E.—lb

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classed), forty in a less satisfactory state, and fifteen in a depressed condition. The weakness of the fifteen depressed schools can be traced to unsatisfactory appointments in eight of them, changes of teachers in six, and bad methods of teaching in one. In the less satisfactory schools the defects are traceable to poor appointments, to the retention of teachers who have been reported unsatisfactory, or to the class-work of inapt pupil-teachers. The general falling-off in the standard pass work, and many of the defects in class and additional subjects, are due to the same causes. It was stated in last year's report " That there is danger of the smaller schools falling away in efficiency, and the best remedy for this is the most careful and discriminate selection of teachers to fill vacancies." I must again forcibly emphasize this statement. This district enjoys the best opportunities in the colony for selecting teachers, because it is central, because its services are fairly paid, and because it is in favour with good teachers in smaller districts; but the policy of passing over really good candidates for common-place local ones militates against the efficiency of the staff and discourages good competition. Recommendations lately made for examining and reporting on the qualifications of pupil-teachers before appointment were approved by the Board ; and, if due effect is given to these recommendations, the service will soon feel the benefit of them. At present there is no great disaster to record, the bulk of the work is intact, and the service is a loyal one; but there are not wanting evidences of the need of that improved administration which in a year or two would remedy existing defects, and it is my duty to give a note of warning in time, lest year by year the efficiency of the system is seriously impaired. . I have, &c, The Chairman, Wellington Education Board. Robert Lee.

Summary of Results for the Whole District.

Summary of Results for Seven Roman Catholic Schools.

HAWKE'S BAY. Sir, — Inspector's Office, Napier, Bth February, 1900. I have the honour to submit a summary report to the Board on the progress of education in the district schools of Hawke's Bay for the year ended the 31st December last. Seventy-five schools are now in active operation. Five new schools have been opened during the year, as follows: Port Awanui, near East Cape ; Whakarau, half-time school in the Motu Bush; Morere, near Nuhaka ; Omahu, near Taradale; and Ti-tree Point, midway between Weber and Wimbledon, In neither of the places named has there been a building supplied by the Board,

Standard Classes. Presented. Examined in Standards. Passed. Average Age of those that passed. Yrs. mos. ]lass above Standard VI. Standard VI. V. „ IV. III. ,; ii i. Preparatory 516 922 1,516 1,890 1,989 1,868 1,681 4,591 903 1,471 1,839 1,939 1,822 1,655 731 1,177 1,544 1,560 1,675 1,609 13 10 12 9 11 10 10 9 9 11 8 8 Totals ... 14,973 9,629 8,296 11 4* * Mean of average age.

Standard Classes. Presented. Examined. Passed. .lass above Standard VI. Itandard VI. V. IV. „ III. II. L 'reparatory 11 43 88 109 144 160 134 349 43 87 101 133 154 121 35 75 90 119 142 115 Totals 1,038 639 576