E.—B,

14

Under sanction of the Government, the Board took advantage of " The High School Reserves Act, 1880," and sold two reserves which they could not get leased. Considerable delay has taken place in getting the title completed, but all difficulties will soon be overcome. The interest of the money arising from the sale of these reserves will augment the revenue of the Board by something over £100 per annum. The tabulated information required by the Government is appended hereto, and a copy of the Rector's report at the close of the school year is also appended. I have, &c, "Wm. Gillies, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Receipts and Expenditube for the Tear ending 31st December, 1881. Receipts. £ a. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from 1880 ~, ... ... 167 16 3 Salaries account, paid for 1881 ... ... 1,635 10 5 School fees account — Incidentals, sundries, &c.... ... ... 199 15 4 Pees paid for 1880 ... ... ... 15 15 0 Advertising ... ... ... ... 3113 5 „ Ist term, 1881 ... ... 2511110 Prizes account ... ... ... ... 6117 0 „ 2nd „ ... ... 263 4 3 Furnishing account ... ... ... 105 15 6 „ 3rd ~ ... ... 262 17 6 Secretary, one year's salary ... ... 70 0 0 „ 4th „ ... ... 259 12 0 Land purchase account ... ... ... 200 0 0 Reserve rents account — Scholarships ... ... ... ... 42 0 0 Bents paid for 1880 ... ... ... 86 5 0 Balance ... ... ... ... 309 2 8 „ 1881 ... ... ... 866 111 School Commissioners ... ... ... 217 0 0 Sale of reserves ... ... ... ... 223 9 6 Sundries, amount returned Hutton's cheque... 0 11 Scholarships account ... ... ... 42 0 0 £2,655 14 4 £2,655 14 4 Timaru, 31st December, 1881. I have audited this account and have compared the items with the vouchers, and find it correct.— J. Olliviee, District Auditor.—2sth January, 1882.

WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL. Sib,— Oamaru, 25th April, 1882. As per my telegram, I now have the honour to forward copies of audited accounts for year ending the 31st December, 1881. For the information of the Government I beg to state that a bonus of £20 was offered for best design for High School buildings (of stone) and master's residence, the total cost of the same when completed to be £5,000, the cost of the portion at present to be erected not to exceed £2,500. The design of Messrs. Forrester and Lemon, bearing the motto " Voila," was accepted. Tenders were called, and those of Messrs. Wilson and Roxburgh for mason work, £1,891, and of Mr. H. Sidon for carpenters' wort, £2,196 10a., were accepted. The foundation-stone was laid on the 12th October by the Chairman, Mr. Shrimski, and good progress has since been made with the building. The site chosen was part of the Board's Reserve in Block 1., Oamaru District, the portion so set aside containing about thirty acres. The Board proposes to pay for cost of erecting same out of sale of land of other portion of this reserve. Steps are being taken to obtain the services of a headmaster from Home, by permission of the Government, through the Agent-General. I have, &c, Geoege Stthpteb, The Hon. the Minister of Education. Honorary Secretary.

Receipts and Expeudittjbe for Year ending 31st December, 1881. Receipts. £ s. A. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from 31st December, 1880.., ... 293 710 Balance of purchase-money of lease of site ... 263 15 5 Amount of rents collected ... ... 732 14 7 Labour at site ... ... ... ... 614 0 Interest ... ~■ ... ... 9 15 7 Ceremonial expenses, laying foundation-stone 15 5 3 Balance forward, overdraft at Colonial Bank Progress payment, contract for building ... 1,500 0 0 of New Zealand ... ... ... 890 15 11 Amount paid for survey and valuations ... 17 13 0 Printing, advertising, and stationery ~, 7 4 3 Incidental expenses, exchange, telegrams, &c. 0 12 8 Clerical assistance ... ... ~. 15 0 0 Balance forward, bank, fixed deposit ... 100 0 0 3, cash (petty) in hand ... 0 9 4 £1,926 13 11 £1,926 13 11 I certify the foregoing to be a correct statement of the Treasurer's transactions for the period stated. —H. Livingston, Auditor.