E.—l

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to 41, and the introduction of a staff allowance modelled on that of Otago in schools with an average above 150. It is hoped that the new arrangement will bring the Board's ordinary expenditure fairly within the income, with the necessary margin for contingencies, and will turn out no greater number of teachers than are likely to obtain appointments in a reasonable time. In the latter part of the year a change was made in the pupil-teacher regulations, more exactly defining the Board's intentions with regard to payment for the instruction of pupil-teachers in the largest schools. The question of corporal punishment engaged the Board's attention during the year, especially as to the substitution of a strap for the cane as an instrument of punishment, and the corporal punishment of girls. Inspection.—The Inspectors' report for the year 1894, with the usual statistical information and tables, giving the results of the year's examinations, accompany this report. The returns show that the schools are generally well conducted, and are doing satisfactory work. A particularly gratifying feature is the steady increase in the number of children in the higher standards, with a proportionate reduction in the number of those who still remain in the lower division Eight years ago only 17 per cent, of the total roll-number had passed the Third Standard, four years ago the proportion had risen to 22 per cent., and in 1894 it was 30 per cent. This increase is creditable to the efficiency of the mistresses who have charge of the lower standards, and is a proof that every year more and more of the children in the district are gaining the full benefits of our educational system. Normal School. —The number of students who went through the course of training in the Normal School and obtained training certificates was forty-four—sixteen males and twenty-eight females. Of these, one passed for Class C, fifteen out of sixteen presented passed the matriculation examination , and all, with three exceptions, passed entirely or in all but one subject the examination for teachers' certificates. The practising school had a very successful year The Inspector's report was highly satisfactory, showing that in every department the school was in a most efficient condition. On the Ist September a change occurred in the staff of the boys' department through the resignation of Mr Pitcaithly who had accepted an appointment in another district. The Board decided on promoting Mr Aschman and Mr Evans to be first and second assistants respectively, and on the Bth October appointed Mr. J E. Sinclair, then assistant master at Southbridge, to be third assistant master Scholarships.—The annual examination for scholarships was held on the 18th December and following days. The number of competitors for the junior scholarships was 145 (79 boys and 66 girls), and for the senior scholarships the number was 14 (9 boys and 5 girls). Of the 145 competitors for junior scholarships, 91 came from schools defined in the Board's regulations as town schools, and 54 from country schools. The results showed an exactly equal division of the scholarships, each class of schools sending up the winners of six. The scholarships current at the end of 1894 were held as shown in the following table [not reprinted] I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. E. Meredith, Chairman.

General Statement of Beceipts and Expenditure lor the Year ending 31st December, 1894. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ a. d. To Balance at beginning of year— By Office staff—Salaries 1,184 10 5 On Building Account 1 708 17 6 Departmental contingencies . 434 1 3 On General Account 5,138 G 7 Inspectors'salaries 1,400 0 0 Government grant for buildings 7,250 0 0 Inspectors' travelling expenses, printOther receipts for buildings— ing, &c. 297 1 2 Heath cote Valley Contribution Examination of pupil-teachers 126 1 8 towards cost of addition to house 10 0 0 Teachers'salaries and allowances 56,346 11 6 Christchurch East —H. G. Sheppard, Incidental expenses of schools 6 958 1 2 half cost of fence at Gloucester Training of teachers 2,069 9 5 Street 15 6 Scholarships— Belfast—Contribution towards cost of Paid to scholars 898 5 4 additional site at Main School 10 0 0 Examination expenses 122 17 9 Contractors' deposits 180 7 0 School buildings— Government statutory capitation 53,583 4 2 New buildings 2,685 4 8 Government scholarship grant 992 4 6 Improvements of buildings . 1,654 17 9 Inspection subsidy . 500 0 0 Furniture and appliances 254 4 6 Payments by School Commissioners 12,418 6 9 Sites 155 0 0 Other receipts— Plans, supervision, and fees 447 12 10 Rent of Mandeville Plains site 6 0 0 Other expenses— Kent of strip of land at South Town Contractors' deposits 231 13 0 Belt School . .. 10 0 Interest 10 18 3 Education Acts 0 13 0 Expenses in connection with Reserve 777 6 4 9 Exchange on cheques 31 19 10 Refund of amount paid in error by the Marlborough School Commissioners . 30 8 10 Balance at end of year— On Building Account . 3,73117 3 On General Account 2 723 3 8 £81,800 5 0 £81,800 5 0 E. Meredith, Chairman. J V Colborne-Veel, Secretary Examined and found correct. —James Edward FitzGebald, Controller and Auditor-General.