G.—7

14

ever. At no other school have the fees been so punctually paid as this, there being none due at; the present time. Upper Waihou Native School: Established 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Needham, teachers. —This school has only been open for the past quarter. The attendance is very regular, there being 42—namely, 16 boys and 26 girls. For a new school the progress made is very good indeed, and I trust at the end of another year to be able to report well of this school. Mrs. Needham has established regular sewing classes for girls, who make all their own clothing, and I am informed that the attendance will be considerably increased in numbers on the reopening of the school. Lower Waihou Native School: Established May, 1877. The Misses Lundon, teachers. —On my last visit I found 49 pupils in attendance—namely, 23 boys, 20 girls. Number on roll, 50. Only three of these children had been to any other school, and the advance made by the children, even to the little ones, is most surprising, considering the short time the school has been open. In needle and fancy work I am inclined to believe the girls are far in advance of those attending any other school in the district. The children were very tidy and clean, and the schoolroom appeared to be supplied with every requisite. Of the number of children that attend this school it will be observed, on reference to the returns, that 31 are under the age of ten years: this is, I consider, most satisfactory, as they all learn much quicker and more perfectly when very young, and have at the same time a longer period before them in which to attend school. Waitapu Native School: Established IS7I. Mr. and Mrs. Hill, teachers. —I found 11 in school— namely, 4 boys and 7 girls. Number on roll, 15. It gives me great pleasure to be able to report that the whole number, after going through a rather trying examination in reading, dictation, geography, and arithmetic, acquitted themselves in a most satisfactory manner, the pronunciation of English being very perfect indeed, and they all appearing to thoroughly understand what they are taught, and not, as is too often the case, learning by rote. I feel very sorry that Mr. Hill has so few pupils amongst whom to display his ability as a teacher, but this school is not well situated, there being very few Natives residing in the neighbourhood. When first established it was the only school in the district, and the attendance was large, children coming from a distance of upwards of twenty miles ; but as other schools were established at the larger settlements the attendance rapidly fell oft", and for the last three years it has, as at present, consisted only of those children residing immediately in the vicinity of the school buildings. Mr. Hill informs me that he anticipates an addition of two pupils on the reopening of his school. The female pupils all make and cut out their own clothing under the direction of Mrs. Hill, and are neat and tidy in their appearance. The school building requires a coat of paint: this applies to all the schools in Hokianga, excepting Upper and Lower Waihou. Spescek yon Stubmkh. By Authority : Geokgk Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7B. Price Is.]