These boys had written papers, which had been carefully considered, and he was bound to say that some of the papers had given those who had read them great satisfaction. The questions that evening had been answered fairly, and the friends present entertained the hope that the boys would succeed in their studies in the future. The prizes of £2 2s., £1 1s., 10s., 5s., and 2s. 6d. were then severally awarded to the successful competitors, shortly after which the proceedings terminated.

GLOUCESTER.-The annual examination of the boys of this school took place yesterday week. J. J. Powell, Esq., M.P., presided; and there were also present Mr. Alfred Price, Mr. E. Sturge, Rev. A. A. Ramsey, Mr. F. G. Cash, Rev. C. H. Bevan, Mr. E. Bretherton, and many others interested in school education. The examiners were Mr. Simms, Coventry, and Mr. Moore, of Cheltenham. In every department the boys acquitted themselves very creditably, thus demonstrating their own aptitude and industry, and the able and zealous instruction which they have received from their master, Mr. Norton. Their reading was surprisingly good, indeed, it was nearly faultless, and entirely justified the remark made by the chairman, that the services of many of these boys might with advantage be secured by the committee of the Penny Readings. In history and geography they showed themselves equally proficient, and their familiarity with the mysteries of mental arithmetic, and the promptitude and accuracy with which they solved problems well calculated to puzzle older heads, elicited much surprise. BRIXHAM.-The eleventh annual public examination of the boys of the British School was held on Wednesday, June 24th, in the Assembly Rooms, and was conducted by W. R. Baxter, Esq., Inspector of Schools for the West of England. The children were examined in reading, orthography, writing, grammar, the Holy Scriptures, mental arithmetic, geography, and history. Special attention was given, as usual, to the Biblical portion. In the halfyearly private written examination, which preceded the public one during the whole week, half as many more were placed in the first class as compared with last year. The chief scholars in both examinations were Henry Furneaux, John Earle Spark, and George Charles Nowell.

TORQUAY.-The annual examination of the boys of the Torquay British Schools took place on Thursday evening last, in the schoolroom, Abbey Road, Mr. Baxter, the Inspector for the Western District, Mr. Viccars, the master of the school, with Barter, Shinner, Heath, and Keen, pupil teachers, examined the several classes in Scripture, mathematics, history, geography, and mental arithmetic. Questions were also put by the chairman (Mr. Vivian), Mr. Brown, and other gentlemen, which elicited the great amount of information possessed by the children, and the quickness and intelligence imparted by the mode of instruction pursued in these schools. The number on the books is now 460, and so much has the school increased, that the committee have under consideration some permanent enlargement of the building, the boys, girls, and infants being now instructed in separate classes. A large number of the parents and supporters of the school attended the examination, and repeatedly expressed their approval, and the interest which they took in the proceedings.

Ross.-The annual examination of the boys of this school was held on Friday evening, the 22nd of May, and attracted as usual a very large number of visitors and the parents of the children. It was conducted by W. R. Baxter, Esq., of Bristol, one of the School Inspectors of the British and Foreign School Society. The boys were examined in reading, spelling, Scripture knowledge, English history, geography, grammar, mental arithmetic, &c., and showed a proficiency in every branch that quite astonished those who attended for the first time, and greatly pleased all who were present. Specimens of their writing and of their model and freehand drawing were exhibited, and elicited warm expressions of approbation. The Inspector said he had never conducted a more satisfactory examination. He had given more than usual time to the examination of Scripture knowledge, because it was thought by some that because catechisms were not taught in British schools the Bible was not taught. This, it was seen, was a delusion. In no schools were children taught more fully the truths of the Old and the New Testaments, although sectarian creeds were not permitted.

EASTERN DISTRICT.-In connection with his usual work during the last three months, Mr. Milne has conducted public examinations and addressed public meetings at St. Alban's, Fordham, Over, Hemel Hempstead, Leighton Buzzard, Orford, and Earl's Colne.

ST. ALBAN'S.-The annual examination of the boys' school was held on the 17th June, in the Corn Hall; the Mayor, J. B. Simpson, Esq., in the chair. The room was crowded, and the proceedings of the evening appeared to excite the greatest interest, and to give general satisfaction. The Mayor took an active part in the examination, and kept the boys on the alert by offering small sums of money for correct and ready answers to his questions. At the close of the proceedings he pronounced a warm eulogium on the master, Mr. Wroot, and gave some excellent advice to the boys, which will, doubtless, long be remembered.

OVER.-The annual examination of this school was conducted by Mr. Milne on the 22nd of July, and passed off very successfully. In the evening the friends and supporters of the schools sat down to tea together, in a large tent in an adjoining field, and afterwards adjourned to the Baptist Chapel, to hear the secretary's report. This was of a very interesting character, inasmuch as it announced that, over and above the usual income, they had raised £100 to pay off a debt which had hung over the institution from its commencement. This gratifying result was due, in a good measure, to the liberality of Thomas Coote, Esq., of Fenstanton, who offered, at the last anniversary, to pay a certain sum, provided they raised the remainder during the year. The challenge was accepted, and the result is that the school is now free from debt. It was matter of universal regret that Mr. Coote could not be present, but the chair was worthily filled by his son, who, in an excellent speech, commended the institution to the care of all who love and value the unsectarian principles on which it is founded.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD.-The anniversary of the boys' school in this town was held on the 23rd July, under the presidency of the venerable

chairman, J. D. Bassett, Esq., who has watched over its interests, and contributed to its funds, since its first establishment in 1813, fifty years ago. The recital of some beautiful poetry, which had been composed on that occasion by Mr. Whiffen, late librarian to the Duke of Bedford, elicited warm applause. The examination was of the most satisfactory character, the penmanship and mapping being of a superior order, the arithmetic sound, and the grammar, geography, and history correct. The reading of the first class was tested by giving them the City article in the Times of the day, and examining them in the meaning of the words Consols, premium, discount, &c., an ordeal out of which they came triumphantly. The proceedings closed by the distribution of prizes, accompanied with appropriate remarks and advice by the chairman. The school was never better attended than it is at present, nor the progress of the boys more satisfactory.

NORTHERN DISTRICT.-During the past quarter Mr. Davis has paid thirty-nine visits to thirty-five towns and villages in the counties of York, Lancaster, Chester, Cumberland, and Westmoreland. He has inspected forty-six schools, and conducted six public examinations, besides holding conferences with several committees on matters connected with their respective schools.

TEACHERS' MEETING.-The members of the Manchester British Teachers' Association were invited to take tea with Mr. Davis on the afternoon of July 24th, and upwards of 50 assembled. The Association contains about 70 members, and holds its ordinary meetings once a quarter for the discussion of subjects connected with elementary education. It has existed for many years, and although at times it has been on the eve of dissolution, it still possesses considerable vigour and power for usefulness. "Registration and registers" formed the chief topic of conversation, and at the close of the meeting the cordial thanks of the Association were unanimously voted to the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society for affording the teachers the opportunity of meeting together in so agreeable and profitable

a manner.

CARLISLE (WARWICK).—A public examination of this village school was conducted by Mr. Davis on the evening of June 15th, in the presence of the parents of the children, and other friends of the school. James Heald, Esq., occupied the chair, and the vicar of the parish was also present, and spoke highly of the good which the school is accomplishing in the village.

LANCASTER.-The annual public examination of the Lancaster British School was held on Tuesday evening, June 15th, and there was a very fair attendance of the children's parents and of the School Committee. Edward Dawson, of Aldcliffe Hall, presided, and the examination was, in almost every respect, a very satisfactory one.

ANCOATS (MANCHESTER).—The annual public examination of the Ancoats British School was held on the evening of July 22nd, under the presidency of Abel Heywood, Esq., the Mayor of Manchester, who was supported by Mr. Alderman Nicholls, and other gentlemen. Although the rain poured in torrents during the whole of the evening, the large room was well filled by

an audience composed chiefly of factory operatives. The school is situated in one of the most thoroughly factory districts in Manchester, and is attended exclusively by half-timers. The examination was conducted by Mr. Davis, and the replies of the children to the various questions proposed to them were such as indicated careful and intelligent instruction.

EGERTON.-Unlike almost every other factory locality, Egerton has not suffered at all from the cotton distress. Mr. Ashworth's mill-which gives employment to nearly the whole of the population-has, throughout the whole period of the cotton famine, worked full time; hence the school has in no way been affected by the surrounding distress. The public examination, which was held on Monday evening, July 24th, under the presidency of Edmund Ashworth, Esq., was attended by a large number of the children's friends, who appeared to be much interested in the very satisfactory examinations which the children passed.

DONCASTER.-The annual public examination of these excellent schools was conducted by Mr. Davis, on Friday evening, August 28th, under the presidency of W. B. Wrightson, Esq., M.P. The boys' room was crowded to excess, and the examination in reading, Scripture history, geography, grammar, and arithmetic was of a most satisfactory character. Taken as a whole, it was the most pleasing and successful examination which the school has had for many years.

NORMAL COLLEGE, BOROUGH ROAD.

RETIREMENT OF MR. FITCH.

THE resident students in the Borough Road, anxious to show their respect and esteem for their late Principal, availed themselves of his presence in London to invite him to an entertainment on the evening of Friday, August 7th. The object of the meeting, which was held in the dining-hall of the College, was to present to Mr. Fitch an address expressive of their good feeling and good wishes towards him. The arrangements were under the guidance of a committee chosen from among the students, and the proceedings were enlivened and diversified by music, singing, brief recitations, and readings.

The following is a copy of the address read and presented to Mr.. Fitch. It was written and illuminated in gold and colours, and very handsomely bound in morocco, in the form of an album :—

"To JOSHUA G. FITCH, ESQ., M.A., HER MAJESTY'S INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS. "RESPECTED SIR,-The Students of the Training College, Borough Road, cannot allow a connection which has been fraught with so much benefit to themselves to be severed without expressing their gratitude for your labours in their behalf, and their earnest wishes for your future success and happiness.

"The zeal and ability with which you have directed their studies, and the constant anxiety you have manifested for their welfare, have made them

debtors to you for much of the knowledge they possess; while the interest you have infused into your teachings, and the kind manner in which you have explained difficulties, have made study a delight to them, and given it a charm with which before they scarcely thought it could be invested.

"Although, sir, your removal has been a source of deep regret to them, selfishness could not prevent its being at the same time the cause of congratulation.

Accept, sir, their heartfelt wishes for your success in your new position, and the assurance they feel that the same earnestness and kindness of manner which have rendered their residence here a season of delight, will secure the same benefit to others, and minister to your own honour and happiness in the discharge of your important responsibilities."

The document was signed by the whole of the students.

Mr. Fitch, in acknowledging the presentation, referred with much feeling to the period of his connection with the Normal College, regretting that it had been severed so suddenly. He at the same time reciprocated most sincerely the kindly feelings and wishes conveyed in the address, which, apart from the elegance of its exterior appearance, would ever be regarded by him with pleasant and grateful associations.

These acknowledgments were followed by a few earnest and judicious counsels as to the future course of the students, and the manner and spirit in which, to be successful, that course should be pursued.

MODIFICATION OF THE TERMS OF ADMISSION TO THE TRAINING COLLEGE FOR PUPIL TEACHERS PASSING THE CHRISTMAS EXAMINATION.

SOME explanation is due to the committees of schools, and the patrons and friends of pupil teachers, in reference to an entrance fee of £3, now required by the Committee of this Society from all who, being successful at the coming Christmas examination, are admitted to the Training College at the Borough Road and at Stockwell. Hitherto a Queen's scholarship gave to its possessor the privilege of free admission to any training college under Govern ment inspection, the authorities of which were willing to admit such Queen's scholar. The amount paid by the Committee of Council to the Training College was £23 per annum for a male, and £17 per annum for a female. In addition to this a payment was made on account of each student passing the certificate examination, the sum being graduated according to the class of the certificate. By a Minute of Council, dated March the 21st, 1863, their Lordships entirely change the plan and principle of payment.

In the report presented by their Lordships to her Majesty in Council, the principle of payment under the new Minute is thus described :

"We assume £100 to represent the cost of training a male, and £70 that of training a female student, during two years; and we grant to the college five annual payments of £20 for each of its males, and of £14 for each of its