The Hawaiian gazette., 1868-07-15

however, very far advanced in the studies
pursued The principal reason which the
Committee found for their approval of this
school, was the fact that the pupils appeared
to be thoroughly proficient in the branches
taught, and familiar with the books in which
they were instructed. Their studies had not
been hurried through, in order that they
might go to higher branches. Such course
of education is the proper one, in order that
what is taught may be thoroughly learned.
Some teachers, however, are very anxious to
get speedily into the higher branches, in
order, probably, that they may gain praise
thereby. But ssaining forward prematurely
can not result benefcially. There is nothing
like teaching the pupil thoroughly in one
branch of study, and when he is proficient
in that, then let him 90 higher.
THIRD DAY.
On Thursday, also at Kaumakapili Church,
five schools were examined, viz: Kawaiaho
K, Manoa, Pauoa, Kamakela, and Maemae;
of which schools, the most advanced was
that of Kawaiahao K, under the charge of
hdldull. uic bInVOi wac AOuhA " OS ~
good state of efficiency, and the scholars
well advanced in their studies. Some of the
scholars had reached the study of Algebra.
In the girls school of Kamakela, under the
tuition of Mrs. Kahuna, the pupils were
found we'll advanced in mental arithmetic
and geography. The schools of Maemae and
Pauoa, composed of young children only,
are progressing fayorably. In regard to
the school of Manoa, the Committee can not
approve of the system adopted of advancing
the scholars too hastily from one study to
another, without the first being thoroughly
understood. Little good can result from
such mode of teaching.
FOURTH DAY.
On Friday, also at Kaumakapili, the girls
school of Kswaiahao, the Catholic girls
school, the schools of Kalibikai, the Catholic
boys school, and the school of Kaumakapili,
We're examined. Allthese schools were found
to have progressed. The most advanced school
in the study of mathematics was that of Ka-
lihikai, it being in advance of all the Others
in the study of Algebra The Catholic school
for boys, under the tuition of Lapelio, was
also well advanced in Arithmetic. The girls
school, under the charge of Namaielua, bad
advanced to the study of Algebra. The
specimens of needlework, by the Catholic
girls school, were very creditable. This is
a branch of instruction which it is very de-
sirable should be taught our female youth,
in order that they may be prepared to fulfill
one of the important duties of wives aud
mothers.
The scholars were examined in Reading,
Writing Geography, Mental and Written
Arithmetic; and in some of the schools pre-
viously mentioned, Algebra Music, also, is
studied in all the schools. Some declama-
tons were heard, but no original orations.
The greater portion of the children in all the
schools had made good progress in Reading
and Geography, and we observed with salts,
faction that, in the latter study, the Geogra-
ply of our own Islands was first studied and
made familiar to the pupils before that of
other countries. In Mental and Written
Arithmetic, some of the schools were quite
proficient, while others were not so well ad-
vanced. The principal reason of the lack of
progress in the latter is, in our opinion, as
stated before, to be attributed to the prac-
tee permitted of skipping hastily from one
branch of subject to another Those of the
scholars who have pursued the study of Al
zebra have made good progress. In Writing,
some very good specimens of clear and plain
hands were exhibited i.a 0s
In reviewing the state of the Government
Common Schools of this district, it is ap-
parent that they have progressed in a ratio
quite equal to what might be expected, con-
sidering the position in life of the scholars
Formerly, there were to be found In the
schools grown youths, who, being well ad-
yanced in their studies, carried off ali the
honors for proficiency and industry. AT the
present time, however, the majority of the
scholars are small children, very few of the
older class attending. They have not, how
ever, retrograded on this account
During the examination days, ii was no.
tieed that parents took pride IN dressing their
children neatly and cieanly, as has always
been the custom on such occasions.
Before concluding this Report, the Com
mittee beg leave to make a suggestion,
which, TO their minds, is an important one,
and that is, that in order TO improve the
minds of the pupils, they should not be con-
fined TO text books alone, but shonld be in
structed also in the study of composition
writing A fair knowledge of how, properly,
to express ones thoughts on paper can not
but prove of great advantage in after life.
The Committee did not observe in any of
the schools that composition writing formed
a part of the studies, and it is probably
taught only at the Lahainaluna Seminary,
the Female Boarding School at waialula,
and at Miss Bingham's School, at Kawaiahao.
In order, however, to successful study of
composition writing. the pupil must first ac-
quire a knowledge of Grammar and Punctu-
alton. The initiation of this study should
no longer be delayed, for it is highly import
ant that those who may be called upon 10
address the public, either in an assembly or
through the press, should know how to ex-
press themselves in proper manner.
Your Committee were much pleased to
observe that the gymuastic art has been in
troduced into some of the schools: and if
practicable, ii should be extended to all.
In reviewing the general aspect of the
Government Schools of this district, the
Committee are of the opinion that education
has prospcred, and they consider that the
Board of Education deserve praise for their