Appendix A.]

E.—2.

Of the adult teachers L 22 men and l i>7 women, total 319, possess certificates; seventy-one were unoertifioated, eighi of whom were holders of a license to teach. The Hoard's Inspectors are of opinion thai the time has arrived when action should be taken in the case of those uncertifioated teachers who are making no effort to improve their status. Instruction of Teachers.- ('nurses of instruction for teachers were held during the year at Wellington, Masterton, and Pahiatua. At Wellington classes in drawing and handwork were conducted by Miss Lee; in cookery by Miss Macintosh; in woodwork and cardboard modelling b\ Mr. Howe; in singing by Mr. Parker. At Masterton Mr. Grant conducted a drawing class; Mr. Parker a class in singing; Miss Williams a class for women in physiology and hygiene; while instruction in military drill for men was provided by an officer of the Junior Cadets. At Pahiatua Mr. Cuimiiing gave a course of lessons in nature-study and agriculture. 'I , he uiisultability of the railway time-table greatlj militated against the success of the Wairarajia classes that were held, and prevented the establishment of others. Training College.—The total number of students enrolled was 100—(1) From Wellington, 34, Wanganui 34, Hawke's Bay 11, Nelson 5, Taranaki 2. Marlborough 3, Grey 2, Westland I. other districts 2; 49 were of the first, 51 of the second yeai ; (2) Division A, 80; Division B, 18; Division C, 2; (.'!) Men 27, women 73. The proportion of men students shows a considerable increase. All B applicants, including several of great promise, were rejected by reason of the large number of A applicants. Recognizing the vital importance of a full and thorough course of training in the art of teaching, the Board now requires that all pupil-teachers and probationers shall in future enter the training college on completion of their apprenticeship. To the many questions affecting the efficiency of the institution the Committee of Advice of the college and the Principal gave most earnest consideration, and the Committee's recommendations, transmitted to the Board after each quarterly meeting, were in each case approved. The most important of the questions which engaged attention was the question of location of the college. Several years' trial of existing conditions has condemned the present establishment. Not even the large expenditure which appeared inevitable at Thorndon could have removed the essential defects of an institution that was not designed for the purpose it at present serves. The Board appreciates the consideration of the Minister in providing funds for the excellent site recently purchased at Kelburne, on which to build a college adequate to the rapidly growing needs of the eight education districts served by the college, and to the school which the rapid settlement of Kelburne would, at an early rlate, have rendered necessary. District High Schools.—The average attendance of our nine district high schools fell from 374 to .'537. The reports show a standard of high efficiency. The Board records with satisfaction the establishment of the rural course in connection with five country district high schools —Levin, Pahiatua, Masterton. Carterton, and Greytown —and at the Normal School under the Department's Regulations. This event marks a distinct advance in rural education. The measure of success which has attended the first year of its operations is strong evidence of the great care exercised in the initial arrangements, anil of the hearty co-operation and the ability of the staffs engaged in the work. The grants made and capitation earned have enabled the Hoard to establish the course, as regards both equipment ami instruction, on a footing which should insure its .success. The Inspectors' suggest ions for the improvement of the course will, no doubt, receive the attention their importance merits. In view of the large part rural pursuits must always play in the d< .elopinent of New Zealand, the educational results of this course of instruction will lie watched with the keenest interest. SCHOLARSHIPS. —Ai the December examinations there qualified for junior free places 124 candidates, and for senior 164. Junior Hoard Scholarships were awarded to .'>.'! competitors and Senior to 12. Of the money devoted to Senior Scholarships a part was allotted to pupils who bad undertaken the rural course. Four Junior National Scholarships were awarded. M \xr.\r. and Technical Instruction. —During the year capitation under the Manual and Technical Regulations was earned by 118 schools, as compared with 116 in 1909. The following table shows the numbers under instruction during the year in the various manual and technical subjects (table not reprinted). Instruction in woodwork was extended to the five country district high schools which undertook the rural course. The Inspectors note a steady improvement in drawing and handwork; and a more intelligent grasp of the ends to lie achieved by the school course in agriculture. As the echemes of work are more definitely systematized, and the actual work in the garden is more perfectly linked to suitable instruction in the underlying principles of plant-development, still greater educational results will follow. In the city the fitting of a cookery centre at Mount Cook Girls' School, and of a'woodwork centre at Mount Cook Boys' School, will enable the work to be done with greater efficiency. Drill.—The report of the Inspectors shows that physical instruction is efficiently imparted in all our schools. Medical Inspection.—The intimation that shortly a scheme of medical inspection of schoolchildren will be put into operation is approved by the Board. Buildings.— New schools were erected by grant at Eastern Butt, Makerua, and Hinemoa; and additions were made to the schools at Muritai, Khandallah, Brooklyn (brick), and Maranui. The Board was so unfortunate as to lose by lire the line new school at Pahiatua and the residence at Gladstone. The new structures to replace them, provided by grant, are Hearing completion. Resiliences were also provided by grant at llukanui, Mangainaire. Mangamahoe, and Ohau. New sanitary conveniences were provided at Greytown, Mount Cook Hoys', and Waihakeke, and the existing structures improved at Clareville and Otaki. Woodwork rooms of plain design were erected at each of the five district high schools at which the rural course was carried out. The maintenance works included the overhaul of thirteen schools and two residences; the fencing at five schools; and the supply of tanks, shelter-sheds, and asphalt areas at eight. Tile drainage ii—E. 2 (App. a).

IX