E.—2.

AI'I'ENDIX C.

XXX

subjects outside thejsyllabus of Standard VI are set in examinations of this character cramming is induced, and teachers are practically forced to take their candidates out of school hours. Pupil-teachers and Probationers. —Since the raising of the matriculation standard it is difficult to obtain candidates with that qualification, for only the brightest attain success, and they generally wish to pursue higher studies, so that they are not always available at the pupil-teacher stage. Teachers' Classes. —Cookery (Miss M. Grace); roll, 20. Seven candidates entered for the examination of the London Institute, and all were successful. Three gained lirst-class certificates, and four gained second-class. The teachers were somewhat dismayed to find that cookery is no longer to be recognized as a subject for the D certificate. Work under this head is relegated to a rather insignificant place under the heading " Home Science." The latter appears to be an overburdened subject. Considering the amount of valuable science of a practical kind connected with the cookery, it is to be regretted that the subject is no longer treated as a separate one. Hygiene : During the midwinter holidays Dr. R. G. Adams conducted a very useful class in the practical work (anatomy and first aid) required for the D certificate under the heading " Hygiene." This class was instituted for the uncertificated teachers. Dairy science had been taught in the summer school held in January of last year. Mr. Bruce continued the classes for a time on Saturdays, and they were then taken up by Mr. L. J. Wild, M.A. The latter held two classes on Saturdays, one for uncertificated teachers and one for teachers desirous of improving their certificates ; he also held a special session during the midwinter holidays for the benefit of Mr. Wedde's correspondence class. Certificate classes : These were taught by Mr. A. A. Wedde. (a.) Saturday class (for those able to come to Blenheim on Saturdays) —The subjects undertaken were English, arithmetic, geography, history, school method, theory and practice of vocal music, hygiene for the D certificate, (b.) Correspondence class —The book-work subjects were as for the Saturday class. The practical requirements were met by the summer school, a special session at midwinter and at the end of the year (hygiene, dairy science, vocal music, drawing). Classes for Nurses. —Classes were conducted by Miss M. Grace in Blenheim (roll, 5), and at Picton (8). The subject was " Invalid cookery," as required by the nurses at the two hospitals. Mr. James Bruce. —By the arrangement entered into with the Nelson Board, the two Boards shared the services of Mr. Bruce. The latter had been able to visit Marlborough for only three months of the year. It was found that the Nelson authorities required the whole time of Mr. Bruce; and the appointment of a science master at Marlborough High School enabled this Board to provide locally for continuous instruction of the teachers. The former arrangement was therefore terminated. Mr. Bruce gave valuable service in connection with gardening, agriculture, chemistry, and dairy-work Recent Enactments and Regulations. New Certificate Regulations. —At first the requirements in practical science were somewhat dismaying ; but better acquaintance with the regulations, and the endeavours of the Department to make suitable financial arrangements, lead one to approve of the change. The teachers have now what they long desired —the opportunity to gain D by easy sections. History is restored as a compulsory subject. The definition of English minimizes grammar ;it is doubtful whether this is advisable hi the case of teachers ; in the last D examination the question on analysis and parsing was alternative with one in paraphrazing. Phonetics is emphasized. Home science is referred to elsewhere. Medical Inspection of Schools. —The organization is gradually taking form ; already the statistical forms and measuring-machines foreshadow progress in this direction. The Education Amendment Act. —The Act directs —(1.) The demilitarizing of the Junior Cadets : Military drill of boys from twelve to fourteen years of age is provided for in schools having qualified instructors. Teachers qualified to teach military drill are requested to apply for recognition as instructors. (2.) The appointment of a Director, inspectors, and instructors in physical training. (3.) Revives the right of certain teachers to elect, under suitable conditions, to become contributors to the Superannuation Fund. The right of election lasts until the 30th June, 1913. The grant for free class-books has been withdrawn, and grants for supplementary readers and subsidies to school libraries made in lieu thereof. Probationers. —Three will be required each year instead of two. The increase is intended to give country pupils a better opportunity to become teachers, and it is hoped in this manner to reduce the present shortage of certificated teachers. During the past year a Commission of Education toured the Dominion, and gathered a mass of evidence. The chief proposal affecting Marlborough is the suggested reduction in the number of education districts. D. A. Strachan, M.A., Inspector. The Chairman, Marlborough Education Board.

NELSON. Sir, — Education Office, Nelson, April, 1913. We have the honour to present our annual report on the schools of the Nelson Education District for the year 1912. One hundred and seventeen schools were at work during the last quarter of the year. There were, in addition, nine side schools, and, as hitherto, at district high schools four secondary classes. The household schools at Awaroa Bay, Maori Pa, Norriss' (Maruia), Okiwi Bay, Waiharakeke, Warwick Junction, and Kaka have during the year been closed, but new schools have been established at Glenhope, Tarakohe, Tui, Turakiwaru, Tutaki, and Wangamoa, the first-named building having