E—2

• Art and Crafts During the year the work of the art and craft specialists was extended to Tauranga, Motueka, and Temuka. In the centres opened previously the specialist instruction was ■consolidated and has resulted in some interesting work from the pupils. Exhibitions ■of children's art and craft work were held in city and country centres, and in a number of cases the specialists have played an important role in the cultural activities of their •communities. In January a successful refresher course for both primary and postprimary specialists was held at Feilding, and, arising from the requests of post-primary specialists, a start has been made in extending the primary scheme into the post-primary schools. Correspondence School The Correspondence School continues to fulfil its important functions in serving the isolated and otherwise handicapped children throughout the country. In 1948 •enrolments were well maintained, the peak roll being over five thousand. " During the year teams of visitiDg teachers (five or six each term) have travelled in diiferent districts, making personal contacts, helping pupils, and advising their parents. For the first time official cars were made available in Auckland and Wellington for visiting purposes, making it possible for Correspondence School teachers to call more frequently on handicapped pupils. The appointment of permanent visiting teachers, recently authorized, will permit the extension of this service. During October the Headmaster attended the Second International Conference on Correspondence Education at Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A. An invitation from the New Zealand Government to hold the Third International Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, in April, 1950, was accepted, and Dr. Butchers, as President-elect, has been authorized to proceed with the organization. Temperance Temperance, as part of health education, is being treated in its widest aspect—that is, as the avoidance of over-indulgence in any activities of life. That parentteacher associations have included talks on this aspect at their regular meetings is ■encouraging, as in all phases of health education the co-operation of the home is essential. Specific teachings on the effects of alcohol is being carried out in senior classes, where the emphasis is on simple, facts that do not lend themselves to mis-interpretation. I am grateful to the school medical officers who are co-operating by giving talks to pupils on temperance in the widest sense. # Poliomyelitis Emergency On the closing of the schools for varying periods early in 1948, on account of the •spread of poliomyelitis, the Department quickly launched a scheme for alternative •education for primary pupils by correspondence. Assignments used by the Correspondence School were adapted for general use, printed, and despatched." The success of this national scheme of correspondence education depended almost wholly on the fine spirit of co-operation shown by Education Boards, teachers, the Government Printer And the postal and railway authorities, and last, but not least, the parents. I believe it will be true to say that many parents, through having to supervise work done at home, gained a valuable insight into the work of a modern primary school. In all •districts Inspectors met groups of teachers while the schools were closed and discussed with them phases of school work.

9