This dis trict was not so fortunate as that of Christ church West, inasmuch as no site could be obtained for some time after the district had been declared by the Superintendent. When the only convenient site that offered was ob tained, steps were taken to procure the necessary plans, and so much delay took place in settling these, that many months elapsed before any tenders could be called for. The result to the district was most serious, as by the 'time tenders came in, the price of materials and labor had so enor mously increased, that the lowest tender was nearly three thousand pounds above the original estimates of the architect. I think hon members will therefore agree with me that, commenced as the schools in this district were under great pressure, as the committee were bound at all hazards to proceed with the necessary buildings for schools as the district had been declared, and as the other schools were making prepa rations to close, it was no light task to take in hand the furnishing of school accommo dation for a district containing nearly 2500, about one-half of whom would require im mediate school accommodation. The con tract for the building of the large school in Gloucester street will not, I understand, be completed until September, and therefore a large portion of the expenditure on this school—viz, £3774, has yet to be paid. This sum is included in the amount of the esti mates sent down by the Board. I may say the reason why so large a sum is required is that it includes, as I have stated, the balance of the contract, as well also as additional land, drainage, fencing, furniture, &c. The next district I may refer to is Colombo road, where £2676 has been spent, with a contri bution of £378. This school requires an expenditure for furniture, which is of course absolutely necessary, and the total required is £378. There are many other districts which I need hardly refer to at length. 