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of the instructors, the pupils have every opportunity to promote self-improvement, and success rests with themselves. The teachers' reports for the year for the above courses are given hereunder : — (1) General. —" The classification was kept to Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Divisions, and the work graded to suit the mental capacity of the boys concerned. The course of instruction in English was planned to develop the power of accurate expression, both oral and written. Letterwriting again occupied a prominent place in all divisions of the school. " In the Senior Section a feature of the study was some of the English prose writers and their works. Poetry, spelling, and vocabulary were systematically treated. "In the lower school the work was more elementary than usual. Individual work among the illiterates has in some cases given these pupils new interests, but much yet remains to be done with those whose elementary education has been somewhat neglected. " The monthly paper, The Students Digest, has afforded the boys an intelligent interest in current topics. This phase of study was augmented by summarizing of economic, geographical, and historical changes in world affairs. " Provision was made for the different abilities found within the classes. Easy-graded exercises, helpful to all, with harder examples for the more independent, were arranged. A knowledge of the tables and processes used in daily transactions has been a feature of the course. "An endeavour was made to make New Zealand history and civics a ' live ' subject. Incidents and developments were made more easily understood through a biographical approach. The causes and the effects of historical events proved an interesting basis of study. " The geography course involved a definite world study, especially of countries with which New Zealand trades and of those countries associated with current events in the newspapers." (2) League of Nations Union Class.—" This branch was again glad of the privilege of conducting a class in the institution during 1937. The class met in the winter months, and was attended by an average of about 27 boys. Instruction was given about the League, but the discussions covered a wide range of present-day problems. My executive again presented books to the six pupils scoring highest marks. As examiner, I am able to say that the standard of work was the highest for some years." (3) W.E.A. Class.—" The 1937 session of the economics class consisted of lectures based on an introductory explanation of world affairs. Members of the class took part in the discussions, which took the form of lecturettes or formal debates. " Two evenings were devoted to readings of one-act plays—one to a debate with the Invercargill W.E.A. Literature Class, and one to a concert. The interest of the class was well maintained, and many members showed considerable talent. The assistance of those members of the staff associated with the class is appreciated for providing facilities for and assisting with the study and preparation of the members of the class between lectures." (4) Agriculture and Wool-classing.—" Classes in both these subjects were carried on throughout the year, and, considering the limited time devoted to instruction, satisfactory progress has been made. " This was particularly noticeable in the practical side of the course of instruction in woolclassing. As the students gained experience and confidence, they gradually moved forward to more advanced work, several of the older lads carrying out the skirting, rolling, and classing of the fleece wool on similar lines to those obtaining in the ordinary wool-shed. With further experience under normal shed conditions they should make quite satisfactory wool-classers. " Once again we have to thank the trustees of the Reginald MacKinnon Trust for their substantial grant towards the purchase of prize books for both classes." From the above it will be noted that there is plenty of opportunity afforded to boys to help themselves, and there is no doubt that a proportion of the seed falls on good ground and brings forth good fruit. During the year some 126 volumes were donated to the institution by several persons interested, and also a number of magazines, &c. The library is fairly well stocked, but new books are always welcome to replace books withdrawn owing to wear-and-tear. One or two inmates are generally kept going repairing damage to the volumes, which is only to be expected in the circumstances. The boys do not, of course, depend entirely upon the library for their reading-matter, as their relatives and friends are liberal in this respect. Various periodicals are supplied by the institution, some from overseas and others from New Zealand sources. The range is reasonably wide so that a boy has the opportunity of suiting his individual taste. There is no doubt that good reading wherewith to fill in leisure hours is as useful in mental reconstruction as sport and recreation is in physical upbuilding. Particular care is taken to ensure that religious instruction is given to inmates. The opportunity to raise the spiritual standard is provided, but here again, as in outside fields, the results achieved must depend largely upon the individuals sought to be benefited. We are indebted to the Ministers' Association for the conduct of Divine services. On Anzac Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day, King's Birthday, and in 1937 Coronation Day, special services were arranged. Ministers of the several denominations and an officer from the Salvation Army make arrangements for holding Bible Classes, and this works satisfactorily. The amount of time willingly devoted by the public towards the entertainment and social uplift of the inmates is really remarkable. Year after year the interest does not wane or the quality of the contribution diminish. There have been numerous concerts by visiting parties, the Male Voice Choir, Church choirs, radio programmes, band entertainments, moving-pictures, &c. Many lectures and addresses of an instructive as well as interesting nature have been given, as the following will show : " Legends of the South Seas " ; " Wreck of the Titanic " ; " Mongolia " ;

3—H. 20.

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