E.—IB

28

continued improvement in the preparation of the three lowest standards; on a further advance in the proportion of children retained at school beyond the Fourth Standard; on a further reduction in the number absent from examination; and a further slight increase and decrease respectively in the general percentages of passes and failures, which, in the absence of a better, we have tc regard the chief criterion of progress. On the other hand, we have mainly to regret that the increase of numbers included in the higher classes is not accompanied by evidences of improved preparation. A falling-off has to be noted in the results obtained in Standard VI. and Standard V. Standard IV. maintains a neutral position. Our general impression of the work done is, here as elsewhere, consistent with the figures submitted. The upper parts of our schools have not been advancing in merit at the same pace as the lower. Even where passes are granted, the preparation of children in Standard V. and Standard VI. too often leaves much to be desired in point of thoroughness. But probably we shall not get much further in the better class of work than we have done, until school government narrows the distance now separating it from perfection, in securing to the stronger and more intelligent teachers the better positions in the service. The class and additional subjects, with the exception of drawing, receive marks which correspond very closely with those assigned in the previous year. In drawing a maximum of 60 per cent, has been retained for freehand alone. This branch of the subject often shows much merit, and is generally promising. Most schools have this year made a beginning, and many a considerable advance, in geometrical drawing; but, while we recognise the growing importance of the use of the ruler and compasses, we have so far accepted fair proficiency in freehand in granting passes in the subject. It is now five years since the amended general regulations under which our schools are working came into force, and the present is therefore a convenient opportunity to see how far the successive steps, reported year by year with a singular consistency in the interval, have carried us. Prom one year to another the results of examination in a large and settled district differ so little that it is difficult for one not thoroughly familiar with the circumstances to recognise the progressive or retrograde movement that is taking place. The small increments or reductions reported may be due to some temporary or accidental causes; but, if a wider interval be taken as the basis of comparison, the more marked characteristics leave no room for conjecture. The following table gives all the information necessary, and includes, as an additional ground of comparison, the same facts for the whole of the colony, according to the latest returns procurable. It may be well to point out that during the period concerned our schools have increased in number from 148 to 164, and the examination roll from 18,650 to 20,779.

We cannot of course venture to assume in interpreting these figures that the tests applied by us have been year by year absolutely identical; but we are aware of no material alteration in our standards beyond an increasing strictness in drawing, which is probably common to all our neighbours, and few are likely to accuse us of increasing indulgence in other respects. In figures dealing with presentation, attendance, and success in pass-subjects the progress shown is sufficiently conclusive. In class-subjects a material decline in history is made up in other subjects ; but the total reached does not afford much ground for gratification. In additional subjects the separate marks keep much the same relation to each other, and, while showing general improving tendencies, nowhere differ more than one point. Inspection. —On the scarcely less important matters to which Inspectors especially devote their attention during visits of inspection as distinguished from visits of examination, we have few observations to make. We have seen too little of the schools in their ordinary work-a-day dress. In material appointments their equipment leaves little to be desired, and the provisions in respect of the staff of teachers are exceptionally liberal. There is therefore every opportunity of doing the best work. In attendance the successive annual returns have been going up with steady regularity, and are on a level with the average of the colony; but there are yet some well-favoured neighbourhoods in the country where, in spite of excellent weather, excellent roads, and moderate distances, the registers show an attendance of surprisingly poor quality, especially in the first half of the year. In discipline we do not think our schools are improving. In fact, during the past two year's the impression has been deepening on our minds that this all-important matter has suffered from some weakening influences, chief among which is the growing tendency of parents to resent the exercise

North Canterbury Distrii it. New Zealand Comparative Percentages. 1886. 1890. Increase. Decrease. 1889. 'resented in classes S4 to S7 'resented in preparatory division Jbsent of roll in standard classes Ixcepted of roll in standard classes 'assed of class roll, Standards IV. to VI. 'assed of class roll, Standards I. to III. 'ercentage of passes 'ercentage of failures 'ercentage on class-subjects .dditional marks ... 17-05 37-36 6-73 5-80 52-53 65-45 38-61 29-16 44-60 54-20 22-41 32-81 3-25 3-39 64-45 81-40 50-57 18-78 45-82 57-04 5-36 11-92 16-95 11-96 4-55 3-48 2-41 21-99 35-24 3-89 4-06 67-43 79-32 48-45 17-75 52-1 49-8 1-22 2-84 10-38