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Sess. II.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION. CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF NATIVE SCHOOLS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

No. 1. The Under Secretary, Native Department, to the Secretary for Education. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 26th July, 1879. I am directed by the Hon. the Native Minister to inform you that it has been decided to hand over the charge of Native schools to the Education Department as from the 1st instant. A list of the schools, with the records, &c, of the school branch of this office, shall be furnished to you with as little delay as possible, and I shall be glad to consult your convenience in arranging any further details of the transfer. I'have, &c, T. W. Lewis, John Hislop, Esq., Secretary for Education, Wellington. Under Secretary. I entirely concur in this recommendation from the Native Minister. Let it at once have effect given to it. G. Grey., Minister of Education. No. 2. The Secretary for Education to Officers iu Charoe of Native Districts. (Circular.) Siu, — Education Department, Wellington, 29th August, 1879. You have been informed by Mr. Lewis that Government has transferred the management of the Native schools to the Education Department. The officers of this department are the more encouraged to undertake tliis increased responsibility by the circumstance that the Hon. the Native Minister has authorized me to avail myself of the services of yourself and the other officers of the Native Department who have hitherto rendered assistance in connection with the schools. We rely, therefore, upon your valuable co-operation in carrying ou the important work committed to us; and we entertain the hope that our future official relationship will be pleasant and satisfactory. T have, &c, Joun Hislop. By Authority: Gboeoe Dissburt, Government Printer, Wellington.—1879. Price 3d.]