E.—2

4

has seen a considerable amount of hard work in our service. Latterly, however, he has been in failing health, and could not be expected to devote the energy that is required. The workshop established at Mangamuka is due to his efforts there. Mr. P. Crene, sen., of Ahipara, retired after many years' work, and his son was transferred from Parapara to Ahipara. Mr. Wylie, Te Awangararanui, left the service at the close of the year. For thirteen years he had been in charge of an outlying school, built on the site of the old Galatea Fort, notable from its associations with Te Kooti. Mr. Cowley, who had only recently joined us, worked up a very promising school at Waima, which fell away considerably from various causes upon his leaving to re-enter business. Mr. A. E. Welsh, of Peria, also left in October to go into business, and the school was left vacant for some time pending the appointment of a suitable teacher. Mr. John Moore, of Torere School, retired on account of ill health towards the end of the year, but did not live long to enjoy his wellearned rest; he passed away before the year closed. The vacancies thus created have been filled, in most cases, by the transfer of other teachers in the service Proposals for New Schools. With reference to the cases that seemed most promising last year, the following remarks will indicate the position : — Oruanui and Waitahanui, Taupo. —The work of building is here attended with considerable difficulty, owing to the fact that the timber has to be cut on the ground. These schools should be available towards the end of 1904. Waimarama, Hawke's Bay. —lt is hoped that the erection of a school here will shortly be proceeded with. Te Kopua, Raglan. —A site is being acquired, and a survey has been asked for. Kaingahoa, Te Eawhiti, Russell. —The buildings should be ready about the end of May. A very short comment on each case now before the Department will probably be sufficient: — Bowen Town and Matakana Island, Thames. —The Maoris themselves having taken no action in prosecuting the application, no progress has been made. Hangatiki. —Preliminary steps are not complete. No site has been offered. Hurunui-orangi, Wairarapa. —This place has been visited. It is probable that the requirements of the place can be met by arrangement with the Wellington Education Board. The Natives are specially anxious to obtain the benefit of instruction in manual work for their children. Kaingapipiwai, near Te Pupuke, Kaeo, has yet to be visited. Kaiwhata, Wairarapa. —Action is being taken here. Eohanga, Waikato. —No progress has been made since last report. Kokako, Waikaremoana. —Application for reopening to be considered after visit. Kakanui (Eaipara), Kawa (Great Barrier), and Te Huruhi (Waiheke Island), brought under the notice of the Department by the Rev. G. Maunsell, are to be inquired into as soon as an opportunity offers. Mangaorongo, Waikato. —This is one of the most promising cases. The Public Works Department has been asked to prepare plans and call for tenders. Motuti, near Whakarapa, Ilokianga. —Application not successful. A side school might possibly meet the case. Mataura Bay (Waihi), Thames. —Inquiries are to be made here at the earliest opportunity. Mohaka, Hawke's Bay. —A Board school has been established here during the current year. Maraetai, Port Waikato. —It is not improbable that the establishment of a school at Pakau would meet the case. These places are to be visited shortly. Ohui, near Tairua, Goromandel. —The prospects of a school here appear to depend somewhat on the action taken with regard to Mataura Bay. Both are to be visited. Otawhiwhi, near Katikati. —The Natives have not }'et forwarded lists of children. There appears also to be some difficulty about a site. Pakau, Lower Waikato. —No progress has been made since last year's report. Poroutawhao, near l^evin. —No progress made. Port Albert, Kaipara. —This place should be visited. Parapara, Field's Track, Wanganui. —The children live in settlements as much as ten or fourteen miles from the site offered. The difficulty is how to get them to school. Place is to be visited shortly. Pukehou, near Te Aute, is suggested by the Hawke's Bay Board as a case for the establishment of a Native school. Ramoto, Wairoa. —Action deferred pending decision about Kokako. Rahotu, Taranaki. —No reply from those interested, in answer to communications, has so far been received by the Department. Scoria Flat, near Kawakawa. —People have not yet made direct application as required. Te Patunga, near Kaeo. —To be visited shortly. Te P'uke, Tauranga, has yet to establish a satisfactory case. Teweri, near Okakune. —It seems as if this had been confused with another application. At any rate, the letters from the Department failed to reach their destination. No reply has been received. Tokikuku, Waingaro, Waikato. —This is a good case, and it is hoped to establish a school here. Taheke, Hokianga. —This does not seem at first sight to be very promising, owing to its proximity to other schools. Inquiries will be made by Auckland Education Board. Takou, near Kaeo. —Suggested as a case for a Native school. The Maoris themselves have yet to move in the matter. Wai-wharangi, or Mokaiteure, near Atiamuri. —There is at first sight a good chance for a school here. The place is some fifteen miles distant from Atiamuri. It will be visited at the first opportunity.