pressing want, and they think they have a strong claim on the Government for its help. At present extension of the Buildings is absolutely needed, but this is impossible without some additional ground.
11.
One very important advantage of the extension, as proposed, to the School itself, would be that it would place the institution almost on a self-supporting basis. The fees for the past year amounted to $5,500, an increase of 30% on previous years. Twenty-eight additional boarders, and twenty-five additional day scholars, would bring in $5,244 more. This would more than cover the increased expenditure for food, clothes, servants, and additional teachers. The present fees would cover the whole of the present expenditure, were it not that orphans and needy children are taken free or on reduced terms.
At the present moment one-third of the boarders do not pay full fees. This deficit is made up by charitable donations, and by the grant-in-aid; an increase of Scholars and of the teaching staff, would yield substantial aid from the latter source.
12.
In 1884 nearly 97 per cent passed H.M's Inspector's Examination. The grant amounted to $367.20. In 1885, owing to changes made necessary by the state of the Master's health, the success was not quite so great, though the average attendance was 44.8 during the two years, boys in the higher standards have successfully passed in the extra subjects appointed by the Grant-in-aid scheme; and now Euclid, Algebra, Book-keeping and physical Geography