73

E.—l

March the Bev. T. Jasper Smyth, Messrs. William Barker Howell, and Eichard Alfred Barker retired in terms of section 15 of the Act. The following gentlemen were nominated by the School Committees to fill these vacancies, viz.: The Bev. T. Jasper Smyth, retiring member; Mr. William Barker Howell, retiring member; Mr. Bichard Alfred Barker, retiring member; Mr. William Chisholm. The voting resulted in the re-election of the retiring members. No extraordinary vacancies occurred during the year. At the monthly meeting of the Board on the 3rd day of April, Mr. Samuel William Goldsmith was re-elected Chairman for the sixth time in succession. Twelve regular meetings of the Board were held during the year, the day of meeting being the first Thursday in each month, except in January, when the Board met on the third Thursday. The average attendance for the year was 7. The officers of the Board were the same as at the end of last year. Schools.—On the 31st December, 1890, there were fifty-six schools in operation, being an increase of four new districts (Waitaki, Seadown, Arundel, and Waterfalls) opened during the year. Of these fifty-six schools, the classification was as follows : Under 25 pupils, fourteen; between 25 and 50 pupils, twenty-seven ; between 50 and 100 pupils, eight; between 100 and 300 pupils, five; between 300 and 500 pupils, one; over 500 pupils, one. The number of schools open at the end of the year was fifty-six, and of this number none were half-time schools, nor were any schools closed during the year. The number of " aided " schools was fourteen. Attendance. —From the accompanying return it will be seen that there is still a steady increase in the number of scholars attending the Board's schools. The average attendance for the year was 4,881, as against 4,858 in the previous year. The ratio of average attendance to roll-number is still about 79. The following table shows the attendance in the district since the Board was established [only partially reprinted]:—

Finance. —The balance-sheet, duly certified by the Auditor-General, is appended. The Building Account shows a debit balance of £1,158 7s. 4d., which will be repaid out of the building grant of £1,800 for the year, which has since been placed to the credit of the Board, really leaving the Building Fund in credit £641 12s. Bd. to meet the exigencies and contingencies of the next twelve months. The Maintenance Account show's a balance of £1,444 7s. 2d., but the sum of £1,118 4s. has to be deducted therefrom on account of advances received from reserves revenue, leaving a balance of £326 3s. 2d. to actual credit. This balance, however, may be supplemented by the sum of £1,158 7s. 4d. due from the Building Account, as well as of £112 payable on account of contributions from School Committees. Buildings.—During the past year the Board has rebuilt and partly refurnished the school at Geraldine, on a new site, having, by authority of the Governor, sold its reserves within the township for this purpose. New schools also have been built at Arundel, Seadown, Waitaki, and Hakateramea, as well as assistance furnished towards establishing a side-school for Hazelburn at Waterfalls, and rebuilding master's residence at Hazelburn. Grants have been made in aid of planting at Bangitata Island and at Glenavy. A new ceiling, &c, has been put in at the South Orari School. The Timaru Main School has been re-stained, re-painted, and repaired; the drains have been taken up and relaid; the ridging of the infant school has been replaced; the master's house has been re-painted; a curtain put up in the main school; the janitor's house has been repaired, and the water brought in. The side-school also has had certain necessary repairs executed. New7 furniture has been made for Hakateramea, Arundel, Seadown, Waitaki, Waiinate, and Wai-iti (with a curtain). The school at Mount Gay has been removed to Plazelburn, and a master's residence has been built there. New wells have been sunk and pumps furnished to Orari Bridge, Pleasant Point, and Belfield; and grants for various exigencies have been made to Claremont, Fairview, Gapes Valley, Makikihi, Waihao, Fairlie Creek, Hook, Waituna Creek, and Hilton. New sites have been purchased at Seadown and Hazelburn. Surveys have been made of Seadowm, Washdyke, Waihao, and Hazelburn. The Kingsdown, Waitohi Flat, Pleasant Point, Waihao, Hook, and Bangitata Island Schools have been painted, and new ranges furnished to Hunter and Bangitata South ;

10—E. 1.

Quarter ending Number of Number of Schools. Teachers. Number on Polls. — AMale. Average Attendance. Lverage Attendam Female. ice. Total, Yearly Average. .878 31st March 30th June 30th September .... 31st December ... '31st March 30th June 30th September... 31st December ... 31st March 30th June 30th September... 31st December ... 16 16 17 17 49 49 50 50 52 52 53 56 56 59 60 56 119 120 123 125 123 123 124 126 2,467 2,458 2,510 2,666 4,704 4,689 4,714 4,703 4,873 4,865 4,868 4,937 Working Avere 930 814 897 754 931 811 1,005 872 Strict Averagi 1,895 1,785 1,921 1,784 1,832 1,660 1,964 1,857 1,930 1,842 1,930 1,810 2,051 1,878 2,086 2,027 ,ge. 1,744 1,651 1,742 1,877 3,680 3,705 3,492 3,821 3,772 3,740 3,929 4,113 1,753 3,674 .888 3,888 890