G.— 2a.

10

No. 11. Mr. J. H. Campbell, R.M., Waiapu, to the Under Seceetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Waiapu, 26th May, 1875. I have the honor to submit the following report on the present state of the Native schools in this district. They are four in number—viz., Kawakawa, Waiapu, Akuaku, and Tokomaru. Ist. The school at Kawakawa, Mr. J. C. Eeid teacher, which was opened in the month of October, 1874, showed, for the first two or three months, a very fair attendance of scholars, averaging about 40, being an equal number of boys and girls, which number gradually fell off to 20 during the summer and autumn. The attendance has of late improved, and on my last visit I was satisfied with the progress made by those of the scholars who had attended with any degree of regularity. The teacher complained that the parents appear to exercise no control over their children; consequently, they attend, or not, just as they please. I find this to be very generally the case. 2nd. The Waiapu School: Mr. arrti Mrs. Hay, teachers.—This school was opened in March, 1874, and, like the former, commenced with a very large number of scholars, there being for some months an average attendance of 55, two-thirds boys and one-third girls. This number, however, gradually fell off to little more than one-third, the parents appearing perfectly indifferent. One reason which was given for their non-attendance was the want of food and clothing ; these they appeared to expect were to be supplied by the Government. This excuse there was no ground for, as there is no deficiency of food ; and, in the present prosperous state of the district, clothing can easily be provided. Food, clothing, and money are always forthcoming on the occasion of any gathering. 3rd. The Akuaku School: Mr. and Mrs. Brown, teachers.—This school, which was opened in July, 1874, has since its commencement presented a striking contrast to the former two. There has been a regular attendance of not less than 50 scholars, with an equal number of boys and girls. The progress made on my last two visits was really surprising, considering the short time the school has been open. In writing, reading, arithmetic, and geography, a number of the scholars, both boys and girls, were well advanced. The children are all clean and well dressed. Great credit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Brown for the admirable manner in which their school is conducted. The ultimate success of these schools must depend largely on the character, experience, and method of teaching of the masters. 4th. The Tokomaru School : Mr. and Mrs. Warner, teachers. —This school, like those of Kawakawa and Waiapu, has been for some months in a very backward state owing to the irregular attendance. The leading chief of that part of the district, who was one of the first to make the request for a school, and who professed to take, at first, a great interest in it, has been from various causes very much absent from home during the last year. He has lately returned, and the attendance has improved within the last few weeks. There has been a daily average of 40 scholars, and it is to be hoped that a greater interest will be shown for the future, as the parents are brought fully to appreciate the great benefit conferred at so little cost to themselves by the Government. As an inducement to more regular attendance and a closer attention to study, I would recommend two things. First, that some means of recreation should be provided to induce the scholars to remain during the two hours between morning and afternoon school. Secondly, that a small amount should be placed annually in the hands of the Resident Magistrate, or any other visitor who may be appointed, for the purpose of procuring suitable prizes to be given at each half-yearly examination to the most deserving scholar in the various branches of study. This would create a spirit of emulation, and render the school in every way more attractive. This I represented in a previous report. Most of the books hitherto supplied I consider too advanced for present use. I append a memorandum by Mr. O'Sullivan, who visited the Tokomaru School since my last visit a few weeks ago ; also, a communication which I have just received from Mr. Warner, the subject of which I recommend for approval. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. J. H. Campbell, E.M.

Enclosure in No. 11. Mr. Wabnee to Mr. J. H. Campbell, JEJ.M. Sib, — School House, Tokomaru, 18th May, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that Mr. O'Sullivan, School Inspector, of Auckland, came down from Poverty Bay on the Gth instant, for the purpose of examining the scholars. Unfortunately, there were only four boys at school at the time, both boys and girls being occupied in the kumara grounds ; there has been better attendance since. The week after his visit there were 152 attendances during the week. I beg to enclose copy of memorandum left by Mr. O'Sullivan to be forwarded through you to the Government. He expressed his opinion that the books in use are not at all suitable, most of them being too far advanced; also, the writing-desks require lowering, and the top used for writing made much flatter. He also remarked the absence of water-closets, both for ourselves and also for the school; and the necessity of a stove, and some kind of amusement to render the school more attractive. I mentioned that I had suggested a magic-lantern for the school, which he approved of; and I had reason to believe the Government intended sending a swing and horizontal bar, &c, for gymnastic purposes ; in fact, it was suggested by Mr. Gill at the time of his visit. I have seen Ryland, the carpenter, who is willing to do the necessary work provided the materials are supplied, which I have no doubt could be procured at Poverty Bay and landed by one of the coasters.