E.—l.

92

Library and Museum. —The library was well used during the year, and more particularly during the continuance of the Saturday lectures. The museum has received a few useful additions, but it is still only in embryo, and would require a considerable expenditure to make it fully serve its purpose. It is nevertheless a valuable adjunct to the Normal School. Anniversary of the School.—The third anniversary of the school in September last was a red-letter day in our annals, marked by an .official visit of His Excellency the Governor, attended by the Hon. the Minister of Education. His Excellency kindly addressed the students, and expressed great gratification with what he had seen and heard of the school's work. In the evening a reunion of past and present students was held for the first time. I hope to arrange for at least one such gathering annually as I am sure it will do much to maintain that esprit de corps we should desire to see characteristic of our students. Thanking the Board and yourself personally, Sir, for many little encouragements in the course of the year, I have, &c, The Chairman, Education Board. Charles C. Howard.

NOETH CANTEEBUEY. Sir, — Christchurch, 4th February, 1884. I have the honour to submit my report on the Normal School for the year ended the 31st December, 1883. At the beginning of the year the number attending the classes of the training department was 14 males and 27 females, total 41, and at its close 14 males and 29 females, total 43. Of this number, four presented themselves for the B.A. degree, one for the senior University scholarship, one for the C certificate, and the remainder, with two exceptions, sat for the two lower certificates in January of the present year. From information lately received, I find that all those who sat at the University examinations have been successful, and that two of the late students, Mr Joseph P Grossman and his sister Miss Janette Grossman, have passed the examination for the M.A. degree, the former taking first-class honours, and the latter second-class. Such success should stimulate others to earnest study The attendance of the students has generally been, very good, and their punctuality and attention to study highly satisfactory A few have not made very great progress in their studies, but nearly all have exerted themselves to do their duty I have to thank the teachers of the practising department generally for the ready assistance they gave in supervising the students while they were engaged in teaching. But more especially are my thanks due to the late head-mistress, Mrs. Moore, who was always ready to assist me with the work in which I thought her aid was required. I fear that it will not be an easy matter to obtain the services of such an able head-mistress as Mrs. Moore proved herself to be. Having been trained in one of the best training colleges for mistresses in England, and having acted for years as tutor in the training department of another, she was intimately acquainted with the necessities of such institutions, and she was ever willing to act up to any instructions she received. The girls under her charge were well taught, and the tone of the school was everything to be desired. I trust that the Board may obtain as her successor one as well fitted to occupy the position as she was. The model school continues to prove a valuable auxiliary in training the students. If we had another school attached to the training department in which a master, a mistress, and one or two pupil-teachers were employed, those young persons who enter for training would have every opportunity to make themselves acquainted with the practical management of schools. Although I fear that circumstances will not allow such an addition, yet I hope to see the day when the normal schools of the colony will have such schools attached to them. I am convinced that such an arrangement would return to the country greater benefits than the present large schools that are attached to them can possibly afford. Model schools of the character indicated would present every opportunity for training the students in class teaching and management, and at the same time afford ample practice for the students to become practically acquainted with school management, and the best means to secure discipline. During the year greater attention has been paid to gymnastics throughout the whole school than was formerly the case, and I have to thank the Board for their courtesy in granting the use of the gymnasium to those teachers who were able to direct their pupils in gymnastic exercises, and also to thank Mr Walker, the drill instructor, for bis valuable assistance generally Messrs. Watkins and Newton continue to perform their duties to my entire satisfaction. In addition to his usual work, Mr Newton ably and willingly assisted me in taking part of Mr. Watkins's work during the period that that gentleman was laid aside through severe illness. I have, &c, The Chairman, Education Board. W Malcolm, Principal,

' OTAGO. Sir, —- I have the honour to submit my report of the Normal School for session 1883. The attendance of students during the session was as follows :—Seniors Males, 8 , females, 27 : total, 35. Juniors: Males, 24, females, 14 total, 38. Tho junior attendance shows a decided increase in the proportion of male candidates for the profession of teaching, and it is worthy of note that of the thirty-eight juniors nearly one-half had been pupil-teachers. An impression prevails that pupil-teachers who have completed their term of apprenticeship but have failed to pass their final examination are entitled to entrance on the recommendation of an Inspector It would be well for those concerned to notice that the Inspector's recommendation may be made in favour of