Point Nepean

Point Nepean

Charles Martin's home page

1855.

1855.

First School Appointment (4th May). Birth of First Child (22nd July).

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

    At this time, Victoria was still very sparsely populated. In 1850 the population was 67,000, in 1851 it was 83,000, and in 1852, with the discovery of gold, it jumped to 150,000. So far as the school system is concerned, until 1851 schools had been mainly run by the various churches and were known as Denominational Schools (although there were some private schools and a few under government control). The main church schools were Church of England, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist, and the overall control was exercised by a committee known as the "Denominational School Board". There was quite often strong rivalry between the denominations. The government provided much of their financial support, the rest being raised locally (if possible). Education was not compulsory, and many parents elected not to send their children to school. Enrollments at schools were often double the number of attendances (meaning that parents didn't bother to send the children to school). About one third of the adult population of Victoria could neither read nor write.
    In 1851 the National School Board was founded, whereby the government, or "National", schools system came into existence. There was thus a dual system, each administered by a committee. However, the Denominational Schools outnumbered the National Schools. In 1855, when Charles started at Point Nepean, there were 300 Denominational Schools compared to 60 National Schools. The proponents of the Denominational system regarded the State System as "Godless", whereas those favoring state controlled education regarded the church schools as "sectarian" or divisive in society. Thus there was a certain antipathy of the one towards the other - with the church schools also exhibiting rivalry amongst themselves.
    Most teachers received no formal training at a teachers' training college, but instead served an "apprenticeship" - i.e. upon leaving school (often at the age of 12 or 13) they were assigned to the supervision of an experienced teacher who was expected to further their education and gradually entrust various teaching tasks to them. They were required to pass examinations over a period of years and "work their way up" into the system. Charles, however, by virtue of the fact that he had received training at the "Normal School of British and Foreign Schools Society", would already possess at least some of the necessary qualifications. Their salary was made up of a number of components, mainly from the government, but with certain augmentations, such as school fees raised from the pupils, the level of examinations passed and the number of children attending the school. (A few years later, another augmentation was also brought into being - the infamous "payment by results" - whereby a certain percentage of the teacher's salary was based upon an examination conducted by the District Inspector.) Apparently teachers' salaries were quite low by the standards of the time, as on a number of occasions when the government tried to recruit teachers, its efforts came to nothing because the salaries were too low to attract candidates (which is maybe one reason why Charles didn't rush into teaching when he first arrived in Melbourne).
9th February, a son Martin John, was born to his sister Louisa Crump in Melbourne.
20th February, a daughter Emma to his brother Henry, also in Melbourne.

11th April. Charles seeks a position as a schoolteacher

After working at other jobs for over two years, Charles decided that it was time to seek a position as a schoolteacher. He wrote a letter to the Board of National Education, and with it enclosed four character references - the one he had obtained from his minister in London plus three which he had obtained from folk who were apparently well known to him - his minister, a Justice of the Peace, and a Mr. H. Langlands.

                                            Charles St,
                                            Collingwood.
                                            April 11th, 1855.
Gentlemen,
    I am desirous of obtaining an appointment as Master of a National School. I was engaged as Teacher in England, but since my arrival in Victoria, I have been employed as a bookkeeper, and latterly as a Short-hand writer. Enclosed are testimonials of my character, from gentlemen well known in Melbourne, and I could refer you to others if necessary.
    My wife is capable of taking charge of the girls; she was partly trained in the Normal School of the Home Colonial School Society, but left before her time was up.

I am,
Yours respectfully,
Chas Martin. Link to image of the letter

To the Board of National Education.

    I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Mr and Mrs Charles Martin for a period of several years and I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to their consistent conduct and character in every respect.
                    Charles Vaughan (J.P)                    Link to image of the letter

Gentlemen,
    Having known Mr and Mrs Martin for some time and having full confidence in their character and suitability for the proper discharge of the duties of Teacher and Matron of a school, I have pleasure in giving them this testimony.
        I am, Gentlemen,
        Yours respectfully,
        H.Langlands.                                                    Link to image of the letter

                                              33 Gore St, Collingwood
                                                11th April, 1855.
    I beg to certify that I have known Mr Charles Martin and Elizabeth his wife for two years and a half since their first arrival in the Colony, that they are members of the Church in Albert St, of which I am minister, and that I believe them to be persons of consistent moral and religious character. I also believe Mr Martin to be a respectable and efficient teacher.
    Signed W.R. Scott.                                                Link to image of the letter

25th April. Second letter

On the 25th April Charles wrote another letter applying for a position at a National School (maybe he hadn't received an answer to the first one).

                                    Collingwood,
                                    26th April, 1855.
Sir,
    I wish to be regarded as a candidate, either for the office of assistant teacher in the Central School, or with my wife to be appointed to one of the country schools where vacancies at present exist.
    I am Sir,
    Yours faithfully,
    Charles Martin.                                                    Link to image of the letter

4th May - Charles appointed Head Teacher of the National School at Point Nepean.

After forwarding his second letter of the 26th April, Charles didn't have a great deal of time to wait for a reply - and one for which he no doubt was hoping. A week later a reply was forwarded to him from Benjamin Kane, the secretary of the National Schools Board

4th May, 1855.
Sir,
    I have the honor to acquaint you that the Commissioners of National Education have been pleased to appoint you Teacher of the Point Nepean National School at a salary of £100 per annum, with house accommodation and the School Fees under such regulations as the patrons of the school may lay down.
    Until you get possession of the ???? provided for your accommodation you will be allowed ??? per cent in addition to your salary.
    You will not fail to understand that your appointment will only continue provided you pass a satisfactory examination before an inspector at his next visit.
    You will proceed forthwith to Point Nepean and report yourself to Mr Reed, Esq. and the other Patrons, from whom you will receive every assistance.
    The books for the use of the school, comprising the free stock and the selling requisites are entrusted to your care. The forms of school requisites are also enclosed with the books.

On the 10th May, the School Patrons were notified of the appointment -

10th May. From Benjamin Kane, Secretary National Schools Board
    Referring to your letter of 23rd Ult, I am directed to inform you that the Commissioners have appointed Mr Charles Martin as Teacher of the Point Nepean National School. Mr Martin is married and has submitted satisfactory Testimonials to the Commissioners which he will show to you. The Commissioners trust that Mr Martin will prove a useful teacher.
    I enclose herewith 2 invoices of books which Mr Martin has taken charge of, the first being the gratuitous stock and the 2nd being selling requisites which are to be sold to the children at prices not exceeding those for which they are obtained.
    Mr Martin leaves Melbourne by the ?????? "Maria" . I am to request that you will report Mr Martin's arrival with the day upon which he enters upon his duties.

The Point Nepean Area.

    Point Nepean is at the end of Port Phillip Bay, a distance from Melbourne of about 60 miles by road and 30 by sea (I'll talk in miles, seeing that that was the measurement used in those days). Nowadays it is quite a busy area, even though there is no actual town called Point Nepean, the nearest town being Portsea about 6 miles from the point. Very early in Victoria's history the last 3 miles were annexed by the army, being considered strategically important for defence, as any enemy ships would need to pass through the narrow two mile opening to get into the bay. During my own time of National Service Training in 1956 I spent a week camped here. (And a jolly good time was had by all. I can still remember lining up for meals, etc, on the hill, looking across the water to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliffe opposite, and discussing how close the opposite point looked and thinking that it didn't look too difficult to swim across there - but knowing of course that the waters and currents were very treacherous as the large volume of water in the bay had only this narrow opening for the ingoing and outgoing tides. I also remember going AWOL one evening with a friend and walking into Portsea, diving into the bushes every time a car approached in case it was an army vehicle). Recently the army has vacated, and the area has been declared a National Park.
    In the year 1855, there was a scattered population of pastoralists and other farmers. An industry had been established, that of "lime-burners", where the limestone was burned in a kiln, reduced to lime, and taken to Melbourne to be used for building purposes. This was one of the earliest industries established in Victoria. Unfortunately it required large amounts of wood and very quickly the magnificent native forests there were devoured. The government placed restrictions on its removal, but not before large areas were destroyed. Nowadays there is a replanting program to revegitate this attractive area with the original forest.
    On the very tip of the point there was a "Sanitary Station", i.e. a quarantine station, and a surgeon by the name of Dr Reed was resident there at the time. A Denominational School was in operation, but it was in a rather sorry state, and Dr Reed was very keen to get a National School established, and extremely energetic in his efforts to do so.
    I often wonder why it was that Charles threw in his lot with the newly formed National Schools System, when his Christian sentiments would have more naturally led him to a church school. Maybe he had found it difficult to get a job, so he took the first one that was offered to him. Or maybe he decided that he could exert his Christian influence in a government school as effectively as he could in a church one. Or maybe he never contemplated directing his Christian energies into his job, but kept the two separate. Whatever the case, I don't suppose we'll ever find out now.

The Point Nepean School.

4th May - Charles Appointed as Head Teacher of the School.

    I wonder how Charles felt, and what thoughts were running through his mind, as the little boat headed out into the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and turned south on its 30 mile journey to Pt Nepean. I guess there was a certain amount of the apprehension which usually accompanies a big change in life and a venture into the unknown. After all, he had never known anything but city life before, mostly London but lately in Melbourne, and this isolated and scattered community on a wind swept cape would be totally different from anything he had ever known. Then, too, he was no doubt a little apprehensive about taking up his new position as head teacher of a small school, again heading into unknown territory. And with his 18 year old wife seven months pregnant.
    On the other hand, he was probably feeling a certain sense of anticipation and expectation, and the thrill of challenge and fulfillment. Three years earlier he had prayed with his friends in London about his path in life, and felt led to devote himself wholly to education. He had prepared himself well in the sense of his own literary skills and learning, having studied the classics and other branches of learning, and was well versed in various literary pursuits. He had noble ideals for the education of his pupils. Now he was at last to launch into that which he felt was his God-given calling.
    So as the craft "Maria" cut its way through the blue waters, and the fresh wind of late Autumn chilled his face, he no doubt wondered what the future would hold.
    The people of the community, for their part, also undoubtedly had a sense of expectation and hope. They were anxious for their children to get an education and had been planning for a school for some time. They had worked hard to bring it to pass and had constructed the building (or much of it) with their own hands. It was simple, but nevertheless fresh and new and clean, with new books and equipment. They would receive a teacher with open arms, especially one with character and integrity and ability. It was an ideal situation for a young teacher, and it heightened the 'honeymoon" effect which most teachers experience during their first year in a little country school. In the event, Charles fitted in perfectly, and from the various references in correspondence, and from the glowing report which he received from the District Inspector, it appears that his short stay there was an extremely happy and satisfying one all round.

The School.

    Although Charles' appointment took effect from 4th May, for some reason (I think the building wasn't yet quite ready) he wasn't expected to arrive until the 11th. In the event, he arrived on the 14th, and his "trunks" followed three days later (I assume that this reference is not to his swimming "trunks" but his "trunks" of clothing etc. So it appears he had to sleep in his underpants for 3 nights and go to bed without cleaning his teeth). Apparently there were then some further delays with the building and furnishings (as a result of a tradesman who was a bit too fond of a certain liquid that the school was not actually opened until 6th June.
    The building was of "wattle and daub" construction with a thatched roof, and whitewashed inside and out. It measured 17 feet by 13 (in today's measurements that's about 5 metres by 4). It had no floor - but I guess that the kids were quite happy with the sand. It also had good lighting and ventilation, and a good fire place. The main items of furniture were two writing desks about 13 feet long (4 metres) with long seats for the children to sit on. In addition, the various books, etc, supplied by the National School Authorities, were new. The school yard was officially two acres, but as it was unfenced the size was probably not all that relevant. It was quite close to the beach on the bay side of the point, so that the sea was mostly calm and there would have been some protection from the wind. All in all, a great little spot. There were no toilets, but as the District Inspector noted in his report under the heading "Privies" - "There are plenty of bushes about when the children retire and are perfectly concealed." A residence for the teacher was attached to the school (I'm not sure if it had one room or two - I think one).
    Charles received a salary of £100 per annum from the National School Board, and about an extra £30 from the school fees (it was standard practice at the time for the school to pay part of the teacher's salary). It is also noted in the D.I.s report that he had to supply wood and water for the school (again standard practice apparently) - the wood was no problem as there was plenty of vegetation around, but the water wasn't so easy.
    About 15 children attended the school. A small "extended family type" atmosphere no doubt prevailed. It was, in fact, the type of one-teacher country school known as a "Rural School", common in the days when I started teaching in the 1950's. (But alas, the recent cost-cutting exercise by the government has virtually eliminated these schools from Victoria. As someone said to me recently "the economic rationalists, like the poor, are always with us.")
6th June - From a letter by Dr Reed to the Commissioners in Melbourne

"I have the honor to report that on 14th May Mr and Mrs Martin arrived here from Melbourne. Their trunks arrived on the 17th. The school was opened on the 4th June. Mr Martin is writing out circulars which I will have distributed tomorrow and next week. Mr and Mrs Martin appear to be very mild-mannered people and remarkably well suited to their office."

22nd June -

"The school is in excellent order, and Mr and Mrs Martin give every satisfaction. The attendance so far is 13 or 14 daily - unfortunately the Denominational Board still persists in keeping their teacher down here. His school is in a hut near our school house and about 13 children attend him. Whenever he leaves, which I hope will be soon, Mr Martin will have close upon 30 scholars."

1st Jul - Charles Henry, his eldest child, born.

    Elizabeth, who was 18 years of age, presented Charles with his first child on the 1st July, and he was named Charles Henry , in line with family tradition. Charles senior was 27 years of age at this time. A lady named Frances Martin was present at the birth, (no doubt Charles' mother). Her occupation is listed as "Shop Keeper", but unfortunately the address is illegible. Charles junior was to become a builder in Port Melbourne (and more importantly, father of my father and thus grandfather of me).
    At the time of this birth, Charles senior had six nephews and nieces.
                                                 Link to Image of the Birth Registration

24th July. A letter from the Secretary about a rent allowance.

In compliance with the request of the Teacher I transmit herewith a cheque for £14/4/5d, being the balance due to the teacher for the past quarter, less £6/12/- due for books supplied on the 10th ult.

I may remark that the sums due to the teacher were wrongly calculated thus - the salary for 4th May ????? of £100 per annum was computed to be £16/2/2d instead of £15/17/2d and the house rent allowance from the 4th May to the 9th June inclusive at £50 per annum was computed at £5/-/- instead of £5/-/3d. The gross amount due was accordingly made £21/2/2d instead of £20/17/5d as corrected.
As to the rest of the year and his work at Point Nepean, we get an indication from the report of the District Inspector who visited the school seven months later at the end of January, 1856, that Charles had made an excellent start to his teaching career. Here are a few extracts -

"I am glad to observe that the school records are all kept with a neatness and accuracy which are very creditable to the master.
The discipline of the school appears to be excellent - the children are orderly, attentive and obedient. They have a cheerful and contented appearance.
His manner is good - firm, impressive and patient. He has very good skill in keeping a class attentive. The pupils seem to pay the greatest attention to the master, and to take a real interest in their work. He appears highly qualified for his situation.
His teaching is decidedly intelligent, appealing to the reason and facilitating the lesson by simple illustrations. His method of examining is good. He seems to understand and apply practically all that is meant by the term educate - altogether / consider him admirably fitted to the office which he fills.
The master is one of the most efficient that I have seen."

I imagine that the year passed rather pleasantly for Charles and Elizabeth. Their little residence attached to the school would have been very plain and simple, but no doubt neat and clean. Despite the cold and blustery winter conditions there, they would have been able to keep it warm and cosy for their new baby as firewood was plentiful and easily gathered. Supplies of food and daily necessities possibly presented a problem, but no more so than for the rest of the community, and no doubt the various provisions were brought down from Melbourne reasonably regularly on the ferries.
They would have been quite well regarded and well accepted by the community in view of the fact that he was a well educated person of good moral standards and that he was doing a good job at the school. I have no idea how they would have fared regarding church attendance - undoubtedly held some sort of a service in their home or attended one in the home of another member of the community.
Dec 12th - Charles wrote intimating his intention for offering himself as a candidate for the 1st Class at the examination for Competency of Teaching. Elizabeth did the same. This certificate meant better salary (ever the incentive to get "certificates") and opportunities for promotion.

1856. A Glowing Inspector's Report Point Nepean - Goodbye. Pascoe Vale - Hello.

    The beginning of 1856 saw Charles and Elizabeth taking a short break in Melbourne, during the Christmas holiday period. No doubt they used the occasion to visit family and friends, and one sad note at the time was the death, on 1st January, of Henry and Eleanor's 10 month old daughter, Emma. Their exams for "Proficiency in Teaching", were held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th, after which they returned to Point Nepean to enjoy a few days break at their pleasant beachside location and spend time in Preparation for the coming school year. By mid-January the children were back at school running their toes through the sand on the classroom floor, but Charles was already contemplating a move.
    On the 28th January, he received his visit from the District Inspector, and the glowing nature of this report must have given him much gratification and made him feel that he had indeed chosen the right path in life in becoming a teacher. He intimated to the Inspector his desire to be placed in a "more remunerative position", where his wife also may gain an appointment. The Inspector duly noted this in his report. Possibly Charles had already started applying, but in any event it wasn't long before he was successful in gaining a new appointment.
    The school at Pascoe Vale was seeking a new Head Master, owing to the dismissal of Mr Gilsenan, its previous head. On 26th January, a Mr Williamson had declined it. Charles must have been made aware of the vacancy, and sometime during February he applied. The commissioners appointed him to the school, and on the 13th February the following letter was forwarded to Mr Reed, the Secretary of the Point Nepean School Committee (or in the terminology of those days, the "Correspondent" of the "Local Board of Patrons") -

"Referring to your letter of the 6th Instant I am directed by the Commissioners to request that you will direct Mr and Mrs Martin to hold themselves in readiness to leave Point Nepean in the course of a few days to proceed to Pascoe Vale, Moonee Ponds to the school in which locality the Commissioners have appointed him."

On the 19th February, a further letter was forwarded to Mr Reed, notifying him that a Mr Connell had been appointed as teacher to the school, and further stating in relation to Mr Martin -

"In the event of Mr and Mrs Martin not having left Point Nepean before this letter reaches you, I am to request that you will instruct them to leave for Melbourne immediately."

On the same day a letter was forwarded to Pascoe Vale School -

Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint you that the commissioners of National Education have been pleased to appoint Mr and Mrs Martin teachers of the Pascoe Vale National School. Mr and Mrs Martin will enter on their duties in the course of a few days.
I am directed to state that the teachers now appointed have had considerable experience as teachers, that they have conducted a school at Point Nepean for nearly a year to the satisfaction of the Inspector and of the Patrons, and that at the recent examinations of teachers held in Melbourne, Mr Martin obtained a certificate of the 2nd Class and his wife one of the 3rd Class. The Commissioners trust that they will prove themselves to be useful teachers and give satisfaction both to the patrons and the inhabitants.

Benjamin Kane, Secretary.
On the 28th February Charles and Elizabeth received official notification of their transfer to Pascoe Vale. I am not sure of the reason for the delay in notifying them, but in any event the following letter was forwarded to Charles on that date -

"I am desired to acquaint you that the Commissioners have been pleased to appoint you teacher of the Pascoe Vale Boys School, with your wife Mistress of the Girls School at salaries commencing from 27th Instant. You will proceed forthwith to enter on your duties and report yourself to Don Kennedy Esq and the other patrons of the school.

Charles was also given the following letter of reference -

"The bearers, Mr and Mrs Martin, are the persons referred to in my letter to the Chairman of the Board of the 19th instant as having been appointed by the Commissioners to the charge of the Pascoe Vale National School. Mr and Mrs Martin have- been instructed to enter upon their duties forthwith."

No doubt as Charles took his ferry ride back to Melbourne, his mind went back to the day nine months ago when he had taken his first journey to Point Nepean. No doubt, also, he felt a few twinges of sadness at leaving after such a happy time there, and I'm sure he would have felt a certain sense of warmth and satisfaction as he reflected upon his achievements and all that had taken place. (And fancy leaving a coastal spot in summer time when the weather is so pleasant and agreeable.) However. I imagine that he was also looking forward to being back in civilisation again amongst family and friends, and that he was feeling the challenge of a new and bigger school (well he thought it was a bigger school) - and the "more remunerative position" which he had acquired, including the fact that Elizabeth would have a job - and an income.

Inspector's Report.

Following is an abridged copy of the District Inspector's report which Charles received after seven months at the school. The District Inspector was lavish in his praise of Charles and his work.

Are Register and Records Correct? - Yes, I am glad to observe that the school records are all kept with a neatness and accuracy which are very creditable to the master.
Discipline Of School - The discipline of the school appears to be excellent - the children are orderly, attentive, and obedient.
Are There Proper Places for Putting Away Books and requisites? - No. The want of some accommodation for this purpose is much felt as the master is very particular in keeping the books etc neat.
What Punishment is Used? - Keeping in, imposition.
State of School and Children as Regards Order and Cleanliness - Very good in both these respects, but the school would be much better with a boarded floor, as there is at present nothing but sand for the children to stand upon.
General Tone and Aspect of the School and Children - Good. The children have a cheerful and contented appearance.
Privies - None. There are plenty of bushes about when the children retire and are perfectly concealed.

TEACHER.

Charles Martin, 34 years of age (NOTE - He was actually 28)
Date of Training and Present Classification - He was in training 6 months at the British and Foreign Schools Society, but was not there long enough to be classed.
Manner - His manner is good - firm, impressive and patient.
Tone of Voice - Good.
Skill in Keeping a Class Attentive - Very good. The pupils seem to pay the greatest attention to the master, and to take a real interest in their work. Hand Writing - Very good.
State Shortly The Result of Your Oral Examination of The Teacher - He appears highly qualified for his situation.
Method of Teaching - Good
Is His Teaching Intelligent or Mechanical? - Decidedly intelligent, appealing to the reason and facilitating the lessons by simple illustrations.
Is the Examination Judicious and Animated? Yes. Method of examining good.
Does the Aim Seem to be to Educate or Merely to Instruct? - The Master seems to understand and apply practically all that is meant by the term educate - altogether I consider him to be admirably fitted for the office which he fills.

INCOME.

Teacher's Yearly Income - About £130.
Does He Pay Rent for the House?- No.
Are Wood and Water Easily Obtained by the Teacher? - The teacher carries his own wood and water; the former is easily obtained, but the latter with some difficulty.
How Are The Incidental Expenses for the School, Such as Wood and Water for the Children, Defrayed? They are defrayed by the master himself, who paid 10/- for the carriage of his school books from Melbourne.

PROFICIENCY

What is the Proficiency of the Several Classes, and Amount of Instruction Imparted in the Various Branches as Ascertained by Examination? Considering the time that this school had been in operation, and the scanty instruction which many of the children received before they came to it, I cannot but form a very favourable opinion of the proficiency which the pupils in general displayed. The school is small, and consequently, the master has had more time to devote to each pupil, but they appear to be all equally and very efficiently instructed. The reading of a few at the head of the school was fluent and correct, and the knowledge of Grammar and Geography displayed by the pupils was certainly above the average. In Geography perhaps they show to the greatest advantage; they appear to understand something of the mathematical and physical branches, as well as local geography, and to be exceptionally well trained in both - great pains have been taken with their writing. In Arithmetic they are carefully instructed, but are backward, in consequence of the master requiring, I think, too great perfection in one subject before proceeding to another.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

    The master is one of the most efficient that I have seen. He is discouraged by the small number, which of itself, as well as from its excluding Mrs Martin from the post of School Mistress, involves a pecuniary loss, in consequence of which he has applied to me to be removed to some other situation, as the present one offered him far inferior prospects to those he was led to expect.
    Mr Martin was anxious to be informed as soon as possible whether some arrangement could be made as to his removal to a more eligible or, at least, remunerative school."

    The report of the Inspector was not shown to the teacher concerned, but no doubt the substance of it would be communicated to him. Charles certainly would have felt extremely pleased and gratified after this inspection.
    The Point Nepean School lasted for only another five years or so. It was closed on the 12th March 1860, then re-opened on 22nd October, but only for a short time and was then closed down for good.
    A report from the D.I. at about the same time as this inspection states -

"Point Nepean near the quarantine ground at the Heads has no great population and is unlikely to have for years to come. The attendance in the school there has not averaged above 12, and the highest number on the rolls is 16." (15th Jan, 1856)

At some time during the year, the infant son of Hannah and Thomas Farr (Charles), died in Ballarat (thus indicating that the Farrs moved to Ballarat fairly quickly after arriving in Australia.).

Inspector's Full Report on Pt Nepean National School. 28th January, 1856.

Enrolled - 9 boys, 6 girls.
Religion - 4 Presbyterian, 2 Wesleyan, 6 Roman Catholics.
Age - 3 under 7; 4 from 7 to 11; 5 from 11 to 1
Building - Wattle and daub: White-washed inside and out; Thatched roof and stone chimney. Repairs wanted are new thatch for the roof (the present being insufficient, badly put on and letting in the rain) - also a barrel of some kind for the chimney - and if possible a boarded floor - possible cost from £7 - £10.

Able To Read Second Book Correctly - 2 Boys, 2 Girls
Able to Read Higher books Intelligently - 1 B, 1 G. Learning Grammar - 5b, 4g.
Acquainted With Parts of Speech - 3b, 2g.
Able to Parse - 1 b, l g.
Dictation- 6b, 3g.
    "                 - From Second Book With Tolerable Accuracy - 2b, 2g.
    "               - With Correctness and Ease - 1 b.
Geography - Acquainted With Map of World, Europe, Aust. - 3b, 3g. Learning Etymology - Nil.
Arithmetical Tables - Knowledge of the First Four Rules - 4b, 3g.
                               - Compound Rules of Reducation - 1 b, 1 g.
                               - Rule of 3, Practice Decimals, Fractions - 1 b.
                               - Mental Arithmetic - 5b, 5g
Writing - On Slates - - On Paper - 4b, 3g.
Able to Set Down Accurately Any Number Not Over 7 Places - 4b, 3g.
Able to Work Correctly and Readily Long Division - 3b
Able to Write Fairly - 3b, 3g.

BUILDINGS.

Number and Size of Rooms - One story - one room used as sitting room and bed room, one school room 16 feet long x 12 feet wide x 7 high (beside spaces within roof).
Light and Ventilation – Good. Well lighted by 2 glazed windows and panes of glass in the door.
Privies - None. There are plenty of bushes about when the children retire and are perfectly concealed.
Play Ground - Abundant.
General Fitness of Premises - Good; they are well situated in point of healthiness on very high ground above the beach, and pretty ??? centrally. Size - Two acres.
Is It Fenced In? - No, it is not so necessary as in some places but very desirable for supplying a garden.

FURNITURE.

Is It Adequate? Yes - 2 good tables.
Is It Judiciously Arranged? - As well I think as can be.
Are There Places for Hanging caps, Etc? - There is provision for this.
Are There Proper Places for Putting away Books and Requisites? - No. The want of some accommodation for this purpose is much felt as the master is very particular in keeping the books etc neat. Is There Sufficient Space for the Drafts? - No; the room is taken up with the desks and books, but with the present numbers there is very little classification required.
Is There a Large Blackboard? - Yes.
What Large Maps Are In The School? - World, Europe, America.
Is There a Time Table? - It is neatly hung, and fairly made out.
Is It Adhered To? - Yes.
To What Extent is Collective or Simultaneous Instruction Carried On? - Collective instruction is efficiently carried on, especially in Geography and Arithmetic.
Is There Any Individual Instruction? - Yes, especially the Reading, Spelling and Arithmetic.
Are Register and Records Correct? - Yes, f am glad to observe that the school records are all kept with a neatness and accuracy which are very creditable to the master.
Discipline Of School - The discipline of the school appears to be excellent - the children are orderly, attentive, and obedient.
What Rewards Are Used? - None as yet.
What Punishment is Used? - Keeping in, imposition.
State of School and Children as Regards Order and Cleanliness - Very good in both these respects, but the school would be much better with a boarded floor, as there is at present nothing but sand for the children to stand upon.
General Tone and Aspect of the School and Children - Good. The children have a cheerful and contented appearance.

TEACHER.

Charles Martin, 34 years of age (NOTE - He was actually 28)
Date of Training and Present Classification – He was in training 6 months at the British and Foreign Schools Society, but was not there long enough to be classed.
Manner - His manner is good - firm, impressive and patient.
Tone of Voice - Good.
Skill in Keeping a Class Attentive - Very good. The pupils seem to pay the greatest attention to the master, and to take a real interest in their work.
Hand Writing Very good.
State Shortly The Result of Your Oral Examination of The Teacher - He appears highly qualified for his situation.
Method of Teaching - Good
Is His Teaching Intelligent or Mechanical? Decidedly intelligent, appealing to the reason and facilitating the lessons by simple illustrations.
Is the Examination Judicious and Animated? Yes. Method of Examining good.
Are Object Lessons Given? - Not to any extent.
Does the Aim Seem to be to Educate or Merely to Instruct? - The Master seems to understand and apply practically all that is meant by the term educate - altogether I consider him to be admirably fitted for the office which he fills.

INCOME.

Aid From the Board - £100 p.a.
Yearly Amount of Fees Paid to the School Board - £25 -£30 Teacher's Yearly Income - About £130.
Any Other Income - No
Does He Pay Rent for the House?- No.
Rates of Payment by Children - 4 pay 1/1d; 10 pay 1/-, and one for free.
Are Wood and Water Easily Obtained by the Teacher? - The teacher carries his own wood and water; the former is easily obtained, but the latter with some difficulty.
How Are The Incidental Expenses for the School, Such as Wood and Water for the Children, Defrayed? They are defrayed by the master himself, who paid 10/- for the carriage of his school books from Melbourne.

What is the Proficiency of the Several Classes, and Amount of Instruction Imparted in the Various Branches as Ascertained by Examination? - Considering the time that this school had been in operation, and the scanty instruction which many of the children received before they came to it, I cannot but form a very favourable opinion of the proficiency which the pupils in general displayed. The school is small, and consequently, the master has had more time to devote to each pupil, but they appear to be all equally and very efficiently instructed. The reading of a few at the head of the school was fluent and correct, and the knowledge of Grammar and Geography displayed by the pupils was certainly above the average. In Geography perhaps they show to the greatest advantage; they appear to understand something of the mathematical and physical branches, as well as local geography, and to be exceptionally well trained in both - great pains have been taken with their writing. In Arithmetic they are carefully instructed, but are backward, in consequence of the master requiring, I think, too great perfection in one subject before proceeding to another.

OBSERVATION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS OF COMMISSIONERS.

Inscription- The inscription was wanting, a defect which I pointed out.
Arrangements for Religious Instruction - None.
Use of Books for Religious Instruction - The Scripture lessons are made use of in the way prescribed.
Use of School Rooms -
General Lesson - The General Lesson is only hung up on the walls.

DEFECTS. - (Nil)

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The great ???? at this school is a larger attendance of pupils, the highest number has not exceeded 15; the school is certainly a very successful one, well managed and well conducted, and the master is one of the most efficient that I have seen. He is discouraged by the small number, which, of itself, as well as from its excluding Mrs Martin from the post of School Mistress, involves a pecuniary loss, in consequence of which he has applied to me to be removed to some other situation, as the present one offered him far inferior prospects to those he was led to expect. The total number of educatable children who could attend the school is 30 or a little under, but at the time that Dr Reed made application to the Board, the Denominational Board sent down a schoolmaster on the plea of a prior application (or engagement) from Dr Reed and the other inhabitants, this man, it is feared by misrepresentation managed to secure a few pupils while our school was being built declaring that whether they would or no, he was determined to establish a school there as he had been sent down for that purpose - he carried on school for some time with about 10 scholars and was succeeded by another master, who continues the school in a tent, receiving from the Denominational Board a salary of f 100 per annum for about 7 children whom I am informed he instructs gratis. This accounts for the attendance at the National School being less that it might be.
Mr Martin was anxious to be informed as soon as possible whether some arrangement could be made as to his removal to a more eligible or, at least, remunerative school. The accommodation is limited, and a good unmarried master might be found more suitable. Some communication with Dr Reed, as to the expense of the requisitions might be advantageous.

A Sample of Charles' Exams. Test Yourself Out.

History.
1.Give an outline of the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2. State what you may remember respecting the Persian invasions of Greece.
3. Give an account of the partition of the Grecian empire, consequent on the death of Alexander the Great..
4. Mention the most remarkable events of the fourteenth century.
5. What were the dates of the following events:-Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus; the Hejira; capture of Constantinople by the Turks; discovery of America, and the foundation of Sydney ? ,
Writing.
1. At what stage of progress should writing on paper commence
Algebra.
1. Find the value of y in each of the equations :

2. Find the greatest common measure of

3. Given the excess of the periphery, of an isosceles triangle above its base=16 ft., and the perpendicular upon the base=8 ft., to find all its sides. z
Natural Philosophy.
1. Define momentum, moment,. pressure, impact, friction, horse-power, specific gravity, and impenetrability.
2. Describe the steelyard, the differential screw, the barometer, the Gregorian telescope, Volta's pile, and Wedgwood's pyrometer.
3. If a man exert a pressure of 50lbs. upon the handle of a windlass, how much water can ho raise when the length of the handle is 2 ft., and the radius of the axle 4 in ?
Political Economy.
1. Is a Bank of England note money ?
2. What is the origin of rent ?
3. What are the effects of an unsuccessful strike ?
Logic
1. IIow are propositions divided as to their quantity and quality, and what kind of propositions do the following symbols, A, E, I, 0, designate respectively ?. ;
2. From which of the propositions is the middle term excluded, and should it be distributed in one or other of the premises 7 State your reasons in both cases.
3. What are the canons that apply directly to all categorical syllogisms, and what are the rules resulting from these canons by which we are enabled to test the truth or falsity of any syllogistic argument?
4. Give an example of the contrary of A, and of the contradictory of E. Why is the predicate of the conclusion called the major term
Arithmetic.
1. Extract the square root of 119196.467 ; explain the several stages of the process, and express the root in pounds, shillings, and pence.
2. In what time would £317 15s. 6d. amount to £500, at the rate of 4 1/2. per cent. simple interest? .
3. If three kinds of tea be mixed, 20lbs. at 3s. 6d. ; 38lbs. at 49. 8d. ;, and 18 lbs. at 1s. 10d., what ought the price of the mixture be per lb.? Explain the reason of the process.
4. Divide 2/3 by 3/4, and express the quotient by a diagram .and also decimally.
Book-keeping.
1. Explain what is meant by book-keeping by double entry, and what advantage does it possess over single entry? ,
2. What is the difference between real and personal accounts 7 How, and in what books; are these latter accounts opened?
3. What is the use of the waste-book, and how are entries traced from it to the ledger?
Geometry and Mensuration.
1. Find the solidity of a cylinder whose height is 23 feet, and the diameter of whose base is 16 feet.
2. Prove that, if one, side of a triangle be produced, the exterior angle is greater than either of the interior and opposite angles.
3. Prove that, in an equilateral triangle, three times the square of any side is equal to four times the square of the perpendicular. ..
4. Describe Gunter's chain; and explain how a surveyor would ascertain the contents of a trapezoidal field.

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