E.—lb

2

Arithmetic. —This subject continues to be well taught as far as the mechanical operations incidental to commercial rules are concerned. Problem work and mental arithmetic —the mathematics of the elementary school—appear too often neglected, the latter almost invariably so. We have endeavoured to impress upon teachers the immense value of beginning fresh processes in arithmetic mentally. Not only is the knowledge more likely to remain than by the use of formuliß, but tha pupil has the inestimable advantage of training which the proper study of arithmetic gives. Geammae and Composition.—These subjects are, on the whole, fairly well taught. We consider that more attention should be paid to analysis of sentences. As to composition, much of the work shown by Standard V. and Standard VI. is poor, the most common faults being a want of due arrangement of ideas and of a proper division of the subject-matter into paragraphs and sentences. Geography.—As regards map geography, fair knowledge is generally shown, with the exception of that of New Zealand and Australia. The mathematical part of this subject does not seem to be taught, save in rare instances, in a sufficiently intelligent manner : too much reliance is placed on book work, and the subject is, generally speaking, dealt with too mechanically. Deawing.—There has been a decided improvement in freehand drawing, and more attention has been paid to mechanical and geometrical drawing. In model drawing very little has been done. One great hindrance to progress in geometrical drawing is the difficulty experienced by teachers in getting parents to pay for or supply the necessary instruments. Class and Additional Subjects.—ln the larger schools class and additional subjects receive their due share of attention. The teaching of elementary science in schools where suitable'apparatus has been provided is satisfactory; but in small schools, with few exceptions, the science taught is confined to the laws of health and perhaps a few lessons (not experimental) in physics. Teachers have to a great extent neglected to observe the regulation which requires them to prepare a programme showing the distribution of work in elementary science over a three years' course. This programme will in future be rigidly demanded. We can speak in high terms generally of the discipline, tone, and behaviour of the children in the schools under notice. In closing this report we wish to record our opinion that the schools in the Auckland Education District are in the main efficiently taught, and that the character of the instruction is steadily improving. We have, &c, John S. Goodwin, i Waltee Heney Aiuby, 8.A., T James C. Dickinson, 'Inspectors. EICHAED CEOWE, J The Chairman, Board of Education, Auckland.

Summary of Results for the Whole District.

TAEANAKI. Sik,— Education Office, New Plymouth, 30th January, 1890. I have the honour to submit mv report on the schools of this district for the year ending the 31st December, 1889. Thirty-nine schools were open during the last quarter of the year. All, save Tarata, at which there were no pupils ready for examination, have been inspected and examined on different dates. About three thousand miles are travelled, chiefly by road, in making these visits. I have also undertaken journeys in connection with special work, as well as given extra attention to schools in a few instances. Two examinations were conducted by me during the year in awarding the Board's scholarships. The results of the first were shown in last year's printed report, but, the latter not having taken place until March, the usual table could not be given. It is, however, printed in this year's appendix. As the examination for the current year has been delayed by the proposed changes in the regulations, it may be impossiblo-to insert the annual table in its place. Hopes are entertained that the increased travelling allowance will induce a larger and better class of candi-

Classes. Presented. Absent. Excepted. Failed. Passed. Average Age of those that passed. 82 552 1,450 2,319 3,055 3,058 2,887 7,578 Yrs. mos. ibove Standard VI. Standard VI. ... V. ... IV. ... III. ... II. ... I. ... 'reparatory ... 24 111 112 187 123 141 I i 19 81 118 193 164 122 139 502 612 592 400 218 370 756 1,477 2,083 2,371 2,106 14 7 13 6 12 7 11 5 10 4 9 2 Totals 20,981 698 697 2,463 9,463 * Mean of average age, 11 years 11 months.