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TIMARTJ HIGH SCHOOL. Sib,— Timaru, 11th January, 1882. I have the honour, by the direction of the Board of Governors of the Timaru Boys' and Girls' High School, and in accordance with section 8 of "The Timaru High School Act, 1878," to lay before you the following report for the year 1881: — At the beginning of the year the Government again nominated the Rev. W. Gillies and Mr. R. A. Chisholm to be members of the Board; the South Canterbury Board of Education elected the Rev. G. Barclay and Mr. H. Belfield; the Geraldine County Council, Mr. W. B. Howell; the Waimate County Council, Mr. James Bruce ; and Captain J. H. Sutter, being Mayor of Timaru, took his seat ex offiaio. Mr. Howell having resigned his seat before the close of the year, the Geraldine County Council elected Mr. F. Le Cren to fill his place. The Board has much pleasure in having to report a great advance upon the number of pupils attending the school last year, an increase of about 50 per cent, having taken place. The number on the roll for the last quarter was 135 —boys, 69; girls, 66. Such an increase in the second year of the existence of the school affords gratifying proof of the success of the school, and points to the near probability of further provision being required for an entire separation of the two schools, and the erection of another building for the teaching of the girls. Both schools are at present under the charge of the Rector, and are taught by the one staff, so that by this arrangement provision has been made from the first for both boys and girls obtaining secondary education; the demand in relation to the two sexes being almost equal, as evidenced by the numbers attending. The teaching staff for the year consisted of the Rector, three male teachers, and two lady-teachers, besides which, the services of two advanced pupils, holding teaching scholarships, were utilized for an hour or two each day with the juniors. The post of principal lady-teacher being vacant, and the Board, having failed to obtain a suitable candidate by advertising, has sent the Rector to Melbourne during the holidays to report as to any eligible candidates he may hear of there. By this means the Board hopes to get the staff strengthened by the addition of a thoroughly qualified and efficient lady-teacher. The present staff, both male and female, have shown much zeal in their work, and have earned for themselves the confidence and approval of the Board. At the end of last year the Board instituted two scholarships, of £10 10s. each, to be held by two senior scholars, who might give an hour or two each day as required to teaching junior classes, and thus gain some practical experience in teaching, whilst carrying on their higher studies. Circumstances having required that their services were required more than was anticipated, and the Rector having reported well of their work, an additional allowance of £10 was made to each. The Board has further continued their scholarships for another year, that they may carry on their studies and prepare for higher examinations. Other two scholarships, of the value of £10 10s. each, were also instituted at the end of last year, and awarded to the boy and girl having the highest number of marks for the year. At the close of this year four such scholarships were awarded to be held during next year. The Board further determined, a few months ago, to institute four scholarships, of the value of £10 10s. each, to be competed for by pupils of the public schools of South Canterbury, the winners to attend the High School next year. The subjects of examination were the four principal subjects under Standard V. The competitive examination was held during the third week of December, when eighteen candidates presented themselves. There are accordingly ten scholarships in connection with the school, of the value of £10 10s. each, as follows: Four open to pupils of public schools, four open to pupils of the High School, and two teaching scholarships. The work done in the various forms for the year has been as follows:— Boys'. 111. Latin : Reading in C&sar, Virgil, and Cicero. Greek : Dr. Smith's Initia, Book ii. French : Hachette's Reader and Grammar. Mathematics: Algebra; Euclid, Books i., ii., iii,, iv., vi.; and trigonometry. Science: A course in chemistry, also weekly lessons on hydrostatics, hydraulics, and properties of bodies. 11. Latin: Dr. Smith's Course. French: Dr. Ahn's Course. Mathematics. Science: Weekly lessons in hydrostatics, hydraulics, and properties of bodies. I. Latin j Dr. Smith's Principia. French: Dr. Ahn's Course. Girls'. 111. Latin : Dr. Smith's Course, Csesar and Virgil. French grammar and Hachette, &c. German grammar and reader. Mathematics : Algebra, and Euclid, Books i., ii. Science: Same course as boys. 11. Same as boys. I. French : Dr. Ahn's course. In addition to these, all the branches of a sound English education. Drill, calisthenics, drawing, painting, and vocal music have also been attended to. Two hours weekly are devoted to the teaching of physical science, and a large order for additional apparatus has just been despatched to England. Anatomical models for teaching health have also been ordered. For calisthenics suitable appliances are likewise to be procured. There are no arrangements for affording alternative courses of instruction, and cannot well be so long as the two schools have to be taught by the one staff; but boys who at present take Greek do not take book-keeping. No arrangements were made for an examination of the school during the past year, but, as now it may be supposed to be getting into proper working order, it is proposed that arrangements be made to have it thoroughly examined next year. It was inspected by the Inspector-General in November, whose report the Government are already in possession of. The balance-sheet, duly audited by the Government Auditor, will show the revenue and expen ■ diture for the year, and the present financial position of the Board.