Appendix G

E.—2.

Number of Teachers on the Staffs of the Public Elementary Schools who have attended Physical-training Classes.

The instructors, of whom there are eleven (seven men and four women), have since the completion of the classes been employed in visiting the schools to inspect the work being done by the '*' teachers, and to assist with advice when and where necessary, in regard to the proper conduct of the children's classes in physical exercises. The time devoted at the schools to the exercises is by regulation to be not less than fifteen minutes daily- Breathing exercises, on which much stress is laid in the Department's scheme, are also to be given at the conclusion of lessons, when convenient in the course of ordinary school routine. In the four chief centres (Auckland, Wellington, Christchuroh, and Dunedin) an instructor and instructress have been stationed, in order that the students attending the respective training -colleges —of whom there are over a hundred at each college' —should receive instruction at such convenient intervals and for such periods during the year as may be arranged with the Principals of the colleges. The reports of the instructors show that very satisfactory progress is being made generally by the teachers, many of whom have expressed their appreciation of the value of the exercises, and evince an anxiety to make their classes thoroughly proficient with the view of obtaining the very best results for the children under their care. In order to mark their appreciation of the work done at the training classes held in the South Island during the current year the Education Boards forwarded copies of resolutions passed at their meetings. The resolutions were to the following effect, viz. : — Marlborough. —" The Board's hearty appreciation was expressed of the manner in which the recent classes in Blenheim were conducted and of the splendid results obtained. The Board feels that if the scheme is properly carried out there should soon appear a marked improvement in the physique of the children in the Dominion." Nelson. —" The Board was very pleased with the manner in which the classes at Nelson were carried out. The teachers, without exception, made reference to the good work and interest shown by the departmental instructors." North Canterbury. —" The Board expresses satisfaction with the excellence of the instruction, supervision, and general management of the teachers' physical-training classes in the North Canterbury District, and is satisfied that many of its teachers .will now be qualified to impart to the -children the benefits of phr'ical training."

III

Nun:. :ber of Teachers. District. Male. Female. Total. <1.) To 31st March, 1914:— Auckland Wanganui Hawke's Bay Wellington Southland 293 38 108 39 112 408 67 173 24 207 701 105 281 63 319 Totals .. 590 879 I ,469 ,(2.) 1st April, 1914, to 31st March, 1915 :-— Auckland Taranaki Wanganui Wellington Nelson Grey Westland North Canterbury South Canterbury 186 53 163 105 20 10 8 139 48 202 157 248 328 68 60 43 277 144 * 388 21-0 111 433 88 70 51 416 192 Totals .. 732 1,527 2,259 (3.) 1st April, J915, to 31st July :— Auckland Marlborough Nelson North Canterbury Otago 6 26 43 43 237 16 73 129 87 443 22 99 .172 130 680 Totals 355 748 1,103 Grand totals 1,677 3,154 4,831 ,