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5. ANNUAL EXAMINATION.-The Head Master holds an examination of all the boys in the College not only for prize purposes, but also to discover carefully the attainments of each boy that he may be assigned to a suitable place in the following year. The Inspector of Schools also holds an examination for the purposes of the Education Department. For the sake of the boys, the two examinations have been blended for the last ten years. Writing in 1886 Dr. EITEL says in his report.
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"The system followed by me in examining the various classes of the Government Central School was virtually the sarne as that adopted in previous years, except that most of the papers set were proposed by the Head Master (for the purpose of determining the award of the annual prizes and "scholarships of the school) and consequently the questions which the scholars had to answer at this "examination were of a more searching character than I would have thought necessary."
But previously in 1883 Dr. EITEL had written.
"The severity of the test applied lifts therefore the result of this examination beyond all comparison "with the results of the Grant-in-Aid examinations, even considering that at the latter examination "two thirds of the marks possible entitle to a pass, while at the Central School I passed at this "examination all who had made half marks."
By comparing then these two Reports of the Inspector of Schools we discover that the severe test of 1888 had assumed a more searching character in 1886. If further we compare the Examination Questions of 1886 with those of 1892 there is manifest in the latter a higher standard in a very marked degree. There has thus been during the past ten years a continuous steady advance in the standard of education in this institution. The first examination that I held, in January, 1882, is by the novelty of the circumstances impressed indelibly upon my memory. I am therefore in a position to state with confidence that Class III B is the highest class of Victoria College the work of which at all reminds me of what was done in 1882 by Class I of the Central School. There are now there- fore 150 boys in this College doing work of a higher standard than the highest of 1882.
6. RESULTS OF ANNUAL PRIZE EXAMINATION.-Of 709 boys examined 640 or 90.26 per cent. passed. Returning as I did from Europe within six weeks of the examination, I feel that I can speak more freely of the impression produced on me by the work done in this competition for Prizes and promotion. The first thing that struck me was the general high tone, in neatness of work, excellent writing, and great advance in setting down Mathematical work in a clear form. Dictation continues to prove itself a stumbling block, though the results in half the classes were very creditable. English Composition, presented by 382 boys, was pleasing in its effect. The Grammar papers, 599 in number, shewed on the whole remarkable intelligence in grasping some of the chief difficulties in the English language. The paper on Shakespeare by Class I. A simply astonished me, as it appeared to me that the replies to more than one question necessitated personal observation of actors on the stage; on enquiry I found that this was precisely the case, they had had the great advantage of witnessing a representation of the play of "Hamlet" at the City Hall. The work of the Upper School was above the average; Classes I. A and II. A maintaining a remarkably high character of work, together with excellent percentages. In the Lower School Classes IV. A. IV. C and VI. A. turned out excellent, intelligent work. The results in the Preparatory School left nothing to be desired. It must not be supposed that the masters and scholars of the remaining classes are undeserving of praise; with rare exceptions the work of classes, which have been only fairly successful gives evidence of careful instruction and the inability of boys to avail themselves of it appears to be due to the forced pro- motions, which are the natural consequence of the introduction into the College of 400 new boys, in the course of the year.
7. PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION.-The Inspector of Schools set a very stiff paper on the Theory and History of Education. Two boys obtained three-quarters marks and none of the remain- ing four failed in this subject. Mr. JONES, the Assistant Master who was in charge of the Preparatory School with its Pupil Teachers and Monitors, wrote a very careful Report in which he shows the disadvantages under which these Juniors suffer, by the necessary promotion to acting appointments when their Seniors are absent on leave. As a novel feature this year, I may note that, at Mr. JONES' suggestion, the six Pupil Teachers and Monitors gave instruction in various subjects to a class in the presence of the Inspector of Schools. This year, one of the Monitors obtained the Stewart scholar- ship, the highest distinction in the College next to the Morrison Scholarship.
8. PUPIL TEACHERS' SYSTEM.-Pupil Teachers and Monitors continue to be employed in this, as in all other large schools and colleges. To secure the continued services of the same junior teachers, the Pupil Teachers have since 1887 been articled for a period of three years. It would be a mistake to suppose that they receive their appointments in order of the Prize Lists. As careful a system of selection is observed, as the circumstances of the case permit. Monitors are appointed by the Head Master, who immediately substitutes, if necessary, another boy better suited physically, or by natural disposition, to the science and art of teaching. After the experience of a year or more, the best of these monitors who is willing to be articled, is recommended for that purpose to the Government. Since the opening of Victoria College, considerable improvements have been made in the advantages enjoyed by the three Pupil Teachers and five Monitors. An English Master is appointed to supervise the four lowest classes of the College, which are under their charge, observing their method correcting