E.— 3

6

three years the number of children in attendance at the village schools has increased by upwards of one, thousand. The average weekly roll number for the past year was 6,239, the average attendance was 5,541, and the average percentage of regularity of attendance was 88-8. Table 112, which supplies information regarding the attendance of the individual schools, shows that of the 127 schools, 117 gained 80 per cent, and over of the possible attendance, while 53 of the schools gained 90 per cent. and over. The figures indicate, that the regularity of attendance! of the schools as a whole has materially improved. In a large number of schools the attendance is 'consistently good, hut it is noted with satisfaction that several schools showed distinct improvement in the matter of attendance. In the nine schools where the attendance is unsatisfactory many of the pupils have long distances to travel, and when the, weather is unfavourable they are unable to attend school. These conditions, however, are not confined to the schools referred to, and as they do not satisfactorily account for the low position occupied by these schools on the. list, it would he well foe the Department to require the teai hers to furnish an explanation. It is probable that not, only the parents but the teachers are evading (heir responsibilities in the mallei-. Certificates of good attendance were awarded to 640 pupils of Native schools. (2.) Mission Schools. The number of mission schools increased during the year. Presbyterian mission schools having been established at Maungapohatu, Urewera Country ; at Tanatana; and Matahi, near Waimana, Bay of Plenty. The other mission schools are Putiki, Wanganui ; Tokaanu Convent School, Lake Taupo ; MatatCi Convent School, Bay of Plenty ; Whakarapa Convent School, Hokianga ; and the convent schools at Ranana and Jerusalem, Wanganui River. All the foregoing schools were visited and examined during the year. The combined roll number of these schools was 363, and the average percentage of regularity was 87-1. The regularity of attendance in the case of the Whakarapa Convent cannot be regarded as entirely satisfactory, and it is necessary that the authorities should give their attention to this matter. (3.) Secondary Native Schools. The schools coming under this heading have also been established by various denominational bodies. There are four schools for boys and five for girls, while one is a mixed school, with a boarding establishment for boys. These schools were inspected and examined during the year. The combined roll number of the secondary schools at the end of the year was 413, and the average percentage of regularity of attendance was 95-5. Both at Hukarere Girls' School and, at Te Aute College fewer pupils were admitted because of the financial condition of the schools. The regularity of attendance at Otaki is not altogether satisfactory, and calls for attention on the part of the authorities. The particulars relating to roll number and attendance of the three types of schools are here summarized in tabulated form :—

Condition of School Buildings and Grounds. The general condition of the school buildings and grounds in a large number of the schools is most creditable, and the teachers and pupils are to be complimented on their efforts to make tin; surroundings beautiful and attractive. Teachers and pupils in the schools referred to take much interest in this aspect of school activity. The effect of this spirit reacts upon the people, who in many instances also assist in making improvements. Working-bees have been instituted in some schools for the purpose of levelling playgrounds and doing other necessary work. In a considerable number of schools, howover, comparatively little work in this connection has been done, and it would be a fairly simple matter to name schools which do not reach a satisfactory standard in this respect. It seems extraordinary that teachers can be found who make ■ little or practically no effort to improve and beautify what is their home. Yet such is the case, and it can only be concluded that the explanation is to be found in apathy and indolence, and probably also in the attitude of mind which fears that some succeeding teacher may benefit from the results of another's labour. Very much, more might be done in the way of planting suitable trees and hedges. For some schools Arbor Day has little or no significance whatever. It should be here remarked that the cutting-down of trees which have been planted on school-sites must not be done without the sanction or authority of the Department. With regard to the interior of the schoolrooms, very little fault can be found with the cleanliness ; with the attractiveness of the schoolrooms, however, very much more might bo done in many schools. During the year a very considerable amount of repairs, painting, and general renovations has been carried out by the Department. Additions to several schools were put in hand, and the erection of two new schools with residences and all necessary buildings was undertaken. Inspection of Schools, Organization, Methods of Teaching, etc. Under this heading such matters as methods of teaching, construction of time-tables, preparation of schemes of work, discipline, supervision of the work of assistants, management and control of the schools generally, are referred to.

Schools. Number. Roll Number at I Average Weekly End of Year, i Roll Number. 6,101 6,239 363 349 413 410 6,937 6,998 Average Attendance. Percentage of Regularity. Native village Native mission Native secondary 127 9 JO 5,546 305 392 88-8 87-1 95-5 Totals .. 146 6,243 89-2