E.—2.

rAppendix D.

X

our students are not fitted for the profession. Until there is some competition to enter the College I can see no way of remedying this. Half a loaf is better than no bread; but critics of the College might well bear the fact in mind when finding fault with cur short-weight loaves. No one knows better than the staff that they are short-weight, but we have to admit them, and do our best in the short time at our disposal. I have been struck during the year, over and over again, with the lamentable lack of a knowledge of English literature displayed by the students. Standard novels which should be read by every teacher are unknown, and the mental glow one feels when a reference is understood is evidently seldom felt by them. As a test I asked the students who entered the College to give any associations they had with (a) Dominie Sampson, (6) Mr. Squeers. I selected these characters because they are referred to in a school-method book we read. Out of fifty students two knew that the first referred to Scott's " Guy Mannering," and five connected the latter with Dickens. This is only typical of a general ignorance that prevails. The excuse always given is that in the secondary schools there are so many home lessons set that there is no time lor general reading. I certainly think that something might be done with the probationers in the direction of supervising their reading. At present quite a number of them matriculate from the Grammar School, and then for two years, while their probation period lasts, allow their studies to lapse. If during this period a good course of reading were enjoined, and steps taken to see that this be followed out, they would enter the College subsequently with a tar better preparation than they have at present. When the results of the D examination are published each year it is found that a number of pupil-teachers have failed to qualify for entrance to the College. The scarcity of teachers is such that many of these are appointed as assistants at £90 per year. Their fellow pupilteachers who enter the College spend two years in further training, and at the end of the period can only look forward to .£9O per annum, the rejected ones by that time having reached £100. This is not satisfactory, and I think it would be advisable to admit to the College all pupilteachers and probationers at the conclusion of their course. The ones who have failed in their examinations need the training most, and if it he held that they are not worth training, then some difference should be made in the salaries of those who follow the proper course, otherwise they are in reality penalized for their good work, All the men students in the College were able to swim at the conclusion of their course, and the bulk of them qualified in life-saving. Of the women some 10 per cent, left still unable to swim. The swimming-bath is not heated in any way, so that there is only the month of March available for lessons, as it is too cold at other times for any but the hardy ones. The headmaster of the Normal School has compiled some interesting figures relative to swimming in connexion with the Normal School children. These are as follows: — p, Percentage of Swimmers. s ' Boys. Girls. Primer 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Standard I ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 26 Standard II ... ... ... ... ... 53 30 StandardHl ... ... ... ... ... ... 56 59 Standardly ... ... ... ... ... ... 45 50 Standard V... ... ... ... ... ... 80 85 StandardVl ... ... ... ... ... ... 89 76 High School ... ... ... ... ... ... 92 78 Taking the whole school, Kindergarten children included, 42 per cent, of the boys and 38 per cent, of the girls can swim. It would be very instructive to find out how these figures compare with the corresponding figures at schools to which no bath is attached. May I suggest that amongst the statistics now being obtained in connexion with medical inspection of school-children room should be found for a statement as to ability to swim. It is only when accurate statistics are compiled that the full force of the need of swimming-lessons is appreciated. The various College activities referred to in past reports have been in full swing. The social side of the College has received its clue share of attention, and I think has been as well appreciated as in past years. The annual picnic" given by the Principal and Mrs. Milnes to students leaving the College was held at Motuihi by the courtesy of the Minister in charge. The Chairman of the Board of Education, several of the members, and the Secretary joined us, and, despite the unfavourable weather, a memorable day was passed. The women students for the second year in succession won the hockey banner in the seniorgrade competition, and two College quartettes obtained places in the Auckland musical competitions. For the first time the glee club gave a concert, the proceeds being devoted to buying cricket and tennis material for the children at the Orphan Home. The debating team took first place in the junior section for the Athaeneum Cup. Four large engravings were presented by old students of the year 1911, so that now we have eleven reproductions of famous pictures round the walls of the central hall. There have been several changes in the staff of the Normal School during the year. The work is very trying, and two of the changes were due to overwork. There seems to be no difficulty in keeping the numbers up to the fifty per class aimed at, and I think I am fortunate in having such a willing staff to work with. I should like to put on record, in conclusion, the great help that the Advisory Committee is to the College. Many small alterations and improvements have been effected on its recommendation, and the executive officials, Mr. Crowe and Mr. Farrell, have had these carried out with a despatch that is refreshing. I have, &c, Ihe Secretary, Education Board, Auckland. H. A. E. Milnes.