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Dental Treatment of Children. —The dental clinic at Courtenay Street School has quite justified its establishment. Parents and teachers alike comment favourably upon the noticeable improvement upon the health of the children now receiving regular dental treatment; and my Board looks forward to the time when clinics are established not only in the large town centres, but also in rural districts. In New Plymouth nearly two thousand children are benefiting by the treatment. They are re-examined at least once every six months, and such attention as is necessary is given atjother times free of cost. Conveyance of School-children. —I have again to express satisfaction with the policy of conveyance to central schools. The reports upon the attendance of pupils from Ngariki Road and Glenn Road who are conveyed to Rahotu and Manaia Schools are very favourable. In a scattered district like this a very large number of children ride long distances daily to school, and these are among some of the most regular attenders. The total amount paid to parents and contractors for riding and conveyance allowance on account of children attending primary schools and manual classes is now £1,616 15s. 2d. School Committees. —It is pleasing to again report the harmonious relations existing between School Committees and my Board. By their active co-operation many improvements have been effected, including heating, sanitation, and the environment of the school generally. Large sums have been raised by local effort for the improvement of the grounds, boundaries, and buildings ; and much valuable assistance has been rendered in the administration of education throughout the district. General.—ln conclusion I wish, on behalf of my Board, to express our appreciation of the sympathetic consideration given by the Department to our representations, and to cordially wish you success in your new sphere of activities. To the Inspectorate we extend our hearty thanks for their ungrudging assistance and co-operation. I have, &c., S. G- Smith, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

WANGANUI. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the proceedings of the Board for the year ending 31st December, 1925 : — Board.—During the year Mr. J. J. Pilkington and Dr. D. M. Mitchell (North Ward) and Mr. E. V. Laws (Wanganui Urban Area) resigned from the Board. The personnel of the Board at the end of the year was as follows : Messrs. W. A. Collins (Chairman) and E. F. Hemingway (West Ward), Messrs. A. Fraser and H. Mclntyre (South Ward), Messrs. A. J. Joblin and W. Adams (North Ward), Messrs. W. R. Birnie and W. F. Durward (Palmerston North Urban Area), and Messrs. J. Aitken and W. W. Hedges (Wanganui Urban Area). Schools and Attendance. —New schools were opened at Harataha, Kopane, Waimarino, and Putahi; the Waipuru School was reopened. The schools at Kaukatea and Mangoihe, and the side school at Winiata, were closed during the year. Efficiency of the Schools.—lt is pleasing to note that of 164 reports scrutinized the Inspectors estimate that the general efficiency of the schools of Grade 1 and upwards was good to excellent in 48 schools, very fair in 111, while only 5 were as low as fair, and, further, that in general very fair work was done in the Grade 0 schools, some of the work of their Standard VI pupils being very pleasing. Organizing Teachers.—A staff of two organizing teachers was maintained during the year, excellent work being done by them. The number of uncertificated and inexperienced teachers has now been reduced to such an extent that during the current year one organizing teacher will be sufficient to cope with the work. Voluntary Contributions. —Voluntary contributions received during the year totalled £2,196 4s. Bd., a decrease of £425 17s. 4d. as compared with the year 1924. The main purposes of the contributions • were the improvement of buildings and grounds ; the purchase of new sites and additional land ; the installation of septic tanks ; the purchase of gramophones and records, pictures, and special equipment ; and the establishment and enlargement of school libraries. Health of Children. —Apart from the infantile-paralysis epidemic in the early part of the year the attendance was not seriously affected by sickness. Dr. Elizabeth Gunn and her staff did excellent work, particularly at the Children's Health Camp, held at Turakina for a period of five weeks during November and December. One hundred and eighteen children were taken into camp, and the improvement in the general health of the majority was very marked. Four such camps have now been held in this district, and the Board is so satisfied as to their value that it intends to make every effort to continue holding them. The method of financing the camps is not altogether satisfactory. Apart from a grant of £50 from the Health Department, the Board has to depend on voluntary contributions to meet expenses. The cost of the last camp was £322, but this would have been much higher but for the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Lethbridge, whose generosity in various ways saved the Board a considerable sum. Opportunity is here taken of conveying to Mr. and Mrs. Lethbridge the Board's sincere thanks for the generous spirit in which they have on the occasion of each camp assisted the Board, and for the kindly interest they have shown in the comfort and welfare of the children. To all those who contributed in cash or in kind the Board expresses its grateful thanks. The Board believes that the results of these health camps have proved their value, and that the time has arrived for the State to shoulder the financial responsibility involved.

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