[Appendix C.

E.—2.

Of the teachers returned as uncertifioated, eleven have passed the examination for D but have not yet satisfied other departmental requirements, nine lack one or two subjects, three have English or Australian qualifications, one has Matriculation, and one Civil Service Junior. Many of the remainder have had some success in D, although not sufficient for record. The term of fourteen pupil-teachers expired in December; nine had their D, four partial D or C, and one Civil Service Junior. At the same date eleven probationers completed their term, of whom (prior to the January examinations) four had obtained the 1) certificate, five partial D, and two had passed the Civil Service Junior Examination. As a rule, members of the staff realize their responsibility to these cadets, and by combined action succeed in sending the young people forth at the end of their term prepared for the next stage. We still look to the Department to furnish, especially to pupil-teachers, a remuneration more in accord with the value of their work; they are at a distinct disadvantage compared with cadets in other services. Nevertheless, the disappearance of pupil-teachers is something devoutly to be wished. If the schools were staffed with certificated teachers, and probationers were allowed for employment and training in schools selected by the Inspectors, it would be possible to balance the efficiency of the schools with some hope of success. Often a school, owing to the existence of local conditions that for a time are unavoidable, would greatly benefit by some extra help, and a probationer at such a time might have the effect of maintaining efficient working-conditions. Probationers should be required to attend a winter school at some selected centre, and their vacation could be arranged to take place without injury to the schools. While we are better pleased with the recent products of the training colleges, the records of these institutions indicate that few teachers are taking University courses in science. One of these days we may have a University to suit the needs of Hawke's Bay, specializing in fruitfarming, wool, agriculture, home science, civics, economics, and industrial law, and sending forth teachers fitted to correlate the results of its research with the work of our schools. We cannot insist too much that it must be the object of our schools to train up young people fitted to take an intelligent part in the society in which they will find themselves. When a Dominion scheme of promotion is introduced a new plane of clearage will doubtless develop along the line of special subjects. In view of the need of more teachers well qualified to teach home science, the provision made by the Department in conjunction with the University may be stated. There are bursaries in home science open to matriculants, holders of partial D, or higher leaving certificates (lower, If pupil-teachers or probationers), and worth .£2O. plus fees, and £30 boarding-allowance if the holder is obliged to live from home. Teachers may also be interested to know that if they have completed their training-college course or hold C certificate they may obtain a bursary entitling them to fees up to £20. During 1913 the number of teachers absent on sick-leave has been more marked than usual. Physical culture classes for teachers were an outstanding event of the past year. Seventy men and sixty-three women were brought to Napier for a fortnight in June, and thirty-seven men with 134 women to another series in January-February of the present year. Comparatively few teachers omitted attendance at one or other of the series. At these special schools Mr. Royd Garlick and his assistants taught the new scheme of physical instruction. The movement was initiated in Hawke's Bay, and the teachers have expressed general approval of the course. Another node in the year's work was reached when the Board in November finally adopted the teachers' classification and promotion scheme, with regulations. They were immediately acted on in over fifty instances, and already the beneficent effects are perceptible. Committees have loyally joined in this attempt to allay those causes of dissatisfaction that have tended to distract and sap the energies of the teachers. The scheme will leave the teacher more free to realize his ideals in education, and will give him a new incentive to put his best into his school; he will not be continually writing applications and looking round for a new situation, but will know that reward will follow on success. We are very hopeful of the educational benefit to the children due to removal of worry from the teacher. A grant in aid of removal expenses will be necessary for the smooth working of the scheme; such allowances are regularly made to the teachers of Native schools and to members of other public services. Plans have been developed for improving the qualifications of our young teachers. Mr. Loten has given great assistance in the fostering of this work. Correspondence, Saturday, and central classes have been in operation. A special school was arranged in June at Hastings, where practical work in science, drawing, and singing, as required for the D certificate, could be undertaken, and where the students could meet in person teachers of subjects dealt with by correspondence. Thirty-nine attended the session and gained much benefit therefrom. The large number of candidates for certificates in January indicates not only zeal on the part of the teachers, but also appreciation of the facilities afforded by the Department and the Board. In order to promote their effectiveness it is proposed to organize the classes somewhat differently during 1914. The Board has initiated a teachers' library at the office, Napier. Statistics of teachers' classes—Enrolment: Art—Gisborne 15, Napier 20, Dannevirke 20; elementary physics —Gisborne 11. Napier 20, Dannevirke 20; agriculture—Woodville Hastings 19; agricultural bacteriology—Hastings 12; brush drawing—Hastings 24; correspondence classes—33; Hastings Winter School—39. The increased emoluments granted by the Education Amendment Act, 1913, have put heart specially into the teachers of our smaller country schools, although uncertificated teachers are disappointed in their expectation that the minimum salary was to be fixed st £100. A word of praise is due to the Government for the help given, and for the announcement that during 1914 an amended Education Bill will provide still further for the welfare of the profession. The

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