E.—9

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faithful work, and the pupils commended for their good conduct; after which the visitors and pupils partook of light refreshment contributed by friends, when the school broke up in the usual way. The master's house, with the schoolrooms and premises, are in thorough repair. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. A. H. Cunningham, Chairman.

2. General Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1886. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Current income from reserves .. .. 233 0 0 By Balance at beginning of year .. .. 220 18 11 School fees .. .. .. .. 188 13 0 Rents, insurance, and taxes .. .. 4 0 6 Subscriptions .. .. .. 10 0 0 Teachers'salaries and allowances .. 355 0 0 Debit balance at end of year .. .. 212 14 8 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 11 12 1 Cleaning, fuel, light, <fec. .. .. 21 5 6 Fencing, repairs, &c. .. .. ~ 10 4 7 Interest on current account .. .. 15 7 8 Cricket .. .. .. .. 4 5 6 Postage, &c. .. .. .. .. 112 Law.. .. .. .. .. 0 6 8 Telegrams .. .. .. .. 0 4 1 Stamp .. .. .. .. 0 10 £644 7 8 £644 7 8 A. H. Cunningham, Chairman. Geo. John Leech, Treasurer. I have audited this account, and have compared the items with the vouchers, and find it correct.—J. Ollivier. Ist March, 1887.

3. Report op the Inspector-General op Schools to the Hon. the Minister op Education. Bangiora High School (6th December, 1886). —This is a small school, established, as I think, before its time. I think it is in good hands, and is being managed with energy, and promise of skill.

AKAEOA HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Report of Chairman of the Board. Gentlemen, — I have the honour to present to you the annual report of the High School for the year ending on the 31st December, 1886, and have again great pleasure in giving my testimony as to the very satisfactory manner in which the school has been carried on under the Headmaster, Mr. W. Walton, B.A. It is a matter of great regret that more appreciation is not shown of the advantages afforded us of obtaining a superior education for our children; but I have good reason to believe that the turning-point has been reached, and that we shall begin the first term of 1887 with a considerable increase in the number of our pupils. You will, I am sure, agree with me that we are much indebted to our Headmaster for his voluntary action of waiving his claim to the half of the girls' fees for the two last terms, and also for his liberality in offering to give two scholarships open to all children on the Peninsula (under twelve years of age) for the coming year. This is a beginning which I hope may be followed by others, as the usefulness of the school must be largely increased by promising children from the various district schools being provided with the means of profiting by its advantages. I must again urge on the public the importance of supporting this school. We have used every possible means of reducing our expenditure, and a very moderate amount of support would once more place us in the happy position of having our receipts exceed our expenditure. I would especially appeal to the Governors of this institution, and beg of them to clo their utmost to carry' out this object. The collapse of the school would be a very serious loss to both town and district generally. I attach to this report a balance-sheet showing the receipts and expenditure during the past year, from which it will be seen that, notwithstanding the difficulties we have had to contend with, we still have a considerable sum on our credit side. But the time has come when, if we intend the school to go on and prosper, we must determine that no further reduction of this sum shall' take place ; and if each Governor will not only send his own children, but use his influence also with his friends and neighbours to do the same, I am quite sure this very desirable result may easily be obtained. I have, &c, William B. Tosswill, Chairman.

2. General Statement of Eeceipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1886. Receipts. £ s. d. | Expenditure. £ s. d. To Current income from reserves .. .. 205 0 0 By Dr. Balance at beginning of year .. 1113 2 Interest on moneys invested and on vm- Teachers' salaries and allowances .. 290 1 8 paid purchase-money 10 0 0 Prizes .. .. .. .. 112 11 School fees .. .. .. .. 98 15 0 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 6 0 0 Books, &c, sold, and other refunds .. 5 3 0 Cleaning, fuel, light, &c. .. .. 17 6 0 Debit balance at end of year .. .. 65 11 6 Book and stationery account, and other temporary advances .. .. 6 7 4 Rents, insurance, and taxes .. .. 50 0 0 Stamps .. .. .. .. 010 0 Sundries, as carriage of goods, &c. .. 018 5 £384 9 0 £384 9 6 William B. Tosswill, Chairman.