15

E.—lb

nine schools, which, with the exception of Kaitara, are in Class D, and generally under a female teacher. Singing is taught in thirty-seven schools, and not taught in twenty-seven, including one in Class B, seven in Class C, and nineteen in Class D. It is a good feature of all infant schools, and more especially of the large one in Tory Street, Wellington. In all the schools of Class A the singing is fairly creditable, and in two or three a good quality of singing is produced. The quality of the singing in the smaller schools varies very much, and is seldom good. I am of opinion that there is just as much need of a specialist in directing the teaching of singing as there is in the teaching of drawing, science, and drill. The instruction in needlework improves year by year, and is now generally in strict accordance with the programme issued by the Education Department. Darning should, however, receive more attention in higher standard work. In drawing, the work has been well denned by the art master, in printed syllabus, by lectures, and by illustrated class instruction. The drawing syllabus is being worked up to from the lowest classes. The upper standard classes are not yet fully organized, and great diversity in the work exists at present; but, still, considerable improvement has been effected, as evidenced by the increased passes made at the late July examination of pupils, when 232 passed in first grade freehand, and 284 in first grade geometry. From my personal inspection of nearly all the work, including the outline drawings cut out in cardboard, I was satisfied that extended work of a right kind has been accomplished, and that much of the way is prepared for the teaching of drawing from the object, which is soon to follow. Instruction in drill is given in all the schools of Class A, all of Class B, and in many of the smaller schools which can he conveniently reached by the instructor. In other small schools the teacher acts as sole instructor. M. de Mey has formulated a system of exercises, chiefly on Ling's system. This is found to be sufficient of its kind for the present, and workable. In the larger schools the instruction includes Indian club, parallel bar, and horizontal bar exercises, as a regular part of the training. Since the appointment of a local instructor for the largest Wairarapa schools only, some departure has been there made from the approved programme, upon which it will be my duty to report on another occasion. M. de Mey's work is now confined to large city schools and sixteen others in the Wellington country district. lam well satisfied with the drill instructor's work. The exercises are carefully and systematically done, with attention, precision, and fair exactitude. Some of the more advanced classes display considerable cleverness and training. Military drill, as well as extension motions and gymnastics, is included in the programme of work. In elementary science, the programme of work in physics and chemistry issued by Mr. Purdie is found to be workable ; and it is now fairly comprehended by many teachers who have received direction from him in experimental work, and they will be able to do even fuller justice to the programme another year. The upper classes of girls in the city schools are specially taken in botany by the science master himself. The instruction is confined to a reasonable limit of practical work, and is intelligently given. The science work, taken as a whole, has made a considerable advance during the past year. In referring to the teaching of class and additional subjects, I am aware that the work could not have been done without the hearty co-operation and assistance of the head teachers and assistant teachers of the respective schools. In some cases the good work is very largely due to them. For instance, physical science and chemistry have been wholly taught by the head masters themselves, following the programme and using the apparatus supplied by the science master. Besides examining all the schools, I have inspected those of Classes A and B, and all in Class C except Pahiatua, which was closed for additions to the building. I have been unable, however, to find time for seeing more than sixteen of the twenty-eight schools in Class D. By increase of roll numbers and extended syllabus of work the examination work becomes heavier year by year, and as it increases my time for inspection is lessened. I much regret this, as I believe the practical working efficiency of the schools can be best maintained by thorough inspection. In the absence of other training in method for many young teachers and pupil-teachers, it is desirable that my time for inspection should be rather increased than diminished. There is a question of school organization to which I should briefly refer, and that is a tendency which exists to interfere with the plan and arrangements of school buildings as authorised by the Board. Against this there should be some regulation, or many of our well-designed schools will suffer. No change should bo made in arrangement of rooms or fixtures without the approval of the Board. And, lastly, I should like to say a few words, or, rather, as more in accord with my functions as an examiner, to ask a few questions, on the system of prize giving, now so common. If prizes must be given, could not rewards be given to all the children who well deserve one ? Cannot the heartburnings, and the violation of the sense of justice of many children, be spared? Could not the gentle and industrious but dull pupil be recognised ? Shall all these good things go to the intellectual Philistines of a school ? In prize competitions, shall the young pupil continue to be handicapped by classification with others several years his senior in years or tuition ? Shall the boy with the accident of advantage on his side win the prize', and the one struggling against every drawback—poverty, physical infirmity, unlettered parents, and enforced irregular attendance —lose all chance of it? Are we to take no note of the finer qualities of human nature —temper, disposition, tastes, feelings, manners--and the less school-ridden faculties of youth? Would it not be better, if something fairer cannot be devised, to put all these prize books into a school library for the common good ? Ihave, etc., Eobebt Lee, Inspector. J. E. Blair, Esq., Chairman, Education Board, Wellington.