accommodates the married Native and wife, and two girls. These two buildings are in good repair. ■ Clothing and Cleanliness. The supply of clothing seems to be very inadequate. The children have but one suit each in a very dilapidated condition. It is not to bs supposed that personal cleanliness will be attended to, where there is no supervision exercised. Diet and general Manner of Living. The children of this establishment are bountifully supplied withfojd. They have three meals per day, consisting of rice at breakfast, potatoes at dinnar and supper. Meat is given them twice a week, an 1 tea and bread every Sunday morning. The meals are eaten in the opsn air. Each boy has a tin plate and pannikin, but neither order nor regularity is observed. Daily Routine of Business. From 6to 8 a.m., prayers, play, and preparation for breakfast; 8 to 10. play; 10 to 12 , scrwol ; 12 to 2 p.m., dinner and play; 2 to 4, s:hool ; 4 to 9, play, and bed at 9. Industrial Employment. The children have no employment of any sort to occupy them during the hours they are out of school. . i jo j School Estate. Consists of about 150 acres, seven of which have been roughly laid dawn in grass. This school, unless wonderfully remodelled, can never hopj to be self-supporting. Henry Taylor, nd ti '.i nr..- k. O'Brien, Ihe Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, Auckland.

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Very Good. 5. Good. 4. Indifferent. 3. Bad. 2. Failure1. Totals. Reading 5 3 1 9 Spelling 2 5 7 Writing 1 6 9 16 Arithmetic (simple addition) 5 4 9 Tables 4 3 7

E—Xo. 8,

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

INSPECTORS' REPORT ON "ST. JOSEPH'S PROVIDENCE" NATIVE SCHOOL, WELLINGTON. Wellington, March 2, 1860. Sir, —Having accepted the invitation of His Excellency the Governor to inspect and report upon the Native School called " Jt Joseph's Providence," at Wellington, we poceeded upon the 27th cloy of February, pursuant to arrangement with the Bight Reverend P. T. Viard, the Reman Catholic Bishop, three days previously to view the premises, examine the scholars, and obtain infoimotion with respect to all the matters which are indicated by the 11th section of "Native Schools Act, IrfiS,"' as the subjects to be reported upon by the Inspectors ; and we now have the honor of presenting the following Report to His Excellency, containing the results of our inspection and inquiiy :— St. Joseph's Providence was founded in 1852 for the education of female children of the Native race, or of half-castes (being orphars, or the children of indigent parents), in the Roman Catholic faith, and with the special view of qualifying them for tbe vocation of domestic servants. The numbers who have received instruction and maintenance in the school since the Report made in 1857 are stated in the accompanying document marked A, which was kindly furnished to us by Bishop Viard. > We found in the school 14 girls, whom we examined separately ; but 19 appear on the books of the school for the year last past, of whom 4, as we were infoi mcd, were absent for vacation, and one had recently been taken into domestic service. Following the directions of the Act, we have to report first upon the nature of the instruction, given in the school, the attainments of the pupils, and their progress. The secular intellectual instiuction of the school comprises the ordinary subjects of primary English education in the English language (see section 9 of the Act), namely, reading, spelling, and writing, and the first three rules of arithmetic; and we have much pleasure in expressing our opinion that in each of those branches the instruction afforded is of the best quality. The rending of the more advanced scholars, which was conducted ad aperturam libri, was remarkable for clearness and precision, the spelling was unusually correct, and the writing from dictation strikingly good. The industrial training of the pupils comprises general needlework, making clothes, marking, washing, and ironing, cooking, cleaning, and general house work, as indicated in the document A annexed. The whole work of the establishment is done by the pupils, with the assistance and under the eye of the teachers, and there is no hired person—except a man who occasionally works in the garden .—employed upon the premises. The Native children are fond of needlework, and though at first deficient in habits of domestic order, they soon conform to the rules of the house, and acquire the necessary skill for housework. The elder pupils have also received some instructions in singing. The attainments of the children, considering their respective ages, seem to us to be very creditable to themselves and their teachers ; and their progress must have been rapid, seeing that none of them had received any instruction before they were received into the school. ' The document B hereto annexed is a list of the girls whose names appear on the books of the school for the past year, with the date of their admission and their probable age at that date. The next matters to which our attention was directed were food and clothing. We were informed that there was no specific dietary for the children, but that they have as much plain and nourishing food as they desire, and that they have animal food every day of the week except Fridays and during the fasts of their Church, for which times an ample supply of fish is provided. They are plainly but neatly and, so far as we could judge, comfortably dressed, in a uniform manner. • ; — - - - With respect to cleanliness and health, the persons of the scholars and their clothes, their dormitories and the whole of the premises seemed to be most scrupulously clean. The ventilation is abundant, and there is a well on the premises, and a sufficient supply of water in the immediate neighbourhood; the situation seems most salubrious, and the necessary conveniences are at a proper distance from the house, arid on a lower level; and there has been no case of sickness in the school duri::g the past year or for sometime before. The buildings and the land next claim our attention. The buildings consist of one main building, containing a school room, a refectory, a pantry, and a kitchen, on the ground-floor, with a small chapel and a gallery containing sixteen separate dormitories for the children, and two for the teachers upstairs. - There is a washing and drying-house attached, and there are other offices. Tho whole of the premises are in excellent repair, and were perfectly clean. There is an acre of land well enclosed, which comprises an ample playground, an orchard, and a kitchen garden. ~ The concluding subjects on which it is our duty to report are the discipline, the management, and the efficiency of the school. ._ As to discipline, we were informed that no mode of punishment is adopted, none being found necessary, and the children being very obedient. Their demeanour in our presence during a protracted examination was most respectlul, orderly, cheerful, and generally satisfactory.

21

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

The Right Reverend the Bishop has the entire control of the establishment, two religious sisters devoting themselves to the duties of instruction, both intellectual and industrial. They provide the requisites for housekeeping; and the accounts are rendered to the Bishop, in whose hands they are kept with the greatest apparent regularity. We did not deem it within our province to inspect the accounts minutely or audit them. With respect to the efficiency of the establishment, there seems little ground for doubt. We requested the Bishop to furnish us with any particulars he could procure concerning pupils' who had gone out from the school into the world, and any other information with regard to the history of the school which he might wish to give us. In answer he has sent the very interesting letter subjoined and marked C. To conclude, we have no hesitation in saying that, in respect of intellectual and industrial training —in respect of sanitary and local circumstances, and of physical appliances and arrangements, St Joseph's Providence still deserves the credit which the gentlemen appointed to inspect gave to it in their report of 1857, of being a complete model establishment. Nor can we refrain from adding our conviction that to Bishop Viard and the religious sisters who act under him, the wdiole community, both Native and European, owes a debt of admiration and gratitude for the good work which they have begun and are carrying on in a manner so able and exemplary. An extension of the Institution with increased means would, in our opinion, be a great boon to the Native and Half-caste population of the Colony. Alexander J. Johnston, To the Hon. C. W. Richmond, \\ illiam Fitzhkrbert, Colonial Treasurer, Auckland. James C. Crawford. A Since the returns given at the last inspection, up to the end of the year 1857, there have been in the school during the year 1858 :—lB girls, all boarders; viz., 8 Maori, 10 half-caste. 1859:— 18 girls, all boarders ; viz , 8 Maori, 10 half-caste. At the beginning of the year 18G0 : —19 girls, all boarders — viz., 10 Maori, 9 half-caste :— 1 girl about 5 years old; 3 girls about 7 years; 4 girls about 9 years old; 4 girls about 11 years old; 5 girls about 15 years old ; 2 girls about 16 years old. At the present time (Feb. 27) there are 14 girls ; 4 are absent for the holidays, and 1 Maori has gone out to service with Mrs. Huntley, who expresses herself as very much satisfied with her. Distribution of Time. Morning.—sJ—To rise, dress, &c. ; G—Morning prayers ; C>\ —To hear Mass; 7—To make the beds, sweep, dust, and put the rooms in order in the dormitory; B—Breakfast ; 8 1— Recreation for the younger children. The elder girls go to their several duties. Some are employed in the kitchen, others are sweeping and cleaning the different parts of the house; 9i— Writing; 10 —Study; ]0J — Reciting the various lessons and reading; 11—Recreation; 11J —Needlework; (one day in each week this time is occupied by fancy work, such as marking and crotcheting). Afternoon. —I—Dinner and recreation; 2—Copying; 2±,—Study and recitation of tables; 3— Arithmetic; 3J — Catechism ; 4—Dictation; \ to s—Spiritual5—Spiritual exercise ; s—Study—(preparation of lessons) ; s|— Lecture from some instructive book : | to G —Rosary ; G—Supper and recreation ; 7J —Night prayers ; after which all retire in silence to bed. Noth. —Wednesday and Saturday are free from school. On Wednesday the children are employed in washing, ironing, and mending their clothes, and on Saturday in scrubbing, cleaning, &c. Once a week, when the weather is fine, the children are taken for a walk. t P. T. Viard, Catholic Bishop.

B

Note.—None of these scholars had oa their entry into St. Joseph's Providence any idea of even the first rudiments of education or civilization. t F. T. Viard, Catholic Bishop.

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Name. Race. Age on entering (about) Date of Entry. Remarks. 1. Catherine Green 2. Philomemi Aldy 3. Virginia Kadford 4. Angela Baker 5. Josephine Baker 6. Frances O'Brien 7. Melania Haromona 8. Rebecca Curlcy 9. Ripeka Hoani 10. Wikitoria Aterea 11. Jane O'Brien 12. Maria tc Wainga 13. Arihia Karamana 14. Ateraite Tonihi 15. Hopia Waretini 16. Katarina 17. Pirihira 18. Ellen Rush .. 19. Rahera Half-caste 7 7 5 5 6 5 11 6 12 6 5 15 10 15 14 9 7 5 6 September, 1852 December, '• ii ii September, 1854 ii ii Absent for the Holydays. U t( U Maori. Half-caste. Maori. June, 1855 December, 1855 January, 1856 October, 1857 Went to service on the 7 th Jan 1860, Half-casie. Maori. n August, 1858 January, 1859 April, fl (( Absent for the Ilolvdays. '. it ' A ii it (I H January, 1860 « " it ii Half-caste. Maori. u t i February, "

E—No. 8,

NATIVE SCHOOLS

C. Wellington 28th, February, 1860. I haste to give your Honor the information that you desire on the first years of ?t. Joseph's Providence, and your Honor's goodness in having vouchsafed to preside over the examination of the children, makes it a very agreeable task for me. St. Joseph's Providence was opened on the Bth of September, 1852, under very auspicious circumstances. The fears of the benefactors, and especially of Sir George Grey, as to the success of the establishment, at once vanished. The numerous strangers who visited the house were delighted with the amiable manners of the children. People were anxious to see them at their different works, and during their meals and recreation. Many exclaimed that they had not seen a better regulated boarding-school in Europe. The excellent Governor and his I.ady received with emotion a visit from the inmates of St Joseph at their departure from Wellington. This honoured founder is not forgotten. Each day the tribute of gratitude is offered in the prayers of the children to heaven for him, under God, to whom they are indebted for the benefits of education. Towards the end of the second year the measlojs, which caused such ravages in the Province, struck this infant establishment, and despite the care lavished day and night by the doctor, two children died in the house, and some others in the bosom of their families. The flower of the house was cut off; it was a terrible blow, yet lessened by the reflection that these children went to receive the reward of their virtues, for all had made their first communion. The Native children, affrighted, would no longer dare to approach St. Joseph's Providence, which was at the point of ruin. Ever so God tries His works. But by degrees all fears were dissipated, and from that epoch the sanitary state of the house has been most satisfactory. Your Honour may hence infer that it would be difficult for me to find many of the children that have left this house. However, among the few that I can mention, I shall only name two Native girls. One Melania Horomona, about 15 years of age, has become a servant at Mrs. Huntley's, who is quite pleased with her character. No doubt the virtues of this gord family will powerfully second the views of Divine Providence on this young- Native. The othtT Native, named Taiihira Ilupini, about 1G years old, after having been some years in our establishment, also went to service. Later, she returned home to Taupo : there she acts as schoolmistress to the Native children of a Catholic tribe, being only visited at long intervals by the Catholic priest of Ahururi. This young and interesting mistress, perhaps surpassed by none of her race, knows English well. Her fine voice, pleasing beyond expression, pours out the sacred songs of our holy religion in this centre of New Zealand. Taiihira is a powerful helpmate for the Catholic missionary It is a gieat grace on the part of the Lord for the Natives of Taupo, ever faithful in the midst of long trials. Enclosed, your Honor will find the names, race, and dates of entry of the children, &c. I have, he, \\ u P. T. Viard, To His Honor Catholic Bishop. Mr. Justice Johnston. INSPECTORS' REPORT ON NATIVE SCHOOL "KAI IWI," WANGANUI. Resident Magistrate's Court, Wanganui, 10th May, 1860. Sir,— In compliance with your communication of 25th January, 18G0, we have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that we have inspected the Kai Iwi School in accordance with the 11th Section of the "Native School Act, 1858," and now beg to submit the following Report: — "In respect of the atlaiments and progress of the Scholars, and of the nature of the instruction given," we beg to observe that the Scholars are daily taught Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, and instructed in Agricultural and Manual Labor. We feel pleasure in being able to report that the attainments and progress of the Scholars are considerable, in all their pursuits, particularly in their favorite study of Arithmetic, where advancement in a very marked degree has been attained. With respect to Food, we found the same to be of good wholesome quality, and the following quantities supplied weekly to each scholar, -viz.,—Flour, 51b. 40z.; Meat, 211). lOoz.; Potatoes, ad libitum; Sugar, 8oz.; Tea, 3oz. With respect to Clothing, the following articles are supplied to each scholar, every third month, viz., —1 Blue Shiru; 2 Cotton Shirts; 1 pair Moleskin or Cord Trowsers; 1 Cloth Cap; and, in addition to which, the Men are supplied with Boots. With regard to the Cleanliness and Health of the Scholars, we found them in both respects in a satisfactory state; but we must remark that, although cleanliness is much promoted by the practice of devoting one hour daily to washing clothes, &c, yet that in many other respects the kind offices of a Matron were desirable. The Buildings are as follows: — 1. A Scboolhouse, weather-boarded and shingled, containing three large rooms—one being appropriated for the Schoolroom, the other as a Dormitory, and the third as a Kitchen and eatimr apartment; attached to this building is als a small dwelling-house for the Native Teacher, and the convenience of a Brick Oven, in which is baked the bread consumed on the establishment.

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NATIVE SCHOOLS.

2. A Dwelling-house, weather-boarded and lined, having Outhouse and Garden attached for. the resident Minister. 3. A similar Building, overlooking the School, for the Schoolmaster and his family. 4. A small, weather-boarded House, intended for the Foreman of the Works; but, as there is now no such person on the Establishment, this building has for some time been unoccupied, except as a Storehouse, and is now somewhat out of repair. All the other buildings are painted while, and in good condition, except the Schoolhouse, which has not yet been painted. 5. A Flour Mill, worked by water power, with Dwelling-house for the Miller, of the estimated value of £400 has been by judicious management erected at the money cost of £200 —an agreement being entered into with the Miller, whereby he undertakes to defray the whole cost of erection out of the proceeds arising from the sale of flour: at the same time supplying the establishment, and remunerating himself for cost of labor. The flour ground at this Mill is of excellent quality, and is sent to the town of Wanganui for sale at remunerating profits, With respect to the ground attached to the School, it consists of 300 acres of excellent Land, purchased from the Government by the Wesleyan Society, and is secured and subdivided by good ditch and bank fences. About 70 acres are under cultivation —of which, 6 are in Wheat, 4 in Potatoes, and the remainder laid down in Grass. The Estate supports the following Stock: —20 Horses, 50 Head of Cattle, and 100 Pigs. With respect generally to the Discipline, Management, and Efficiency, of the School, we beg to observe that the Kai Iwi Seminary only came into full operation 9 months a<io, —that G5 Scholars have been enrolled on the Books since its formation, —that, of these, 19 have left, 5 of whom have since died. There were present at the period of our Inspection 46 Scholars between 5 and 30 years of age, the average being 12 years. The schoolmaster has a salary of £150 per annum, "and was assisted by a Native Teacher from Auckland (now discontinued), who received £20 per annum and board. The school duties, as formerly stated, are conducted in a manner highly satisfactory, according to the Glasgow system of Education, and reflect great credit on Mr. Allswortb, the Schoolmaster. The hours of tuition are as follows:—-From 6 in Summer, and 7 iv Winter, until 8, is occupied in instruction; 8 to 9, Breakfast; 9 to 12, Instruction ; 12 to 1, Dinner; 1 to 4, Manual and Agricultural Labor; 4 to 5, Washing, Clothing, &c.; 5 to 6, Tea; 6 to 7 i, Instruction; and at 8 o'clock in Winter, and 9 in Summer, the Scholars retire to their Dormitory, which is divided into Bunks, each containing two Boys, who have 2 Blankets, Bolster, and Mattrass, between them. The Farming operations are carried on with the usual European agricultural implements, including a Thrashing and Winnowing Machine. Finally, we beg to observe that, on inspecting the books, we find that the whole Expenditure of the establishment, with the exception of the stipend to the resident Minister, is borne by the General Government, and that there appears due a Balance of £120 2s. 3d. against the Institution, owing in a great measure to the expenses incurred in the erection of the Mill; but this debt will ultimately be more than liquidated by the profits arising from the sale of the flour aforesaid. We have, he, D. S. Dukie, R.M., The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, T. Harper, J.P. Auckland.

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