Appendix A.

E.—2.

Teaching Staff. —The following are the numbers of teachers who were in the Board's service at the end of the year : — Men. Women. Total. Adults ... ... ... ... ... 156 284 440 Pupil-teachers ... ... ... ... ... 17 35 52 Probationers ... ... ... ... ... 7 20 27 Totals ... ... ... ... 180 339 519 Of the adult teachers, 134 men, 238 women, total 372, possessed certificates; sixty-eight were uncertificated, of whom ten were holders of a license to teach. The percentage of fully certificated teachers was stationary at 845. Of the uncertificated teachers many were partially qualified for the certificate. Instruction of Teachers. —The following Saturday classes were held for the instruction of teachers: Wellington—Elementary home science and hygiene; singing; woodwork and cardboard modelling; experimental science (physics); drawing and handwork; drawing and handwork (probationers); practical laundry class for instructors. Masterton —Elementary hygiene, physiology, and first aid; drawing and handwork ; singing. The following continuous courses were held : (a.) A fortnight's instruction in nature-study and agriculture at Masterton during September. The course was attended by thirty-eight teachers, who obtained a week's extension of the term holiday for the purpose. Mr. C. Cumming was in charge, and with him were associated Miss Kilroe, who gave instruction in hygiene, and Mr. Howe and Mr. Grant, in woodwork useful for the garden, the school, and the laboratory. Mr. Cockayne, of the Agricultural Department, rendered valued assistance by lecturing and also directing the field-work undertaken. (/>.) A four weeks' course at the Normal School during January and February for the assistance of untrained and uncertificated teachers who were working with a view to obtaining a certificate. An invitation was extended to each of the Middle University education districts, and seventeen specially selected teachers attended from Wellington, Marlborough, Grey, and Nelson Districts. The visiting teachers were afforded every opportunity of observing the methods of the Normal School, especially of the country school. The course was in charge of Mr. G. R. Kidson. • The subjects included—methods of teaching (Mr. J. C. Webb, 8.A.) ; vocal music (Mr. R. Parker); drawing (Mr. Pitkethley); physiology and hygiene (Miss R. Mcßae); agriculture (Mr. G. R. Kidson); English, mathematics, and geography (Mr. Kidson). It is satisfactory to note the opinion of the Inspectors that the instruction thus given during several years is resulting in a quite appreciably improved efficiency in a number of our small back-country schools. It has been found that the course has a pleasantly stimulating effect on the teachers who attend. Training College. —The students enrolled at the Training College may be thus classified : (a.) First year, 64; second year, 44. (b.) A, 105; B, 3. (c.) With reference to districts— Wellington provided 38, Hawke's Bay 23, Wanganui 24, Taranaki 6, Nelson 7, Marlborough 5, Grey 3, Westland 2. Since the regulations were amended to permit of the admission of 125 students, the numbers in training have considerably exceeded the limit of comfort and maximum efficiency. A study of the Principal's report reveals to some extent the great difficulties under which both staff and students labour at Thorndon. It is now quite evident that the institution should be transferred to Kelburne without delay. Scholarships. —The following scholarships were awarded on the results of the Department's examin ation :— Number of p . Examination. Scholarships „ ,Pi Is , Awarded Qualified. Junior National Scholarships ... ... ... ... 5 ) . „«, Junior Board Scholarships ... ... ... ... 39 Senior A Board Scholarships ... ... ... ... 5 46 Senior B (Rural) Board Scholarships ... ... ... 4 21 Junior Free Place Examination only ... ... 76 Manual and Technical Instruction. —[See E.-5, Report on Manual and Technical Instruction.] District High Schools. —[See E.—6, Report on Secondary Education.] Private Schools. —During the year the Board by direct invitation afforded an opportunity of inspection to all private schools which hitherto had not undergone inspection. Only nine applied. My Board is of opinion that the law should be amended so as to provide by direct enactment for the inspection of private schools. It is aware, of course, that indirectly pressure may be exerted through the compulsory attendance clauses of the Education Act to compel inspection, but a more advisable course appears to the Board to be that suggested above. Physical Training and Medical Inspection. —Deep breathing and suitable physical exercises were continued on the lines of former years. Arrangements have been made for a fortnight's thorough instruction to the Board's teachers in the new system of physical instruction. A good beginning has been made with the medical examination of school-children. Developed on lines indicated by reason and experience, and given the hearty co-operation of the parent with the Medical Inspector and the teacher, then inspection of school-children will certainly confer great benefit. This threefold co-operation the Board considers to be an essential condition of success. The Board is of opinion that where the parent is unable to pay ordinary medical fees, some arrangement should be made whereby, in the interests of both child and State, the necessary treatment should be provided either free or at a reduced rate. Buildings. —The following arc the principal building operations of the year : (a.) For the College and Normal School, Kelburne, competitive designs were invited, and the first prize was awarded to Mr. W Gray Young, of Wellington; the second to Messrs. Atkins and Bacon, Wei-

VII