G.—2a

16

appeared to be well instructed in needlework. The school-house was clean. The school has no diagrams, or pictured reading cards. The double formation of desks is objectionable. I was informed that the attendance is injuriously affected by the want of buildings in the neighbourhood of the school for the pupils to live in. Teachers, 2 : Master and mistress. Alexandra School, 25th June, 1875. —Three Native boys and one girl attend the Alexandra District School (European). They are acquiring a knowledge of English from mixing with the European children at school and joining in their sports, besides deriving evident advantages in other respects. I found that the master was making no effort to teach these children English, but was teaching them Maori instead. I pointed out to him that the main object aimed at in sending them to the school was, that they should learn the English language, and directed him to give them systematic instruction in it for the future. Tolaqo Bat/ Native School {East Coast), sth May, 1875.—0n roll, 21; present, 10. "Maps, &c.: World, New Zealand, British Isles, Australasia ; diagrams explanatory of geographical terms, royal wall cards, black-board, ball-frame. Writing, fair; reading, fair; apprehension of the meaning of what was read, very fair; transcribing from books, fair; arithmetic, pretty good; geography, fair; composition (English) and recitation practised. Needlework appears to be well taught; the girls, I was informed, make their own clothes. School-house: The school-room is 26 x 18, on the whole a suitable room, but wants a fireplace. The master's rooms, which are attached to the school-room, require a verandah or porch. I consider that this school is taught in a satisfactory manner. The master has considerable aptitude for teaching, and appears to have taken great pains with his pupils. Many more pupils would attend, I was informed, if huts for their accommodation were built in the neighbourhood of the school. It is desirable, I think, that the attendance of Native Children at this school should be encouraged and facilitated as much as possible. Teachers, 2 : Master and mistress. The Under Secretary, Native Department. E. J. O'Stjlhtan. Bj Authority: Gbobge Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lß7s. Price 9d.~\