E.—2.

[Appendix A.

account of the smallpox scare and the compulsory absence of unvaccinated Maori children added very greatly to the number of absentees. In spite of these adverse conditions the percentage of attendance was higher than that of the previous year, and must be regarded as highly satisfactory. During the year 908 warnings were sent to the parents of irregular attenders. Informations were laid in thirty-five cases, convictions being recorded in every case. Teachers. —On the 31st December there were in the Board's service teachers, classed as follows : —

In addition to the above the following instructors in special subjects were employed : Agricultural and dairying, 2 (male); domestic science, 2 (female); woodwork, 2 (male): total of special instructors, 4 male, 2 female. Instruction of Teachers. —Teachers' Saturday training classes were held during the year in Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Dannevirke, and Woodville. The subjects taken were drawing, elementary science, agriculture, and agricultural bacteriology. The total number of students enrolled in these classes was 182, the average attendance being 128. In addition to the above, the Board arranged with the technical authorities at Napier and Gisborne for 'classes in elementary hygiene. Thirty-eight teachers attended these classes. Tuition by correspondence was offered to the Board's uncertificated teachers. Instruction was given to twenty-nine teachers in the following subjects: English, arithmetic, mathematics, methods of teaching, hygiene, geography, agriculture, dairy science, and history. Instruction in the practical work of agriculture, dairying, hygiene, drawing, and vocal music was given to these teachers at a winter school course held at Hastings in June. As a result of these classes an increased number of teachers entered for the teachers' D examination. The Board is making every possible effort to afford its teachers the best facilities for improving themselves on the right lines, but the grant available was insufficient to cover the cost of what was done last year, and there still remains a very great deal to be undertaken if it be found possible to increase the available funds. Details of the work done by the various classes for teachers will be found in the Director's report. [See E.—s, Keport of Manual and Technical Training.] In June last the first physical-culture classes for teachers conducted by the Department's staff were held in Napier. Seventy men and sixty-three women attended the course. As a result, the new system was in general use throughout the district before the end of the year. The teachers appear to appreciate the new work, and the Inspectors express themselves as well satisfied with the improving results as shown in the schools. In January, 1914, the balance of the Board's teachers attended training classes held at Hastings. District High Schools. —[See E.-6, Report on Secondary Education.] Manual and Technical Instruction. —[See E.—s, Report on Manual and Technical Instruction.] Physical Instruction. —As stated above, the new system of breathing-exercises and physical training has been in general use throughout the district during the latter half of the year. The Inspectors report that the results are satisfactory, though some complaints are made as to the impossibility of carrying out the instructions embodied in the new regulations without interfering seriously with the other work of the schools. Scholarships. —The scholarships in tenure at the end of 1913 were —Junior Board, 40; Senior Board, 16; Junior National, 12. At the end 'of the year 147 candidates sat for the Junior Scholarship—fifty-seven qualified. For the Senior Scholarship eighty-nine competed—fifty-four qualified. Buildings. —During the year a new school was erected at Matawai. Additions were made to the Mangapapa and Waipiro Bay Schools, and residences were erected at Opoutama, Te Rehunga, Ruahine, and Kaiteratahi. Schools in course of erection at Mahora South (Hastings), Napier West, Woodlands Road, and Marumaru will be available for use early in 1914. The following buildings were painted and thoroughly renovated during the year by the Board's workmen : Matahiwi School, Waipawa District High School and residence, Waipukurau residence (outside only), Otane residence (interior only), Hastings Infants' School and residence (interior only), Mahora School (old portion interior only), Napier South School, Napier South Infants' School (exterior only), Te Aute residence (portion only), and Port Ahuriri residence. Oldfashioned long schoolrooms have been divided and the lighting arrangements improved at Hastings, Havelock Noith, and Dannevirke South. Generally, the buildings throughout the district are in good condition and repair, though the foreman estimates the cost of replacement of borer-infected lining in certain schools at £2,000. Old furniture continues to be replaced by dual desks as rapidly as funds and circumstances will permit. Hyloplate is being systematically substituted for blackboards, and old equipment replaced by more up-to-date apparatus.

X

Certificated. Licensed. Uncertificated. Total. lead teachers .. lole teachers Lssistants M. 53 9 25 5 21 88 M. 1 0 F. 0 2 M. 1 10 5 F. 0 30 30 M. 55 19 30 5 53 118 Totals of adult teachers 'upil-teachers .. 'robationers 87 114 I 2 16 60 104 8 2 176 35 19 Totals for 1913 114 230