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Waitaki Girls' High School. 1. Of thirty-nine pupils on the roll, twenty-six have passed the Sixth Standard of the public schools, and of the remainder ten are, in my judgment, unable to pass that standard. 2. Owing to the large majority of Sixth Standard pupils entering the school (see 1), the course of instruction is necessarily adapted to their requirements, and special arrangements have to be made rather for those who have not passed through the training of the public schools, and whose progress is slower than that of older pupils. The beginners' classes in the secondary subjects are therefore kept distinct from the junior classes, and pupils showing aptitude and ability have the opportunity of passing rapidly into a higher class. When Sixth Standard pupils enter the school they are classified according to their English and arithmetic, while beginners' classes are formed in the secondary subjects (Latin, French, algebra, euclid, &c.) at the opening of each term, facilities being given for rapid promotion where advisable. George Sumpter, Secretary

Otago Boys' and Girls' High School. Office of the High Schools' Board, Dunedin, Ist August, 1896. I have the honour to return the following information from the rectors of the Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools in answer to the questions contained in your letter of the 24th ultimo. To Rev W J Habens, Secretary, C. Macandrew, Secretary Education Department, Wellington.

Boys' High School. 1. There are no boys in this school unable to pass the Sixth Standard of the public primary schools. Of boys who have entered the school this year, all but three had passed the Sixth Standard prior to entry Of these three, one came from an Australian high school, and was placed in our upper fifth , the others were boys of advanced age. 2. This interrogatory was put last year (1894) by the Inspector-General of Education, and may best be answered by reference to his own report after inspection of these schools, but see the prospectus as follows " The classification of subjects is such that, on entering the school, a boy is at no disadvantage if he has not yet commenced, the study of languages or mathematics. His place is determined by his standard attained at a primary school, or by an equivalent test if he has not attended a primary school." As speaking generally, the boys of this school have all passed Standard VI., or have some equivalent qualification prior to entry, and as very few bring any knowledge of secondary school subjects, the classification is based upon the Sixth Standard qualification. Our third form is a continuation class, and full provision is made in our third form for beginning all secondary school work. Henry Belcher, Rector 29th July, 1895.

Girls' High School. It is impossible to say with absolute accuracy how many in the school are unable to pass the Sixth Standard. Approximately, I should say, twenty-five out of a total of 150, or about 17 per cent. The prospectus of the school is the answer to the second question—" What arrangements are made for the instruction of children who have passed the Sixth Standard?"—and no other general answer is possible. As a rule, those who have passed the Sixth Standard join our fourth form, those who have done Seventh Standard work join the fifth form. Enclosed find that part of the prospectus which answers the question. A. Wilson, Rector Extract from the Prospectus. —" Pupils entering this school from the State schools are classified according to their attainments in English and arithmetic. Arrangements exist by which pupils who, up to the time of entering the school, have confined their attention entirely to the work of the standards, may begin such secondary subjects as higher English, Latin, French, mathematics, and science. At the commencement of each session a beginners' class is formed for Latin and French , and to any pupil who makes exceptional progress an opportunity is given later in the session of joining a more advanced division."

Southland Boys' and Girls' High Schools. Sir, — Invercargill, 23rd August, 1895. In reply to your circular of the 24th ultimo, I have the honour to inform you (1.) All the pupils attending the Southland high schools are able to pass the Sixth Standard of the public schools. (2.) Reply to No. 1 practically answer this the whole staff being occupied with work beyond the Sixth Standard pass. I have, &c, Charles Rout, Secretary W J Habens, Esq., Secretary for Education, Wellington. Approximate Cost of Paper—Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £3 17s.

By Authority Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9s. Price 3d.]