E.—2

[Appendix C.

what is in each student, besides developing confidence and self-reliance. In July a course of practical work in the various branches of drawing and irr plasticine-modelling was given to a large number of teacher's at the winter school held in Wanganui. I. was very much gratified with the interest displayed by the teachers in their work, and am thoroughly convinced as to the usefulness of such courses. During the year opportunity was taken to publish in the Leaflet a. number of articles dealing with tho teaching of art subjects. I'roiu the many appreciative references made by teachers it would appear that these articles have been helpful.

WELLINGTON. Extract prom the Report of the Education Board. The following figures show in detail the subjects of manual instruction undertaken in recognized classes and the number of pupils under instruction: Handwork, 15,961; elementary agriculture, 1,763; needlework, 247; elementary physical science, 365; physiology and first aid, 682; swimming and life-saving, 1,008; elementary physical measurements, 947; home science, 55; dairy-work, 20; botany, 254; dressmaking, 248; cookery, 1,201; woodwork, 1,452; buildingconstruction and drawing, 129; laundry-work, 458. Under the guidance of their woodwork instructors the boys, who worked early and late, at, each city and each country woodwork centre, made altogether for ambulance and hospital purposes the following: Arm-splints, 409; leg-splints, 300; Gooch. splinting, 330; bed-cradles, 20. This was sufficient to supply the needs of the two hospital, ships, and to leave some in store. A course of instruction in elementary agriculture, extending over a fortnight, was held at the Masterton District High School iir September, and was attended by forty-six teachers. The course included both lecture and practical work in agriculture, nature-study, hygiene, and instruction in the making of suitable nature-study and science aids. The class was in charge of Mr. Cumming, who was ably assisted by Mr. Stevenson, Miss Lazarus, Messrs. Howe and Grant. The Board acknowledges valued, assistance also from Mr. Morris, instructor in agriculture, Hawke's Ray, who delivered a lecture on " Spraj-'s and Compatible Spray Mixtures used irr combating Insect, arrd Fungus Pests." It is to be added that, for- the former course, the teachers attending deprived themselves of a part of the summer holiday, and, for the latter, of the whole of the term holiday in September. The Board is satisfied that excellent work was done at both courses. The full rural course was undertaken at the district high schools, Levin, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Masterton, Carterton, arid Greytown. Over ninety schools undertook elementary agriculture, and in Ibis subject the Inspectors and the instructors report progress. To this resull the excellent courses at the Training College, arrd the special courses tor teachers which have been held at Greytown arrd Masterton for some years, no doubt contribute. Full discussion of this branch of firework will be found in the report of the Inspectors.

HAWKE'S BAY. Extract pkom the Report op the Director of Manual and Technical Instruction. School Classes. —The classes recognized under the Manual and Technical Regulations during the year consisted of classes in elementary handwork, cookery, dressmaking, woodwork, agriculture, dairy science, elementary experimental science, swimming and life-saving, and home science. Elementary Handwork: Classes in the undermentioned subjects were carried out at the different schools throughout the district during the year : Crayon-work, free-arm drawing, brush drawing, paper-folding, plasticine-modelling, stick-laying, paper-cutting, and cardboard-work. All requisites necessary to enable the above work to be performed were supplied by the Board to the schools. The number of pupils receiving instruction in the different groups of classes_ were : P-S2 6,08.1; S3-S4, 2,644; S5-S6, 1,781 : total, 10,506. Handwork classes were recognized in connection with 121 schools. Woodwork and Cookery Classes : These classes were conducted orr the central system. Centres are in operation at Napier, Gisborne, Hastings, Waipawa, Dannevirke, and Woodville. The quality of the work is steadily improving year by year. The woodwork boys of the district high schools made a most creditable display of farm woodwork at the last Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Show. The number of pupils who received training throughout the year were — Woodwork, 795; cookery, 687; dressmaking, 634. Classes in Elementary Agriculture and Dairy Science: These classes were conducted in ninety-seven schools. Generally the work is taught experimentally indoors, and the practical portion is carried out in conjunction with the school-gardens. School-grounds are kept clearr and well ordered, and are gradually being beautified by lawns, trees, and well-kept gardeus. In a number of schools there are difficulties in the way of gardening operations. Sometimes the soil is bad, and again there are the troubles caused by pests and dry seasorrs. Occasionally the teacher is not enthusiastic over this branch of work, and consequently the pupils are indifferent. There are, however, many teachers in the Board's service who are doing very sound work in the various branches of elementary agriculture. The average attendance at, the end of the year' was— Elementary agriculture, 788; 'elementary agriculture and dairy science, 984. Elementary Experimental Science: The schools in the larger towns, such as Gisborne, Napier, and Hastings, take this subject instead of elementary agriculture. The classes at Gisborne Main School are fortunate in having a fully equipped laboratory attached to the school. In the Napier

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