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and the Hon. J. A. Tole. Elected by the Board of Education : Professor W. S. Aldis, Messrs. J. M. Clark, and Theo. Cooper. Elected by Members of Legislative Assembly for Auckland Provincial District: Sir G. M. O'Eorke (Chairman), Messrs. F. D. Fenton and J. H. Upton. Ex offlcio : Mr. "W. E. Waddel, Mayor of Auckland. Staff. —Two vacancies existing at the beginning of the year were filled by the appointment of Mr. E. Dickson, M.A., Edinburgh, and Mr. E. H. Kirby, 8.A., sometime Scholar of Cavendish College, Cambridge. In May, Mr. J. W. Tibbs, M.A., of Keble College, Oxford, sometime Tasmanian Scholar, became senior mathematical master, the appointment having been held over since the retirement of Mr. J. F. Sloman, M.A., Sydney, in December, 1884. In consequence of a continuous decrease in the number of pupils, the engagements of Mr. J. K. Wright, LL.B., London, and the Eev. J. W. Alloway, 8.A., Cambridge, were terminated in March and December respectively. In April, the Eev. T. Thistle, M.A., sometime Exhibitioner of Christchurch College, Oxford, became warden of Christ's College, Hobart; and in December, Mr. A. H. Highton, M.A., Cambridge, accepted the headmastership of the Invercargill High Schools. Mr. Highton has been replaced as master for natural science by Mr. 11. J. Carson, University College, London, already a member of the staff. I'onsonby Branch School. —This school, which had at no time fulfilled the expectations which the Board was led to form when considering the question of opening it, as to numbers, was closed early in the year, in consequence of a disagreement with the trustees of the Ponsonby Public Hall as to the terms upon which it was occupied by the school. Seventeen out of nineteen pupils were transferred, with the master, to the parent school. 801 l Number, &c. —The numbers on the school roll were as follows : Second term, 1884-85, 298; third term, 18S4-85, 283; first term, 1885-86, 263, as against 331 in the corresponding term of the previous year. The Board has again to express regret that the attendance of pupils is, in general, very brief. The returns for the last four years show an average attendance of only two years and four months, and, as some few boys attend for much longer periods, it is evident that very many attend only for a much less time. Further, the large majority leave, not from the higher, but from the middle and lower Forms, thus failing to secure the advantages which a secondary school is designed to offer, and interfering with the organization of the school. Some improvement is hoped from the adoption by the Board of Education of an amended system of district scholarships; but the results of the change will be very gradual. Buildings, do. —The buildings have not been extended during the year, but the plant for use in the teaching of natural science has been kept up and slightly increased. Scientific, Artistic, and Mechanical Education. —Various branches of natural science continue to be taught to the whole of the Upper School, whilst all except the highest two Forms learn drawing. The workshop, attendance at which is voluntary, continues to be very popular. Scholarships. —ln the first term, 1885-86, there were in the school three senior foundation scholars, receiving from the Board of Governors £40 per annum and free education, and six junior foundation scholars, receiving free education, which was also enjoyed by thirty-three holders of district scholarships and certificates of proficiency. The value of this free education is, of course, largely in excess of the fee charged in the Upper School—namely, £10 10s. Successes of Pupils. —During the year nine boys attending the school, or having very recently left it, passed the senior Civil Service Examination : the places obtained included the first, second, (twice), and fourth. Thirteen passed the junior examination : the places obtained included the first, second, third, fourth (twice), and sixth. The results of the December examinations of the New Zealand University, just announced, show that two pupils of this school have obtained junior University scholarships, and nine others have passed for matriculation. Other successes are recorded in the school list sent herewith. Examinations. —ln the month of June it was resolved to have the school examined by special examiners, who should "report fully upon the results of answers to papers and to viva voca questions ; upon the general system and methods adopted in the management of the school and its classwork ; upon the efficiency of the teaching staff; and, generally, upon all matters which concern the present state and future prospects of the school, and should be invited to offer such suggestions as they deem advisable." The examination was held at the end of the year by Professors G. S. Sale, J. Shand, and F. D. Brown, Professors at the Otago University and Auckland University College. Their report was considered at a special meeting of the -Board held on the loth February, 1886, when it was resolved, upon the motion of Professor W. Steadman Aldis, " That this Board expresses its gratification at the satisfactory nature of the special report by the examiners, and considers that the points on which criticism is made on the arrangements of the school are such as may be best left to the discretion of the headmaster." The school, as being one of those which receive district scholars, was also inspected by the Inspector-General of Schools, who lias reported to the Government. Evening Classes. —Evening classes in Latin, French, mathematics, chemistry, and drawing have been advertised but not held, as in no case did the number of applications exceed two. Finances. —The Board regrets that its ordinary expenditure has again been in excess of its income. A cemmittee has been appointed to inquire into this matter and make suggestions. The funds of the school have also suffered very seriously from the defalcations by the late Secretary, which largely exceeded the amount of the guarantee held by the Board. Copies of the report by the special examiners, with the comments thereon, and of the school list are forwarded herewith. " Auckland, 20th February, 1886. G. yon dee Heyde, Secretary.

2. Examinees' Eepoet. Gentlemen, — 15fch January, 18S6. In making our report of the examination of this school we desire first to acknowledge the courtesy and readiness with which the headmaster, Mr. G. F. Bourne, assisted us in our work,