9

G.—2a

Enclosure in No. 9. Mr. Nickless, Teacher, to Mr. R. W. "Woon, E.M. Sie, — Native School, Parikino, 2Gth May, 1875. In presenting the pupils of this school to you for examination, I would draw your notice to the work I have been doing in the school during the time it has been opened. The school which was opened for the first time on the 19th October, 1874, with 10 scholars, has increased gradually to 22, the number at present on the books. The children now attending the school, with the exception of two (Alick Horoko and Walter Williams), had no knowledge of English letters, and only one or two of the elder ones but a slight knowledge of reading and writing their own language. I began by teaching the alphabet, both in printed and script forms, but after a short time I found this but little assistance to me in teaching reading, owing to the varied sounds we have in English. I have since adopted the "analytic or look and say method," and find the children make more rapid improvement than by the old system. They gradually acquire a knowledge of the names of the letters and their script forms, by transcription and class work. With arithmetic I found less difficulty, for most of the children had some knowledge of the names of the English numbers, at least to about 20. lam only at present able to exercise them mechanically. I hope shortly to be able to put the rules they learn in a practical form. I have not attempted much as yet in geography or other subjects, owing to the inability of the children to pronounce the English words, but purpose to do so in a short time. < Trusting the pupils will satisfy you, that the object for which the school was established is being carried out, I have, &c, Henet W. Nickless, The Chairman of the Parikino District School Committee. Master.

No. 10. Mr. Nickless, Teacher, to Mr. E. W. Woon, E.M. Sib, — Native School, Parikino, 2lst June, 1875. In presenting the first annual report of this school, it must in a great measure be a recapitulation of the quarterly reports already sent in; but I will give, in as short a space as possible, an account of the work carried on here. I took charge of this school when first opened, upon the 19th October, 1874, with an attendance of 10: this has gradually increased to 27, the number at present upon the books. At first I found great difficulty in procuring a regular attendance ; but I have now been enabled to get the parents to consent that a child shall not stay away without my permission, and unless some good reason is assigned, Ido not give them leave to be absent, except the weather be very wet. This rule is very seldom broken. Upon the first opening of the school the hours were from 9to 12 a.m., and Ito 3 p.m. This I found did not answer, as the one hour at dinner was too short; so I altered it to 1.30 to 3.30 p.m. The hours for the winter months are as f0110w:—9.30 to 12 a.m., and 1.30 to 3.30 p.m. I have great pleasure in reporting that the general deportment of the children has much improved, both with regard to their dress and behaviour. I insist upon the children coming to school well washed and with clean and tidy clothes, and I find that by maintaining a high state of discipline, and making the children understand that the rules I make must be strictly carried out (and my authority being upheld by the parents), they never think of disobeying; and, in consequence, by a firm but mild rule, I have been enabled to conduct the business of the school without in one instance having had to resort to corporal punishment. I am quite satisfied myself with the progress the children have made, considering it was quite raw material I had to deal with ; but with the exception of the elements of reading, writing, and arithmetic, I have attempted little else as yet. Besides the work connected with the school, I try, as far as I am able, to improve the tone of the Natives generally. When first I came here no regular religious services had been held for some years. I got the Natives together and organized two services for the Sunday : that in the morning in Maori, conducted by the district chief, Hakaraia Korako ; and one in the afternoon or evening by myself in English; and having two or three boys who can read very fairly, besides my wife, we get on very well. The Maori service is generally very well attended; the English mostly by the school children, who are beginning to pick up a good many of the responses. * My wife instructs the girls who attend the school, and also any of the women who come to her, in sewing, knitting, starching, ironing, bread-making, and any other useful domestic work she may think useful. I have also introduced singing into the school, which has succeeded beyond my expectations, and we should get on much better if we could obtain a small harmonium.f In conclusion, I am sure the Natives now see the advantage and necessity of educating the rising generation, and I think they will do their best to support the present system of schools. I nave, &c, Heney W. Nickless, Mr. E. W. "Woon, E.M. Master of above School. * Very satisfactory. + I would again recommend one being supplied.—E. W. W. 2—G. 2a.