G.—2a,

1875. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE SCHOOLS. (FURTHER REPORTS OF INSPECTING OFFICERS.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Under Seceetaet, Native Department, to Inspecting Officees of Native Schools. (Circular No. 2.) Sib,— ' , Native Office, Wellington, 23rd April, 1875. It is the wish of the Hon. the Native Minister to furnish the General Assembly each session with the most comprehensive and interesting information that can be given respecting the progress or otherwise of the various schools established under " The Native Schools Act, 1867." I have therefore to request that you will forward to this office, on or before the 30th May proximo, a general report upon them, in order that it may be printed in time for the ensuing session of the Assembly. I have, &c, H. T. Clabke, Under Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. W. B. White, E.M., Mongonui, to the Under Seceetaey, Native Department. Snt, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, 22nd May, 1875. I have the honor to report that the school at Parengarenga is at present closed, in consequence of the determined opposition of the residents to the schoolmaster, Mr. Williamson. On my visit to Parengarenga in March last, I had a meeting with the people, and a thorough investigation into the cause of failure. I found that the minds of the Natives had been seriously influenced against the teacher. Various charges were brought against him, but nothing but a strong prejudice on tho part of the parents and children could be clearly established. Under the circumstances I deemed it right to discharge Mr. Williamson and close the school until a new master could be procured. I informed the meeting, there would be serious difficulty in getting another teacher to come to so distant a place, with the example before them of the failure, principally arising from their own prejudices. I was afterwards told by Hemi Taitimu, the Assessor, a chief there, that the people wished to return tho amount advanced by Government, £85, towards building the school and church, so that a school might be built at a place called Te Kao. I fear from what has transpired that the people are not sufficiently impressed with the importance of educating their children to make any sacrifice for them in that direction. At Ahipara, I regret to say, no improvement has taken place in the feeling of the people towards the teacher, Major Wood. At a meeting held some time ago to inquire into the cause, I found that much of the blame rested with tho parents. They had been much pampered and indulged by the late Mr. J. Masters. His brother, C. M. Masters, of Pukepoto School, had a rooted impression that the success of neighbouring schools would militate against the' interest or existence of his own, and amongst them a series of flying rumours which I could not get at the truth of, but which eifectually encouraged the people in indulging in their bad feeling against the teacher. But they promised me to give him a fair trial, which they have not done. I must therefore earnestly recommend Major Wood to be removed from Ahipara to some other school. He is anxious to return to llotorua. I must impress upon your attention that Major Wood has been in no manner to blame in the matter, but solely the parents. The children, lam given to understand, are anxious to go to school, but are prevented by their parents. It will be seen the average daily attendance during the quarter ended 31st March was 16, at a place where it should have been 60. Under the circumstances I cannot recommend the erection of a teacher's house—much required if a school is to be kept on. I can only hope that a change of masters may effect some improvement. Pukepoto School. —The daily average attendance is 41'8. Mr. C. M. Masters is a zealous teacher, and has been very successful; but he is, unfortunately, jealous and suspicious, incautious in his remarks to the Natives, and I believe this has operated injuriously to other schools. It is very I—G. 2a.