7

E.—2

six of competency were gained in Standard VI class, and sixteen certificates of competency in Standard V. Te Aute College. —Examined on the sth and 6th December. Five classes (Classes 11, 111, IV, V, VI) were examined, the highest class of the school being absent attending the Matriculation Examination. The syllabus of work presented in these classes approximates to that prescribed for Standards IV, V, and VI in public schools, exceeding the latter in arithmetic, but falling somewhat short of the requirements in other subjects. Mathematics is introduced in Class IV, and Latin and mathematics form the secondary subjects in Classes V and VI. In the first two classes reading, spelling, and writing were very good, the comprehension of the subject-matter of the reading lesson being satisfactory. Composition was only moderately good, while in Class 111 the arithmetic was rather poor. In history the pupils showed a very good knowledge of the work specified in the programme. Geography is taken only in the first three classes of the school, and, this being so, the syllabus of work, which is confined to New Zealand, part of Europe, and one colony in Australia, seemed, in our opinion, to be very meagre. Nor was the quality of the work very good. As regards mathematics, in Class IV the algebra was very well done indeed; the geometry, on the other hand, was disappointing. The pupils showed a fair knowledge of the ordinary propositions, but with the practical geometry—a very valuable part of the work —they seemed to have little acquaintance. Similar remarks may be made in connection with the geometry of Class V: in many instances there was confusion of geometrical ideas. The results in algebra in this class were, considering the somewhat difficult nature of the paper, satisfactory. In the highest class the mathematics was on the whole good. In Latin (Class V) the work was rather poor; the questions dealing with the formal grammar were fairly well done, but the translation was not at all good, sentences being written without much regard to the rules of syntax. In Class 4 the work in physiology was fair; in the higher classes it was very good indeed. The school possesses a very fine cadet company, whose high standard of efficiency reflects much credit on the officer in charge. The various evolutions were carried out in a businesslike way, the manual exercise was particularly well done, and the marching was exceptionally good. We wish also to express our appreciation of the high quality of the singing. The part-songs and choruses were rendered in excellent style and with a fair volume of tone, and in first-rate tune and time. The sphere of usefulness of the institution has been largely increased during the year by the establishment of a workshop. Although this has been erected only a few months a capital beginninghas been made. The instruction is given on proper lines, and the plans drawn in connection with the work are excellent. Further, the boys find much pleasure in the work, and take keen interest in it, which augurs well for the future. Of the manners of the boys and of their general bearing we can speak in the highest terms. Hukarere Maori Girls' School, Napier. —Examined on the 2nd and 3rd December. The following is a list of the classes presented: Standard VI, 14; Standard V, 20; Standard IV, 9; Standard 111, 9; Standard 11, 6; Standard I, 1; Class P., 1. Seven certificates of proficiency and six of competency were gained in Standard VI, and sixteen certificates of competency in Standard V, while the result of the examination in the classes below Standard V was very satisfactory. In English subjects generally, great progress has been made during the year. Moreover, written work was done with much care and neatness, the writing being capital, and the improvement shown in this respect very gratifying indeed. In arithmetic the work was fair, Standard V being somewhat weak in comparison with the other classes. In geography and drawing the work was also very good. A varied programme in physical drill was submitted, comprising club-drill, wand-drill, and marching exercises. These have a very beneficial influence on the physique of the girls ; they were done in excellent style. In singing some very difficult part-songs were rendered in a delightful manner, making this part of the examination an exceptional pleasure. The girls also sang with comparative ease a sight-reading test. During the year the senior girls have attended lectures given in connection with the Napier Division of the St. John's Ambulance Association, and in the examination held at the end of the year succeeded in holding their own with European members of the class, taking high places in respect to results. The girls receive instruction in laundry-work and in cooking, the latter both in the school as part of the ordinary domestic duties and in the Napier Manual Training Classes. Various specimens of their work were exhibited, and they appeared to be quite satisfactory. In sewing and needlework a very comprehensive course is followed, ranging from plain sewing and dressmaking to fancy needlework of all kinds. The quality of the work was of a very high standard indeed. Most of the elder girls make their own dresses—a custom of which we highly approve, and which we hope will be extended as much as possible. Of the manners of the girls and of their habits of neatness and orderliness and general deportment we can speak only in terms of the highest praise. Further, we are of opinion that in producing these results, and in affording at the same time a thoroughly practical training in all branches of domestic duties, the school is doing excellent work, and should prove a considerable factor in advancing the Maori race. St. Joseph's Convent Maori Girls' School, Napier. —Examined on the 3rd and 4th December, 1907. The following are the numbers presented in the various standard classes: Standard VII, 1; Standard VI, 6; Standard V, 8; Standard IV, 4; Standard 111, 3; Standard 11, 7; Standard I, 5; Class P., 2. One certificate of proficiency in Standard VII, one in Standard VI, and five certificates of competency in Standard VI and eight in 'Standard V were gained, while all the children presented in the other classes passed their examination. The work of the lower standards follows the lines of that of the Native School Syllabus, exceeding it in some degree. The instruction in these classes is very thorough in character, and the results of the examination were excellent.