E.—2.

[Appendix D.

date when the requirements of students for observation-work are taken into account. The numbers in the various departments at the close of the year were : — Infant and kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . .117 Standards . . . . .. .. . . . . . .234 Secondary .. . . . . . . . . . .. 42 Rural . . .. . . .. .. .. . . 31 The following changes in the staff took place during the year: Mr. Caughley left in September to take charge of West Christchurch School, Mr. Edie to take charge of Martinborough, and Miss Hind, M.A., to take up a position in Nelson Girls' College. Mr. Caughley and Mr. Edie were connected with the College from its commencement five years ago. Their work all through was keyed to a high ideal, and marked by distinct success. Miss Fallows resigned her position to go to England, and Miss Ziman to take up a position in Masterton. Vacancies were filled by Miss I. lorns, Miss Cray, Mr. Lomas, M.A., M.Sc, Mr. G. Morice, M.A. Miss Sinclair and Miss Hall were each promoted ;so that Miss Sinclair will now take charge of the secondary department. Miss Mcßae was appointed to assist in the secondary department, her special work being to organize the domestic science programme for the senior girls. The Board approved of my suggestion that the rural course intended for other district high schools should be tried in the Normal School. Over twenty scholars undertook the programme outlined. Looking at the matter entirely from the point of view of the students, it is in every way desirable that they should have opportunity of seeing and of taking part in every kind of teaching that they may be called upon afterwards to undertake. From the point of view of the scholars, both boys and girls, it is infinitely better that they should devote their time and attention to a programme which discards unnecessary subjects, while it retains at the same time those that both educate and train. About the school, I would only say this further : that the difficulty of obtaining experienced teachers for the work of the lower standards clearly shows that the salaries attaching to these positions are not adequate. The positions are responsible, and experienced teachers must be procured for them. I see only one way to secure this end. The school was examined in July by Mr. Fleming, M.A., Chief Inspector. The New College. —The inadequacy and unsuitability, both in structure and in position, of the present college buildings induced the Board to make representations to the Department with a view, if possible, to securing a new site and a new well-equipped building. These representations have so far been successful, and a new site in a splendid position on Kelburne has been secured. The scope and requirements of the new college are now under consideration, and in due course Wellington will have a teachers' training college worthy of the town, and worthy of the great work which such a college represents. The new site is about seven minutes' walk from Victoria College. Inspection. —At the close of the year, at the invitation of the Board, His Excellency honoured us with a visit. He made a complete round of inspection of both college and school. Illustrations of various classes of work done were displayed. After the inspection His Excellency distributed medals to the students who had gained the highest marks in music, science, and physical drill, and to the winners of the fives competitions. The medallists were : Science, Miss E. Hunt and Mr. F. Gaze ; music, Miss C. Hill ; physical drill, J. Russell, Miss F. Nielson, M.A. ; fives, C. Phillips, Miss I. Kerslake. The college and practising school were August by Dr. Anderson and Mr. T. H. Gill, M.A., of the Education Department. Students , Association. —This association, of which nearly every student was last year a member, takes oversight of the internal affairs of the students, and supervises and directs all matters coming under the term " college life." Two or three social gatherings are held during the year, the one in midwinter being organized by ex-students. In a college whose students are for the most part drawn from outside the city, and which, being non-residential, provides no college life, the organizing of social activities becomes an important matter. I look to the Students' Association, acting in conjunction with myself and other members of the staff, so to organize and direct the social side of the College that it shall produce a healthy reaction on the serious side—the life of learning and of study. The president of the association for the. year was Mr. George Morice, 8.A., who has since been appointed to a position on the staff. Ex-students , Association. —This association came into existence some four years ago ; and, though its membership is not very large, it lends its assistance in various ways, and strengthens the bond of interest between present and former students. During the pa,st year it donated the sum of £4 to the funds of the library. Books to this amount have been provided. General. —From time to time I have opportunity of discussing aspects of the Training College with Inspectors and teachers who come face to face with the work of the students, when these take up responsible positions. One or two points that have been brought under my notice may fitly conclude my report. It is urged by some against the present course of training that the students do not have sufficient opportunity of dealing with large classes, and that they are consequently deficient at the outset in power of control. Much might be said in answer to this ; but I will only say that the students, receive adequate practice in handling classes of about forty scholars —not more ; but always under supervision ; and it is possibly true that some at first will fail in watchfulness and insistence when they have full responsibility thrust upon them. Some do ; some do not. The fact is that what we have to develop first of all is " right point of view " and right attitude with a certain amount of confidence in undertaking instruction in an educative —not mechanical —way. This gained, the development of personality will come if it is there, in some soon, in some late ; but it will come if there is earnestness of purpose to bring it out. It is unfortunate that large classes of sixty or seventy scholars are still in evidence, and more unfortunate that it should sometimes happen that inexperienced

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