15

B;—1

with supplementary continuous readers in sufficient numbers for class-reading in P to S6 inclusive, and also for the free supply of class-books in necessitous cases or in. cases where a newly entered pupil had already purchased elsewhere class-books different from those in use in the school. After provision was made for the supply of such books, the balance of the grant, if any, was spent on approved books suitable for individual reading in school or at home. (b.) Further to encourage school libraries provision was made for the payment of subsidies of £1 for £1 on moneys raised by voluntary contributions for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, or increasing the utility of school libraries that contained books suitable for individual reading in school or at home. It was, of course, necessary to fix certain limits to the amounts of the subsidies. For the year ended 31st December, 1914, the subsidies on moneys so raised for any school library during that year could not exceed 6d. per head on the average attendance at the school for the year 1913, and in no case would the subsidy for any one school exceed £7 10s. The books purchased are to be suitable for individual reading in school or at home, and are to be approved by the Board or its Inspector. Due attention is to be paid to providing books suitable for the individual reading of pupils in the lower classes. Under the Education Act, 1914, provision is made for the payment by the Government of subsidies on all voluntary contributions received by public schools for such purposes of the schools as are to be defined by regulations. In consequence the special subsidy hitherto payable on voluntary contributions for school -libraries will in future form part of the subsidies paid under the general authorization contained in. section 159 of the Act. In addition, however, Education Boards, under section 37 of the Act, are now required to provide a, further subsidy on amounts raised locally by public supbcription or otherwise for school and class libraries. The "School Journal," other Publications, Charts, etc. The School Journal has now completed its eighth year of issue. It is published » monthly, except that there are no issues for the months of December and January, when most of the schools are closed for the summer vacation. To provide readingmatter for the time the schools are open during the month of December, the November number is considerably enlarged. The School Journal is published in three parts suited to the varying capacities of the pupils ; and to public schools, to Native schools, special schools, and certain other institutions more or less under departmental control or supervision, copies are sent in. sufficient numbers to provide each pupil on the roll of the standard classes with, a copy of the appropriate part. To the institutions just mentioned the School Journal is supplied free of cost, and to a very large number of private schools it is supplied at moderate rates. Of the November issue (the last for the year) the number of copies printed was —-Part I, 53,150 ; Part 11, 51,200 ; Part 111, 40,300. In addition to the illustrations appearing in the pages of the School Journal. pictures and prints illustrating geography, history, and nature-study are issued separately on cards as aids to oral instruction on modern lines in these subjects. Further progress was made with the plates to be issued in connection with " A Manual of New Zealand Mollusca," by Mr. Suter ; the work will be completed shortly. The volumes of plates prepared in connection with Mr. Cheeseman's " Manual of New Zealand Flora " were completed. The departmental library contains a large number of educational books and papers, most of which are available on loan to Inspectors, teachers of primary or secondary schools, and others interested in education.