8.—2.

[Appendix C.

Classes. Ironwork ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 Woodwork . . ... ... ... ... ... 11 Cookery ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 16 Agriculture ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 - Physiology and first aid ... ... ... ... ... 17 Swimming . . ... .. ... ... ... 15 Physical measurements ... ... ... 8 Elementary chemistry ... ... ... ... ... 2 Dairy-work ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 The chief increase has taken place in the formation of six new classes for instruction in dairywork, eight schools now taking a combined course of agriculture and dairy-work. With the exception of Murchison and Karamea, each of the other schools carrying on this instruction was visited in alternate weeks by Mr. Bruce, Instructor in Agriculture, under whose direction the work was conducted. In the case of the two schools mentioned, situated in outlying parts of the district, the work was carried on by the teachers after inauguration by the instructor. The pupils have shown much interest in the work, which has been carried out wfth considerable skill and success. It is proposed to extend the work in the district high schools over a two-years course, for which a suitable programme of work will be issued. The erection of a science-room at Takaka and the equipment of the room at Motueka will provide very necessary facilities for the conduct of_ this work. Already a demand for further classes in this subject begins to show some appreciation of the effort to embrace instruction in touch with the environment of the pupils. Good work continues to be done by many schools in elementary agriculture. In the smaller schools the lack of simple apparatus for carrying out indoor experiments at a distinct disadvantage. _ The practice of keeping note-books with the pupil's own records of the work we hope to see universally followed. For proficiency certificates central examinations under the direct supervision of the Inspectors were held at the following schools : Nelson Boys', Nelson Girls', Nelson Technical, Wakefield, Motueka, Westport, and Granity. The children from schools in the immediate neighbourhood attended at one or other of these centres, candidates from more distant schools having been examined at the inspection visit. At some centres, to avoid distraction and economize time, the meanings of some selected words from their readers were required to be written as a test of comprehension of the reading-matter, the oral reading having been taken at the pupils' own schools at the previous inspection visit. In reading, writing, and drawing good marks were gained, proportionately higher than those obtained by lower classes in the schools; but the spelling, tested from a previously unseen paragraph for dictation, with a selection of words from a prepared reader, was weak, the majority of the candidates failing. In arithmetic and geography only a little over one-third of our larger schools sent in what we consider satisfactory work for this class. Under the stimulus afforded by the hope of gaining the highest award given in our schools, promotions are often made without a thorough grounding being assured in the work of Standard v' otherwise it is difficult to account for a falling-ofl in the highest class. In all, 394 candidates were examined, and the following certificates were obtained: Proficiency, 189; competency, 141. _ Classes for the instruction of teaAers have again been held at Nelson and Westport, the subjects taken being cookery, woodwork, and various branches of drawing. Classes in chemistry were held at the Nelson Technical School and at Motueka. In Nelson the attendance was quite incommensurate with the advantages accruing from a course of practical work in such a subject. In the middle of the year Mr. Cockburn, the art instructor from the Nelson Technical School, visited Westport and conducted demonstration lessons in drawing as prescribed in the syllabus as a school subject. His instruction, though extending over a brief period, gave many teachers a fresh insight into the subject, and we were pleased to notice in several schools manifestations of the practical application of the principles demonstrated. A free issue of school-books has been made to Standard IV and the lower classes, and during the coming year the grant is to be extended to Standards V and VI, so completing the equipment of all the main divisions of the primary school. The benefits conferred are not fully appreciated, and the granting of free books under the very necessary conditions imposed finds but little favour with many teachers and parents So far the advantage bestowed can by no means be proportionate to the expenditure involved. During the year there has been but little new legislation affecting the bearing of the Education Act to record. A section of some importance, however, has been inserted in the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1911. This section provides that where a teacher objects to a transfer, such transfer shall (for the purpose of appeal, but not otherwise} be deemed to be a dismissal. ' _ In the latter half of the year the Education Department notified a grant for the purpose of assisting uncertificated teachers in outlying districts to prosecute their studies with a view to obtaining their full qualification. With the objects of the grant we are in entire sympathy but unfortunately the matter came up so late in the year that we could only suggest a provisional arrangement that would m the meantime be of some assistance to such teachers. We trust that the grant will be renewed during the coming year, as there are in our district uncertificated teachers in localities where there are few opportunities of attaining the necessary examination qualification. _ Owing to travelling difficulties it is impossible to bring these teachers together for weekly instruction. A short continuous session is of little use, as the requirements demand constant study over a considerable period. In these cases we are left to deal with the matter by correspondence lessons, which, though not applicable to all, afford a degree of help in many subjects _ In many respects the year 1911 has been one of marked educational advancement The ereat improvement in regularity of attendance and the growth of the district are encouraging the

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