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Needlework. Very simple work is being taught. Hemming and running are well and neatly done.
Many girls work without using a thimble; this should not be allowed.
Arithmetic.—Good. The work is fully shewn and is on the whole very accurate.
LOWER SCHOOL.
English-Colloquial. The course of study might probably be brought more into line with that followed in the Anglo-Chinese boys' schools, with advantage. Pronunciation is very good, but the girls (except a few in the highest Class, and some of those in the low- est), are almost inaudible. Reading.-Good throughout. But I feel sure that better results will be had if regular Readers are used, and I have suggested that this should be done next year. Writing.-Composition is poor. It should be more practised in the lower Classes.
Geography.—Fair.
Needlework.-No sewing is taught, only knitting and crochet.
Arithmetic.-Both mental and written work are well done.
No. 4.-Saiyingpun District School.
Staff-A. MORRIS and 4 Chinese Assistant Masters.
Discipline and Organization.-The School was left in the control of the Chinese Staff during the first half of the year; and it had fallen considerably from the standard of the District Schools by July, when Mr. MORRIS arrived from England and took charge. It is now again in a very good state, and I confidently expect to see a considerable increase in the numbers in 1906. At the same time it must be remembered that this school differs from those at Yaumati and Wantsai in having in its immediate neighbourhood a good many others of the same class.
Sanitation.-Very satisfactory.
Floor Space.-Sufficient for 187 boys.
Apparatus. Very satisfactory. Mr. MORRIS has obtained from well-known manufac- turing firms in England cases of specimens, which improve the appearance of the School, and which must be of great assistance in teaching. A Museum has also been started..
English.-Colloquial.-The teaching of this all-important subject in the junior Classes had in the first half of the year sadly deteriorated. A great effort has since been made; but it will be some time before the lea-way can be made up. The senior boys speak very good English. Reading.-Good.. Writing.-Excellent in the Senior Classes. There are 3 boys in Class III, all whom at examination got full marks. They made no grammatical mistakes; their writing was good; and they gave evidence of having a very good vocabu- lary. Idiomatic mistakes were few.
Geography.-The local geography (as well as Colloquial English) has been taught systematically in the best possible way, by the Headınaster regularly taking the boys for walks to different parts of the Island. In this connection it should be mentioned that he has also paid frequent visits with them to the premises of the principal local manufacturers and firms; and in the summer he took them bathing. I can imagine nothing more likely to improve the general education of the boys than this.
Mathematics.-Arithmetic.-The senior boys who must have been very well grounded, obtained, all of them, full marks in a paper which was described by the Headmaster of one of the best schools in the Colony as "intricate and catchy." As in other subjects the lower Classes require much attention in Arithmetic.
Algebra.-Very good.
Drawing.-Free-arm drawing and brushwork are taught throughout the School. As I have always hoped would be found the case, the Chinese boys, their hands trained their by familiarity with the writing brush, have shewn a great aptitude for the study; and some of them should before long be able to produce really good work.