E.—2

CHRISTCHURCH. The students generally give promise of becoming worthy members of the teaching profession. On the professional side they have shown a keenness to excel and a desire to profit by every opportunity offered them that speaks well for their future success. It is pleasing to record that in all schools the associated teachers went to great pains to provide adequate training for students, and gave of their best to the work. This was reciprocated by enthusiasm on the part of the students, with very few exceptions. The endeavour made by students to get in touch with new methods and to become acquainted with useful apparatus was a particularly noticeable feature. In addition to preparation for general work, students are encouraged to make a special study of some branch of teaching. For this purpose a class was held for the study of rural-school problems. It was attended by thirty-six men and ninety-three women students, and provided a course of study and discussion for one hour per week throughout the year. The experiment tried last year for the purpose of giving the men an additional opportunity to become acquainted with infant-room procedure was again carried out this year. Students preparing to teach in post-primary schools received instruction in secondary-school aims and organization, and in the teaching of most of the subjects in the usual curriculum of postprimary schools. The Boys' and the Girls' High Schools and the Technical College were again available for teaching practice. The sympathetic co-operation of the teachers in the secondary schools is much appreciated. The secondary department of the Normal and West Christchurch Schools again rendered us very good and efficient service. The work done by the third-year specialists has fully justified their selection for special training. All third-year specialists have had adequate practice in the teaching of general subjects. The reports on the work of the first- and second-year students show that quite satisfactory progress has been made by most of the students.

DUNEDIN. Specialization. —During the past year we had twenty-one third-year students at the Training College. All these students worked diligently and made good progress with their special subjects, as well as in many cases doing satisfactory work in one or more classes at the University. In addition to these third-year specialists, numbers of first- and second-year students also specialized in one subject for an hour weekly. Physical instruction has again included tuition in swimming and life-saving. All have participated in land drill in life-saving methods. General. —With very few exceptions, the conduct and diligence of the students have been all that could be desired. As is usual, a small proportion of students worked too hard, while about an equal number are not sufficiently in earnest; most students, however, have done creditable work. Sports. —Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 o'clock throughout the year have been devoted to sports of various kinds. For the first time in our college history ladies' cricket has taken its place as a recognized sport, and has become one of the most popular games with a large number of our students Clubs. —The Art, Dramatic, Debating, and Handicraft Clubs continued on much the same lines as in previous years. A Music Club and a Saturday-night Club were also inaugurated. Of these, the Handicraft, Dramatic, and Saturday-night Clubs held their meetings most regularly. Social Life.—The social life of the College was well catered for by .various functions, including picnics, rambles, camp-fires, dances, &c. College Garden,—Our new garden in King Street, taken over when the extension of the Botanical Gardens absorbed the plots we formerly used, has made wonderful progress under the assiduous care and skilful direction of Mr. McCaskill. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (976 copies), £6*.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93l Price ]$.]

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