H.— lA

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through the ordinary village-school course, and are desirous of obtaining instruction in the higher branches of knowledge. Already a number of applications have been made for the establishment of so-called high schools for Native youth; but this is a subject requiring very mature consideration. Perhaps the time is not far distant when the Native village-schools will so effectually accomplish their work that the Maori scholars avlio pass through them will be able to avail themselves of the ordinary secondary schools of the colony. In the consideration of this question mere class distinctions cannot be recognized —regard must be had only to talent and industry; and possibly the higher education of the more proficient of the Native youth may be most successfully effected by the establishment of a system of competitiA re scholarships from the village-school to the secondary school. The Native Schools Code fully recognizes the principle that the education of the Maori children shall be kept apart from the public-school system of the colony no longer than is necessary; and provision is made that, whenever in any locality the circumstances Avill admit of it, the Native school shall merge in the public school. Deaf and Dumb Institution. Eull information has already been laid before the General Assembly regarding the steps which were taken last year for the establishment of an Institution for the education and training of deaf-mutes.* Mr. Gerit Van Asch, Avho was appointed to the charge of the proposed Institution by the Commissioners in England, arrived in New Zealand last December, and in 'the course of a few weeks entered on his duties in two buildings rented for the purpose at Sumner, near Christchurch. A separate Parliamentary Paper t contains a copy of the prospectus of the Institution, prepared for public information and extensively circulated, and also reports on the school by Mr. Van Asch,' by the Visiting Medical Officer, and by a recent visitor to the Institution. The number of inmates at present (June, 1880) is ten. It is expected that several additional pupils will enter next month, when the half-yearly term begins.

* Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, Sess. 1., 1879, H.-17; and Sess. 11., 1879, H.-l. t Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives, 1880, H.-l E.