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operation when the inspection took place, but a few passes were secured. It was plain that a very good beginning had been made. Tokaanu (examined 17th and 18th March, 1899). —This is a first-class school. Parents could hardly show more interest than is shown here. The pupils work zealously, and with a fair amount of intelligence; everything is done honestly. The "Glean and Tidy Club "of Tokaanu School is a very useful contrivance. Here, as at many other places, telegram-writing has proved itself to be a valuable means for teaching composition. The Master says in his log-book, "The children have worked steadily and heartily, and it has been a pleasure to be in charge of them." At the examination very good results were secured. All circumstances being considered, there is not at the present time a more satisfactory Native school under the Department. Karioi (examined 21st March, 1899). —This is an interesting school. Although it is not far from one of our main coach-lines it is secluded, and the climate is rather rigorous. The school is only some eight miles from Mount Buapehu, and pretty severe snowstorms are not very uncommon. Capital work is being done here: discipline is good, and evidently improving; organization is entirely satisfactory; good use is being made of the land available ; and the methods of instruction and the examination results are very pleasing. Altogether the establishment of this school has been of great utility. Pipirihi (examined 22nd March, 1899). —This is another member of an interesting group of new and successful schools. Situated at an important point on one of our much frequented tourist lines, and very conspicuous, it is really necessary that it should be a specially good school. In current phrase, "It quite fills the bill." The Maoris are not yet thoroughly used to Native-school ways, but they are becoming so. Bach succeeding visit secures increased attention, and there is reason to hope for the best in the case of this school. The work shown was mostly good; some of it was original. Generally the impression created was that there was thought in the work, and this is always satisfactory. The Teacher is ably assisted. Eeally useful kindergarten work is done here. Pamoana (Koriniti), examined 23rd and 24th March, 1899.—The number of passes secured at the examination was very large (fifty-four). Most of them were very good indeed. The most remarkable feature of the work is the admirable state of preparation of the whole school for further advance. The log-book states that examination-day is the day of the year at Koriniti. Many outward and visible signs give evidence of the enthusiasm of the people ; a concurrent tangihanga even had but small success in drawing public attention from what was going on in the schoolhouse. Ten adults attend, and with great regularity. The Chairman, Te Awe, is a diligent and successful pupil. There is good reason to hope that some of these seniors will go right through the course. Pamoana is one of our most striking schools. Papawai (examined 12th December, 1899). —Great improvement in the teaching of the juniors has taken place. Next year the advantages flowing from this change will be very discernible. The "diary" system is in use here, with excellent results. Allowance being made tor considerable weakness in slate arithmetic, the examination work was decidedly pleasing. The main "rock ahead" for this school is the problem of lodging and boarding the children. The Papawai people are in favour of the school, and take real interest in it, but they seem to have scruples about providing gratuitous board for all their relatives' children —which, indeed, is hardly to be wondered at. South Island and Stewart Island. Whangarae, Groiselles (examined 18th October, 1899). —The schoolroom was very clean, with everything in its place. The order was satisfactory, and the children worked well and honestly. There was evidently the best of feeling between the Teacher and the children ; it is quite plain that the school stands well in public esteem. Good progress had been made in the extra subjects, and generally the results were decidedly good. Waihawa (examined 3rd November, 1899). —This school presents an attractive appearance, and is doing creditable work. The order has improved, but there is still some needless talking. Eelations between pupils and teachers are good. Id 1898 it was decided, upon the urgent representation of the Waikawa Maoris, that their midwinter holidays should be extended to four weeks, the midsummer holidays being shortened to three weeks. The Maoris promised that for the future the school should be opened promptly on the expiration of the holidays. They have not kept their word. This is disappointing. Wairau (examined 20th October, 1899). —Influenza, followed by typhoid fever, had greatly interfered with the school-work. A good examination could hardly be demanded, but results were much better than might have been expected in such adverse circumstances. The Maoris appear to take insufficient interest in the school; this is shown by the fact that their children are often allowed to run wild in the settlement instead of attending school. Shortcomings are not due to faults on the part of the teachers, who teach earnestly and carefully, and really deserve a better school. Mangamaunu (examined 28th October, 1899).—The recovery of this school is very astonishing. It is now quite promising ; there are even several babies in the settlement. It is quite possible that the improvement, becoming more marked at every visit, in the people's way of living, accounts for the progressive change. The results of the examination were decidedly good. No child failed, . and the passes were generally satisfactory. The children work honestly, and their manners are good. Kaiapoi (examined 18th October, 1899). —All things being considered, it is safe to say that the results were satisfactory; not that the work shown at the examination was striking, but rather because there was well-marked promise of improvement in many directions, and more especially of future success in coping with the difficulties peculiar to the district. That much