P.—No. 5,

PAPERS RELATING TO NATIVE SCHOOLS.

19

No. 18. The Inspectoe of Schools to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Moorland's, Napier, Sib, — Bth January, 1872, The accompanying letter from the Resident Magistrate of Poverty Bay, with its enclosure from the Bishop of Waiapu, has re-called my attention to the debates in the Legislative Council last Session, upon the Religious, Educational, and Charitable Endowments Bill, when a Committee was appointed upon my motion to investigate the subject. But, after several long discussions, it was found so impossible to mould the Bill introduced by the Hon. Mr. Sewell (compiled from an English Act, not suitable to the circumstances of this Colony) into a form in which it would be likely to pass, that it was tacitly allowed to lapse. But I already find, without going beyond this Province, that considerable dissatisfaction exists as to the administration of the lands which have been granted by the Natives to Trustees for the education of Native and half-caste children. These lands appear to have been given very liberally, and if well administered, would be a most valuable supplement to the provision made by the General Assembly for Native education. For instance, the endowment spoken of in Dr. Nesbitt's letter might, I have little doubt, be made to bear half the cost of school buildings, and half the salaries of masters for the two schools which the Natives are anxious to establish, and in a year or two should be sufficient to bear the whole cost. In other parts of the Island, also, there are very valuable endowments which only require looking after In the very valuable "Third Eeport" of the Commissioners appointed on tho 3rd February, 1869, to investigate this subject, I find the following recommendation (Page 4.) : —" With respect to all the above Estates and Institutions, as well as to the few which have been attended with success, the Commissioners recommend that a Commissioner should be appointed, to whom all Trustees should in the month of April in every year furnish reports, showing the condition of the trusts and the degree in which the objects for which they were created are being effected, together with a balance-sheet, showing all the receipts and expenditure, asssets and liabilities, connected with the Trusts during the previous year • such Commissioner to cause the accounts to be audited, and to send in a Eeport annually, in time for presentation to both Houses of Legislature." I believe that if you thought it desirable to carry out this recommendation of the Commissioners, much good might be effected before the next meeting of the Assembly ; and as I believe I could, whilst visiting the several localities, and enquiring into school management, also enquire into the management of those endowments, and encourage the Trustees to turn them to account, I beg to offer my services if you think they could be beneficially employed. I have, Sec., A. H. Russell.

Enclosure in No. 18. The Eesident Magisteate, Poverty Bay to the Inspectoe of Schools. Sib,— Gisborne, 15th December, 1871. Having ascertained from the enclosed letter, dated Napier, 12th December, from Mr Locke, that communications relative to Native Schools are in the future to be made to you, I have the honor to state that the Committees of Management of the Native schools in this district are under the impression that it is not necessary that a collection should be made by the Natives for the purpose of building school houses. They think that the school endowment is so valuable, and so immediately available, that the Government would be justified in commencing the work at once, having such ample security for the repayment of any expenses they may incur in the first instance. I may add that the Natives are very anxious that the school-houses should be commenced at once ; and I fear that the necessity for collecting any large sum for that purpose now would lead to considerable delay. The land for both school-houses has already been allotted by the Committees, and we only await the authority of the Government to commence operations. Will you be good enough to favor the Committees with your decision on the matter as soon as convenient. I think you have in your possession all the information at present obtainable here. I have See., W. K. Nesbitt, R.M., Member of Gisborne Native School Committee.

Sub-Enclosure 1 in No. 18. S. Locke, Esq., Napier, to the Eesident Magisteate, Poverty Bay. Sic, — Napier, 12th December, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd October, in reply to mine of the 31st August, with memorandum by the Bishop of Waiapu enclosed, having reference to the erection of Maori Schools in Poverty Bay, under " The Native Schools Act, 1867," and " Amendment Act, 1871." I observe that a committee of management has been formed in accordance with the Acts above referred to, but before any arrangement can be finally arrived at it will be necessary for the Committee