E.—lb

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: REPORTS OF INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS. [In continuation of E.-1b., 1884.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

[It has not been thought necessary to print in all cases the tables, and those portions of the reports that relate only to particular schools.] AUCKLAND. Bee,— . Auckland, March, 1885. In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, I have the honour to submit this report for the year ended 31st December, 1884. The following table shows the number of primary schools in the education district, and the attendance of pupils :—

The number on the roll in December, 1883, was 17,120, and the number of schools 217. In the number of schools for 1884 there are included 46 half-time schools. Last year the schools were 54. The following table shows the result of the standard examinations for the past year :—

One of the least desirable effects of the system of examination in standards is showing itself more and more every year. This is the tendency of teachers to substitute cramming for education. This is almost always the result of much examining. Efforts are made to resist it, but it increases. That a country wants men and women, not mere examination-passers, is not so much ignored as steadfastly looked away from by many in these latter days. The passing of the Sixth Standard is the knowledge-test of qualification of a candidate for the office of pupil-teacher. This has not been found always satisfactory. Some who have been admitted as pupil-teachers prove not to have the amount of knowledge which, by their passing of the Sixth Standard, they ought to have. This is often brought about by cramming. Some who have been found deficient have excused themselves on the plea that they were crammed for the examination and forgot what they had learned. I—E. 18.

Quartor ending Number of Schools. ;oll-Numbi sr. Avi :rago Atteni .ance. tlarch 31 une 30 September 30 December 31 219 225 223 224 M. 9,295 9,574 9,536 9,492 P. 9,009 9,117 9,078 8,897 Total. 18,304 18,691 18,614 18,389 M. 7,427 7,517 7,331 7,696 E. 7,118 7,011 6,692 6,990 Total. 14,545 14,528 14,023 14,686

Standard. Examined. Passed. Failed. Percentage of Passes. Average Age al Time of Passing. Standard I. Standard II. Standard III. Standard IV. Standard V. Standard VI. 2,860 2,581 2,089 1,095 560 269 2,260 1,982 1,343 823 338 169 600 599 746 272 222 100 79'02 76-79 64-28 75-15 60'35 62-82 9 10412" 13 14 14* Totals 9,454 6,915 2,539 73-14