E.—2.

[Appendix D.

for mechanical efficiency and disciplinary power. This is what is naturally to be expected, for under our present scale of staffing that teacher is practically useless who cannot first control a large class. The demand for some measure of this power is a fair one, and we have done what we can to meet it. In addition to the regular class-work our senior students spent a fortnight in selected schools, doing continuous class-work under ordinary school conditions. I have to thank the headmasters and assistants of those schools for the success of the experiment. The new Training College Regulations recognize the principle of such associated schools, and we hope to make fuller use of this scheme next year. Wfiile on this matter I would bespeak for our students a more lenient criticism of their powers of control, which must after all mainly depend on actual experience. While it is true that both theory and method must be based on practice, the main work of a training college must be a grounding in sound theory, without which there can be no educational advance, and that country which does not advance educationally must retrograde not only intellectually but materially. Furthermore, all indications and modern tendencies are in the direction of smaller classes and more intensive and scientific teaching. It is often urged as a reproach that training colleges are all too ideal, too far ahead of everyday requirements. The most insistent criticism of Inspectors is not " defects of curricula and method," but rather that so many of our teachers are not prepared to get the best out of those means to a greater end. New Certificate Regulation. —The new regulation giving power to training-college authorities to recommend students for certificates is a boon we are not yet duly appreciating. One most important gain is that it enables us to give due weight to real professional ability apart altogether from mere power to pass examinations. Furthermore, a student is enabled to pursue that course of study most suited for his professional training uninterrupted by considerations of so-called "soft" examination subjects. We quite recognize the fact that for some considerable time those who have faced the January ordeal will look with jealous eyes on those whom they consider to have been more fortunate in not being required " to toe an external examinationmark." Keeping this fact in mind, no recommendation has been made unless real teaching ability has accompanied literary fitness. The trained teacher's certificate has been practically considered as an Honours certificate. Special Lectures and Excursions. —During the year special lectures and excursions in connexion with the College-work were held, and in this connexion our thanks are due to Professor Brown, Mr. Robert Parker, Mr. Cotton (Lecturer on Geology at Victoria College), Mr. Cockayne and Mr. Drysdale of the Agricultural Department, the managers of the Gear Meat Company and the Petone Woollen-mills, Miss Piggford and the Committee of the Gladstone School. The social and athletic side of our College-work was made a prominent feature, and I have to thank the various committees of the students' clubs for practically relieving the staff of much concern on those most important aids to effective training. Inspection and Medical Examination. —During November Dr. Gunn, the Medical Inspector, visited the Normal School, and by means of lectures, demonstrations, and actual medical examination of the pupils gave the students a thorough insight into the part the teacher must now take in ensuring the physical well-being of the school-children. The need for fresh air and regular breathing-exercises was an outstanding lesson of the examination, and it is now our earnest wish to have a special open-air class for the worst cases. Unfortunately, our grounds are so cramped that want of suitable space is our main difficulty. The Normal School was examined by the Education Board's Inspectors in July, and Dr. Anderson and Mr. T. H. Gill, the Education Department's Inspectors, visited the Training College in November, at a time, unfortunately, when the majority of the senior students were absent at the University examinations. Uncertificated Teachers. —During February a special school for uncertificated teachers was held, and every assistance was given to those attending to further both their studies and professional efficiency. Similar classes will be conducted during February, 1913. Two members of the staff —Miss Cray and Mr. Morice —resigned in August, and Mr. Robertson and Mr. Bowler were appointed to the vacancies. Art Instruction. —The arrangement whereby the Technical School supplied our drawing instructors has been eminently satisfactory, and has enabled us to give the subject, particularly from the point of view of blackboard illustration,* the prominence it deserves in a teacher's training. In conclusion, I take this opportunity of expressing my personal indebtedness to Mr. Webb and the College staff for their loyal co-operation and invaluable assistance during this, the first year of my work as Principal. That work has further convinced mc of the inadequacy of the salaries paid to normal-school teachers. I have, &c., The Secretary, Education Board, Wellington. J. S. Tennant.

CANTERBURY. Report of Principal for the Year 1912. Sir,— Training College, 20th February, 1913. I have the honour to present my report on the work of the Christchurch Training College for the year 1912. Owing to the illness of the late Principal, the annual report for the year 1911 was not presented by mc until after his decease in April last. Reference was then made to several matters that naturally would have been recorded in the report for 1912, but which, under the circumstances, call for no further remark.

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