3

G.—2

new schoolhouse being so long delayed. The position of the church, now used as a schoolhouse, is most inconvenient, as after a few hours' rain it is inaccessible, being built on a smallhill near the bank of a river subject to flood. Tho Pareirgarenga School, which has now been closed for several years, should be opened at once: the Natives are most anxious for it, aud promise to give it their full support; everything is in readiness, and it only requires a teacher to be appointed, and the necessary school requisites supplied (less maps, a supply of which I have on hand) to accomplish this. I think the Government should lose uo time in opening this school. Before concluding my report, I take the liberty of making a suggestion (I have already referred to the subject on a former occasion). It appears to me that something beyond the mere rudiments of an elementary education is required for the Native race, and some method which would be likely to destroy the habit of communism which exists amongst them. The most feasible way, I think, to accomplish this would be by apprenticing the boys, after they have attained a sufficient knowledge of the English language, to good mechanics in sonre of the principal towns, to be entirely under the supervision of the Government. A home would require to he provided for them, to which they could retire after their day's work. The Government should receive the amount of remuneration they would bo entitled to, and apply it for their support solely. The remuneration they would receive I think would be almost sufficient in itself for this purpose. By adopting such a plan it would place the Native youth in such a position as would enable him to procure an honest living in after years, besides making of him a far more useful member of society than he is likely to prove when turned out of school with but an ordinary education, and is obliged to return to his former habits again. They are naturally clever, and I feel sure would make the best of mechanics. I have, &c, Geo. Kelly, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. , Interpreter.

No. 4. Mr. S. yon Stuemee, E.M., Hokianga, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, Ist July, 1879. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Nativo Minister, a general report upon the Native schools at present in operation in this district. During the past year no new schools have been opened, and the attendance of children at some of them has fallen off very much. Notwithstanding which, I am glad to be able to report that the number of children attending is considerably in advance of that for the year ending the 80th June, 1878. In March quarter of the present year the numbers were —136 boys, and 119 girls—2ss; thus giving an average of 35 scholars to each school; and the return to the 30th June will, lam satisfied, show a little further addition to these numbers. The attendance and cleanliness of the scholars is excellent, and the general management of the schools highly creditable to the teachers. At the same time, I should wish to impress upon the Government the absolute necessity that exists of employing only such persons as teachers who have an aptitude and natural likiug for the work, as upon them depends the success or otherwise of these schools. It is an undoubted fact that the village schools are working great good amongst the Natives in the North, aud doing much to break dow m that barrier which has hitherto, to a certain extent, stood between the two races. As a proof of which, I may point out the very orderly and law-abiding conduct of the northern Native in comparison with that of the more ignorant southern tribes. This is the more noticeable during the last eight or nine years, in which period no serious trouble of any kind has occurred, and, when it is remembered that the numbers of the Earawa and Ngapuhi Natives exceed seven thousand, is well worthy of consideration. I believe this state of things is in a great measure to be attributed to the establishment of Native schools, as they have done much to give the Maoris a better knowledge of our manners aud customs than they have had hitherto, and which, they duly appreciate, and are in many ways endeavouring to imitate. In a few more years, as the present pupils <;rowto manhood and take their places in the tribes, the improvement amongst them as a people will be more marked, and plainly visible to all; and in the meantime the Native schools are deserving of every assistance and encouragement which the Government may bestow upon them. I may mention that the whole of the school buildings iv this district require repainting, and some slight repairs; also, that it is absolutely necessary that a new building be erected at Waitapu, at a cost of about £100. The attendance at this school is very high, and is steadily increasing. I should have sent you a more detailedjreport than the present one, but, Mr. Peacocke having, by instruction from the Hon. the Native Minister, so lately inspected these schools with a view to reporting upon then, I have refrained from so doing. I have, &c, Spencee yon Stuemer, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate. Waima Native School • Established 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Hoskings, teachers. —Pupils on roll: Boys, 27 ; girls, 16 : total, 43. Average attendance : Boys, 17 ; girls, 8 : total, 25. Progress made by pupils not satisfactory; may be in a measure accounted for by tire recent change of teachers. Eesidence of teacher requires re-shingling ; probable cost, £10. Whirinaki Native School • Established 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, teachers. —Pupils on roll: Boys, 37 ; girls, 13 : total, 50. Average attendance : Boys, 29 ; girls, 11: total, 40. The number of pupils is increasing, progress made excellent, and very marked. Miss Ann Mitchell assists as a teacher, and is of great use. I think Government should recognize her services by appointing her assistant, with a small salary. This school is being enlarged and repaired, at a cost of £LOO. Pakia Native School: Established 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Woods, teachers. Pupils on roll: Boys, 11; girls, 11 ; total, 22. Average attendance : Boys, 10 ; girls, 9 : total, 19. Progress of pupils