NATIVE SCHOOLS. (REPORTS OF INSPECTING OFFICERS.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, G-02

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE SCHOOLS. (REPORTS OF INSPECTING OFFICERS.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. Yen. Archdeacon Claeke to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — "Waimate, Bay of Islands, 2nd Septemher, 1874. In compliance with your request per telegram of July 9, 1874, I have inspected the Native Schools mentioned, with the exception of that at Parengarenga, and have the honor to submit the following report: — Mangakaahia, visited August 11th.—This school was commenced in July, 1872, by Mr. Frazer, with 27 children. There are at present 22 on the roll, viz., 11 boys and 11 girls, all of whom attend punctually. As my first visit was quite unexpected, I was pleased to find the scholars clean and nicely dressed. The more advanced (13) are reading the " Sequel to Step by Step." The writing is only on slates, and very good. As there are no maps, geography is not taught. The most advanced in arithmetic are in long division. Considering that the school has been in operation for more than, two years, I was disappointed that greater progress had not been made. The present teacher, Mr. E. Wright, is unfortunately impressed with the idea that it is useless to talk to the children in English, so that their reading is perfectly unintelligible to themselves. From what I had seen of other schools, where Maori is never spoken except in explanation, I am convinced that this is a great mistake. The school is conducted in a Maori runanga house, which is damp, badly lighted, and badly ventilated. This discomfort will, however, soon be obviated, for the timber for the new schoolhouse is being sawn, and there is every prospect of better accommodation in a few months. Eive acres of land are set apart for school purposes, but have not yet been transferred to trustees. The parents are regular in paying the fees, and take a pride in keeping the children decently dressed. The following articles are much required:—A set of maps, black-board, inkstands,also elementary arithmetic books, geography, and a supply of " Sequel to Step by Step," and Maori spelling books. Peria (Oruru), visited August 21st. —This school was commenced by Mr. Capper, with 52 children, viz., 36 boys and 16 girls, on March 24, 1874. There were 48 present on the occasion of my unexpected visit. Considering the short time that has elapsed since this school was established (only five months), the progress is most gratifying. All the scholars but 10 are reading words of four or five letters, and are able to render their lessons into Maori with tolerable accuracy. The business is carried on entirely in English, as the teacher fortunately knows but little Maori. It was only a week since they had commenced writing in books, but what I saw on slates was very creditable. Although five months ago the children had never seen a map, they readily named the principal countries with their capitals, the provinces of New Zealand with their chief towns, the different British dependencies, and the oceans, rivers, &c. In arithmetic the most advanced (8) are in compound addition. They sing from ear. On the whole everything is most satisfactory, for, while the master is full of ardour and zeal, he is very systematic, so that his school promises to be a success. The children attending the school are from Victoria Valley, Parapara, Ivohumaru, Taimaro, Eangiawhia, and Taipa. The teacher has sent a requisition for school materials to Mr. White, E.M., which are much needed. The schoolhouse and teacher's residence, under the same roof, are in course of erection, and will bo completed in three months. The cost will be £286, of which the Natives supply £90, besides five acres of land. In the meantime the school is held in the Native church. I was given to understand that many more children will attend when there is sufficient accommodation. Aivanui, August 25.—Commenced May 13, 1872, with 25 children. On the roll for August there were 30, viz., 14 boys and 16 girls. Owing to excessively bad weather, there were only 17 present on the occasion of my visit. The average for the last quarter was 24. The reading in Eoyal Header, No. 2, was very good, and the enunciation better than usual, showing great attention on the part of the teacher. 17 write English dictation, 10 of whom were present. The lesson on the occasion was extemporary, being an account of my journey from Mangonui, and was rendered very creditably, with but few mistakes in the spelling. In arithmetic the most advanced (5) arc in reduction. In geography they aro rather backward. Writing and singing good. The children come from Kareponia, I— G. 2.

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Mangotahi, and Awanui. The committee told me that many more would attend if the parents were better able to pay the fees. As tho children are required to be more decently clad than if they stayed at home, it is rather a heavy tax on some of the parents to have to provide clothes as well as fees. May I, therefore, suggest that in no case should any school be required to pay more than £2 per mensem, so that all attending in excess of 40 should be admitted free? There is one acre set apart for a school site, but, so far as I could ascertain, no steps have been taken towards the erection of a building. The school is held in the Native chapel; the Government have supplied the desks and some of the forms, at a cost of £10. The teacher, Mr. Ernest Mathews, lives in his own house, distant two and a half miles. He complained that his salary has not been increased at the rate of £20 per annum, as promised by Colonel Eussell. He commenced with £80 two years ago, and his pay has only increased to £100, whilst the other teachers in the district have had the advance of £20 per annum. Ahipara, August 26.—This school was established October 1,1872, with 47 children. Tho greatest number on the roll (about a year ago) was 87. Owing to the lamented death of the estimable teacher, Mr. J. E. Masters, on July 25, the school is temporarily suspended. The Natives of this district have been suffering for the last three months from a malignant fever, which has carried off 2S of the population, among whom were two members of the school committee. Mr. Masters also lost his life through his praiseworthy attention to the sick, but unfortunately he neglected all tho usual precautions against infection. His successor has yet to be appointed. The school was held in the Native church, towards the erection and furnishing of which the Government contributed £39. Ten acres of land are set apart for the, school, but have not yet been legally transferred. The children attending were from Herekino, AVhangape, and Ahipara. As the children had dispersed in consequence of the fever, I had not an opportunity of examining them ; but from all that I could hear from the European settlers, the progress was equal to that of any other of the Northern schools. Pukepoto. —Inspected August 26. This is, par excellence, the school of the North. It was established in April, 1870, by the Provincial Government, with between 40 and 50 scholars, and taken over by the General Government in October, 1873. There are 41 scholars on the roll, viz., 29 boys and 12 girls. Present at inspection, 39. The Ist class, of 12, are reading " Eoyal Eeader, No. 3;" the 2nd, of 8, also "Eoyal Eeader, No. 3;" the 3rd, of 9, "Eoyal Eeader, No. 2;" the 4th, of 5, "Eoyal Eeader, No. 1;" and the sth class, of 7, in the alphabet. The progress is highly satisfactory, considering that there is but one of the original scholars remaining. The dictation exercise (an account of my own adventures) was remarkably well done, writing it first in English, and then translating into Maori. As an illustration of their progress, I may give the following instance: —The sentence occurred, " How far is it from Mangonui to Ahipara?" One of the boys misapprehended it, and wrote, " How far it is from Mangonui to Ahipara!" which he correctly rendered into Maori thus: " Ano te roa o Mangonui ki Ahipara !" They gave me the meaning both in English and Maori of almost every word in their reading lesson. The writing is as good as that of English boys of the same age. In arithmetic the most advanced are in the Eulo of Three. Their geography is very creditable. The singing struck me as being rather more noisy than harmonious. Those who doubt tho practicability of teaching English to the Natives would see the problem solved by a visit to the Pukepoto school. It is three years since I paid it my first visit, and I was glad to find that the zeal of the teacher, Mr. Charles Masters, was as unflagging as ever. The parents paid school fees last month for the first time, as, theirs being a peculiar case, they had been hitherto exempt. They resent their having to pay, as they consider it a breach of the understanding they came to with Colonel Eussell, when the management was taken over by the General Government from that of the Provincial. On the other hand, it is scarcely fair that other schools should be required to pay £2 per month, while that at Pukepoto should be free. The school land given by Timoti Poihipi amounts to twelve acres, and has, I believe, been formally transferred. Kaitaia. —Inspected August 26. Established December 15, 1873, with 15 scholars. During the last quarter the attendance was 31; but this number has been reduced to 17, viz., 7 boys and 10 girls, 10 having been removed by their friends on account of the fever. Seven are reading " Sequel to Step by Step." It is perhaps uncharitable to compare the progress of this school with that of Peria (three months younger), but I could not but see a marked difference. Much may be said in extenuation, as the school is held in a Maori-built house, without any furniture save a form or two. The writing on slates was good, but as there were neither map nor black board their range of instruction is rather limited. The arithmetic was very elementary. The timber for a schoolhouse is on the ground, so that when the building is completed there will be, with the proper apparatus, facilities for a more systematic and extensive course of teaching. Mr. Eobert Dunn is the teacher, and his wife gives instruction in needlework to 10 girls. The parents are irregular in paying the school fees. The teachers are living in an unfinished house belonging to the chief Hare Eeweti, but the natives have promised to build them a house shortly. Oromahoe. —Inspected August 31. Established June 1,1873, with 40 children on the roll, viz., 30 boys and 10 girls. The average for last July was 30J-. Present at the inspection, 38. The Ist class, of 7, are reading " The Toung Eeader ;" the 2nd, of 12, " Sequel to Step by Step ;" the 3rd, of 11, " Step by Step, No. 2;" and the 4th class, of 10, " Step by Step, No. 1." In arithmetic the most advanced one is in long division. Eor some reason unexplained, the latter branch of instruction was entirely ignored until about six weeks ago. 30 write in books very fairly. The English dictation was as good as could bo reasonably expected considering the short time that has elapsed since the commencement of the school. As there were not any maps, there was nothing in the matter of geography. The teacher, Mr. Jamieson, is very much in earnest, but is lacking in system. The Binging taught by car was very hearty, comprising, "The Low-backed Irish Car," " Annie Laurie," and the "National Anthem." The school fees are paid punctually. Tho school land consists of one acre, upon which stands the building originally intended for a whare runanga. The Government supplied the school furniture, besides flooring, lining, and partitions, at a cost of £70. The chairman of the committee has prepared a list of books and other requisites, which I venture to suggest should be supplied.

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Kawdkawa. —lnspected September 1. The school is at Waiomio, about five miles from the landing place and three from the coal mines. It was commenced in October, 1873, with 27 children, viz.: 15 boys and 12 girls. 21 were present at the inspection, which was unexpected. Tho first class, of 11, are reading the second (2nd) series of "The Young Ecader," while the other class, of 10, are in " Step by Step." In arithmetic 3of the more advanced are in simple division, though nearly all can say the multiplication table, and those of weights and measures. There are no desks, maps, nor black-board, and only about half enough books and slates. The singing was particularly nice. Considering the difficulties which the teacher, Mr. Lorrigau, has to contend with, owing to the limited accommodation, the inadequate supply of books, and the distance he has to walk to and from the school (about three miles), tho progress of the scholars is very gratifying. I am informed that the chairman of the committee sent a requisition for school materials nine months ago, but they have not yet arrived. The school is held in the private house of the chief Maihi Paraone Kauiti, under every disadvantage. Maihi told me that he had set apart 120 acres of valuable land in four different blocks for school purposes, and that Mr. H. T. Kemp had promised that, as soon as the land was transferred, a house should be built. As I understand that the surveys and necessary documents have been forwarded to Auckland, may I urge the immediate erection of the building, as absolutely necessary for carrying on the most promising school in the district of the Bay of Islands ? Waimate. —Inspected September 2. Established in September, 1872, with 70 children. At the end of the first quarter these decreased to 35. The average for tho quarter ending June 30, of the current year, was 5, and that of last month (August) was 3. There were only 2 present at the inspection to-day. The most advanced pupils at the end of 1873 could read an easy chapter in the New Testament. The highest in arithmetic were in compound addition. The school is held in the Native hostelry attached to the court-house, and is well supplied with all requisites excepting a black-board. I attribute the falling off of the school to the distance at which the children live from it, as none are nearer than a mile, while many of tho most regular travelled three or four miles. I regret that I had not time to visit Parengarenga. As the journey is rather a formidable one for this time of year, it would have occasioned a longer absence from my clerical duties than I could feel justified in incurring. In concluding may I venture to offer two or three suggestions ? 1. That the Government offer one prize to the best scholar of, say, a school of 20, and two prizes to one of 35. The prizes might be in the form of clothes or books to a certain value. 2. That there be an annual examination of all the schools, and that the 2 scholars out of tho whole Northern district who pass the best examination (the standard to be fixed by the Government) should be maintained at an English school for three years at tho public expense. Boys would then have a definite object in view, which would stimulate them to greater diligence than they now manifest. 3. That all the teachers bo required to drill the children, both boys and girls; for I cannot conceive of anything so conducive to habits of order and obedience as the discipline involved in having to movo at the word of command. I have, &c, To the Hon. the Native Minister. ' E. B. Claeke.

No. 2. Mr. S. Yon Stuemee, Eesidcnt Magistrate, Hokianga, to the Undee Seceetaet, Native Department. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 7th January, 1875. The Native Schools being now in Christmas vacation, I beg to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, a report on the state of the five Native Schools in this district now in operation. Two of them, viz., those of Pakia and Eakau Para, having only been opened during the past quarter, I can make no report as to the progress of the pupils ; in each case they are presided over by a master and mistress. On every occasion that I have visited these Schools I have found them properly conducted. At Pakia the attendance since the commencement has averaged 41, of all ages from six to seventeen years, and the numbers are likely to be more numerous during the present year. At Eakau Para the attendance has been 50, between the ages of six and seventeen years; in addition to this, Mr. Harrison, the teacher at this school, has, at the request of the natives, opened a night school for the instruction of adults, which has been well attended, each pupil paying Mr. Harrison one shilling per week. Hori Karaka Tawhiti, the Chairman of School Committee, informs me that he believes it will be necessary to enlarge the schoolroom, as at the re-opening of the school he anticipates an attendance of upwards of 80 children. In October last I attended an examination of the school children at Waima, when upwards of 60 pupils were in attendance, and the progress made by them in reading, writing, spelling, and the English language was most marked. Several small prizes were given to the more advanced pupils, the prize for speaking and writing English being awarded to Kereama Tawhai, grandson of Mohi Tawhai. I have visited this school several times during the half-year last past, and have always found Mr. Moore, the teacher, at his post, doing his duty in a most efficient manner, his pupils and schoolroom neat and clean, a credit to himself and tho district. The attendance for the past quarter at this school has averaged 40. I examined the children at the Whirinaki School on the 16th December. There were 41 in attendance. I found the progress made to be most satisfactory; the first class, containing about 18 pupils, being able to read, speak, and write easy sentences of English correctly, showing also a fair knowledge of geography and arithmetic. I visited Waitapu early in December; but found the attendance small. The children here have made a considerable advance in all the branches of an English education; but lam sorry to say the

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attendance has fallen off considerably, though the Committee lead mo to believe that a larger number will join this school after the holidays, giving as a reason for the small attendance during the last quarter the scarcity of food at this season of the ypar, and also that many of the children have been engaged with their parents assisting to plant potatoes, kumaras, and corn. The total number of children attending the schools in this district during the past quarter was 204. I have to acknowledge the receipt from the Government of a very handsome present of cricket bats, &c.,for the use of the Whirinaki School, which are a great source of amusement to the pupils. I need hardly inform the Government that these things get destroyed and worn out, and that an occasional present of croquet or cricket material, and skipping ropes for the girls, will at all times be mcjst thankfully received, and as much care taken of them as possible. Our little Maori children arc as full of fun as those of Europeans, and are becoming quite English in their love of cricket. I have, &c, Spencee yon Stuemee, The Under-Secretary, Native Office, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 3. Mr. H. W. Beabant, E.M., Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Opotiki, Ist March, 1875. I have the honor to lay before you the following as the report of my half-yearly inspection of schools in the Bay of Plenty and Lake District. You may perhaps remember that, in consequence of my being employed by Government on other duty, at Whakatane, in December last, I was unable to make the inspection at the end of the half-year, and the holidays intervening, I deferred it until February. 1. Matata School: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Creeke. —I visited this school on February sth. There are 36 children on the books, of whom 16 were present—lo boys and 6 girls. The first class (5 in number) I examined in reading and spelling from the "Irish National Third Book," and in. translating English into Maori. They showed considerable improvement since my last visit, more especially in their appreciation of the meaning of the English ; their pronunciation, however, being still somewhat defective. In arithmetic they were working severally various rules up to "Practice:" in this branch not much advancement had been made. Their writing from dictation was good. The second class (6) I examined in reading from the "Irish National Third Book" and " Sequel," in spelling, and in translation of Eoglisb into Maori, in all of which I found improvement. This class were able to work the simple rules of arithmetic. The third class's (5) reading from " Nelson's Sequel," spelling, and translating were but indifferent. The whole school had been taught geography from the maps, and answered well when cross-questioned in the multiplication, addition, and pence tables, weights and measures, &c. The girls had been taught sewing; but Mrs. Creeke was at the time of my visit absent on sick leave. The discipline was good, and lam again able to report very favourably of this school. The master complains, as do those of other schools, of the meagre attendance; but although the numbers attending have been few, yet I was able to trace a decided improvement in those who were present. 2. Whareroa School (Tauranrja) : Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Latrobe. —This school I visited on February Bth. There are 19 pupils on the books, of whom 15 were present; there were also six Europeans, some of them the children of the teacher, and some of them of the pilot and harbour-master, whose station is near the school. The reading of the first class (9) from the "Irish National 3rd Book" and spelling were good, and their appreciation of the meaning of the words tolerable. The writing from dictation of some of them was very good. The second class (6) read well from an easy book, but had little appreciation of the meaning. Both classes were able to answer questions from the Maori vocabularies. In arithmetic the elder pupils had worked as far as the " rule of three" and " practice," while the younger ones were in the simple rules ; in this branch they acquitted themselves satisfactorily. They all answered some simple questions in geography, and had a good knowledge of the multiplication, shillings and pence tables. The Ist class recited a piece of poetry well. The girls had been taught sewing. The discipline was good. I cannot say that the pupils at this school showed themselves more advanced than they were formerly under Mr. Oldfield, but I fear that from various causes, under their last master, they retrograded, and the school having since he left been shut for some time, it may now be said to be recovering itself, and I have no doubt will do well under the present teacher. There being several Europeans taught with them, must be a great advantage to the Native children. 3. OMnemidu School: Teacher, Mr. Cowan.—February 10th. There are 43 children on the roll of this school, of whom 25 were present when I visited it, most of them small children. I heard some of them read, and translate into Maori, words of one syllable, and say the multiplication-table. The children appeared to have made bub little progress ; no blame can however attach to the present teacher, as I understand that he had only been in charge of the school for three weeks. I trust therefore I may be able in my next report to give a better account of them. The discipline was good. There was one boy at the school able to read, who informed me that he had been taught at Mr. Burrows's school, Auckland. There were also two little European children attending. I was informed that a site had been surveyed, and arrangements made for the erection of a schoolhouse. This is an important step in the right direction, as the building at present used is totally unfit, not being sufficiently weathertight for school to be held at all on wet days. 4. The Tarawera and (5) the Botoiti Schools are at present shut, on account of the several masters having left, that of the former having been transferred to Ohinemutu, and the teachers of the latter discharged. 6. Mahetu School: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Pinker. —On 15th February, when I visited this school, 11 children were present out of 20 on the roll. The elder class (6) 1 examined in reading from

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" Phillips' Second Book." Their reading and spelling were but indifferent, but they answered questions from " Willies First English Book " well, and wrote dictation from the same book fairly. They were also able to work sums in arithmetic (some of them as far as " division of money ") well. They knew little or no geography. The junior class were mere beginners. I examined the Rev. I. Te Ahu's younger daughter, one of the old school pupils, who still attends. She appeared to have kept up her knowledge fairly. This school, I regret to say, has been for a length of time in a languishing state, the natives appearing to have lost their former interest in it. A new master has lately been appointed, and he will require to exercise a great deal of energy and perseverance before he will get the school into a satisfactory state. Ho has hardly been in charge long enough at present to judge fairly what the results will be. 7. Whakatane School: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart and Miss C. Te Ahu.—February 16. There are no fewer than 58 children on the roll of this school, of whom 30 were present on this date. First class (10). Their reading and spelling from " Phillips' Third Book " were fair ; their translating from " Willies First Book " was also fair, while their writing from dictation (from the same book) was good. They were able to say some tables, and in arithmetic they appear to have been very well taught; some of them had advanced as far as " vulgar fractions," and seemed to understand them, but they all worked correctly as far as they had learnt. They were also able to recite correctly two or three pieces of poetry. The second class (13) read fairly from " Phillips' Second Book," but were not able to spell the words. In arithmetic (mostly simple rules) they acquitted themselves well, but strangely enough failed in notation. (This, however, I have found in several of the schools.) The third class (6) were mere beginners. All the school knew a little geography from the maps. Before dismissal they sang " God Save the Queen." I noticed a decided improvement in the scholars at this school since my last visit, particularly in reading. I still have to remark, however, that the discipline is not so good, nor are the pupils so neat as at most of the schools. The girls had not been taught sewing, which I informed the teacher'must not be neglected for the future, 8. Ohiwa School: Teacher, Mr. Avent. —February 19th. The number on the books at this school is 25, but on the day of my visit only 10 (3 of whom were small children) were present. I was informed that the greater number of the children had gone with their parents to a meeting at Maketu. There were present of the first class 4 only. I heard them read and spell the words from " Nelson's Third Book," and asked them critical questions on what they read. I also examined them in "Willies First English Book," in writing from dictation, and in translating English sentences into written Maori, and vice versa. In arithmetic one was able to work " vulgar fractions," one " duodecimals,' and two "practice." They had also been taught some geography. These boys appeared to know thoroughly everything they had been taught. The second class (3) read and spelled fairly from " Nelson's Sequel," and had been taught from <: Willies First English Book." They were also able to work the ordinary compound rules of arithmetic. The two classes conjoined passed a good examination in the usual tables, weights and measures, and mental arithmetic. Their writing in copybooks was good, and the discipline very good. This school continues to be in a satisfactory state. Mr. Avent has had some advantages over other teachers ; his school is in the middle of the Native pa (thus securing punctual attendance), and has never been overcrowded. Still I think the state of advancement in which he has his pupils could not have been attained without great energy and perseverance on his part. 9. Omarumutu School: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke.—l visited this school on February 23rd, and found 11 present out of 20 on the roll. The boys' class I heard read from " Nelson's No. 4 Eeader," and from the " Irish National Second Book;" also from " Lessons in Maori." Their reading and spelling were but indifferent, considering the time the school has now been open, and they answered from the " Table-book" indifferently. In writing from dictation (easy) they acquitted themselves fairly, as also in arithmetic, as far as they had severally been taught, the most advanced being in " compound multiplication." The girls' class (3) were in about the same state of advancement, with the exception of one girl, who could read well from an easy book : she, however, it appeared, had been taught at another school. Some of the children were able to repeat the Ten Commandments in English, and knew a little geography. The discipline was fair, and the girls had been taught sewing. Speaking generally, I could not trace any improvement since my last visit to this school. 10. Opotihi —" Mixed School " : Teachers, Mr. Wyatt and two assistants. —This school is attended by about 80 Europeans, and Native children continue to come from time to time, but from their very irregular attendance they have made but little progress, notwithstanding the master is efficient and zealous. The two Native half-castes who attended iast year have left the neighbourhood. 11. Te Kaha School: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Duffus. —The building for this new school is now finished, and the master has just commenced residence. He is at present badly supplied with fittings and books owing to the difficulties of communication with that remote settlement, but I hope soon to be able to report the school in proper working order. In conclusion, sir, I take leave to remark that good progress has been made since my last report at some of the schools, while several others have been thrown back by the masters leaving, and other circumstances. The complaint of the teachers generally is that the children do not attend regularly, and to this doubtless may bo attributed the slow progress made at some of the schools; but the success of one or two of them shows what may be done with Maori children under a painstaking master, and when the parents encourage their children to attend. I have, in accordance with your instructions, supplied cricket materials and other athletic games to the various schools where they seemed to be required; these are appreciated by the children, and will be of advantage to the schools in adding to their popularity, as well as being conducive to the physical development and health of the lads. I hare, &c., Hebbeet W. Beabant, E.M., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. District Inspector of Schools.

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Mr. H. W. Brabant, R.M., Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Minister. (No. 375.) Sir,— Opotiki, 25th March, 1875. In continuation of my report on Native Schools, dated Ist March last, I have the honor to transmit herewith a general return showing the attendance at Native Schools in the Bay of Plenty District during the half-year ended 31st December, 1874, and also the several returns transmitted to me by the Native School teachers respectively, some of which had not come to hand when my abovequoted report was forwarded. As you will doubtless remark the low average attendance at the schools during the quarter as compared with the previous one, I take leave to remark that I believe this to be caused by the Native planting season occurring during the latter period. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, E.M., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. District Inspector of Schools.

ABSTRACT showing ATTENDANCE at NATIVE SCHOOLS in the BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT during the Half-<*> year ended 31st December, 1874; and also the Numbers at the Half-yearly Inspection, February, 1875.

No. 5. Mr. K. J. O'Stjluvan, Inspector of Provincial Schools, Auckland, to the TJndee Secretary, Native Depnrtment. Sir,— Auckland, 12th April, 1875. I have the honor to enclose reports of my visits to the following Native Schools: —Whareroa, Matata, Whakatane, Ohiwa, Omaramutu, Maketu, and Ohinemutu. I have, &c, EICIIAED J. O'SuLLIVAN. The Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, "Wellington. Whareroa School, sth February, 1875: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. La Trobe.—On roll: Boys, 11 ; girls, 7=18; besides 8 European children. Present: Boys, 11; girls, 7=lB. Schoolhouse, 30 x2O feet —in a fair state of repair, but wants to be strengthened. Upper sashes of the window should be made to open. No blinds. School clean. Pupils neat. Maps, &c.: World, New Zealand; blackboard, ball-frame, various pictures. I would recommend that Johnson's map of the Pacific be supplied to the school. Desks, 5, 11 feet each=ss feet. Writing, fair and improving ; reading, fair ; knowledge of the meaning of words, tolerably fair; arithmetic, fair; copying on slates from books, fair; writing from dictation—of some fair, of others indifferent; geography, fairly taught; composition, practised. A few of the pupils compose pretty well. Recitation practised; needlework taught three times a week. I consider that this school has been very fairly taught, and that it is likely to make satisfactory progress under the present master, who has lately taken charge. The books in use are too hard; the master told me that he had applied for the simpler books used in the Government schools, which have also the advantage of being illustrated. I would recommend that the position of the desks be altered ; that they be made to face one of the side walls, a sufficient space being left in front. Johnson's map of the Pacific should be obtained. A wooden house, 20 xlO feet, built by the Government, stands near the schoolhouse. In this building I learned that some of the pupils live. It contains no furniture of any kind. The school site is not fenced.

No. >n the Dks. Ave: Atten( •age lance. No.Present at Inspection, February, 1875. Remarks. Sept. Quarter. Dee. Quarter. Sept. Quarter. | Dec. Quarter. Vliareroa (Tauranga) )hiuemutu 11 40 20 40 5 1G 16 25 'e Wairoa (Tarawcra) !,oto-Iti laketu latata V^hakataue )hiwa )potiki (mixed Native School) 82 ;o 25 40 88 28 7 33 41 29 30 77 28 4 23 l(j 15 28 69 15 3 IG 18 10 14 ■1-1 12 1 No return sent in; the present master cannot supply them. No inspection; school closed. Do. do. 11 L6 30 10 There are also ahout 80 European children taught at this school. )marumutu 'e Kaha 32 88 20 15 11 Opened March, 1875. Hee: !EET W. Dis Beajunt, E.M., trict Inspector of Schools.

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Matata (Richmond School), Bth February. 1875: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Creek. —On roll: Boys, 20; girls, IG=36. Present: Boys, 11 j girls, 7=lß. School-house 20 x 30, upright boards. Maps, &c. : World, Europe, Asia, Africa, America, New Zealand. Two black-boards, without easels. Heading and arithmetic cards. Desks, 40 feet, fixtures, close to and facing each side-wall. They are too high, and the writing board was altogether too much sloped. Writing, fair; reading, fair; knowledge of the meaning of what is read, slight; copying on slates from books, fair; writing from dictation, indifferent; geography, knowledge of slight; composition, not practised enough ; recitation, practised ; needlework, taught; neatness, fair. The state of this school cannot be said to be satisfactory. Many of its shortcomings may, however, be laid at the door of the very irregular attendance of the pupils. A time table showing each day's school work should bo prepared. There are no pictures of animals, no pictured reading cards, no ball-frame, and no map of the Pacific in the school. I would recommend that they be supplied. The reading books in use—lrish National, old series—are too hard. The illustrated reading books used in the provincial schools ought, I consider, to be substituted. Chambers's "Introduction to English Composition " should be used. There are no hooks in the porch for the pupils' hats. The school site is not fenced. The dwelling-rooms for the teacher are uncomfortable and too few. It is very objectionable that the desks should be fixtures, and that they should be placed as they are. They ought to bo made moveable, to be lowered and flattened. They should then be arranged in the manner pointed out for the Whareroa School. Whakatane School, 9th February, 1875: Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart and a Native pupil teacher.—On roll: Boys, 32; girls, 23; total, 55. Present: Boys, 24; girls, 21 : total, 45. Schoolroom, 30 x 20. One of the teachers' rooms is also used as a class-room. Maps, &c. : Hemispheres; New Zealand ; small maps of Europo, Asia, Africa, America, England, Ireland, and Scotland. No maps of the Pacific. Blackboard and easel; ball frame. Four desks, 12 feet = 48, enough for about 30 pupils to write at at once. No hooks in porch. Writing (on slates), fair; reading, middling; knowledge of the meaning of what is read, slight; arithmetic of first class, fair; of the rest, middling— should be better grounded; copying from books on slate, fair; writing from dictation, indifferent; geography, fair; composition, not practised —teacher considors the pupils not fit for it; recitations, pretty fair. Discipline might, with advantage, be stricterThe teaching should be more concentrated and thorough. If less were tried, more would be done. As regards reading, a few sentences should be read over and over again each day till the meaning is thoroughly mastered. There were no copybooks in the school; and not enough of slates. This should not be allowed to be. I would suggest that easier reading books (illustrated) be got instead of those in use, and that Chambers's " Introduction to English Composition "be brought in. It is a most useful little book, and will, I think, be found easy enough for most of the scholars. The school hours are from 9to 1 o'clock, with no intermission or but little. I consider this arrangement objectionable. I was informed that it was made necessary by the fact of the school being midway between the two settlements from which the pupils come, and at some distance from them ; so that the children could not go to their homes and return to the school in the middle of the day. lam not quite sure that this is reason good enough. The natives, I believe, have but two meals a day, one in the morning and the other at night. There would not therefore seem to be any very urgent need that the pupils should go home at all at midday. I would recommend that the hours should, if possible, be altered. lam inclined to think that to do it justice a school of this number required to be taught for five hours a day, say from 9 to 12 ; then an interval of one hour; and again from Ito 3. Two or three short intermissions could be given, and the younger children might be let away, some at 12, and others at 2 o'clock. Ohhca School, 10th February, 1875 : Mr. Avent, teacher. —On roll: Boys, 21; girls, 4; total, 25. Present: Boys, 6; girls, 0 ; total, G. Maps, &c.: Europe, Asia, Africa, North Island of New Zealand; black board, ball frame (no easel, no map of World or New Zealand) ; two desks 9 feet 6 inches each Writing, of some pretty good ; of the others, middling. Beading, fair. Knowledge of the meaniDg of what was read, bad. Arithmetic, good. Copying from books or slates, fair. Writing from dictation, fair. Geography, fair (perhaps too much learned by rote). A few would repeat a portion of grammar by rote fluently, but did not understand a word; even if they had understood, it could be of little use to them. The teaching of composition, which had not been practised up to tho time of mv visit, should be introduced, and the grammar left off. The teacher, who appeared very zealous, seemed anxious to give effect to the suggestions I made. The books in use were Nelson's old scries of Headers, and the Irish National Arithmetic. The books I have already recommended might with advantage be substituted. The school is held in a new raupo house, 16 x 14, which is, as I was informed, a great improvement on the structure previously used as a school-house. Omarumutu School, 11th February, 1875: Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, teachers.—On rolls : Boys, 11; girls, 9 ; total, 20. In the previous quarter 32 were on the roll. I was informed that those who were absent would return. Present . Writing, fair, but too small. Eeading, middling. Knowledge of the meaning of what was read, indifferent. Arithmetic, pretty good: notation should be more attended to. Copying from books on slates, fair. Writing from dictation, fair. Geography, pretty good. Composition not yet introduced ; needlework taught. I was told that some of the girls could cut out and make their own clothes. The arrangement of the desks should be altered. They should be made to face one side-wall, at a distance of from 6 to 8 feet, on which the principal maps should hang. The school-room is 30 x2O feet, built of boards set upright. There are four desks, each 12 feet long. The maps, &c, are New Zealand, small map of the World, England, Ireland, Scotland, Europe, Asia, Africa, America; black board and easel ball frame. Tho reading books in use were Nelson's old series ; the Eoyal series should, in my opinion,, be substituted. No pictures or pictured reading cards. The school was short of copy-books; a large map of the World ought to be supplied as soon aa

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possible. I made various suggestions to the master, which he seemed anxious to give effect to. The dwelling rooms of the teachers are very uncomfortable. OpotiM School (Provincial), 12th February, 1875.—1 found that no Native children had attended this school since Christmas. Mahetu School, 16th February, 1875. —On roll: Boys, 11; girls, 9=20. Present: Boys, 6; girls, 6=12. Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Pinker. School-room 30 x2O feet, timber. Desks, 40 feet, ranged along, close to, and facing side walls, a bad arrangement. Maps, &c.: World (2), New Zealand, Palestine, England; ball frame ; a very small black-board and no easel. No pictures or pictured cards of any kind. Writing, careful; reading, of some fair, of others middling. Knowledge of the meaning of what was read, of some fair, of others middling. Arithmetic, pretty good, and middling; copying on slates from books, fair; writing from dictation, middling; geography, middling; composition (English), not hitherto practised; recitation, taught; needlework, taught. Ido not approve of the books in use. It would be well if a black-board with easel, and a map of the Pacific, were supplied to the school. Teaching by rote seems to me to have prevailed too much, hitherto, in this school. Little pains appear to have been taken to make the pupils understand what they repeated or read. The present master has taken charge of the school very lately. I believe he is likely to conduct the school in a satisfactory manner. Ohinemutu School, 18th February, 1875.—0n roll, 41. Present: Boys, 13 ; girls, I=l4. Master, Mr. Cowan. The master of this school was very ill when I visited this district. He, however, instructed one of the bigger boys to get together as many of the pupils as possible. Of those who attended, two could read and write fairly; understood a little of what they read, and had some small knowledge of arithmetic. The rest were mere beginners. In the schoolhouse, which is built of raupo, there were one small black-board, a ball frame, a kind of table, and some boards for seats. There were no maps or other appliances for teaching: there is no dwelling place provided for a teacher. The master had taken charge of the school but a very short time before my visit.

No. 6. Mr. J. H. Campbell, E.M., Waiapu, to the Under Seceetary, Native Department. Sic, — Waiapu, sth March, 1875. I have the honor to report that during the last three weeks I have visited the Native schools at Kawakawa, Waiapu, Tokomaru, and Akuaku. Of the three first named I cannot report as great progress as might have been expected from the very good start they made, and the large attendance of children at the commencement. The attendance, however, has been better since the vacation than it was during; the quarter previous, which the returns of the teachers will show. Those of the scholars who attend with any degree of regularity are making very fair progress, but the want of regularity on the part of the greater number is most discouraging to the teachers, the parents for the most part showing perfect indifference as to whether their children attend or not. The school at Akuaku, on the contrary, exhibits a most favourable and encouraging aspect. The number of scholars keeps steadily up to from 60 to 65, with nearly an equal number of boys and girls. This happy state of things may be accounted for in a great measure by the very superior character of the Natives in that neighbourhood, who are for the most part very intelligent, and who appear fully to appreciate the efforts which Government is making for their good. They force their children to attend school, and any truant on being caught is severely punished. The children are always clean and well-dressed. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, whose method with the children I consider admirable, are much respected, both by parents and children; consequently the progress which is being made in the various branches is surprising. Eeading, writing, spelling, arithmetic (in which they are wonderfully apt), and geography arc the principal studies. With the examinations in these I was so much pleased that I gave to the six best scholars, three boys and three girls, small prizes, as an encouragement to further exertion. I would here recommend the plan of allowing a small amount to be devoted annually to providing prizes, to be given to a few of the most deserving scholars at the annual examination. This would prove an incitement to exertion on the part of the more tardy pupils. I trust that with some exertion the other three schools may ere long be advanced to the same level as that of Akuaku. I have recommended to the teachers that for the purpose of establishing a uniform system of teaching, they should meet together once a year during the vacation. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department. J. H. Campbell, E.M.

No. 7. The Eev. J. W. Stack, Christchurch, to the Hon. the Natiye Ministeb. Sir, — Inspector of Native Schools' Office, Christchurch, 30th December, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that on the 12th November 1 proceeded to Otago to inspect the Native schools in that province. From Dunedin I proceeded overland to the Bluff, but not being able to get over to Euapuke on reasonable terms, I went on to Eiverton. After inspecting the schools there I returned to the Bluff. The wind was so long foul that I began to meditate returning to Dunedin, but fortunately it changed, and 1 was able to get across to the Island in a fishing craft. After inspecting the school I returned to the Bluff; but owing to the want of any means of conveyance to Invercargill, I was delayed there till Monday, and could not proceed northwards till Wednesday. From Balclutha I went to Port Molyneux, but found no Native children attending the school. I then went on to Taieri Ferry. After inspecting the children attending the English school there, I went on to Dunedin, as it was useless going to the Taieri Heads on Saturday, being a school holiday.

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In Dunedin Mr. Newton "Watt kindly furnished me with all the information I required about the schools. On the Monday following I inspected the school at Otago Heads. As there was a steamer leaving the following day I thought it would be less expensive to return by it than overland by coach, although by doing so I missed seeing the children attending the Purakaunui English school; but as Mr. Watt had seen them shortly before it was less necessary for me to do so. I herewith enclose the result of my inspection of the schools in Otago and Canterbury for halfyear ending December 31, 1874. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. James W. Stack. Kaiapoi Native School. Inspected October 1G and 19, 1574. Master, Mr. H. J. Reeves. Present at inspection, 21. School hours, 9to 12 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Schoolroom light, roomy, well ventilated, well furnished. Children clean. Discipline very good. Time table kept. Eegisters carefully kept. Reading. — Ist Class. —No. in class, 3 boys, 2 girls ; total, 5. Book, Third Book of Lessons ; 3 good, 2 fair ; pronunciation good ; text understood ; spelling good. 2nd Class —s boys, 4 girls; total, 9. Book read, Second Book of Lessons; 3 good, G fair. Spelling not good. 3rd Class —4 boys, 3 girls ; total 17. First Eeading Book and Alphabet; 3 fair, 4 imperfect. Geography. —Map of the World and New Zealand: whole school examined together on this subject; 4 good, 5 fair, 12 imperfect. Tables.- —l 4 fair, 7 imperfect. No knowledge of weights and measures. Arithmetic. —Notation, 3 good, 2 fair, 6 imperfect; addition, 4 good, 3 fair, 4 imperfect; subtraction, 8 good, 3 fair; multiplication, 3 good, 5 fair, 3 imperfect; division, 4 good, 3 fair, 5 imperfect. Figures well made ; work neatly set down. Music. —Knowledge of notes limited, but the children have learnt many songs, and sing them very creditably. Recitations. —English poetry, 3 very good, 3 good. Writing. —The writing throughout the school is very good. The penmanship of several of the children remarkably good. Brill. —The proficiency attained in this branch of instruction has had a good effect upon the discipline of the school. Remarks. —The children are intelligent and carefully taught, and their progress on the whole satisfactory. Night School for Adults. —The natives have not attended the school for many months. The excuse at first for staying away was that fees were charged, but since fees were abolished they have not shown any further desire to renew their studies. Eivehton School. Inspected 20th November, 1874. Master, Mr. H. Ireland. Number on roll, 21. Present when inspected :12 girls, 8 boys; total, 20. School hours, 2t04 or 5 p.m. Children, clean. Discipline, imperfect. No time table kept; registers carefully kept. Reading. — Lowest class —4 girls, 2 boys (ages, 4t07) ; total, 6. 3 could spell monosyllables ; 3 learning letters. 3rd Class —4 girls, 1 boy (ages, 7to 12) ; total, 5. There were only two books for the use of this class, one of which was required by the master. 2 read easily words of one syllable; 3 indifferently ; and 2 could only spell the words. 2nd Class —3 girls (ages, 12 to 13) ; 3 boys (ages, 9to 10) ; total, 6. Book read: Eoyal Eeader, No. 2. All read fairly, and afterwards spelt correctly the words of the text read. Ist Class —1 girl (age 14) ; 2 boys (age 15) ; total, 3. Book read: 111. Eoyal Eeader. Eead very well; knew meaning of the text; spelt fairly, and answered easy questions in grammar. Writing. —With 3 exceptions the copybooks were not very creditable ; this is in a great measure owing to the want of everything necessary to neat work—proper desks, forms, inkstands, blotting paper, &c. Dictation. —Only 4 attempted to write easy phrases, and all made mistakes. Arithmetic- —Notation good; addition, 9 in class, 4 correct; subtraction, 9 in class, 6 correct; multiplication, 9in class, 5 correct. One could work compound rules fairly. Tables, all defective. Geography. —3 out of the whole school had a good knowledge of the map of the world, and of New Zealand. The answers given showed that pains had been taken with the first class, but the rest knew little of the subject. Singing. —All sang English hymns fairly, but the master requires to be furnished with more suitable tunes and songs. The present condition of this school is not satisfactory ; but this state of things cannot be fairly attributed to the master, who appears intelligent and painstaking, but rather to the want of proper school apparatus, and to the shortness of the school hours. The school-room is much too small, and is ill ventilated. I suggested to the Natives that the church should be used as a school-room, pending the enlargement and improvement of the present school-room, but to this they objected. If the school is to become efficient, more accommodation must be provided. I was sorry to find that none of the books, &c, ordered by Mr. Commissioner Mackay, after his inspection in March last, had been received. I herewith forward a list of the things most needed. It is essential to the success of the school that the school hours should be altered, and the whole time of the master devoted to the work of instruction; and I have much pleasure in supporting Mr. Mackay's recommendation, that Mr. Ireland be appointed, at a minimum salary of £100. The school hours to be the same as in the provincial schools. 2— G. 2.

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Etjapuke School. Inspected 27th November, 1874. Master, Rev. J. T. H. Wohlers. Number on roll, 9 males, 13 females ; total, 22. Present at inspection, 7 boys, 9 girls ; total, 16. School hours, 9 a.m. to 12; evening, two last hours before dark. School-room light, airy, and well furnished. Children clean. Discipline fair. No time table kept. Eegisters kept carefully. Reading. — Ist class {highest) —5 boys, 3 girls ; total, 8. Eead 11. Eeading Book (Irish Series); 4 well, 4 fairly. The spelling of this class was indifferent. 2nd Glass —l boy, 2 girls ; total, 3. Eead easy words fairly. 3rd Class —3 boys, 3 girls ; total, 6. Eead monosyllables and alphabet. Writing. —lo were writing in copybooks ; 7 forming letters ; 3 rather more advanced. Penmanship inferior; books, dirty. Dictation. —One succeeded in writing half a line, and two others made an attempt; the rest failed altogether. Arithmetic. —Addition, 3 correct. 5 had a fair knowledge of the multiplication table. Weights and measures not learnt. Geography. —First class possessed fair knowledge of the Map of World, and New Zealand. Singing. —Miss Wohlers accompanied the children on the harmonium. They sang several hymns very fairly. JZueninq Class. —Consists of four young women, and a deaf and dumb youth. They were not present at the inspection, but the Eev. Mr. Wohlers informed me that they could all read English. I saw the copybooks, which showed they could write fairly. Poet Molynettx. Visited the school 3rd December, 1874. Found that the Natives had not availed themselves of the privilege of sending their children. In company with the master, Mr. Millar, I visited the Native village, where I was told that there were 17 children in the place, but only 7 are likely to attend school at present. Ihaia Potiki, the father of 9 of the children, while expressing himself pleased with the arrangements made by the Government, seemed to think that the distance (3 miles) would prove an obstacle to regular attendance. Before leaving the Port, I called on the Chairman of the local School Committee, who spoke very kindly of the Natives. With the Natives apparently so anxious to secure education, and the Committee so willing to provide it, I hope on my next visit to find several children attending the school. Taiebi School (Subsidised). Inspected 4th December, 1874. Master, Mr. Murdoch. Native children attending this school— on books, 12. Present at inspection : 2 girls, 3 boys ; total, 5 (all half or three-quarter caste). Reading. —Book No. 4, Eoyal Eeader. 3 read very well. 2 read 3rd Eeading Book fairly. Spelling. —Very fair. Arithmetic. —3 good at notation ; 3 worked addition well; 1 subtraction ; 1 multiplication. Writing. —2 wrote fairly in copybooks; 3 fairly on slates. Geography. —Did not seem to be well up in this subject. Remarks. —Children are well taught, clean, and well-behaved, and seem to be greatly improved by intercourse with Europeans. Being half-castes, no prejudice appears to exist in the minds of the parents of the English children against them. Otago Heads. Inspected December 7th, 1874. Master, Mr. Walker. No. on roll, 33. Present at inspection, 11 boys, 7 girls ; total, 18. School hours same as in provincial schools. School-room low, draughty, and ill-furnished, but tolerably clean. Children clean. Discipline fair. Time-table used, but not up when inspection took place. Eegisters carefully kept. Reading. — Lowest Class 3rd. — 4 boys, 2 girls; total, 6. Book, "Eoyal School Primer"; pronounced letters well; 2 read monosyllables ; 2 knew letters ; 2 imperfectly. 2nd Class. —3 boys, 3 girls; total, 6. Book V. Progressive Series ; 4 good; 2 imperfect. Spelling of this class good, showing care. Arithmetic. —All in this class could work up to long division. Geography. —Answered questions well about Map of the World. Tables. —Multiplication all good ; weights and measures fair; answered simple questions in mental arithmetic. Ist Class. —2 girls; 4 boys ; total, 6. Book, " Progressive Lessons in Eeading;" 6 good; pronunciation good ; spelling good, especially in the case of words of like sound but different meaning. Geography. —3 good ; 3 fair. Grammar.- —3 answered well; 3 fairly. Writing. —15 writing in copybooks ; 5 good, 10 fair ; all wrote well on slates. Mapping. —12 specimens of work were submitted for inspection, all very creditable; 2 very good. Drawing.- —10 specimens : 2 very good. Arithmetic- —2 simple proportion ; 1 vulgar fractions ; 2 compound rules ; 1 long division. History. —Eeign of Queen Victoria: 6 answered questions very fair. Recitations. —English Poetry : 2 very well; 2 fair. Singing. —All the children are taught music from notes. Sang several pieces well. Sewing. —This is taught by Mrs. Walker, and judging from the work shown, she has been most successful. All the girls can do plain sewing, and can crochet and work in wool, and 3 have learnt to knit. The fancy work was beautifully done. Several of the Natives have nice houses, and the children are learning to adorn them with specimens of their own handiwork.

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Kemarks. —The progress of the children attending this school, in all their studies, is very satisfactory. Their answers during the examination showed that they had received careful teaching. The schoolroom is inconvenient, and the furniture rough and incomplete. If the school is to be an efficient civilizing agency, it must be conducted in a place superior to the homes of the children who attend it. It cannot be kept clean and tidy unless the approaches are formed and kept in order. The Otago school requires to be boarded round the piles, to have the chimney altered, and the ground fenced in, and a pathway to the entrance formed. The master's house —which is very uncomfortable—needs a passage through the centre, the front door opening at present into the sitting-room, and causing much discomfort in stormy leather. One of the chimneys requires repairing, and an addition is also required at the back of the house. The roof wants to be made watertight, and the building painted and re-papered—£loo or £120 would probably complete what is needed. Mr. Commissioner Mackay has already recommended these repairs and improvements, and it is due to Mr. and Mrs. Walker, after the zeal they have shown in the discharge of their duties, that their comfort and convenience should be consulted. Night School, Otago Heads. Number attending, 10. Had no opportunity of inspecting the school, as the pupils were absent. Mr. Walker supplied mo with the following information respecting their progress :—A read Progressive Lessons ; 2 read V. Progressive Series ; 4 read V. Book Progressive Series. Arithmetic: 3 compound proportion ; 1 practice ; 2 compound rules ; 4 simple division. Writing, fair. By Authority : Gbokge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7s.