E.—2.

to the drainage of schools have been carried out by competent foremen, under the direction of the architect. The Board is strongly of opinion that all teachers' residences should be provided with bathrooms, wash-houses with fixed tubs and copper, and other necessary conveniences. There are about 115 residences without bathrooms, and over eighty residences without proper conveniences for washing. The Board trusts that the Government will, as early as possible, make provision for a special grant to provide those requisites. Training College.—The new Training College building was completed during the year. It is built upon the most modern lines, and gives accommodation for eighty students. During the year forty-eight students were in attendance —thirty-nine of the first year, and nine of the second year. There are now forty-seven students in attendance—nineteen under Division A, and twentyeight under Division B. It was hoped that the increased remuneration allowed to students under Division B would result in a much larger number of students being admitted; and it is difficult to account for the comparatively small number of applications for admission. The Board is not at present in a position to demand that all pupil-teachers shall enter the Training College ai the completion of their course, as their services are immediately required as junior assistants or teachers in sole charge of small schools. Scholarships.—The Scholarships in tenure at the end of 1908 were: Junior National, 17; Junior District, 56; Senior District, 27: total, 100. Satisfactory reports of the diligence and progress of the holders have been received. District High Schools.—Eleven district high schools were in operation during the year. The roll number of the classes at the secondary schools was 315 at the end of the year. Physical and Military Drill.—Due attention has been given to the requirements c>l , the Act regarding physical and military drilh Military drill is taught wherever possible, and the number of schools in which cadet corps have been organized is sixty-six. The cadets of the Auckland, Whangarei, Thames, and Ohinemuri Battalions received a week's instruction in camp. Each of the encampments was daily visited by a medical officer, and a chaplain was in attendance. The Board records its appreciation of the excellent work done by the officers in camp. The discipline and good conduct of the cadets was most commendable. The Board again desires to call attention to the necessity for provision being made to secure the services in Volunteer corps of the cadets after they leave school. Manual and Technical Instruction. —The number of individual students in attendance at the Auckland Technical College last year was 1,086, of which number 186 were attending the special day classes in commerce, domestic science, science and technology, and engineering. During the present session about 1,200 students have been enrolled. Instruction in cookery and woodwork has been given to the pupils of the upper standards of the primary schools at the three manual training schools at Auckland and those at Thames and Whangaroi. During 1908 the number of schools in which special classes wore held for instruction in manual and technical subjects was as follows: Handwork, 151; agriculture, 91; and swimming, 12. During the year ninety-three teachers attended special classes for instruction in nature-study and agriculture. Great difficulty is experienced in providing accommodation for the students attending the Auckland Technical College. Tenders are now being invited for a Technical College building; and it is hoped that the building will be completed and ready for occupation next year. Promotion of Teachers.—The Board recently inaugurated a new scheme for the promotion of teachers. This scheme will be brought into operation as early as possible. Secretary.—Mr. Vincent E. Rice, who has acted as Secretary and Treasurer to the Board, has been granted leave of absence, after thirty-one years' faithful and efficient service, to enable him to visit England. Conclusion. —The Board desires to record its thanks to the Education Department for the careful consideration of its recommendations; and to the officers of the Health Department for their valuable help and advice in matters relating to school sanitation and hygiene. The Board has received valuable assistance from School Committees in the administration of educational matters.during the year. I have, Ac., The Hon. the Minister of Education. C. J. Parr, Chairman.

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