5

E.—B.

expected. Shaded drawing from the " round " cannot be prosecuted with satisfaction either to teachers or pupils, because of the unsuitability of the building. Fancy-toork. —The girls have turned out some really creditable work in leather, wool, and wax, while several have excelled in lace-making. Drill, —The drill instructor reports very favourably regarding the progress which has been made throughout the year. Piano. —The yearly average of pupils for the piano has been 61. Singing. —The class (optional) for singing has been very popular. Examination. —The Board of Education thought it wise to discontinue the system of competitive examinations, and awarded certificates to those girls whose work throughout the year, tested orally and on paper, showed a percentage of 50 at least. Miss Harrison, who had been assisting me for upwards of two years, was compelled to retire at the end of the second quarter, her health not being equal to the double work of teaching and studying. Mr. Ashton Bruce was appointed in her place, and right loyally lias he devoted himself to his work. Miss White having retired, Miss Barnsley took charge of the first form. Neil Heath, P.E.1. 8., Headmaster.

Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1881. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance at, Ist January, 1881 ... ... 287 2 0 Salaries ... ... - ... ~. 1,802 17 0 Fees ... ... ... ... ... 1,620 2 0 Rent ~, ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Grant from School Comniissionci'S ... ... 34 1 9 Examiners'fees ... ... ... ... 30 0 0 G-overnment grant, balance, 18S0-81 ... 300 0 0 Advertising, books, stationery ... ... 69 16 5 „ half, 1881-82 ... 600 0 0 Furniture, fittings, and repairs ... ... 95 16 3 Water-supply and cleaning ... ... 36 13 11 Balance in bank at 31st December, 1881 ... 606 2 2 £2,841 5 9 £2,841 5 9 Vincent E. Eice, Secretary. Examined and found to be correct. —L, A. Dtjkmeu, Auditor.- —3rd March, 1882.

THAMES HIGH SCHOOL. Sib,— Thames, 21sfc February, 1882. I have the honor herewith to transmit you the annual report of the Governors of the Thames High School for the year ended December 31st, 1881, as well as an audited copy of the receipts and expenditure of the Board for a similar period. During the past year the Governors of the Thames High School have not to report any increase in the number of pupils, which stands at an average of about fifty. This fact may be accounted for partly by want of money in the place, and also in a great degree by the excellence of the gratuitous education given at the Government schools. The Governors have no reason to be dissatisfied with their staff of teachers, whose efficiency may be inferred from the success obbained by pupils of the school at the Civil Service examination, no less than three of them having passed that ordeal, while the general advancement is satisfactory. In order to complete the arrangements for tuition, it is very desirable —indeed, necessary-—that the examinations should be conducted by a disinterested and competent person ; and with that view the Governors would respectfully suggest that an arrangement might be made whereby the school would be examined by the same person who examines the Government schools, and at the same time. It will be seen from the annexed statement of accounts that the school is still far from paying its way, and it is evident that it will not do so in the immediate future. Accordingly, we believe that Government must continue to grant some assistance until the revenue from the endowment and the increase of scholars is large enough to render the school independent of that aid. We are happy to say, with respect to the reserve, that the prospect of income from that source is better than it has been heretofore, on account of the gold discoveries which have recently been made, not only on the endowment itself, but in the immediate neighbourhood ; and the Governors fire now about letting an additional portion of the land to that already leased, the rental from which, along with that accruing under the Gold Fields Regulations, will probably increase the resources of the school by £200 a year. With the extension of settlement in the country, the necessity of a boarding establishment in connection with the High School may bo looked for ; but that question, and the subject of school accommodation, may be left until they become of more pressing importance. I have, &c, The Secretary of Education, Wellington. E. A. Heald, Secretary.