Pi-No.

PAPERS RELATING TO NATIVE SCHOOLS.

8

generally to authorize such action as may carry out the intentions of the donors, and turn the endowments to the most profitable account. With such aid I feel satisfied that the provision already made for Native education will be found sufficient for the purpose. I have &c, A. H. EITSSELL.

No. 3. The Inspectob oe Schools to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Sic,— Napier, 20th December, 1871. With reference to the several applications addressed to the Government by Natives for the establishment of schools, (some of them in remote districts) I beg to submit for your consideration that it is desirable to obtain from tho Colonial Architect a simple plan and elevation for a school house, containing under the same roof two rooms for the master, and a schoolroom to accommodate say forty scholars, which I presume will be as high an average as we can expect. Provided with such a plan and estimate, which would prevent tho construction of more costly and less suitable buildings, I might arrange with the Trustees and school Committees for the immediate erection of the necessary buildings by such mechanics as the neighbourhood might afford. As regards school books, Sue., I find a certain number may be obtained in Napier at the Herald office, at prices which the proprietors assure me shall be as low as they can be imported for from England. I conceive we should provide for the establishment during the present summer of at least twenty schools, averaging forty scholars each. I think it not unlikely that many more will be applied for, but even for twenty schools something like the following list will be required. 1,000 first reading books, 4,000 copy books, 1,000 copy slips, 1,000 slates, 40 copies of Cornwell's, or other approved geography, 40 large maps of the world, 40 copies of arithmetic, 100 quires of ruled foolscap, 100 quires plain foolscap, 100 quires common note paper, 40 cards multiplication and other tables, 40 cards spelling, 40 rulers, 40 dozen common lead pencils, 100 boxes steel pens, slate pencils &c, Sue., &c. The cost of the above would probably be from £100 to £200. Some of them could be obtained here as I have said. I understood from Mr. Clarke (Civil Commissioner), that Sir William Martin, would probably assist us with advice as to books, &c, and that a good supply could also be probably obtained from Dunedin. I would suggest that after the first supply the parents should be required to replace any books, &c, lost or destroyed by the scholars, not only for economy's sake, but to promote careful habits amongst the children. I find there are already applications for more than twenty schools, and I propose to visit, and, if possible, set schools in motion at the following places, and in the order named in as far as it may be practicable: —Pakowhai, Omahu, Waimarama, Mohaka, Tttranga-nui, Waiapu, Opotiki, Whakatane, Maketu, Eoto-iti, Tauranga, Pukarahui, Mangakahia, Bay of Islands, Kaitaia, Mangonui, Hokianga, Kaipara, &c. The chief difficulty I apprehend will be in finding suitable masters, but as the instruction for tho first year or two must of necessity be of the most elementary character, I do not imagine that great sholarship will be so indispensable as good moral character, common sense, and patient kindness. I would suggest that as the master will be provided with a house and sufficient land for his own use, with ample time to cultivate it, the salary should not exceed £100 a-year, and that the appointment should be probationary. Also, that the action of the Government should be confined, as far as possible, to assisting the Natives in their own efforts to educate their children, for instance, a school committee being formed and their chairman elected, that they should appoint the master, subject to the approval of the Government, —be responsible for the due payment of his salary (tho chairman receiving the Government contribution in such manner as might be arranged, and handing it over to the master). The chairman and committee also being responsible for the proper erection and maintenance of the school buildings, receiving the Government contribution (as before said), and handing it over to the builder. The chairman and committee also being responsible for the good conduct of the master, the due performance of his duties, aud (in support of the master) for the regular attendance of the scholars, their cleanliness, orderly, and moral conduct, Ac. The school machinery would thus be carried on by the simple agency of tho school committee, and the master, being appointed and paid by them, would work harmoniously with the committee, whilst the action of the Government would be confined: — Ist. To the approval of the site —school-house, —endowment, (if any) —of the master nominated by the committee, and of rules for the attendance of scholars and government of the schools. 2nd. To furnishing such amount of funds towards the erection of schoolhouse, the purchase of school furniture, books, Soe., the contribution towards the masters salary, &c , as might in each case be decided upon. 3rd. The periodical inspection, including examination of scholars enquiry into management, audit of accounts, &c. 4th. A report by Inspector upon every school receiving aid from Government. With reference to endowments, I have lately in the absence, at Auckland, of tho Bishop of Waiapu, to whom your letter of the Ist April, 1871, was addressed, visited the Eev. Samuel Williams, at Te Aute, and learnt from him, that he had, subsequently to the date of that letter, had personal communication with you, and that he does not at present desire assistance from the Government under tho provisions of the Native Schools Acts, tho funds now at his disposal being sufficient to erect the new buildings now in progress, and to maintain a master and a limited number of scholars. I fear, liowever, that if we are as successful in establishing village schools as seems likely, the Natives will