9

11.—35

self-restraint and propriety of demeanour. It must be remembered that no time should be lost in taking steps to reorganize the school. Whatever plan may be devised it is essential that it should be given effect to at once. The Girls' High School will, at Christmas, have hardly any teachers at all, for they have nearly all resigned, in consequence of some anonymous letters in the newspapers. There will be no Lady Principal, Mrs. Burn having obtained leave of absence, absolutely necessary on account of her health; while the Rector's engagement ceases in April next. Another important matter for consideration, and one which requires an early decision, relates to the site of the Boys' High School. It is very desirable that this portion of the High School should be removed to a more suitable site, with sufficient land surrounding it to allow of a proper playground being laid out. It has already been said that this removal is very essential to the well-being of the Boys' School itself, but it is almost if not quite as important to the proper conduct of the Girls' School. It is hardly within our province to point out a site, but we may state that we have heard it suggested that the ground now occupied for the purposes of the Lunatic Asylum will soon be available, owing to the removal of that institution, and that that site would fulfil every requirement. In concluding this report, we think it due to the authorities of the school to express our opinion that the defects which we have pointed out, as well as the unpleasant state of affairs which has arisen, are to be attributed not so much to shortcomings in individuals as to faults inherent in the system. Any defects in discipline are probably due (where the great bulk of the scholars are day scholars) rather to influences outside the school than to any bad management in the school itself, which makes it more imperative that the internal conduct of the school —its social amenities and its general tone— should be matters of grave consideration for those intrusted with its charge. Witness our hands this 3rd day of November, 1877. Heney John Tanceed, ") W. Feasee, \ Commissioners. Waltee H. Peabson, J By Authority: Geobgb Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1877. Price 9d.] 2—H. 35.