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We have observed a marked improvement this year in the character of the answers handed in. Especially we notice that pupils have acquired a somewhat remarkable facility in expressing their thoughts on paper. English Composition, to which practical educationists hitherto have not attached sufficient importance, appears now to be receiving that fair share of attention in our City Public Schools which its importance demands.

In closing, we beg to acknowledge the valuable assistance received from the Inspector and those Teachers who had charge of the pupils during the Examination."

PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Table E gives a comparative statement of various items relating to the Schools since 1844. It will be seen, by reference to it, that the increase in the attendance at our schools has been very rapid.

In 1865 the average registered No. was 3,248, the daily attendance, 2,251

The attendance has thus been considerably more than doubled during the past ten years.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES HUGHES,

Public School Inspector.