7

E.—2

district in a school that had been open fourteen months to a day. The weaker subjects were, as might have been expected in so young a school, reading, and English. Otamauru (examined 12th August, 1897). —Admirable work has been done here in the way of making a good garden on rather unpromising ground. In school, the rule is kindly and effective; practically there are no punishments. The children are in good heart, and their behaviour is respectful. With some more or less defective patches in it, the examination work was pleasing. Of course, some of the credit for this is due to the former teachers. The Maoris are greatly delighted with the work that is being done for them. Matata (examined 13th August, 1897). —The attendance here is moderately large, although there is another good Native school, with many special attractions, close at hand. There was reason to be well satisfied with the work shown at examination. Hard problems in sufficient number attend the work of every Native school, but probably the teachers of two Native schools within hail of each other, in a district where Maori pupils may pretty nearly follow their own inclinations, have a much clearer idea of disciplinary difficulties than is vouchsafed to the ordinary run of their professional brethren. Maketu (examined 16th August, 1897). —As usual, there were abundant indications of good work and capability so far as the master was concerned, and more than the usual signs of apathy on the part of the Maoris. Shortly after the examination the attendance began to fall off, and it sank so low that the school had to be closed at the end of the school year. It is with regret that I record the death of Mrs. Pinker, who, by her work in the school and her unobtrusive labours outside of it, always gave important help in securing such success as the school achieved. Te Matai (examined 17th August, 1897). —The interest of the older Maoris is still maintained, but perhaps in a somewhat modified form. The people are beginning to understand what the purpose of school education is. This, however, does not prevent the Committee from fruitlessly asking the Government now and again to provide dinners for the children. The number of passes was satisfactory, and, as usual, the general appearance of the school was very good indeed. The attendance seems to be decreasing somewhat, probably through the partial scattering of the Maoris. Karikari (examined 18th August, 1897). —It is rather unfortunate that the success of this school should depend on its being removed to another site, while unexpected changes have made the removal appear to be of somewhat doubtful expediency. At examination time all the Natives had removed to " The Farm," about a mile from the proposed site. A waiting policy is the proper one. The examination results were small; the teacher had not yet gained the special experience required for the work. Huria (examined 19th August, 1897). —A vast improvement had taken place ; the inspection was quite satisfactory. Although there are many small children attending, they are so managed that their attendance is not at all an evil—quite the contrary. The result of the examination, however, was not nearly so'good as one might have expected; but with a continuance of the kind of work shown at inspection good passes must be forthcoming next year. Paeroa (examined 20th August, 1897). —This is an admirable school. The interest of the Maoris in education has greatly revived here, and there is good reason why it should revive. Among the smaller Native schools Paeroa is one of the best. There is hardly any weakness in any part of the work. The passes were strong and good almost throughout. Wai-o-weka (examined 7th May, 1897). —This is not a very satisfactory school. The greater number of the former inhabitants of the place appear to have moved away, and those still remaining are not altogether settled. Another attempt to revive the school is being made by sending to it new teachers well accustomed to Maori ways. The examination results obtained were fairly satisfactory—quite so in view of the fact that the teacher had had no previous experience of Native school work. Omarumutu (examined Bth May, 1897). —The teaching is conscientious, well directed, and clear ; there are also satisfactory indications of thought and progressiveness. The school has made a satisfactory new beginning under a new teacher, and has quite recovered from the shock that nearly always accompanies the introduction of entirely new methods. The examination results were satisfactory. Torere (examined 10th May, 1897), —The results were not good. The change of teachers had here brought about temporarily an untoward effect on the children. But the new master has produced elsewhere, and can produce again, capital results; no doubt he will do so at Torere. The behaviour of the children is good, but they are too fond of mutual help. Omaio (examined 11th May, 1897). —The drawing here is very good. Copying is not altogether unknown, and there is some needless talking. The people maintain their hearty interest in the school, which still deserves that interest. The results must, on the whole, be considered satisfactory when it is remembered that a change of teachers has taken place. Te Kaha (examined 12th May, 1897). —The Committee and a number of other representative people remained after the examination (which was satisfactory) for the usual korero. Great affection was expressed for the teachers, and great regret at the prospect—now, unhappily, not a very distant one—of Mr. Levert's leaving Te Kaha through failing health. This regret at Mr. Levert's retirement (which has now taken place) is fully participated in by those officers of the Department who were personally acquainted with the sterling character of his work for the long period during which he was master of Te Kaha Native School. It is within the truth to say that, taking the work all round, and giving due prominence to what has been done out of school, few Native schools have equalled Te Kaha, and hardly any have surpassed it. Baukokore (examined 13th May, 1897). —This examination (which gave substantial results) was held under sad conditions. The master was lying ill at Auckland of a mortal disease, the result of an apparently trifling accident; he died about a fortnight afterwards. Mr. P. G. Steel was a man of retiring disposition, and this tended to mask, to a large extent, considerable attainment, and much