63

E.—l

New schools were opened at Hawera, Mangamahoe, Kaituna, and Newman. New buildings were in course of construction at Mauriceville East, Masterton (Infant School), Makara, and Te Aro (Infant School), and additions were being effected at Levin and Vogeltown. Contracts were let for new schools at Hawera, Eangitumau, Cross Creek, Tokomaru, and Te Horo, but, beyond putting the timber on the ground for the purpose of becoming seasoned, no progress had been made in the erection of either of these up to the close of the year. In compliance with the requirements of the amended regulations of the City Council, the whole of the drainage of each of the city schools has been thoroughly overhauled, and efficient traps and ventilation provided. The sanitary arrangements of these schools are now carried out, in every instance, in the most complete manner possible, and in strict accordance with the improved modern sanitary arrangements. An agreement has been made with the City Council, under which, for a fixed annual sum of £50, no less than 2,400,000 gallons of water are available yearly for flushing purposes within the city boundaries ; beyond this quantity payment is made by meter at a reasonable rate. Outside of the ordinary capitation grant made to School Committees for maintenance and petty repairs, it has been found necessary during the year to meet considerable demands which could not fairly be charged against the Board's share of the special grant for school-buildings. Pupil-teachers.—At the December examination of pupil-teachers seventy-seven candidates came up. Of all, ten failed to obtain promotion, two on account of age only ; four who had not held appointments for six months were not counted as failures, four only being counted as failures. Three pupil-teachers had to retire on account of unsatisfactory work. The seventy-four pupilteachers now in the Board's service are classified—Fifth year, 19 ; fourth year, 15 ; third year, 23; second.year, 14 ; first year, 3. Scholarships.—The usual annual scholarship examination was held in the month of October; 123 candidates were examined in all —seventeen from the Wairarapa, twenty-seven from the country districts, and seventy-nine from the city schools. In accordance with the results of the examination, the following scholarships were awarded: City,, [six boys, four girls]; Wairarapa, [two boys, one girl]; country districts, [one boy, three girls]. Technical School. —This department has undoubtedly increased its usefulness during the year. The number of students is now over four hundred. The examinations have shown proof of a very much higher value in work than in previous years. This is, no doubt, largely owing to the improved accommodation and facilities provided by the Board. In English examinations especially the success is marked, the report showing that out of forty-five works done at the personal examination only two failed, and in geometrical drawing also in the Central School there was only one failure. The school has now been affiliated to the City and Guilds of London Institute for the Advancement of Technical Education, and any section of technical work may now be examined and certificates awarded by that institution. Prizes and periodicals have been freely contributed by the trades, and by private persons interested in the successful working of the school. During the past year 5,343 papers were submitted for the local and South Kensington examinations, and 2,921 certificates were issued. Inspection.—From the annual report of Messrs. Lee and Fleming it will be seen that steady and satisfactory increase is shown in the work of the upper standards, the condition throughout being generally progressive. Committees. —As in past years, the relations between the Board and Committees have been most cordial. A great measure of the success of the year's work is undoubtedly due to the earnest work of the School Committees. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education. J. E. Blair, Chairman.

General Statement of Eeceipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1892. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance at beginning of year—■ By Office staff—Salaries .. .. 675 0 0 On Building Account .. .. 294 18 9 Departmental contingencies .. 564 3 5 On General Account .. .. 4,507 4 7 Inspectors'salaries .. ... 875 0 0 Government grant for buildings .. 3,300 0 0 Inspectors'travelling expenses ~ 281 8» 0 Government statutory capitation .. 33,633 6 6 Examination of pupil-teachers .. 4 10 Scholarship grant .. .. .. 319 19 9 Teachers' salaries and allowances (inInspection subsidy .. .. 300 0 0 eluding rent, bonus, &c.) .. 28,482 12 2 Payments by School Commissioners .. 1,346 10 2 Incidental expenses of schools .. 4,449 4 2 Share of repairs to fences .. .. 21 611 Scholarships— Fees, Technical School .. .. 557 8 0 Paid to scholars .. .. ~ 630 0 0 Government grant, Technical School 100 0 0 Examination expenses .. .. 25 19 3 Teachers' examination fees .. .. 3 0 0 School-buildings— New buildings .. .. .. 1,671 17 0 Improvements of buildings .. 1,568 10 5 Furniture and appliances ~ 11l 12 2 Sites .. .. .. .. 30 2 0 Plans, supervision, and fees .. 213 7 10 Technical School .. .. ~ 81 18 0 Interest on balance due on office and Technical School .. .. 268 6 8 On account contract for Board office » and Technical School .. .. 2,000 0 0 Balance at end of year— On Building Account Dr. £0 10 8 On General Account 3 ( 351 3 3 On deposit .. 50 16 0 *— — 3,401 8 1 £45,283 14_Jj _£45,283 14 j A. Dorset, Secretary.