OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 183, 13 May 1873, Page 5

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

In the Report of the Education Department for 1872 we find the following allusions to the public schools in this vicinity. At Albert Town School the average attendance for the year was 25 ; at Alexandra, 61; d,cdrona, 13 ; at Cromwell, 30 ; at Clyde, 43. From the detailed reports of the Inspector we make the subjoined extracts :-• ' Albert Town.—This school has been erected and maintain*) I mainly through the exertions of Mr H. Uamobell. whose residence ami station are not far off. The school is tolerably suitable, but rather small. The instruction for the in >st part is very eietnentary. . . The nnsW his a very pleasant manner, and there is a line tone in the schnl; the discipline being mild and efficient. Unless the population increase, lam disposed to think this school must bo made also available for families at Pembroke, three or four miles distant, either by removing the school to an intermediate position, or by having two halftime schools.

Alexandra.—This school, as regards method, organisation, discipline, and results, is in a highly satisfactory condition. From the lowest to the highest class, the enunciation is very distinot, and the reading and recitation from memory are correct and tasteful. In arithmetic, grammar, and geography, and other subjects, the pupils are thoroughly grounded so far as they have gone. The singing is good. An earnest though cheerful tone seems to prevail throughout the entire school. All the members of Committee were present. They seem to take a #reat interest in, and to be very proud of tliair school.

Basnockburn.—(Number on roll:—boys, 9 • girls 9; total, 18) The inhabitants have' erected a school-house ami established a school without any aid from the Board. The Committee have now applied to hive the sciiool recognised and aided. The instruction is very elementary but the results are very fair for the time the school has been in operation. Cardkona.—(Numberon roll: boys. 8 ; girls, 11 ; total, 19.) The school is of iron and wood', rather small, but sufficient for present requirements. The ground is fenced. The school is taught by the constable's wife, who is proving herself to be an enthusiastic and successful teacher. The pupils read, spell, recite from memory, and sing well, and a fair beginning has been made in arithmetic and penmanship. UUVDE.—The inhabitants have contributed largely towards the cost of the new school-house and residence. Like most other gold-ti sid towns, there has alwavs been an excellent school committee here. The clerk to the Committee has served ever since the institution of the school, 8 or 9 years ago, with great ability and zeal ; and the success of the school is greatly owing to his exertions. Cromwell.—The school is of wood. The floor space is ample ; but the walls are so low that tht: heat in summer is intolerable. A new school is desirable, and if possible, it should be of stone. The residence is tolerably comfortaMo and suitable. Site, fully a half 'acre, fenced. The school has recently fallen off greatly in attendance and efficiency, owing to the resignation of the teacher.