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much appreciated by those schools fortunate enough to participate in the distribution thereof. The only regret is that the supply was so small as compared with the teachers' wants. Undoubtedly, however, the mere examination of these latest materials and teaching aids was of considerable benefit to many teachers in providing them with new ideas which they could work out and elaborate for themselves. Needlework. —In forty schools having no female teacher 011 the staff instruction in elementary needlework was carried on by specially appointed sewing-mistresses, the number of girls so receiving instruction totalling about 380. In a number of schools, however, it was not found possible to secure the services of a suitable person willing to undertake the work. Classes in advanced needlework were carried on in forty-two schools, 1,015 girls receiving instruction. Woodwork and Cookery. —Work in these subjects was carried on at the three manual-training centres —Invercargill, Gore, and Eiverton. Agriculture. —Recognized classes in elementary agriculture were carried on during the year at 129 schools —an increase of one over the corresponding figures for the previous year. Physical Measurements.- This subject was taken in two schools where facilities are not available for carrying out the practical work in connection with the course in elementary agriculture. The number of children who received instruction was sixty-three. Correspondence Classes. —During the year several applications were received for enrolment in the correspondence classes conducted by the Department. Although this form of instruction of pupils is favoured by the Department as against the establishment of small household schools in charge of inexperienced teachers, it has to be pointed out that tuition by correspondence requires supervision of the children's work by the parents, who in many instances, owing to household duties, are unable to devote the necessary time to the work. Conveyance and Board of Children.- Although the system under which conveyance and boardingallowances are granted is working satisfactorily, the Board is strongty of the opinion that riding-horses, in cases where the road is dangerous for vehicles driven by children, should not be excluded from the means of conveyance on account of which the allowance is made. Physical Instruction. —Physical instruction is carried out in all our schools, and receives due recognition at the hands of our teachers. The report of the Inspectors shows that in physical instruction a commendable standard is maintained. School Libraries. During the year thirty-six applications were received for subsidy on contributions raised for the purpose of purchasing books for school libraries. The contributions forwarded amounted to £135 15s. In addition to a pound-for-pound subsidy from the Department, grants amounting to £33 14s. were made by the Board. The total sum thus available for expenditure on school libraries totalled £305 4s. Subsidies on Voluntary Contributions. —During the year 101 applications werejreceived from Committees for subsidy on money raised voluntarily, the total sum paid into the Board amounting to £1,683 ss. 2d. The various objects for which the money was raised were as follows : Improvements to grounds, &c., £943 os. lid. ; purchase of pianos, &c., £217 16s. 3d. ; to supplement allowances for incidental expenses, £138 1 Is. Id. ; school libraries, £135 15s. ; purchase of equipment, pictures, &c., £109 Is. lid. ; additions to sites, £57 15s. ; purchase of gramophones, £56 ss. ; provision of hot-water services in residences, £25. With a pound-for-pound subsidy from the Department and grants from the Board in the case of school libraries, it follows that a sum of £3,400 was thus made available for expenditure within the district. It is gratifying to note that of this amount £1,886 was to be spent 011 improvements to school gardens and grounds. Conclusion. —The Board is pleased to report that, generally, the progress of education in this district during the past year has been in most respects eminently satisfactory. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. Hugh Smith, Chairman.