73

E—l

I was struck with the more correct pronunciation of the English language by the Pupils of this School; great pains had evidently been taken by Mr. Eeid in this particular as in all others, and his success has been proportionate; but to the other advantages enjoyed by the School must be added this very important one of having in its Conductor not only an able Scholar and Clergymen but a trained Schoolmaster, and I should regret that, notwithstanding all the inducements which the Institution holds out, a difficulty exists in keeping up a corresponding number of Scholars, but that I have heard lately Mr. Reid is about to take charge of Mr. Buttles Station on the Waipa, where I trust his talents will be still more fully employed in a large Native District. School Buildings. These appeared to me so good as to leave nothing to be desired. Dormitories. The Dormitories for both Girls and Boys are excellent. Hospital. A good Hospital has been established, being the only one I have met with. School Furniture. The School furniture also is excellent, a few presses were required but were already in preparation. Food. The Food consists of oatmeal porridge (with milk occasionally) for breakfast, rice and vegetables, and a small amount of animal food for dinner, and flour porridge for supper. Clothing. Their clothing consists of two suits each of blue serge shirts, striped linen shirts, moleskin trousers, guernsey frock and comforter for the Boys. Three complete suits for the Girls, including a Sunday suit. Bedding. For Bedding they have straw mattrasses on iron bedsteads, coverlid and blanket for the Boys, the latter generally found by themselves, and similar bedding for the Girls. Cooking Utensils. The Cooking and other utensils of all kinds are good and sufficient for personal cleanliness; the arrangement is excellent, long troughs being provided in a covered verandah with the means of letting on the water and allowing it to escape as required. Hours of Instruction. The hours of Instruction appear similar to those of the other Schools. Industrial Occupations. The Industrial occupations are apparently very well attended to, and comprise Ploughing, Carting, Fencing, Shepherding, Sheep-shearing, Carpentering, &c, for the Boys, and plain work, Laundry work, making the Boys' clothing, Dress making, Knitting, Netting, &c, for the Girls. The whole duties of the Institution are conducted by the Principal, who receives a Salary of £100 a year, an Assistant Master with £97 10;., and a Governess with £80 a year. The School Estate consists of 240 acres on the Manukau Harbour, producing no advantage to the School but Firewood; 2GO acres of unenclosed swamp land near the Three Kings, and about 230 acre:; about the School, chiefly under grass and in cultivation. On this last there is a small flock of sheep, and a few Cattle and Horses, and it is tolerably supplied with Farm implements. It will be seen by the annexed* paper, A, that the Government have contributed during the past year £13 Is. Bd. each for 81 pupils, and that the Missionary Society and the parents of some Children have also contributed liberally to their support, and that the School Estate has afforded a small balance over its expenses. W. 11. Russell, Brevet Lieut.-Colonel, 58th Regfcj * See p. 19 ante. (List of Scholars also annexed.)