E.—2a,

4

From Mr, A." Pinkbk, Nuhaka, Hawke's Bay. The school was examined on the morning of the 17th July. In the afternoon the children planted a number of trees on the plots of land near their dwellings, and seemed to be generally interested in the work. They also brought trees and shrubs to plant the school-site. The adults, too, since the school has been established here, have taken a good deal of interest in the matter, and many of them are now planting shelter and fruit trees on the land near their dwellings.

From Mr. A. Gibson, Kokako, Hawke's Bay. I BEGitET to say that Arbor Day has been very wet, making it impossible to be at all out of doors here ; therefore we have been unable to do any planting. May I add that I have some seventy or eighty young trees, which I have raised from seed, and among them some most promising Ilex quercus, the acorns of which I received last year from the Department. Next year, therefore, we should have a most successful Arbor Day planting. I should be grateful for any other seed that the Department might be able to send me.

From Mr. C. W. Gbace, Pamoana, Wanganui Eiver. Very great interest was taken, in Arbor Day. Every boy capable of doing the work planted a tree, and placed a strong wooden structure round it. The school-grounds are now sufficiently planted. As the Maoris here have only a limited area of open land, it is not probable that they will be induced to put trees thereon, especially as their cattle are turned upon it during the winter months.

From Mr. A. Wilson, Pipiriki, Wanganui Eiver. I have to report that Wednesday, the 19th ultimo, being a particularly inclement day, the holiday, not having been announced beforehand, was postponed to Friday, the 21st. In the absence of the Chairman and a majority of the School Committee, the proceedings were confined to —(1.) A short address on the value and need of tree-planting. (2.) Master and boys went into the bush to cut and carry material for fencing to conserve the work of the previous years. Search was also made for suitable-sized nikau trees, but unsuccessfully. Meanwhile the girls were engaged with the schoolmistress in tidying up the school-ground. (3.) In order that the specific object of the day might not be left out altogether, a willow-tree was planted in the school-ground. (4.) " God save the Queen! "

From Mr. D. Cossgkove, Kaiapoi. Aeboe Day was celebrated here with a great deal of enthusiasm. I bought 118 native and introduced trees —rautawhire, macrocarpa, and Pinus msignis. The reserve is 13 chains long and 3 chains wide. I dug holes around the reserve about 20 ft. apart, and on the morning of the 19th laid a tree in each hole, a macrocarpa and a pine alternately. When the people assembled I gave them a short address on the object of tree-planting, &c. The pupils then, each in charge of an adult, were marched to their stations, and the planting began. After this, refreshments were served by the ladies of the pa, and an afternoon's games were carried out, relieved by an exhibition of gymnastics and callisthenics by the Men's Club and school children—over sixty adults and twenty children. These were kept up till dark, and wound up by an entertainment in the Hall. - Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,250 copies), £i 7e.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9U. Price 3d.]