G.—B

16

might be introduced with advantage, and for that purpose that a graduated standard should be drawn up, of three or more gradations, the divisions to be arranged according to the length of attendance at school, a sufficient time being allowed for the acquisition of a knowledge of English before a scholar is expected to pass the first one. It would be advisable also, as a means of infusing a spirit of emulation amongst the pupils, that a system of marks and rewards should be made a part of the plan; and as energy and perseverance are the two essential elements of success in life, the highest reward should be given for diligence and punctuality of attendance, in preference to mere proficiency, as the power of applying steadily day after day to one occupation is the hardest lesson of all to learn. I append a general return of the schools in the South Island. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Native Department, Alexander Mackay, Wellington. Commissioner.

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. APPENDIX A. Ruapuke School. This school was opened under Mr. Henri, in July, 1868, and continued under his charge until October, 1869. The Rev. J. T. H. "Wohlers took charge of it in October, 1869, assisted by his wife and daughter—Mrs. Wohlers teaching needlework, and Miss Wohlers singing. The hours of instruction are five hours daily, viz., from 9 to 12 in the morning, and the two hours before dusk in the evening. The small children do not attend the evening school, and adults seldom attend in the morning. There are five school-days in the week, Saturday being a holiday. The greatest number of pupils on the roll since the school was opened was in 1870, when there were 22 males and 21 females : total, 43. The greatest attendance was in April, 1870: Males, 20; females, 18 : total, 38. The least attendance was in 1869 : Males, 3 ; females, 5 : total, 8. The average number attending regularly is about 12 males and 12 females : total, 24. Of all the pupils that have been on the books since the opening of the school, there may be reckoned about 25 males and 31 females (total, 56) as regular attendants, and 30 males and 9 females (total, 39) as nonregular. Also, the regular attendants are sometimes away from the island for weeks. The number of pupils on the books since the opening of the school is as follows:— Males. Females. Total. Maori .. .. .. .. .. 25 15 40 Half-castes and Mixed blood .. .. 30 25 55 Totals .. .. 55 40 95 The reason that there are more males than females on the books is that sometimes young men from other places come to Ruapuke to attend the school for a time. A few who attended only for a few days have not been reckoned. The greatest age of any pupil is 40 years. The few pupils of advanced ages have, when children or still young, been taught in the Mission School, and are therefore still desirous of improving their understanding. The least age is about 4 years. The appearance of the children is lively, and they are of middling intellect. The pupils are not unhealthy, but they are not so healthy as European children, and they are also a little thinner than the latter. They are not so easy to keep in order as it would be with a like number of European children. The Maori parents let their children do as they like at home, and do not correct them. These children, not being used to exert their thinking powers, soon get tired, and then thei'' attention flags. Some of the young men who have gained experience in working with Europeans as sailors and boatmen, or in other occupations, generally have the good sense to behave well in school, and to be attentive; but the grown-up girls give a great deal of trouble. They are inattentive, and given to talking, and one cannot chastise them like children. The attendance is regular when the pupils are at home on the island. The young men cannot attend regularly, because their occupation often carries them away for lengthened periods. Children also are often away from the island with their parents visiting, and Native visits are often very long. They all wear European clothes. The young grown-up persons wash themselves and dress for school of their own accord. The parents also try to send their children clean and tidy, but boys will sometimes tear and soil their clothes. The parents, who when children themselves, attended the Mission School, and got used to school discipline and a little English reading, manifest great interest in the progress of their children, but such parents as have not had that advantage themselves, are rather indifferent. The female pupils are taught needlework and the making and mending of their own clothes. The Committee do not interest themselves much in the progress of the school. The members of it belong mostly to the old class, who cannot appreciate instruction. The Committee consist of John Topi (chairman), Isaiah Waitiri, George Te Rauparaha, and the Rev. J. T. H. Wohlers (secretary). The rate of payment per quarter is £1 for each average attendant. This is directly paid by the Government. The portion contributed by the Natives goes in an indirect way to the