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 Char-lottetown public schools, and shall quote from Reports of William McPhail , Visitor of Schools for , 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 io"6 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 70 • Kensington 20 Spring Park 77 LePage's Building 32 Orphan School >+9 Total: 672 pupils