history has a habit of repeating itself. For example, there was concern regarding qualifications of teachers, salaries, merit rating, incompetent or disinterested trustees, expenditures for education, condition of schools, lack of a satisfactory map of Prince Edward Island.

'Reading Dr. Robertson's "History of Education in Prince Edward island“ and the ”Reports of the School Visitors to the Board of Education” one is aware that some of those connected with education at that time showed a rare perspicacity.

It was very difficult to select what will be of greatest interest to this audience. Naturally interests vary. However, I shall confine my background remarks to telling you something of conditions in the Charlottetown pgplig schools, and shall quote from Reports of William McPhail, Visitor of Schools forAQueens County, who provides a vivid descripition of the City Schools under his supervision. ‘The first quotation is from a report dated April 5, 1871 - three months after

the opening of this school:

"City Schools (Those receiving Government pay)

Normal School 106 pupilS' Model School 63 " Temperance Hall 72 " Old Convent 33 " Trowan's Hall (upstairs) 36 " Hillsborough 51 " Trowan's Hall 33 " DesBrisay's Lane 30 ” ~ Scott's Hall ' 7O ” ’Kensington 2O " Spring Park 77 " LePage's Building 32 " Orphan School 49 "

Total: 672 pupils