E.—l2

31

4. Abbangements fob Dbawing; Manual, Commbecial, and Technical Tnsteuction Gymnastics, Dkill, Swimming, etc. Boys' School. Mechanical drawing is taught by a visiting master to boys who require it. Geometrical drawing is taught by members of staff to forms Lower Fifth to Third inclusive. Instruction is given in commercial geography, commercial arithmetic, and mental arithmetic in forms Lower Fifth to Third inclusive; in shorthand in Upper and Lower Fourth, bookkeeping in Lower Fourth to Third inclusive ; additional bookkeeping, shorthand, and arithmetic for such boys as do not learn Latin. There is a specially constructed science room, with appliances for teaching chemistry, botany, and physics. Each form goes to the gymnasium for one hour a week. The Third Form takes two hours. The gymnasium is large and well fitted up. The cadets corps— strength about sixty—has regular drill every Monday afternoon, and occasional drills at other times. The rest of the school are drilled by members of the staff on Wednesday afternoon except in the depth of winter. „. ~ „ , , r Gtrls School. Drawing is included in the school course, and the pupils receive one, two, or more lessons weekly in freehand, model, light and shade drawing from the cast, &c. There are also classes for advanced pupils for which models are engaged, and the pupils make life studies in chalk and oils. These pupils also learn the painting of still life and of flowers. The studios are well equipped with casts, easels, &c. Manual instruction : The usual school teaching of sewing is carried on in the four lower classes of the school. Gymnastics: There is a thoroughly well equipped gymnasium, and every girl in the school is drilled by an expert drill-master in calisthenics and gymnastics. Technical instruction : During the winter months a course of cooking lessons is given by Mrs. Miller, of the Technical School, to the five lowest classes of the school.

5. SCHOLABSHIPS. Eighteen pupils were receiving free education at the Boys' School, and sixteen at the Girls' School, as having obtained 50 per cent, of the marks attainable at the Scholarship Examination of the Education Board.

SOUTHLAND HIGH SCHOOL. Staff. Mr. H. L. Fowler, M.A.; Mr. J. E. Vernon, M.A., 8.50.; Mr. F. Foote, M.A.; Mies J. E. Billing; Miss E. L. Brown, M.A. L Eepoet of the Boaed. In the last annual report reference was made to the institution of a system whereby promising pupils in the primary schools would be received into the High School at reduced fees. This has worked well, and, as was anticipated, the attendance at the school has been considerably increased. The Board offers each year scholarships, consisting of free education for two years, to the fifteen pupils who come out next highest in the examination to the successful competitors for the Education Board scholarships Twenty-one pupils are in attendance under this provision. The proposal made last year to engage the services of a competent person to teach the girls swimming was given effect to, and the provision was appreciated. In October Miss Isherwood resigned her position as assistant teacher in the girls' school, and Miss Edith L. Brown, 8.A., was appointed to fill the vacancy. Miss Brown has since obtained the M.A. degree, with honours in language and literature. The cadet corps is still under the captaincy of Mr. J. E. Vernon, the first assistant in the boys' school, and the boys are progressing satisfactorily with their drill. They have taken part in the military demonstrations in connection with the South African war, and have on each occasion acquitted themselves with credit. In the University examinations the school evidences the careful teaching bestowed upon the pupils, and compares favourably with other schools of a similar class. At the last Senior and Junior Civil Service examinations three past pupils of the school passed the Senior examinations and seven the Junior. During the last six years thirty-six pupils have passed the Civil Service examinations, and 108 the various examinations conducted by the New Zealand University. J. A. Hanan, Chairman.

2. Genbeal Statement op Accounts for the Year ended 31st December, 1900. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance .. .. .. .. 1,289 5 8 Office salary .. .. .. .. 60 0 0 Current income from reserves .. .. 880 17 2 Other office expenses .. .. .. 10 3 7 Interest on moneys invested and on unpaid Other expenses of management .. .. 19 0 purchase-money .. .. .. 37 10 0 Teachers' salaries and allowances .. 1,181 6 8 School Commissioners .. .. .. 156 7 3 Examiners' fees .. .. .. 2 16 0 Sohool fees .. .. .. .. 514 13 4 Prizes .. .. .. .. 513 9 Donation for prizes and clubs sold .. 215 0 Printing, stationery, and advertising .. 32 7 5 Gleaning, fuel, light, &c. .. .. 81 17 4 Penoing, repairs, &c. .. .. .. 42 4 1 Rates, insurance, and taxes .. .. 73 17 2 Interest on current account .. .. 0 7 0 Expended on site or buildings .. .. 38 1 6 Expenses of survey, sales, management, &c. 53 18 8 Athletics .. .. .. .. 30 16 0 Chemicals and appliances .. .. 13 4 5 Balance .. .. .. .. 1,253 5 10 £2,881 8 5 8 5 J. A. Hanan, Chairman. Chaeles Rout, Secretary and Treasurer. Examined and found correct.— J. K. Wabbubton, Controller and Auditor-General.