E.—2.

Appendix D.l

X

at the time. The preparation was done, of course, out of college hours, but the unqualified sun well repaid all concerned for their hard work : " Charges are made frequently in the newspapers to the effect that the enunciation and pronunciation of both the scholars and teachers of our primary schools are unsatisfactory. This may or may not be true, but in either case it behoves us to set a high standard of speech, and to see that the rising generation thoroughly appreciates the importance of distinct utterance. It is with this object that the present play is staged —to give students an opportunity of facing an audience and speaking out their lines clearly and well. The theatrical part is, from our point of view, a secondary one, bo we crave your indulgence for our shortcomings in this respect." The Normal School has had another successful year, although there have been some changes in the staff. The last term of the year Mr. Cousins, the headmaster, was selected by the Board to do some inspectorial work. Mr. Paterson, the first assistant, took temporary charge, and Mr. Ormiston filled the vacancy thus created. Miss Purdie broke down in health, and obtained leave of absence to the end of the year, Miss A. Fraser acting as substitute. The Principal's annual picnic, given for those children who have brought flowers for the school brackets all the year round, was held at Mangere Mountain, some eighty children being entitled to be present. A special tram-car was chartered, and an enjoyable outing resulted. A geography lesson was given on the top of the hill, this being followed by the usual games and tea. The school gardens have been well kept, thanks largely to the persistent efforts of Mr. Priestley. The parents' days are still well attended, and there is hearty co-operation between teachers and parents. Two special events are worthy of being chronicled. The first was a swimming match between the Normal School and the Point Chevalier School. The latter school owns a fine bath, the gift of the Minister of Education, the Hon. Geo. Fowlds. Relay races were held between the different standards, five girls of Standard 11, Normal School, racing five girls of tjie same standard of the Point Chevalier School, and so on. In this way Standards 11, 111, IV, V, and VI competed, both boys and girls. No prizes were given, the honour of the school being sufficient. Keen competition existed, and an excellent spirit pervaded the contest, the children taking defeat or victory in the proper sportsmanlike way. It is hoped to make the contest an annual one. The second event worthy of note was the presentation to the school of a banner, worked in heavy gold. The school badge is represented on a rich silk background, the whole making a very handsome present. The cost, I understand, approached three figures; and I have no hesitation in stating that it must be unique for a banner of this value to be presented to a primary school by an anonymous donor. This gentleman refuses to have his name published; but he is the father of several children who have oassed through the school, and who have, he is good enough to say, greatly benefited by their schooling. In my last report I called attention to the fact that two of the assistants in the Normal School were of the lowest grade, having for a commencing salary £90 per annum, the irreducible minimum salary allowed for any teacher. Although recent conferences have condemned this unanimously, no change in the regulations has yet been issued. I again respectfully suggest that the Minister's attention be drawn to this matter. The assistants of the Normal School have to act as models for the students committed to their charge. How can we expect to get model teachers, capable of criticizing others, for such a salary ? The very worst of the students leaving the College receives the same salary. The point need not be laboured ;itis so obvious, and something might well be done. In conclusion, I wish to say that the College has now been open for five years. During that time the number of students who have taken up work in the schools is as follows : 1906 (first year of work), none ; 1907, 27 ; 1908, 25 ; 1909, 26 ; 1910, 44 : total, 122. I find that of this number, 4 hold the B.A. degree. Of the 27 who left College in 1907, 3 hold the teachers' B certificate, 22 a C certificate, and the other 2a D certificate with part of C. Of the 25 who left in 1908 (16 being one-year students only), 20 hold C certificates, and 5 D certificates and also partial C certificates. Of the 26 who left in 1909 (5 being one-year students only), 17 hold C certificates, the other 9 hold D and partial C certificates. Of the 44 who left in 1910 (26 being one-year students), 23 hold C certificates, the other 21 hold D certificates with part of the C certificate. Out of the total of 122 students, therefore, 85 hold the C certificate, showing that one function of the College has been fulfilled in some measure. The chief function —that of turning out efficient practical teachers —will, I feel sure, be also fulfilled if we proceed on our present lines, provided that a reasonable selection be possible with regard to the admiss'on of students. So far the College has welcomed all and sundry ; no one has been rejected. If the time should ever come when there are more applicants than vacancies, then judicious weeding out would allow the Board to reject those not suited for the profession, and clay to work with even the Chief Potter might be faced with impunity. I have, &c, Herbert A. E. Milnrs, B.Sc. (Lond.), Principal. The Chairman, Education Board, Auckland.

WELLINGTON. Report of Principal for the Year 1910. Sir, — Training College, February, 1911. 1 have the honour to present my report on the work of the Training College for the year 1910. College Terms. —The College reopened on the 22nd February and closed on the 2iid December. The session is divided into two terms, thus : First term, 22nd February till 30th June ; second term, 26th July till 2nd December. This gives a session of thirty-eight weeks, or about nineteen weeks in each term. There is a break of three weeks at midwinter —the time of University short recess. The