Classifation.

In classifying the scholars written examinations were given, and no difficulty was experienced in placing them according to merit. The papers given in by the junior classes were no improvement on those of last year, many of the lads failing utterly in the simple rules of arithmetic. In my last year's report I took occasion to point out that it was a matter for regret that such elementary work should have to be undertaken by the Society's evening classes. Many of these lads, and a number who applied for admission, where under 11 years of age, should in justice to themselves be still attending the public schools. While the Society deserves the thanks of the community for undertaking this work, I think it will be unnecessary in the course of a year or two. The public are aware of the efforts made by the Education Board towards increasing the school accommodation in Dunedin, and I see by the reports of the last meeting of the Dunedin School Committee that by the beginning of 1880, from the increased school accommodation which will be available by that time, they will be in a position to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act. When this has been in operation, say two years, the Society should no longer provide a master to undertake the 3rd standard work of our educational syllabus of instruction in the evening school.

The following are the masters' reports of works accomplished:—