H.—7.

Book-keeping. —In this subject the Examiners have almost invariably found that the papers have betrayed an utter unacquaintance with even the rudiments of Book-keeping by double entry, while it has also appeared that the deficiencies were attributable to the imperfect manner in which the subject is taught in schools. In fact, the Examiners have so often been pained by seeing that candidates suffered through the want of practical knowledge on the part of their teachers, that they have almost resolved to advise the removal of the subject from tho list, and although this has not been done, they still think that candidates would do well not to take it up as one of the optional subjects in the senior division. Examinations. During the year examinations have been held at the following places :—Auckland, Thames, New Plymouth, Napier, Wanganui, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, Greymouth, Hokitika, Christclmreh, Timaru, Dunedin, Queenstown, and Invercargill. The papers are prepared by the Board of Examiners, and forwarded in sealed envelopes to responsible officers 'of the Government at the various places, who act as supervisors, open the envelopes at the appointed times, distribute the papers of questions, see that the instructions of the Board are strictly -carried out, and return the candidates' papers to the Board, who determine the result. Begulations and Bulks. The regulations prescribed by His Excellency the Governor, under the "Civil Service Act, 1866," for the guidance of the Board, remain unaltered. The Board have found it necessary to amend the rules which they have power to prescribe. The amended rules will come into force on the Ist January, 1879 —after the December, 1878, examination. Under these rules the Board have taken the power to prescribe from time to time the portion of each Latin author in which candidates can make choice to be examined. For the June and December examinations, 1879, they will be : — Sallust. —Catiline. Cassar. —De Bello Gallico, Books I. and 11. Cicero.—Orationes in Catilinam, I. and 11. Ovid. —Fasti. Virgil. —^Eneid, Books I. and 11. Horace. —Odes, Books I. and 11. The remaining rules require no explanation. Copies of the Begulations and Rules, form of application, instructions to Supervisors, and instructions to Candidates are attached.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.

£ s. (i. £ b. a. Voted by Parliament ... ... ... 200 0 0 Advertising ... ... ... ... 3 9 S Examination fees and fees for certificates ... 54 10 6 Attendance of members of Board, not being a member of the Civil Service ... 25 0 0 Books ... ... ... ... ... 3 6 t> Preparation and revision of papers... ... SO 10 0 Supervision and expenses of rooms, furniture, stationery, &c. ... ... ... 131 0 4 £243 6 6 Balance unexpended ... ... ... 11 i o £25i 10 li £254 10 C I have, <fec, G. S. Cooper, Chairman.

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