E.—9

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class we found a good deal of inequality—easily accounted for; but in the others all the pupils succeeded in obtaining more than 50 per cent, of the attainable marks. In the mathematics, too, though not usually supposed to be a strong point with girls, the results were really very satisfactory, more particularly in arithmetic and algebra. The former of these subjects has evidently been taught with much care all over the school. In geometry the highest class have gone over a good deal of ground during the year, and have thoroughly mastered what they have done. With but one exception they have all gained a very high percentage of marks. French has been taught with great efficiency and success in the various Forms, as is abundantly evidenced by the very high marks which all the girls have succeeded in gaining. It gives us much pleasure to report on the work of the pupils in the Fifth Form in grammar, history, and English literature. The majority of the candidates obtained a very high percentage of marks in each subject. The answering by a few of the members of the Form, in respect of fulness and accuracy, was unusually good, and we confidently expect that those of them who recently went up for the University Matriculation Examination will take a good position when the results are published. The papers done by the Third and Fourth Forms in history, grammar, and geography, were, in the case of a large number of them, highly creditable ; but a few are rather weak in history and applied grammar. The work done by the two lowest Forms in history, geography, grammar, reading, and dictation, gave us much satisfaction, and indicated careful and discriminating teaching. Of course it is absolutely necessary, if the children are to succeed in the upper classes, that the foundation should be carefully laid at the outset of their course. Instruction has been given by members of the staff in elementary physiology and botany, and the papers given in on these subjects were of a character that indicated that the teachers had treated them thoroughly, and yet in such a way as had manifestly awakened the interest of the pupils. They have avoided the too common vice of packing the memory with mere names, instead of leading their pupils to see things through their names. And here we may mention that we were struck with the absence of several very essential educational appliances which would very materially assist the teachers in their work—such as globes, charts, and a good microscope. We have thus, in briefest compass, presented you with a summary of the results of our recent examination, and we feel that we can congratulate you on the continued success and prosperity of this institution. We were pleased to learn that there has been a considerable increase in the attendance. Indeed, the numbers grew till there was absolutely no room to receive any more. There is no doubt that, if you had a more commodious building, more centrally situated, the attendance would be largely increased. In one or two respects this institution presents a marked contrast with its sister institution, the Wellington College. Here we have no scholarships, no valuable prizes, for proficiency in the various subjects of the curriculum. Of course this institution is as yet but in its infancy; still, at the same time one could have wished that it had evoked the liberality of those members of the community who wish well to the interests of higher education, and who could, if they would, promote it by liberal endowments. At the College exhibition the other day one could not fail to be struck with the number and variety of prizes presented by the public for sports and gymnastics. Now, surely physical training is as necessary for our girls as for our boys, and we should like to see some public encouragement, in the shape of prizes, given for proficiency in calisthenics. We have, &c, A. Macgbegoe, M.A. The Governors, Wellington College. W. H. West, 8.A., LL.B.

2. Bepoet of Examinee in Feench. Gentlemen, — Wellington, 17th December, 1884. In compliance with your request, I have examined the pupils of the Fifth Form in French. The results have been satisfactory. The translations made by some of them from the French were excellent; and the answers given to the questions in grammar showed that they have been carefully trained in the principles of the language. I have, &c, The Governors, Wellington College. Goedon Allan.

3. General Statement of Eeceipts and Expendituee for the Year ending 31st December, 1884. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance in hand, Ist January, 1884 .. 465 2 2 By Secretary's commission on fees .. 57 17 2 School fees .. .. .. .. 1,155 11 9 Teachers' salaries and allowances .. 1,164 11 8 Books, &c, sold, and other refunds .. 15 1 4 Examiners' fees (two years) .. .. 42 0 0 Balance, Ist January, 1885 .. .. 228 15 4 Prizes .. .. .. .. 28 8 9 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 121 9 2 Cleaning, fuel, light, &o. .. .. 65 6 1 Book and stationery account and other temporary advances .. .. 23 0 3 Site and buildings— Works and furniture .. .. 57 12 0 Fencing, repairs, &c. .. .. 4 10 6 Rents, insurance, and taxes .. 119 1 7 Interest on current account .. .. 14 0 Eates on reserves .. .. .. 14 7 3 Sundries unclassified .. .. 19 15 6 Balance, Ist January, 1885, Building Account .. .. .. 145 6 8 £1,864 10 7 £1,864 10 _7 J. B. Blair, Treasurer. [-■ Charles P. Powlbs, Secretary. Examined and passed.—R. Macalistbr, Provincial District Auditor.