E.—2

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Otago District. Practically all the teachers are doing their best with this subject, and realize that physical education, properly conducted, is a subject that aids the children in all their other work. It is noted that the younger teachers recently from training college are doing very good work. Wanganui District. The report of the physical instructors shows that throughout the district good work is being done, and we have frequently commented very favourably on the quality of the instruction, and on the alertness and precision with which the exercises are done. Canterbury District. The physical instructors continue to do good work, and practically all our teachers are keenly alive to the benefits to be derived from this important branch of school culture. In addition to their regular duties in connection with the training college and the schools of the district, the instructors paid a second visit to those small schools which were most in need of assistance. We take this opportunity of again recording our appreciation of the efforts of those teachers who spend hours of their own time in fostering school games and other outdoor activities. Temperance. Nelson District. Temperance and Moral Instruction.—The tone and discipline of our schools as a whole show that due attention is being paid to the moral training of the children. By precept and example our teachers generally are endeavouring to give much-needed moral training and instruction in the principles of temperance, to foster the civic spirit, and to inculcate patriotism and loyalty to duty. Wanganui District. Health and Temperance. —Most schemes of work make provision for the teaching of this subject, but all time-tables do not allot a definite period for the instruction. We have asked that this be done. Environment. Auckland District. A pleasing effort is being made in most districts to improve the appearance of the playground. Flower borders and ornamental shrubs are not uncommon, and the value of this environmental influence can hardly be overestimated. In this connection we desire to acknowledge the good work done by the agricultural instructors and School Committees. Indoor decorations, too, are becoming more tasteful, and now that quite good pictures are comparatively cheap there is little reason why every schoolroom should not be an artistic place. There are, however, some teachers who do not value the cultural effect of an orderly and attractive school, and who cling with seeming affection to useless and unhygienic lumber in cupboards and corners. It must be admitted that the drabness of the interior of a number of schools makes it very difficult to give them a pleasing appearance. The schools in such a district as the northern gum lands have a special claim to being made as clean and bright inside as fresh painting can make them, thus giving a suitable background for the teacher's efforts. Southland District. Most teachers appreciate the advantages, both educational and social, that accrue from a proper internal environment, and not a few rooms are sufficiently attractive to win the approval of interested visitors. The internal decoration in a large school should indicate at once which class occupies any given room. To the room with bare walls the pupil, as in Shakespeare's time, still goes unwillingly, but to the homelike sanctum with a hundred interests on every wall it is the period of absence that is deplored. Wanganui District. In our opinion, the environment of the schools ranges from good to excellent, some of the grounds being real beauty-spots in the district. This highly satisfactory condition is frequently due to the whole-hearted manner in which the Committee and parents co-operate with the teachers and pupils in beautifying the surroundings of the school. The large sums of money raised locally for improvement schemes is the best indication of the interest of the parents. Discipline. Wellington District. In general the discipline in our schools is of a satisfactory character. We consider that there is very little to complain of in regard to severity. It is realized that an atmosphere pervaded by fear is not conducive to healthy mental growth. But there are cases in which we have something to say on the other side. We still think that it is a good thing for pupils to behave in a decent manner, to show respect and courtesy to their fellows, their teachers, and their seniors, and to respect the rights