X—2.

WELLINGTON. Sir,— Education Office, Wellington, 15th December, 1909. We have the honour to submit our annual report on the general condition of the primary schools in the Wellington Education District. The number of schools in operation during the year 1909 was 162—the same as in 1908. New schools were opened at Maranui, Lansdowne, Petone West, and Homeburn, while those at Toro, Mangaoronga, and Pakowai were closed. It should be noted, however, that while the new schools represent approximately 800 children, the schools closed were aided schools with roll-numbers totalling not more than twenty children. In addition to the State schools, nine Catholic schools were visited and reported on. The Normal School was examined by the Principal of the Training College. With the exception of (wo small household schools, established after the commencement c>l the school year, every school in the district was visited at least twee during the year.' The following is a summary of the numbers. and average ages of the pupils in attendance : —

The following is a summary of the certificates gained by pupils in the Roman Catholic schools :—

The total number of children on the roll shows an increase of 345 on last year's total. This increase is mainly in the preparatory classes, which is a very healthy sign. For the first time since 1906 there is a satisfactory increase in the numbers of Standard VI —1,382, as compared with

111

Classes. Number on Roll. Present at the Average Age of Annual Pupils in each Examination. Class. Public Schools. Yr.-i. moe. Standard VII VI V IV III II I Preparatory 370 1,382 1,77-2 2,063 2,034 2,100 2,000 6,040 358 14 11 1,366 13 10 1,725 12 10 2,025 12 0 1,992 11 0 2,072 9 11 1,937 9 2 195 7 1 Totals ... 17,761 17,761 16,970 11 i* 16,970 11 I* i 'atholic Schools. 14 82 154 186 173 136 142 457 12 82 150 178 166 124 138 415 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 6 0 4 0 0 8 8 2 2 Standard VII VI v IV „ III II I Preparatory 14 82 154 186 173 136 142 457 1.3 I I 12 15 0 82 14 4 150 13 0 178 12 0 166 11 8 124 10 8 138 9 2 415 6 2 1.265 11 6 1,344 1,265 11 6 • Mean of average age l,£\)iJ 11 U ;c

Certificates. Roll. Present. fioienoy. Competency. Pahiatua Otaki Hutt Masteiton Thorndon Petone Marist Brothers , Dixon Street Newtown Totals .. ..63 62 1 1 80 76 88 87 7 " .. 138 135 3 2 126 114 2 3 143 138 202 198 6 6 207 188 13 6 297 267 8 7 1,344 1,265 40 25