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E.—2,

relations between teacher and parents appeared to be quite satisfactory. Extra subjects require careful and constant attention. The teaching was, on the whole, satisfactory. It is desirable that in English conversation the children should do the greater part of the talking. The results were satisfactory, in so far as they were wide, but the weak places were numerous. A better order of things is now being established, the consequences of which were not at examination-time fully visible. Torere (examined Bth July, 1903: Mr. Pope).—Every child was present at examination. Garden and grounds were in very creditable condition. Time-table arrangements were, on the whole, good. The rule is exceedingly mild, and cordial relations exist between master and people. Children made a much better appearance than they did in olden times, though they had not yet learned the sanitary method of cleaning slates. Extra subjects were in a rudimentary stage. The master had already made good progress in seeing where Native-school difficulties lie. Mr. Harrison's work was such as to show that he will prove a decidedly useful acquisition to the Department, He had done much in a short time to bring into good order a school that had, through the long illness of his predecessor, fallen far out of line. Omaio (examined 10th August, 1903 : Mr. Bird).—There was a very good attendance of children, forty-six being present. The time-table should show, in its distribution, the work of every class, including Class P. It was pleasing to note that handwork found a place amongst the school subjects. Basket-work and paper-work are satisfactorily done. The use of concrete methods in the teaching of the infants has, under the assistant, produced good results. The internal tone of the school, as evinced during the examination, was very good. Songs were moderately well sung, the fault being that the pitch was too low. Other extra subjects are fair. It is necessary always that the teacher should ascertain before the lesson closes that the children have grasped what he has endeavoured to present to them. The examination results were good on the whole; English work was satisfactory throughout, but there is still some weakness in arithmetic Te Kaha (examined 7th August, 1903: Mr. Bird).— Forty-one children were present out of a roll number of forty-two. This school still keeps up its reputation for cleanliness. It is, without doubt, the most pleasing in appearance of all the schools, inasmuch as the cleanliness is reflected in the habits and personal appearance of the children. The Department has every reason to be proud of le Kaha. The children worked quietly and well. Their manners also called for some praise Extra subjects were very satisfactory indeed, drill being especially good. The teaching done by Mrs. Hailey in the infant-department is of a most painstaking character. It recognises the fact that the keynote to success in Maori-school work is thorough, preparation of the infants The master's lesson was also very satisfactory, and showed that the children were accustomed to proper teaching Kindergarten work made a fine display, basket-work, carton, cardboard, and plasticine work all being well done and exceedingly neat, The master, Rev. D. T. Hailey and Mrs Hailey have both been in ill health for some time. In spite of this, however, much excellent work has been done and the results are exceedingly gratifying. (The Rev. Mr. Hailey has since been granted leave of absence on account of ill health, and a successor has been appointed The Depart ment hopes that the rest and change will be of service to Mr. Hailey, and that he and his wife will be able to resume work with renewed health.) . Baukokore (examined 6th August, 1903: Mr. Bird),-This is an important school, though not a large one. There were thirty-two children present out of thirty-five. The time-table should be amended to give more time for English, which should be given to every class every day There is a good tone, and the children seemed to be eager to work. They should, however", be trained to go out quietly, and to refrain from mutual help. Singing was rather poor; drawing and drill fair The children especially m the preparatory classes, should receive a thorough training in the sounds of the English consonants The method of teaching to read should be a combination of the phonetic and look-and-say methods. Once the sounds are properly taught, the difficulties end Conversational work in English as suggested in at least two previous years' reports, is absolutely necessary. Had this direction been attended to, the results, which were on the whole ver good would have been little short of excellent. - s ' East Coast and Wairarapa. WharekaUka (examined 4th August, 1903: Mr. Bird).-In order to increase the attendance in their efforts to make a good show, the people had brought children to school that were far too young, some of them being probably under three. Of course, this could not be allowed The master had not been accustomed to Maori work; otherwise, grammar would find no place on his time-table. The tone was good, and the master had done much for the Natives in time of sicknes He has yet to get into our ways, and with a view of assisting him time was devoted to an exposition of methods. The results obtained were very small indeed, nor could they be expected to be other wise (The master has since left the service, as he found the isolation more than he could endure ) Te Araroa (examined 3rdl August 1903: Mr. Bird).-Full provision is made here for con versational English, and the effect on the work of the school is very marked The children work without needless talking. They are on exceedingly good terms with their teachers and tW working tone of the school is good. There has been a considerable influx of young chi Wen wS do not pay/' and these nave lowered the percentage in some measure. Of the' general work of the school it can be truly said that it was very satisfactory. Handwork has been well attended to here though a little more accuracy and neatness in carton-work are desirable ' Rangrtukia (examined 29th and 30th July, 1903: Mr. Bird).-This is one of our largest schools, there being present at examination eighty children. The order is evpelWt •XI i i a obey quietly and without fuss. The people are proud of their chool and indeed he, h,v 1 reason to be so. Drawing is, in the upper classes, combined X handwork and g °VK great success. The drill was first class, work by the cadet company ting Sy good and fhowTnJ