E.—9

30

2. Report of the Inspector-General of Schools to the Hon. the Minister of Education. Ashburton Boys' and Girls' High Schools (19th November, 1886). —This school is on a small scale, and very much subdivided into small groups of pupils, but there is considerable enthusiasm, and sound teaching. The girls have a separate building to themselves with an able mistress, and the masters of the boys' school take classes in the girls' school in turns.

TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1886. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d, To Bents from reserves .. .. .. 956 12 8 By Bank balance .. .. .. 82 13 9 Interest from loans .. .. .. 142 10 0 Salaries .. .. .. .. 1,860 19 2 School fees .. .. .. 702 9 0 Secretary and janitor .. .. 170 0 0 Government grant .. .. .. 325 0 0 Building .. .. .. .. 479 15 0 Gain's legacy .. .. .. 50 0 0 Printing, advertising, books, stationery, Dr. to Bank— &c. .. .. .. .. 77 6 3 Actual balance due to bank .. 557 2 5 Sundry expenses .. .. .. 70 8 0 Cash in hand of Mr. Miles .. .. 23 3 0 Bent, insurance, &c. .. .. 27 2 0 Prizes and medals .. .. .. 10 0 0 Travelling expenses members, and inspection .. .. .. 20 11 8 Interest .. .. .. .. IS 1 3 £2,816.17 _1 £2,816 17 1 I have audited this account, and have compared the items with the vouchers, and find it correct.—J. Ollivier, Brovincial District Auditor. 19th March, 1887.

2. Scholarships. (1.) Caledonian Society grant one scholarship of £12 12s. (2.) Governors grant one of £8 Bs. (3.) Free education is granted to scholarship-holders from Education Boards.

3. Report of the Inspector-General of Schools to the Hon. the Minister of Education Timaru Boys' and Girls' High School (18th November, 1886).—The punctuality, good order,' and industry that have always characterized this school are as noticeable as ever. lam not quite satisfied with the arrangements for teaching French, and I think it would be a good thing to alter the methods of teaching drawing, which at present differ rather widely from those approved by the South Kensington Department.

WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Report of the Board. Sir,— Oamaru, 28th March, 1887. I have the honour to forward herewith the annual report of the Waitaki High School. The attendance reached during the past year the highest point it has yet attained—viz., sixtyfour. Candidates have been sent in for the first time for the Civil Service and matriculation, and have passed their examinations. The cadet corps has taken part in the Easter manoeuvres held at Oamaru, and in the general inspection by Major-General Sir George Whitmore. The Board have obtained a site for a Girls' High School, and are taking steps to commence operations. The Board have not as yet been able, from want of funds, to erect a workshop for manual instruction. The Hon. Mr. Miller resigned his position as Chairman in consequence of leaving the colony, Mr. T. W. Hislop, M.H.R., being appointed in his stead. Mr. K. Fleming has been appointed by the Ota°- 0 Education Board m place of Dr. McGregor, resigned. The health of the school continues excellent. I have, &c, The Secretary, Education Department. George Sumpter, Secretary.

2. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1886. m «, , , , . . Ee, cwpt*- £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance at beginning of year .. .. 321 15 9 By Office—salary .. . 65 0 0 Grant from vote of the General Assembly 500 0 0 Other office expenses .. 9 811 Beserves sold .. .. .. 40 0 0 Teachers' salaries and allowances '.'. 1 018 13 4 Current income from reserves .. 072 7 6 Printing, stationery, and advertising . '24 15 8 Interest on moneys invested and on un- Gleaning, fuel, light, &c 68 7 6 paid purchase-money .. .. 14 14 0 Book and stationery account and other School fees .. .. .. .. 548 11 0 temporary advances .. 79 13 3 Books, &c, sold and other refunds .. 74 4 9 Fencing, repairs, &o. 121 11 10 Debit balance at end of year .. .. 222 1 9 Bents, insurance, and taxes .. '.'. 16 5 8 Interest on current account .. .. 23 10 10 Home expenses re appointment of Headmaster .. .. .. .. 222 17 3 Interest on loan on school-buildings .. 253 15 0 Amount paid in reduction of loan .. 500 0 0 School appliances .. .. .. 0 7 0 Balance at end of year .. .. 2 8 6 £2i°9° U 9 £2^96 14 9 John Reid, Chairman. George Stjhpter, Secretary and Treasurer. Correct by Treasurer's books and vouchers and bank pass-book.—H. Livingston, Auditor.