Appendix (I.j

E.--2.

V

have great difficulty in obtaining good results in the time allowed for the daily lesson. The two chief factors in efficiency —viz., discipline and thoroughness —are invariably sacrificed for a mistaken idea of progress. As the supply of teachers is a matter beyond the scope of the Physical Education Branch, it is obvious that in these circumstances also more time daily is necessary for proper instruction. When the training , of teachers is completed in all districts it may be possible to arrange a method in such cases whereby one or two efficient teachers would instruct all classes at the school daily. Dual Control and Inspection. The present system of divided control and inspection by officers of Depart]uent and Inspectors of Boards leads to misunderstanding and confusion, and is not at all conducive to discipline and efficiency. The inspection of this work should be left entirely to the Physical Education Branch. Training Colleges. To properly meet the requirements of the colleges a male and female instructor should be stationed at each one to conduct daily or regular instruction and practice of the students, hold regular weekly classes for city and suburban teachers, and to inspect the work in surrounding schools. Under the organizing plan necessitated by the system of control by local Boards, and the .small staff of instructors at my disposal, it has not been possible to make such provision for regular instruction at each of the training colleges, and temporary provision only has been made for the purpose. The colleges at present are not well equipped for the proper training of students in physical education. That in Otago possesses a gymnasium equipped for military gymnastics (much of it unsuitable for our purpose), but lacks the very necessary accompaniment of a swimming-bath. Christchurch has not got facility for proper training, and the work is greatly hampered in consequence. Wellington has a most unattractive and unsuitable room, called by courtesy the "gymnasium," but lacks swimming-bath and other necessary equipment. Auckland has a suitable swimming-bath, but lacks other good facilities for training. A well-equipped gymnasium and swimming-bath is required for the proper training of students, and the former at least is essential for the extension of the scheme with regard to the treatment of the physically defective children. Such a provision would also be of great benefit to the teachers in these centres who will attend the continuation classes to be held by the instructors. The training of students during the first year differs from that of the teachers chiefly by being extended over the year instead of a fortnight, and if thejr could reside at colleges with suitable environment their training would be more effective and beneficial. Many are not physically suited for the profession or course of study they undertake, and 1 would recommend that students should be medically examined and passed as physically fit before entering the colleges. The strain of irregular living and incessant study, occasioned by work at the training colleges and attendance at University lectures at unsuitable hours is having a very bad effect upon students (particularly girls), and its bad effects are very apparent in one of the colleges. The curriculum at the college should provide one period daily of at least two hours' freedom from study during daylight hours, and this should be devoted entirely to recreation. The best time for this would be between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Training Colleges: Temporary Provisions made. Wellington. —Three members of the College staff who had been in charge of the work there attended the Department's course of staff-training to enable them to continue the work of the new system for the current year. Otago. —An instructor in the service of the Board continued to instruct to end of current year, when his engagement expired. Two of the Department's instructors (male and female) are now in charge of the work. Christchurch. —lnstruction given by College staff until end of current year. The Department's instructors at Dunedin College also conduct the work in this College, attending three days weekly. Auckland. —Female students in charge of instructress engaged by the Board; Department's instructor in charge of male students. Native Schools. Arrangements have been made with the Native Schools Branch for the attendance of all Native-school teachers at the training classes to be held in convenient centres during the coming year. There are 108 Native schools and 234 teachers and assistants in them. Special Schools. A similar provision to that of the Native schools is now being made for the training of the teachers responsible for this sμbject at the special schools.