8.—2.

[Appendix C.

the practice of constantly noting and revising words commonly misspelt by their pupils —a practice that cannot be too strongly recommended. Grammar. —In almost every school formal grammar has been well taught, and the proficiency results show that the subject was a particularly strong one in Standard VI. On the other hand, the results in composition seem to show that the raison d'etre of grammar is but little understood by many of the pupils, who, in consequence, fail to apply their knowledge in formulating correct sentence forms in their essays. Arithmetic. —During the year the tendency has boon to lay greater stress on accuracy of results. Teachers have seen that the only possible foundation of speedy and accurate arithmetic is the thorough memorizing of tables in the lower classes, and the best memorizing is that which obtains through " learning by doing." More parrot, repetition of tables leads nowhere. In the senior classes there is still too much working of calculations on scraps of paper, only the results being shown in the solution. The practice prevents teachers and Inspectors from finding out just whore, and in what operation, pupils go wrong. We much perfer to see set out in full both tho operations and the results. Both teachers and pupils should regard errors in calculation as very serious. In most schools the settingout of tho arithmetic examples for examination purposes is conspicuously attractive and neat. History and Geography. —There is evidence that the former subject is now being taught more thoroughly than formerly. By means of pictures, dramatization, &c, teachers are endeavouring to make both subjects of real live interest to the pupils. The system adopted by some teachers of giving copious notes in history is condemned as being wasteful of time, and not conducive to searching inquiry on the part of the pupil. In a number of our schools there is evident fresh and froo treatment of all geography topics. These form almost the most interesting lessons of the course. Citizenship. —It may be safely said that in an increasing number of our schools the teachers are keenly interesting themselves in inculcating in the minds of tho children an appreciative attitude towards matters that tend to make them worthy citizens of our Empire. By special lessons in civics, by song and by story, and often by suitable addresses, the children are led to realize more clearly the duties of good citizens. In only a fow schools have we found teachers uninterested or careless in regard to these matters. Drawing. —Attention is drawn to the syllabus instructions on the subject, as we frequently find but little attempt to cover the course laid down. The method of placing an object in front of the children and asking them to draw it does not tend to the advance in this subject that we should like to see. As a general rule the better method, we find, is to ask the children to observe carefully the object sot before them and then allow a free discussion with regard to the main features. In fact, the children should first of all " road the object" before attempting to express on paper what they think they see. Agriculture and Nature-study. —ln the past wo must confess that we have boon somewhat disappointed with the general treatment of this subject, but during 1923 the work has been placed on a more satisfactory footing. Tho lessons are in the main well handled, the pupils being trained to observe, experiment, and draw their own conclusions. As a result the children evince a much keener interest in the world around them, and take a keen pleasure in collecting specimens for examination. But we must point out to teachers the striking need for close supervision and correction of the notes made by the children ; otherwise many misspellings, careless writing, and poor drawings are found to disfigure tho books. The Board's Chief Agricultural Instructor, Mr. Ridling, has visited all the outlying schools, and has succeeded in laying before the teachers a very fine scheme of instruction — one that leads to education through experiment and observation. At the centres for woodwork and cookery, rural science classes for the visiting country children have also been, conducted by the agriculture- instructors, and have proved invaluable as a means of training in such work. Physical Exercises. — In all our larger schools this part of the day's operations is carried out with marked success ; but we must reiterate our statement of previous years and declare that the schools in this district are not visited frequently enough by a physical instructor. Indeed, there aro schools which, so far as wo know, have never yet been so visited. Naturally, then, there are schools in which the attention paid to this training is not so careful as it should be, and the result is loss of physical fitness in the children. Tooth-brush Drill. —Except in a fow schools tooth-brush drill is taken regularly, and after hearing the opinions expressed by teachers, and from our own personal observations, we may say that it is finding greater favour with pupils and parents alike. It has certainly served to form a good habit, and at the same time, as a sanitary practice, it has prevented the children's mouths and throats from becoming, as in the past, a breeding-ground for certain diseases. Our experience of this drill is so entirely satisfactory that we think it should be carried on in every school in the Dominion. Moral Training, &c. —Practically all schemes of work in the district provide for lessons designed to improve the moral tone of the school. The majority of tho teachers realize their full responsibility in the development of a high standard of morality in their pupils, and sufficiently realize, too, that a teacher's efficiency is measured by a finer rule than mere success in examinations. The best schools are those in which there is the best tone. In tho greater number of our schools, but not in all, it is found that the teachers recognize the necessity for a close supervision and inspection of the grounds, buildings, cupboards, &c, with a view to keeping them as tidy as possible, and are apparently keenly alive to the important part that attractive environment and personal appearance play in the education of the child. Temperance Teaching. —lt is our practice to see that in the scheme of work suitable provision is made for tho inculcation of temperance principles, and frequently to tost the children in. their knowlodge of the facts taught. A compulsory question dealing with alcohol is inserted every year in our final S6 tests, and as a rule wo find this question fully and well treated. Organizing Teachers. —The organizing teachers continue to carry out their duties with commendable zeal and enthusiasm, and we are more than ever impressed with the important part they play in the training of our inexperienced teachers, who are ever ready to express their appreciation of the helpful assistance at all times so freely given. So marked is the improvement manifest in this district that two men are now able to oversee all the schools where their help is required. Final. —In conclusion, wo would express our warm appreciation of the unvarying courtesy and ready co-operation of the Education Board and its officers all through tho year.

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