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The last question in the paper was left unattempted by a great number, aud the majority of those who tried it wrote only pure nonsense. Can nothing be done to persuade teachers to study such subjects as the tides, winds, seasons, latitude and longitude, <fee. ?" Mr. Lee, the examiner in geography for Class E, says, " The results generally indicated want of training, and often of preparation. Many candidates gave very incorrect information in British geography ; and much of the work showed a want of neatness and skill in map-drawing, and judgment in taking up the work." Tho Rev. J. Crump, who examined in music at Christchurch, recommends " that arrangements be made for the special training in music of pupil-teachers, as the result of this examination indicates that the time given to this subject in many schools is quite wasted." Mr. G. P. Austing, examiner in music at Dunedin, closes his report with these words: " On the whole, I should judge that, while those who sat for examination have carefully read books of instruction —notably those of Mr. Curwen —scarcely any of them have had the advantage of systematic training in the practice of vocal music, and teaching it in class. Until some opportunity of this sort is placed within the reach of teachers, it will be difficult to get that part of the school curriculum which prescribes vocal music successfully carried out." The examiners in " school management" express surprise at the great number of teachers who were not able to construct a reasonably good time-table, or even to calculate, and state the rule for calculating, average attendance. I recommend that next year the regulation which requires candidates to send in their names by the first day of January be strictly observed, and that it be enforced not only in the case of ordinary candidates, but also with respect to teachers who have provisional certificates, and desire to be examined in one or more subjects to complete their title to a full certificate. This year great latitude was allowed as to the time of giving notice, one result being that the necessary arrangements with examiners were somewhat hurriedly made. Now that the regulations are better known there is no reason for leniency in this matter. I enclose a complete set of examination papers. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. AVm. Jas. Habens.

2. EXAMINATION PAPERS.—MARCH, 1879. Class D. —English Grammar and Composition.—Examiner: Professor Sale, M.A.. Wednesday, March 26th. — Morning, 10 to 1. 1. Define the terms subject and predicate. Classify very carefully the subjects and predicates in the following sentence : " To be born a beggar is usually a misfortune ; to be born wealthy may be a blessing ; but the greatest calamity that can happen to a young man of ability is to be born possessed of a moderate competence." 2. Give the plurals of coic, brother, Tiose, penny, pea, fish, people, appendix, memorandum ; and, where there is more than one form of the plural, notice the difference of meaning, if any exists. 3. Explain the construction of fare thee well, methinks. 4. Write a passage dictated by the supervisor. 5. Parse the following words in the dictation exercise:— That, only, like (twice), did minister, common. 6. Notice any difference from modern usage in the extract given for dictation. 7. Derive — Answer, captain, caitiff, daisy, atone, neighbour, conscience, pilgrim, worship. 8. Point out any peculiarities in the following phrases, and account for or correct them where necessary:— (1.) He has acted just like I did. (2.) It was him. (3.) Either you or I are in the wrong. (4.) Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am ? (5.) They were an hungry. 9. Spell the words dictated by the supervisor. 10. For short essay —Sketch the plot of any one of Shakespeare's plays ; or, sketch the character of any one of Sir AValter Scott's or Dickens's heroes or heroines. Exercise in Dictation and Spelling. 4. Shakespeare, Cor., Act 1, Sc. I.— Menenius. —There was a time when all the body's members Rebelled against the belly ; thus accused it: — That only like a gulf it did remain I' midst o' the body, idle and unactive, Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing Like labour with the rest ; where the other instruments Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel, And mutually participate ; did minister Unto the appetite and affection common Of the whole body. 9. Spoonful, seize, solicitor, believe, abscess, progeny, valleys, leisure, to fillip, courtesy, honour, traveller, withhold, o'errun. Class D.—Arithmetic. —Examiner : Professor Shand, M.A. Tuesday, March 2Stk—Afternoon, 2.30 to 5.30. 1. A number, when increased by two-thirds of itself, amounts to thirty thousand and twenty.four millions six thousand and eighty; find tbe number, and write it down in words.