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scholars and five holders of certificates, were admitted to free education. Two sons of masters were also admitted free, there being previously three in the school. In all, the number of boys enjoying free education in the last term of the year was forty-five, or very nearly 14 per cent, of the total number. Subjects preliminary to Technical Education, do. —The effort to extend and improve the education given in such subjects as natural science, drawing, and mensuration has been continued, and much is hoped from the facilities offered for becoming familiar with the use of tools in the workshop. The Board is of opinion that a great stimulus would be given to scientific and artistic education by the establishment in the colony of a system similar to that maintained in Great Britain by the Science and Art Department. Want of Preparation, Shortness of School Life, &c, —lt is, however, felt that, in common with other secondary schools in New Zealand, but probably in an especial degree, this school is hampered by the general want of preparation of the boys sent up for admission, and the shortness of the stay of those admitted. Statistics extending over a period of nearly three years show that the average continuance of a boy in this school is less than two years and a half. Thus the extent and thoroughness of the education, whether classical, literary, mathematical, scientific, or artistic, is greatly limited. In particular, the Board regrets that the advanced age at which district scholarships are, in this district, generally gained, and the shortness of the tenure, prevent them from serving, as they should do, to assist boys from the primary to pass through the secondary schools to the University. Examiners. —The Board invited two of the Professors of the Auckland University College (Messrs. Aldis and Tucker) to undertake the annual examination of the whole school. One of these gentlemen (Mr. Aldis), however, having declared himself unable to undertake even a portion of the work, and the other being willing to carry out only a part of what was proposed, the Board found itself in a difficulty, from which it was relieved by the assistance of the Eev. C. M. Nelson, M.A., Cantab., one of the Governors, and the Eev. E. H Gulliver, M.A., Cantab., Tutor of St. John's College, Auckland. These gentlemen examined the whole school in all subjects except natural science, in which Professor Brown kindly volunteered to examine the more advanced classes.* The Board feels that the difficulty of obtaining examiners is likely to recur year by year ; the more so as, whilst it does not feel itself able to increase the sum of money (£3O) set apart to provide an honorarium, it is conscious that this sum is wholly inadequate in view of the present size of the school. It hopes that either the Government or the New Zealand University may find it possible to make arrangements for the examination of all secondary schools. Schoolhouse, &c— The difficulty as to site continuing, and the necessity of enlarging the buildings of the day-school having compelled the Board to contract a loan, the erection of a schoolhouse has been necessarily, but most reluctantly, postponed for an indefinite time. Fresh proof, however, is continually received that the want is keenly and increasingly felt, both by residents in country districts and by those who, though able to send their sons as day-boys, would greatly prefer the discipline and supervision of a boarding-school. The Board is also convinced that the existence of a schoolhouse would be very beneficial to the tone and intellectual standard of the whole school. The provision of a luncheon-hall has enabled the Board to meet an urgent want by arranging for the supply of a substantial midday meal at a very moderate cost. The school, however, is still without a cricket-field, swimming-bath, &c, and, in consequence of this and of the absence of a schoolhouse, is probably worse off than any other secondary school in the colony in respect of those institutions for purposes of recreation which should supplement the means of mental education, and themselves impart an education of a scarcely less important kind. Evening Classes. —Before the commencement of the first and second terms evening classes in five subjects —namely, Latin, French, mathematics, chemistry, and drawing—were advertised; but in no case did the number of applicants reach the prescribed minimum of eight. G. YON DEB HETDE, Auckland, 9th March, 1885. Secretary.

2. Examinee's Report. Gentlemen, — St. John's College, 29th November, 1884. In obedience to the request of your chairman, I examined the Auckland College and Grammar School in mathematics, history, and geography. Separate papers were set for each class in all or some of the following subjects—algebra, Euclid, arithmetic, Eoman history, English history and geography—in accordance with the scheme of work furnished by the Headmaster. It is only right to notice that, in consequence of a recent reorganization of the school, the examination was based, not on the work of a whole year, but, in the case of the highest three Forms in each subject, on the work of two terms, and in the case of the others on that of one term. I found the school divided into two, Upper and Lower : the former consisting of five Forms— namely, Upper and Lower V., Upper and Lower IV., and Remove, for all work except mathematics, for which it is redistributed into a, fi, y, 8, and c : the latter containing (1) Upper and Lower 111., Classical and Modern 11., redistributed for arithmetic into A, B, C, and D and (2) Form 1., which remains unaltered for English and arithmetic. Boys not learning Latin in the Upper and Lower IV., substitute mensuration, book-keeping, commercial arithmetic, and drawing. For their benefit I set a separate paper in mensuration. Only one boy, Morrison, had been reading plane trigonometry and mechanics, and he, unfortunately, being absent on sick-leave, I had no opportunity of testing his proficiency. With regard to the various departments of the school, the opinion I have formed as the result of the examination may be gathered from the remarks appended to each class in the respective subjects.

* For Mr. Nelson's report, see p. 35, post. Professor Brown's report not received. —Secbetaby for Education,