8.—2.

Appendix C]

There is little change to be recorded in regard to the teaching of geography. The results of the written examination in this subject for Standard VI pupils certainly showed some improvement over those of last year. Oral examination throughout the year, however, convinced us that, though this subject is more systematically taught than formerly, too little use is still made of the pupil's own powers of observation and reasoning. The prescribed books in history are carefully read, and in most cases explained. Unless this form of instruction, however, is supplemented by some other plan more stimulating and aggressive, the mental residum must be slight. The excellent series of historical pictures issued by the Department is not used so freely as it ought to be. Very little direct moral instruction is provided in our schools except on special topics, such as intemperance. Nevertheless, we are satisfied that a great deal is done incidentally to elevate the moral tone of our pupils. As regards manners, real discourtesy is very rare indeed : the idea, however, that outward expressions of courtesy are signs of subservience still prevails in not a few districts. Considerable interest is manifested in hygiene, the lessons given being, if not quite practical enough, satisfactory of their kind. It should be understood that no more physiological detail should be introduced than is necessary to illustrate the hygienic principles and practice treated. The subject, in any case, is too wide to be embraced in a one-yearly course, as is too frequently done. Nature-study makes little progress in Southland apart from its treatment in connection with geography and school gardening. This is all the more remarkable since there are many districts in Southland which should be valuable fields for the study of natural history. The following books, containing much valuable information and many useful suggestions on the subject, can be cordially recommended to teachers: "A New Zealand Naturalist's Calendar" (G. M. Thomson); "New Zealand Plants and their Story" (L. Cockayne). At practically every school in the district pupils have the advantage of manual training in some form or other. Our teachers deserve much credit for the unanimity with which they have fallen in with the views of the Board and of its officers in this matter, particularly so when it is remembered that the value of the training is only very gradually obtaining its due recognition. The report of the Director of Manual and Technical Education gives particulars of the establishment at Invercargill, Gore, and Riverton of woodwork and cookery training centres by which no less than thirty-six schools have benefited. Though for some little time the conservatism of the mass in educational matters may cause friction, we believe that before very long the Board's policy will be generally approved, and that it will be given credit for having conferred on many country schools benefits previously limited to town and suburban schools. We wish the new departure much success, and ask parents and teachers to bear with us in the difficulties inseparable from a new enterprise. In entering upon the labours of another year we have to express our warmest thanks for help we have received during the past year from Committees, teachers, and the office staff, for the courtesy and consideration shown us by the Board, and for the hospitality freely tendered us in all parts of the district. We have, &c, James Hendry,! t , A. L. Wyllie, Inspectors. The Chairman, Education Board, Invercargill.

LVII