Appendix D.'l

E.—2.

cope with the situation. Tho method adopted has been the one that best met the position last year. Each student spends half a term in College anrl half a term on school section. Practical work in the schools covers Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday ; all tho students are in College for the whole of Thursday and Friday. This has strengthened the academic side while giving due weight to the great value of practical teaching. It also gives continuity to the influence of the College atmosphere on the character and personality of each student, a matter which we find to be of supremo importance. We are deeply indebted to the Normal School staff and all the associated teachers for the thoroughness and zeal that has charaoterizetl their work for the College. In addition there have, been regular classes in method conducted by members of the College staff. The Physical Side. —The health of the students has again been good. Tho Medical Officers report a distinct improvement in the physical condition of the students during the, year. A drill refresher week at the beginning of September undoubtedly helped to put students in good physical condition for the strenuous work of the last term in College. Dr. Mecredy, the Department's Medical Officer, has been of the greatest service to the College. He has identified himself with our work, has come into the closest relations with the staff and students, and has rapidly won a fine influence. His personal interest in tho men in the College is making for highest ideals of physical fitness. The Social Side. —As in past years, a strong effort has been made to achieve an atmosphere that will encourage the development of every side of the personality. Students come to tho College from all sorts of environ merits and with widely different experiences. They are at an age to make, or mar. Tho years in College usually give them a definite direction. The development of each year's students is a constant source of interest anel inspiration to the staff. As far as is possible, we have tried to make conditions here such as would give all students a chance to cultivate all tho qualities that will increase their efficiency and value to the community and the State. To this end the social life of the College has been carefully arranged and is carefully controlled. Hostel. —Tho hostel has already more than justified itself. It has been full from tho opening of College,- and it is going to prove a very influential factor in College life. With increased numbers and under the wise supervision of Miss Maindonald, tho hostel has not only boon an invaluable adjunct to the College but has also managed to pay its way. In conclusion, I have pleasure in recording my appreciation of the work of the. staff. For much of its successful and happy life the College is indebted to various members of the staff for their generous services in various directions apart from the work of the formal curriculum. As the whole success of the College as a social institution rests upon the effective and happy interaction of staff and students, it is very gratifying to a Principal to find in his staff such ability and aptitude for working with young people in various directions as has been shown conspicuously by most of its members, and there is no doubt that the students have very much appreciated the interest that the staff has shown in all their activities. Once again I must specially record the excellent work done for the College by the Headmaster and staff of the Normal School. I also wish to record my sincere appreciation of tho way in which my wishes have been met by the various officers of the Education Department, and of the unfailing courtesy and kindness of every official of tho. Auckland Education Board.

2. WELLINGTON. (J. S. Tennant, M.A., B.Sc, Principal.) I have the honour to submit tho following report on the work of tho College for the year 1923 : — Jl o ll, The total roll for the year was—Senior students, 152 ; junior students, 142 : total, 294. This was made up of 67 men and 227 women. Tho following table, shows the total enrolment since the establishment of the College, in 1906 : —

It will be seen from tho above that the steady increase in enrolment during the past few years has been maintained. Tho percentage of men students to women students, however, for the first time since 1917, showed a decline. . . . . Classification. —The classification of tho students according to their various qualifications was : Division A, 213 (101 pupil-teachers and 112 probationers); Division B, 76 (no previous teaching experience)'; Division C, 5 (University graduates) ; Division 1), 0 (adult uncertificated teachers). As anticipated in last report, the percentage of "B" students shows a considerable decline, while the " D " students have disappeared altogether. New Students. It is very gratifying to note that the number of applications for admission to the College continues to increase. It is a matter for regret, however, that, owing to lack of accommodation, a considerable number had to be, refused admission. By direction of the Department we are required to admit all qualified applicants of Division A (pupil-teachers and probationers). Numbers of these have to be admitted on the minimum qualification (Group 1, Class D), a standard of attainment dangerously low ; while many Division B applicants with qualifications equal to matriculation, or better, are excluded. On the whole, however, the typo of applicant for admission to each division shows a distinct improvement. The bulk of applicants under Division A and B have, matriculated ; many have higher leaving-cortificatcs ; somo have passed University scholarship with credit; some, have part of a degree in arts or science. .In the circumstances tho time seems

ii— E. 2 (A P p. D).

III

Number of Students. Percentage of Roll. Year. Men. Women. Total. Men. Women. 906 916 .920 921 .922 923 12 21 44 49 74 67 34 93 142 147 203 227 46 114 186 196 277 294 26-1 18-3 23-7 25-0 26-7 22-8 73-9 81-7 76-3 75-0 73-3 77-2