5

E.—2

Ahipara —There seems to be some reason to hope that the depression which has existed at Ahipara for the last year or two is moving away. The examination results show.distinct improvement, and the general aspect of the school is improving also. It is to be regretted, however, that the relations existing between the teacher and some of the European settlers are not quite so satisfactory as they might easily be made. The welfare of a school is always injuriously affected when cordial relations between a teacher and his neighbours cannot be maintained. Whangape. —A goodly number of children were present at examination, but only a few of these were qualified by attendance to be examined; a satisfactory number of these few passed, but the passes were not strong ones. This school has a high value as a civilising agency. The master has been here a long time, and has done excellent work. He should now be removed to a less isolated position. Matihetihe. —A half-time school is worked here in connection with the full-time school at Waitapu. It gives promise of much better success than is usually achieved by half-time schools. Waitapu. —There seems to be good reason for expecting that much capital work will be done here under the new arrangements. It is, of course, only fair to the former master to draw attention to the fact that the high percentage obtained at examination is in the main the result of his work. Whakarapa*. —This school now appears to be established on a firm basis, and unless unforeseen difficulties should arise it should continue to increase and prosper for some years to come. The work done at the examination was good absolutely, and also particularly satisfactory when compared with that shown in former years. No small part of the credit due should be given to the mistress, who is a skilful and energetic teacher. Motukaraka. —There is much originality both in the methods and the organization. An excellent feature is the great attention paid to the juniors. The master "fights the school battle " on this ground to a very large extent and with great advantage, if one may judge by the results. Mangamuka. —The work done at examination was very much better than that shown at the previous examinations, but the results for the two years taken together were only moderate. Nine passes in two years, or four and a half passes per annum, are far fewer than might be fairly expected from a favourably situated Native school; there is, however, ground for the hope that the improvement referred to above will be continuous. Bangiahua. —There is reason to be satisfied with the result of the reopening of this school. The children are, for the most part, too young, or they have been too short a time in the school, to do much at examination, but there should be very good results next year. Waimamaku. —A good start has been made under the new master, who appears to be doing his best to bring his school to the front. The Maoris also are in good heart about the school and take great interest in its success. On the whole the change made has been very beneficial. Whirinaki. —There are one or two weak spots in the work. Arithmetic is not very good, and the reading of the juniors might be better, but, on the whole, this is now a satisfactory school, and it is improving as the teachers become more familiar with the peculiarities of their work and with the proper mode of overcoming little difficulties with the Maoris. Omanaia. —One can hardly visit this school without being impressed with the belief that its value as a civilising agency must be very great. Everything about the place is so neat and trim that children who spend a considerable part of their time in and near the school must in time themselves become more or less neat and tidy in their habits. The examination results were considerably higher this year than they have usually been. Waima. —The external form here also is exceedingly good; in fact, Waima would compare favourably with almost any school for neatness and faithful observance of the Department's rules. The results obtained were somewhat uneven, but they showed that much hard and good work had been done. Otaua. —Ofcaua seemed to be suffering from one of those temporary depressions that most Native schools are liable to. The causes were, probably, (1) a kind of epidemic of suicide caused by prevalent domestic troubles; and, (2) the price of gum, which was so high as to bo in effect a standing temptation to the Natives to leave their homes and live on the gumfields in order to get a share of the good things going. Kaikohe. —There is reason to be very well satisfied with the work done. The strong passes have been fairly numerous, and this is always the result of honest, persevering, and conscientious work. Good progress has been made iu English. Ohaeaivai. —The examination results were rather uneven ; strength, was shown in one subject, weakness in another. Some characteristic Native-school trouble had arisen here through the hunting of Maoris' pigs by a European boy. The pigs had been trespassing on his father's land, and the boy hunted them. The Maoris wished to have the boy expelled, and some of them took offence and withdrew their children from the school when they found that this could not be done. Te Ahu Ahu. —Besults were capital. As far as attendance is concerned the natural level has been about reached, but there is every reason to hope that the school still has a long and useful career before it. Taumarere. —The appearance at examination was very creditable, the form shown two years before having been almost recovered. Somewhat greater precision in arithmetic is needed, but there is no weakness either in this or any other subject. Karetu. —The Karetu Natives are very industrious, and, although their knowledge of English is by no means complete, they are thoroughly civilised. Unless some altogether unexpected state of things should come into existence there will be a flourishing school here for many a year. The examination results were pleasing.

*Since this report was written Whakarapa school has completely broken down, in spite of its promising appearance at the last examination.