Appendix C.j

E.~2.

XI

were superphosphate, sulphate of potash, muriate of potash, sulphate of ammonia, and nitrate of soda. Demonstration plots were also laid down with Long Red, Globe, and Tankard mangolds, rape, and a varied assortment of vegetables. Five kinds of grass and two kinds of clover were also grown. Each school, it should lie mentioned, was supplied with sufficient lime to' give the garden-plot a good dressing. In carrying out this scheme of practical instruction a number of schools did good work, but in others the results achieved left considerable room for improvement. As regards classes for instruction in woodwork and cookery, it is worthy of note as evidencing a recognition of the benefits to be derived from a course of training in these subjects that a number of schools which had not hitherto taken these classes intimated their desire toattend one or other of the manual-training centres, but several of them it was found impossible to accommodate, even though certain schools formerly in attendance had been reluctantly dropped owing to the children having to set out too early in the morning and being too late in returning home at night. Of the seventy-one sohools taking woodwork and cookery eight attended at Invercargill No. 1 centre, twenty-three at Invercargill No. 2 centre, twenty-six at Gorfe, and fourteen at Riverton. Altogether the number of boys receivirrg instruction in woodwork throughout the district was 1,085, the numbers for the various standards being as follows: S6, 372; 55, 486; S4, 227. In cookery a total of 975 girls attended, the numbers in this case being — 56, 311; S5, 455; S4, 209. With regard to S4 I have but to repeat what has been stated inprevious reports that it would be well if this standard could be excluded, as it is felt that such pupils have not reached the stage where they can take the fullest advantage of instruction in these subjects. Under existing conditions of finance, however, the inclusion of such children is necessary. With respect to the other subjects of handwork already mentioned there is little that calls for comment. The number of schools taking physical measurements is gradually decreasing, agriculture being taken in its place. As for swimming and life-saving, the fact that only three schools had recognized instruction in this subject is a matter' for regret. Though our climate does not permit of this healthful and invigorating form of recreation being indulged in all the year round, yet during the summer months it should be possible, surely, to find more than three schools where competent instructors would be willing to devote the necessary time to the work of instruction. In an endeavour to improve matters in this direction the Board decided that in future where such a class is held out of school hours the capitation earned less a small percentage should be devoted to the payment of the instructor, and already, it may be stated, an increase in the number of schools receiving instruction is assured. R. Bkownlie, Director of Technical Instruction.