G.—2a

12

once a week. As an experiment this might be tried, the Government to contribute say £30, and the Natives a like sum, to build a sleeping and cooking house; the children to be watched over by the master and mistress (Mr. and Mrs. Carrington). There being more than an average Native population in the district, it would be a pity did this schooi break down for want of some small assistance. Tologa Bay. —This school is under charge of Mr. and Mrs. Parker. The attendance during the March quarter averaged 5 boys and 7 girls. The number of children on the school register is 21. The attendance at the school has been as high as 60 children. The cause of failure here is perhaps exceptional —the burning, by accident, of the master's house, and the erection of a new school house on the north side of the river. It is intended, I understand, to erect a building adjoining the school house, in which the children from the south side of the river can reside during the week. This, I think, will greatly increase the attendance. The school is well kept, and the master and mistress indefatigable in their duties. I was much pleased at the order and cleanliness of the school. Tokomaru School. —My inspection here was a disappointment, the average attendance during the March quarter being only 5 boys and 5 girls, the causes urged for the falling off being the want of food, and the great distance the children have to travel from their homes. The chief, Henare Potae, has done much to help the school. Mr. Arthur, a resident in the Bay, also takes an interest in its success : last Christmas he gave prizes and clothing to the children to the amount of £5. One reason why so few children have attended the school since January may be, that most of the Natives, men and women, were attending a sitting of the Native Land Court at Gisborne. The master complained much of the small attendance, and the difficulty he had in keeping the school together. Akuaku School. —This school is under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Brown. The average attendance during March quarter was 31 boys and 29 girls, in all 60. On my visit, sth April, the attendance was 37 boys and 28 girls. The children are taught reading, arithmetic, geography, grammar, and writing, and the girls sewing, &c. Their general knowledge of what is taught them was much in advance of other schools on the East Coast. The master and mistress are careful and attentive; the schoolroom and all around it clean and in good order. I would recommend here that two of the children, a boy and a girl, be appointed pupil teachers, at a small salary. Waiapu School. —The average attendance of children at this school for the March quarter was 12 boys and 8 girls ; the number would be greater but for the difficulty of the children crossing the river. The master, Mr. Hay, is attentive in his duties. He complained much of the difficulty he had in getting the children to attend regularly. One great check to the cause of Maori education is, that on every occasion on which the parent finds it necessary to labour, whether in his cultivation or otherwise, the children are supposed to assist. This to some extent is wearing off: still the complaint of irregular attendance is one urged by all schoolmasters. The parents of the children exercise but little general control over them: hence the necessity of finding some amusement of a class different from what they have at home. I would recommend the putting up at Tologa Bay, Tokomaru, Akuaku, and Waiapu, rope swings and horizontal bars, and also encourage other games, such as football, &c. These games, under care, would soon become more attractive to the boys than the idleness found in their homes. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Richaed JoHtr Gill.

No. 13. Mr. Alexandeb Mackat, Nelson, to the Usder Seceetaet, Native Department. Sib, — Native Eeserves Office, Nelson, Bth May, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter No. 2, of the 23rd April, requesting me to furnish a general report on the Native schools, and, in reply, to explain, that the inspection of the schools in this island has been conducted by the Rev. J. W. Stack since the date of my last report, who is, consequently, in a better position to furnish the desired information. I have telegraphed to him on the subject, and he has promised, in reply, to furnish his report by the 30th proximo. I have, &c, Alexandee Mackat, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Commissioner.

No. 14. Rev. J. W. Stack, Christchurch, to the Hon. the Native Mesisteb. Sib,— Christchurch, 29th June, 1875. I have the honor to forward the enclosed report of my inspection of the Native schools at Whakapuaka, Wairau, and Arahura, together with an appendix containing interesting information respecting the establishment of these schools, kindly furnished by Mr. Commissioner Mackay, of Nelson. I have, &c, James W. Stack, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington. Inspector. Whakapuaka School, Province of Nelson : Master, Mr. Edward Jennings.—School opened for first time, September 2, 1874. Inspected, May 26, 1575. Eegisters properly kept. No time-table. Highest number on books, 12; present at inspection, 11.