the Boat Population ceases to dwell afloat, I do not anticipate much improvement in the numbers or in the regularity of the school children belonging to this section of the community.
One very hopeful sign is to be found in paragraph 6 of the Report, and that is the steady increase in the number of girls now attending school. Twenty-five years ago, there were not more than 30 girls in all the schools; and now, according to Dr. Eitel, there are 30 Girls' Schools at work under the supervision of the Government, with an attendance of 1,700.
It is satisfactory to note that the Central School continues to maintain its position, although the standard of examination is being steadily raised. As will be seen, if reference is made to the eighth paragraph of the Report, the test applied to the work at this school is much higher than that which is applied by the Inspector.