E.—lb.

1904. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: REPORTS OF INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS. [In continuation of E.-1b, 1903.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

AUCKLAND. Bm,— Education Board, Auckland, 28th March, 1904. I have the honour to submit a general report on the public schools of the Auckland District for the year 1903. The number of schools in operation at the close of the year was 421, including seventy-four half-time schools. This number shows a net increase of seven schools since the close of 1902. Of these, 379 were inspected, one of each pair of half-time schools being visited for this purpose, as well as twenty-one Eoman Catholic diocesan schools. In all, 438 schools have been examined; this total includes all the Eoman Catholic diocesan schools and the Parnell Orphan Home. The following newly opened schools were not examined: Piriaka, Poro-o-tarao, Woodlands, and Orere (aided). The examination statistics of the public schools for the year are shown in summary in the following table. The passes in Standards I. to V. were determined, except in very rare instances, by the head teachers; those in Standard VI. were determined by the Inspectors : —

In the Eoman Catholic diocesan schools there were 1,723 pupils on the rolls, 1,613 were present at the Inspectors' examinations, and 825 passed in one or other of the standards. The public schools show for the year an increase of 465 in the roll number, of 319 in the number presented, and of 218 in the number of pupils who passed one or other of the standards. In Standard VI. 75 per cent, of the pupils examined passed. The promotions of pupils from class to class have for some years past been in the hands of head teachers, and are being more generally made with satisfactory discretion. Specific mention of injudicious promotion is rarely met with in the Inspectors' reports for the year, but it is very noticeable that promotions are relatively less numerous and more strictly earned in the most efficient schools. The superior efficiency of these schools is no doubt largely due to the care with which head teachers deal with this matter. In judging of the discretion displayed in the granting of promotions, the Inspectors have regard chiefly to the ability of the pupils to take up the studies

I—E. 18.

Classes. Number on Roll. Present at Inspector's Annual Visit. Passed. Average Age oi Pupils in eaoh Class. Itandard VII. VI. V. IV. III. II. I. 'reparatory 437 2,041 2,808 3,297 3,696 3,486 3,452 10,600 322 1,975 2,699 3,174 3,546 3,343 3,315 9,527 1,491 2,283 2,793 3,196 3,118 3,234 Yrs. mos. 14 7 13 6 13 1 11 11 10 11 9 11 9 0 7 2 Totals ... 29,817 27,901 16,115 11 3* * Mean of averai ;e ai !' e '