Appendix D.)

E.—2

Of the twenty-two men who entered College in March, 1916, only three (all medically unfit for military service) remained to the end of 1917. During the year fifteen students left for camp. Since war began 158 students and ex-students have joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force ; of these thirty-one have been wounded and twenty killed. The Principal and three members of the staff also joined the Forces ; of these one has been wounded and one killed. As in previous years, the plan of College work provided an alternation in such a way that while during the first half-term the first-year students are studying,'attending lectures, &■<;., in College, the second-year students are at work in the Normal School observing and practising methods of teaching. At the end of the half-term the position was reversed, the first-year students then taking their turn in the school. The same plan was carried out in the second term, but in the third term an alternation of weeks instead of half-terms was arranged, so that all might have equal opportunities of preparing for examinations. Twelve associated teachers of classes in. external schools helped in the practical training ol students who were allotted to their classes in these schools. On the whole this plan for increasing the facilities lor practical training as far as possible under ordinary conditions has been very satisfactory. It seems evident that with increasing numbers in the College we shall need to extend this system more and more_ To ensure that the observation and practice of teaching should he as helpful as possible to the students model lessons were given regularly throughout the year by the Acting-Principal, the headmaster, and the kindergarten mistress. These, followed the method lessons and discussions on the various school subjects, so that the closest union should exist between the theory and the practice. Free discussion and criticism of methods, which have, always characterized the College, have proved stimulating, and led to a good spirit in the, practical work. A wish not only to use good methods but also to apply them practically and effectively has been evident. The results should be far-reaching. On the, study side the College has provided the usual courses required by the regulations, and other desirable ones such as voice-production and life-saving. Dr. Macdonald also gave a short course of medical lectures. • Those students who attempted a University degree course, as well as the ordinary Training College work had an exceedingly busy year, and applied themselves with admirable diligence —probably with considerable success. It is confidently expected that two have qualified for the M.A. degree, and a number of others for a section ol the B.A. The work of other students attending certain courses of University lectures as required for the Training College, course was not in all cases satisfactory, though in one or two subjects good work was done. I have reason to hope that a much better result will be attained in the coming year 1. regret to state that several students suffered from temporary breakdowns to health during the year. In at least two cases these could be attributed to overwork. Apart from some, five or six cases the health has, however, been good in spite of trying conditions. Owing to the University lectures having to be attended during evenings the, College day is generally a, long one, and meals tend to be. scrappy and irregular. As in previous years, great emphasis was placed on physical fitness throughout the year, and every encouragement was given to students to keep themselves well. There can be no doubt of the beneficial effect of the College sport on the physical and mental well-being of the majority of the students. The work of the various departments of the Normal School has been carried on vigorously by the acting-headmaster and staff, who have been untiring in their efforts on behalf of pupils and students. In spite of all the difficulties particularly besetting a, practising school, the Normal School maintains its popularity in an unusual degree, many pupils being unable to find admission to its full classes. On the sth June the special class for backward children was opened in the modern building provided for the purpose in Myers Park by the Hon. Arthur Myers, who had spared no expense in providing the finest accommodation. The building is so constructed as to give practically open-air conditions The class contains twelve boys and ten girls, all ten years of age or younger. Two of the boys when found to be mental defectives and consequently unsuitable for this type of school were withdrawn; two others left because the distance from their homes was too great, and one left to attend a boardingschool. All the others are making very satisfactory progress under the thorough individual attention of their capable and enthusiastic teacher, Miss M. Bayliss, The parents have been very appreciative of the careful training their children receive. The work goes on so brightly that it is difficult to realize that this is a class of backward children, most of whom were specially recommended for admission by headmasters of neighbouring schools. Following the custom of previous years, visits of observation were paid by the students to such places as Mount Eden, Judges' Bay, the Museum, the Art Gallery, and the Herald Printing-works. With the year 1917 will always be associated the death of our Principal, Second Lieutenant \l. A. E. Milnes, who fell on the 4th October while leading the A Company of the 3rd Auckland Battalion, 4th Brigade, in the great attack on the Passchendaele Ridge. The sad news reached College by cable on the 12th October, and cast a heavy gloom over all. As a mark of respect College and school were closed until the following Tuesday, and a memorial service was held in St. Paul's Church on the 31st October. Mr. Milnes has left behind him a memory that will not easily fade. He was beloved to an unusual degree by those among whom he worked, and few have felt his loss so keenly as the members of his staff and the students he trained. With an esteem as strong as this affection, we, learned to admire him as a man wholly enthusiastic in his professional work, combining a strength of purpose in attaining his aims with a remarkable kindness and generosity towards those around him. His mission seemed to be the bringing of the greatest degree of happiness possible to those with and for whom he worked. By precept and example he unceasingly urged his students to bring sunshine

V