G.—B

10

I append hereto a tabular return showing, in respect to each school, the number present at my visits, the number on the books, and the average attendance during the period since these schools were placed under my inspection. In reference to this return, it is perhaps necessary to point out that my last inspection was made during bad weather in the winter, and that the wet season must necessarily affect the attendance. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, R.M., District Inspector of Native Schools. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington.

RETURN showing the ATTENDANCE at the NATIVE SCHOOLS in the BAY OF PLENTY and LAKE DISTRICTS.

No. 8. Captain Porter, Chairman Tologa Bay School Committee, to the Resident Magistrate, Gisborne. Sir, — Gisborne, 12th June, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that I have inspected the Tologa Bay School, and found the progress of the school very satisfactory. The system of tuition used in the Tologa Bay and Waipu Schools appears superior to others in the district, as the children are cleanly, and attentive to their lessons, and show evidence of marked progress in their studies. I have, &c, T. W. Porter, Dr. Nesbitt, R.M., Gisborne. Chairman Tologa Bay School Committee. ■

No. 9. Mr. Alex. Mackay to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Reserves Office, Nelson, Ist July, 1874. I have the honor to submit herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, a report on the result of my visits to the several Native Schools in the South Island, made in compliance with the instructions contained in your letter (No. 75) of 2nd February, 1874. There are four purely Native Schools in operation in the South—one at Riverton, established in 1868; one at Ruapuke, in the same year; one at Otago Heads, opened in 1869; and one at Kaiapoi, in 1863. Besides these, there are three District schools at present receiving aid from the Government. At the northern end of the Island three schools have been built during the past year —one at Arahura, on the West Coast; one at Wakapuaka, to the north of Nelson; and one at the Wairau, in Marlborough. The latter is the only one yet in operation. The opening of the others is delayed for want of masters. * Te Wairoa School was not in operation at the date of either of my inspections. The school has been open, but is closed, I understand, owing to the illness of the teacher. No returns have been forwarded to me from this school. The attendance is filled in from a verbal statement made to me by the teacher, and the numbers are only approximate.

Number when ■ by Ins] Present risited sector. Num.1 ler on the looks. Averagi Daily Atti mdance. Name of School. December, 1873. June, 1874. December, 1873. March, 1874. June, 1874. December, 1873. March, 1874. June, 1874. Opotiki... Omarumutu Ohiwa ... Whakatane Matata ... Maketu 1 26 13 45 23 20 9 18 7 19 12 52 27 15 15 1 63 25 73 25 29 15 29 9 40 28 8!! 32 57 35 37 30 49 9 32 25 88 40 28 38 37 30 54 1 47 14 33 16 18 14 13 20 7 21 18 51 17 3S 15 2G 20 34 a B -3 O 4* O ft -a-a O GO B s a Whareroa (Tauranga)... Rotoiti re "Wairoa* Ohinemutu None 22 23 Not open Not open Totals 177 170 260 400 381 176 247