Appendix A.J

E.—2.

V

Schools and Attendance. —New schools were opened at Tauangatutu, Te Kurou, Tuapaka, Waikupa Road (Grade 0), llapanui (Grade 1), jNukumaru (Grade 11), Umumuri Side (attached to Grade IIIb). The schools at Whareroa and Ruatiti were reopened, and those at Glenwarlock, Pipiriki, and Te Awa closed. Mangaeturoa, Orangimea, and Taumatatahi were closed temporarily. Retaruke, Lacy's Landing, and Marohema were constituted full-time schools. At the close of the year there were open 202 main schools and four side schools, graded as follows : Grade 0, 13; Grade I, 65; Grade 11, 31; Grade IIIa, 52; Grade 111b, .11; Grade IVa, 10; Grade IVb, 2; Grade IVc, 2; Grade Va, 3; Grade Vb, 2; Grade Vo, 4; Grade VLa, 1; Grade Vln, 2; Grade VUa, 2; Grade VIIb, 1; Grade Vlln, 1. The number of district high schools was six. The number of children on the roll at the close of the year was 15,626. Of these, 140 were in the secondary departments of the district high schools. The average attendance for the year was 13,690, which expressed as a percentage of the average weekly roll number was 895, against 89"9 for the preceding year. The attendance during the September and December quarters was affected considerably by bad weather and the influenza epidemic. The Truant Officer paid 224 visits to schools. 304 summonses were issued to parents, and in the 276 cases proceeded with 266 convictions were recorded. 450 warning notices were issued. Teachers. —At the end of the 3-ear there were in the Board's service 451 teachers, excluding pupil-teachers and probationers. The number of uncertificated teachers was 167. Of these, ten were in charge of Grade 0 schools, sixty-live in charge of Grade 1 schools, thirteen were in charge of Grade II schools, two were in charge of Grade IIIa schools, fifty-one were assistants, and twentysix were on active service. Omitting the teachers in Grade 0 schools and uncertificated teachers holding war appointments, the percentage of uncertificated teachers was 31. Despite the provision made by the Board, by means of Saturday classes and winter schools, to assist uncertificated teachers to pass the examination, the percentage of uncertificated teachers remains high. It will be seen that almost 40 per cent, are in charge of Grade I schools. Many of the schools in this grade are situated in remote parts of the district, and the utmost difficulty is experienced in keeping them open. It is not to be expected that teachers with several years' experience, and holding certificates, will accept appointments in schools of this class. It appears, therefore, that unless better inducement is offered to experienced teachers to take up such positions the percentage of uncertificated teachers in this district must remain high. Pupil-teachers and Probationers. —At the close of the year there were ten male and forty-four female pupil-teachers, and twenty-two female probationers. The term of service of ten pupilteachers and seventeen probationers expired, and of these twenty-one entered the Training College. The dearth of male applicants for appointment as pupil-teachers or probationers is very pronounced, and, although the conditions in regard to salaries and lodging-allowances have improved, it is evident that more liberal remuneration will have to be offered to induce suitable male candidates to enter the profession. Scholarships. —There were in force during the year thirty-seven Junior and eighteen Senior Scholarships, of a total annual value of £1,280 10s. On the result of the annual examinations scholarships were awarded to pupils of the following schools : Junior—Palmerston North High School, 1; Terrace End, 1; Owhango, 1; Kiwitea, 1; Wanganui Girls' College, 1; Marton District High School, 1; Wanganui Technical College, 1. Senior —Feilding District High School, 1; Wanganui Technical College, 3; Palmerston North High School, 3; Wanganui Girls' College, 4. Lieutenant Gray Scholarship. —Seventeen candidates entered for the examination, but only eight presented themselves, owing to the postponement of the examination until February of the current year, due to the influenza epidemic. The scholarship was won by a pupil of the Terrace End School. Alexander Bequest. —Under the will of the late Miss Alexander, of Wanganui, the sum of £2,000 was bequeathed to the Board for the establishment of scholarships in connection with the Wanganui Technical College. The Board desires to place on record its deep appreciation of this lady's action, which is only another instance of the great interest she always displayed in the welfare of the College, Conveyance and Board Allowances. —The total amount paid for allowances for the year was £378 13s. Conveyance allowance was paid on account of fifty-three children in attendance at ten schools, and boarding-allowance on account of thirteen children in attendance at ten schools. These figures will be greatly exceeded .during the current year. Voluntary Contributions. —£966 9s. Bd. was received in contributions towards the purchase of sites, alterations to buildings, improvements to grounds, and for providing school apparatus and establishing or enlarging libraries. In addition, the sum of £353 6s. Id. was received towards the maintenance of manual and technical classes. The Board tenders its thanks to all those who contributed during the year. The War. —The total number of teachers and officials who went into camp was ninety-four. Fourteen of these made the supreme sacrifice.. Forty-three teachers and officials have to date been discharged from military service, thirty-four of whom have re-entered, or arc about to re-enter, the Board's service. Buildings and, Sites. —New schools were erected at Omahina, Ruatiti, and Upper Tutaenui. The Maunga'hoe School was removed to Rata-iti, Temporary class-rooms were erected at Campbell Street, College Street, and Terrace End, and additions provided at Carnarvon, Ohakea, and Terrace End. A new residence to replace the one destroyed by fire was erected at Raetihi. New residences to replace those destroyed by fire have since been erected at Horopito and Makotuku. Repairs of a more or less extensive nature were made to twenty-two schools and twelve residences. Seventeen schools and seven residences were repainted. Swimming-baths were erected at Aramoho