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sons in elementary chemistry. Arrangements also have been made to give instruction in practical cooking to as many of the older girls as wish it. A master has been appointed for the work, and the necessary additions are at present being made to the school building. At examinations during the year the following honours were gained by the school : Six pupils passed the matriculation examination to the New Zealand University, two of whom gained junior University scholarships; three pupils gained scholarships under the Board of Education in classes E., D., and C.

3. Eeport of the Inspector-General to the Hon. the Minister of Education. Girls' High School, Ghristchurch. —Postponed inspection, 19th March, 1886. My opinion as to the high merit of this school remains unchanged. The staff is stronger than it was when I last reported, one very able teacher who had left having now returned to the school, and a rapid development having taken place in one of the younger teachers, who gives promise of excellent technical ability. I notice that for the fifth time in succession the school has obtained two of the University junior scholarships.

EANGIOEA HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Eeport of the Board of Governors. Sic,- — Eangiora, sth April, 1886. I have the honour, on behalf of the Board of Governors of the High School, to transmit a brief report of the Board's proceedings for the year 1885. The Board has held five meetings during the year, thus evidencing increasing anxiety to make this school a boon to the neighbourhood, and to others who are seeking for their children the advantages of an education beyond the scope and intention of the Primary District School Act. The subjects taught in the Upper Division are Virgil and Sallust in Latin ; French ; mathematics, embracing Euclid, Books I. and 11. ; algebra, to simple equations ; English composition and analysis ; British and Eoman history; physical and general geography; physics; and botany. Junior Division : In view of the above, in preparation, with mapping and drawing. It was very gratifying to the Board to see a large attendance of parents and friends of the school on " breaking-up day " at Christmas to see some of the work done by the pupils, and the distribution of prizes, to purchase which they had contributed. The Inspector-General visited the school in November, and reported favourably on the demeanour and order evinced in the school. This Board took the opportunity of the sitting of the University of New Zealand in Christchurch recently to memorialize that body to take steps to organize a system of independent examination of all secondary schools, and this Board is pleased to see that a Committee is elected to consider and advise on the best way in which this very desirable object can be accomplished. The number of pupils in attendance during the last term, with ages, &c, has already been reported. Joseph L. Wilson, Esq., having reluctantly resigned his seat on the Board, His Excellency the Governor appointed Aquila Ivory, Esq., in his place. I beg herewith to enclose balance-sheet of accounts, duly audited by the Government auditor. On this I would observe that the pecuniary pressure of the times has delayed the completion of several promised subscriptions to start this school as yet. The headmaster's house, with the school buildings, are in thorough repair. I have, &c, A. H. Cunningham, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Chairman, Board of Governors.

2. Statement of Eeceipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1885. Receipts. £ v. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Current income from reserves .. .. 233 0 0 By Balance at beginning of year .. .. 88 3 3 School fees .. .. .. .. 173 12 0 Teachers' salaries and allowances .. 330 0 0 Subscriptions .. .. .. 46 19 0 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 12 710 Balance at end of year.. .. .. 220 18 11 Cleaning, fuel, light, &c. .. 17 6 6 Balance of purchase-money .. .. 200 0 0 Fencing, repairs, &c. .. .. .. 417 S Rents, insurance, and taxes .. .. 311 3 Interest on current account .. .. 14 4 0 Incidental .. .. .. .. 3 19 8 £674 9 11 £674 9 11 A. H. Cunningham, Chairman. Geo. John Leech, Treasurer. I have audited this account, and find it correct.—J. Ollivier.—22nd February, 1886.

3. Eepoet of the Inspector-General to the Hon. the Minister of Education. Bangiora High School. —lnspected 20fch November. This school has fallen off in numbers since last year. There are about twenty pupils, taught by the headmaster and a lady assistant. The tone of the school with respect to order and behaviour has, I think, improved considerably. The highest class is reading Virgil and Sallust, has finished the Second Book of Euclid, and is doing simple equations in algebra. The lowest class is learning the Latin accidence ; in other subjects its work is about equal to that of the Third Standard in public schools. French is taught throughout