E.—9

20

19; also elementary analysis. Geography—Cornwell's Small, Scotland, Ireland, Europe (general features). Eeading—Blackwood's Historical Eeader, Part 1., pages 1 to 72. Repetition— Macaulay's " Battle of Lake Begillus," i. to xvi. Spelling—Sutterthwaite's, pages 30 to 33, and from Eeader and Repetition. Arithmetic—Simple rules, reduction of money, money rules, bills of parcels (very simple).

AUCKLAND GIELS' HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Eepobt of the Boabd of Govebnobs. The Board presents the following report of the school for the year ended 31st December, 1885 : — The school year opened with 173 pupils, being fifty-five less than the roll number at the end of 1884. The number of pupils gradually increased to 199. The number of teachers (exclusive of visiting teachers) was eight, one less than the number employed during 1884. An examination of the whole school was held at tho end of the second term in August, and was conducted by Professor Brown, Professor Thomas, and the Eev. E. H. Gulliver. Copies of their reports and of the examination papers are appended. The distribution of prizes and certificates of merit took place in December, in the presence of a large public assemblage, including the governors, masters, and boys of the Auckland College and Grammar School. The subject of technical instruction is dealt with in the headmaster's report, which contains a summary of tho work done during the year. Nineteen girls holding district scholarships or certificates of proficiency received free tuition at the school. It is satisfactory to report that they stood high at the annual examination. Eive other girls held foundation scholarships of the value of £15 a year, with free tuition. These scholarships are awarded to pupils of tho Fourth Form not exceeding sixteen years of age at the time of examination, and are tenable for two years, subject to the holder's regular attendance, good conduct, and satisfactory progress in study. The question of establishing a preparatory branch in connection with the school was considered by the Board, but was finally abandoned as impracticable. The requirements of the entrance examination have been modified, and the admission of pupils is now left to the discretion of the headmaster. The financial position of the school has caused much anxiety to the Board. It was stated in last year's report that, owing chiefly to the large and exceptional outlay for repairs and additions to the building, the expenditure during 1884 had exceeded the income by more than £600. At the end of August, 1885, a further loss of £580 had arisen, and it became necessary to reduce the expenditure. By the substitution of female for male assistant teachers, and by other means of retrenchment, a saving at the rate of £550 a year was made in salaries alone, the reduction to take effect from January, 1886. In addition to the annual parliamentary grant in aid of the school, a special grant of £500 was received from tho Commissioners of Eeserves for Secondary Education. These grants enabled the Board to discharge its liabilities to tho end of the year. The acquisition of a permanent endowment for the school has not yet been completed. The Board has selected a block of land to the value of £5,000 for reservation as an endowment in terms of " Tho Auckland Girls' High School Act, 1878 ;" but, after the lapse of seven years from the passing of that Act, the school still remains unendowed; and it appears to the Board that a much larger endowment than £5,000 will be required before the school can be maintained without the help of an annual vote from Parliament. One of the purposes for which an endowment is immediately needed is to supply a fund for tho erection of a proper school building. This is a most urgent want. The lease of the premises now occupied in Upper Queen Street will end at the 31st December next. The Board has received possession of the Howe Street site, containing three acres; but the buildings on that property are beyond repair, and cannot bo fitted for occupation. The cost of a suitable building in brick is estimated at £5,000; and, in the absence of any other resource for this purpose, the Board has applied to Government for a special grant from Parliament to enable this work to be carried out during the year. Auckland, sth March, 1886. Samuel Luke, Chairman.

2. Statement of Receipts and Expendituee for tho Year ending 31st December, 1885. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance in hand and in bank at begin- By Office—Salary .. .. .. 40 0 0 ning of year .. .. .. 291 310 Teachers' salaries and allowances .. 2,278 2 0 Grant from vote of tho General As- Examinations — sembly (five quarters) .. .. 1,250 0 0 Kxaminers' fees .. .. .. 82 7 0 Paid by School Commissioners .. 500 0 0 Other expenses .. .. .. 3 9 2 School fees .. .. .. .. 1,505 9 0 Scholarships .. .. .. 75 0 0 Interest on current account .. .. 30 0 0 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 169 4 8 Cleaning, fuel, light, &O. .. .. 57 13 1 Fencing, repairs, &c. .. .. IGB 2 10 Rents, insurance, and taxes .. .. 302 14 0 Interest on current account .. .. 6 15 9 Furniture .. .. .. .. 83 5 1 Legal expenses ... .. .. 10 0 University College fees .. .. 12 0 0 Matron and servant .. .. .. 109 C 8 Balance in hand and in bank at end of year .. .. .. .. 193 12 7 £3,582 12 10 £3,582_12 10 Samuel Luke, Chairman. Vincent Eice, Secretary and Treasurer. Examined and found to be correct, —L. A. Dubbieu, Auditor, 26th February, 1886.