41

A.—4.

Survey. —The only special remark that requires to be made under this head is in reference to the item for laying out roads in those hlocks of land where reserves of 5 per cent, have been made in pursuance of " The Crown Grants Act, 1866," and " The Native Lands Act, 1873." A surveyor is now engaged laying out roads the right to take which will shortly lapse. We consider this an indispensable service, and one which does not appear to have been sufficiently attended to in some other provinces. Education. —There is no Board of Education; but the Superintendent appoints an Inspector, who performs many of the duties generally devolving on Boards. "The Hawke's Bay Education Act, 1873," provides for two classes of schools, public and,denominational. Public schools and teachers' houses are built and repaired at the expense of the Provincial Government and districts in equal proportions. The schoolmasters are supported by school fees, the maximum being Is. 6d. per week, a capitation grant of 12s. per head quarterly in the country and 9s. in the town of Napier, and an annual bonus not exceeding £40. No grant is given to denominational schools for the erection or repair of school-houses or teachers' residences ; but, where the Superintendent is satisfied as to the character and amount of the secular education imparted in such schools, a capitation grant is given; no other assistance is granted. There are Educational Reserves which produce a rental of about £900 per annum. Miscellaneous. —The item, " Contingencies, Crown Lands Office, £200," is found to be chiefly expended in payment for the preparation, outside the office, of Crown grants. As we are informed that the employment of a cadet in the Survey Office would be sufficient for this purpose, we have reduced this item by £100. WELLINGTON. Executive. —In the other provinces we have recommended the temporary retention of a local officer in charge of the records, to whom reference might be made on any questions that may arise relative to past transactions; but, as Wellington is the seat of Government, we do not think that any difficulty from the want of local knowledge will occur, and therefore that the retention of an officer in charge of the records is unnecessary. Nor have we, for a similar reason, recommended that any officer of the Treasury be retained for making local payments. Gaol. —The portion of the Gaol devoted to male prisoners is very much overcrowded. There is at present accommodation for twenty-nine males, and there are now seventy-nine male prisoners. An addition is in course of erection to accommodate thirty more, which will, however, still leave the building overcrowded, and prevent a proper system of classification being adopted. The female wards are capable of accommodating forty-four prisoners, but there are now only twelve. In our general remarks we have suggested a temporary remedy for cases of overcrowding similar to the above. Police. —In all the provinces into the departments of which we had an opportunity of inquiring, we found the duty of inspecting weights and measures performed by the police, although in some of the provinces a separate office had at one time been in existence. In Wellington a separate office still exists, but we recommend its transfer to the police, in the estimates of which department we have made the necessary provision. The registration of dogs and cattle brands should also, we think, be transferred to the police. Charitable Aid. —This is mainly administered through the Resident Magistrate and police. A sum of £150 is contributed towards the funds of the Benevolent Society in Wellington, which is incorporated under "The Voluntary Association Incorporations Act, 1872." The income otherwise raised by the Society last year was £363 3s. 3d. A sum of £50 is also paid out of the Charitable Aid vote to the Borough Council of Wanganui for local distribution. Hospitals. —The Wellington Hospital is maintained by the Provincial Government. The Surgeon is non-resident, and is allowed private practice. Patients are admitted by order from the Superintendent or Provincial Secretary. A considerable number of seamen are treated, from whom and other patients an amount 9—A. 4.