70
79.
19
recommended the handing over to the Villagers the four school houses rent free in order that they may if so disposed employ their own Schoolmasters - this recommendation has been carried out on certain conditions as to the management of the funds of the Houses &c. and the surplus funds released have been used in increasing the efficiency of the schools in Victoria and its neighbourhood. M. Stewart, the Head Master of the Central School, arrived early and has applied himself to his work with diligence.
20.
The Colonial Surgeon's Report for 1862 appended to the Blue Book shows that the health of the Colony during the last year has been satisfactory, and as the three previous years have been almost as healthy, we may venture to anticipate that the improvement may be permanent in its character. The Colonial Surgeon says it is to be hoped that this improvement has been the result of the many sanitary reforms that have taken place, and taking into consideration the almost entire freedom of the Colony from epidemic disease compared with other places in the region.