E.—2.

i Appendix A.

Number of Schools. —The following table showing the grading of schools in operation in each district at the time of amalgamation (31st July) will be of interest:—

The most noticeable features of the above table are (1) the large proportion of small schools in Marlborough in Grade 0 (mostly household schools); and (2) the comparatively large number of large schools in the Wellington area. At the end of the year (here were in operation 255 schools. Attendance —The following table summarizes the separate and the combined numbers of the year : —

Number on roll at end of year, 23,726, compared with 23,004 at the end of 1915 —an increase of 722. The average attendance was 89 - 2 per cent, of the average roll. The regularity of attendance was over 2 per cent, lower than in 1915. This was due to the prevalence of epidemics in the June and September quarters, and to difficulties originating in war conditions. The epidemic of infantile paralysis was more disturbing than any other disorder which has in recent years prevailed in the district. The Truant Officer acknowledges the friendly assistance of several philanthropic societies in providing clothing for children in need, and also the steady support accorded by the Press to a reasonable enforcement of the law. Teaching Staff. —The following are the numbers of teachers, pupil-teachers, and probationers in the service of the Board at the end of the year : — Men. Women. Totals. Heads of schools ... ... 83 13 96 Sole teachers ... ... ... ... ... 23 138 161 Assistants ... ... ... ... 57 304 361 Total adults ... ... ... 163 455 618 Pupil-teachers ... ... ... ... 8 47 55 171 502 673 Probationers ... ... ... ... 6 43 49 Total, including pupil-teachers ami probationers ... ... ... 177 545 722 The corresponding total for 1.915 was 702 for the two districts. Instruction of Teachers. —The following were the arrangements of the year for the instruction of teachers: — 1. Week-end classes at centres: Wellington—Elementary home science and hygiene, drawing and handwork, woodwork and cardboard modelling, singing; Pahiatua—rElementary hygiene, physiology, and first aid; Masterton —Elementary hygiene, physiology, first aid. drawing and handwork, singing.

VIII

Schools. Schools. Grade. Pupi Is. Wellington. i Marlborough. Total. 0 I I 11 111 IV V VI 1-8 9-20 21-35 36-120 121-240 241-400 401 500 501 upwards 8 37 41 48 10 13 3 9 i 33 32 13 10 I 1 41 69 54 53 11 13 3 10 Totals 164 90 254

Old Weffinc ;ton District. I Marlborough District. Combined Districts. V, .V. ,..._.If I . " " " '""'" " I Average Roll." Average Attendance. 18,460 18,520 18,490 Average Average Average Boll. Attendance, i Roll. .. . 2,561 2,311 2,549 2.272 23,425 23,847 2,555 2,292 23,636 23,343 Average Attendance. I March quarter June quarter September quarter . . December quarter 20,330 20,661 20,280 21,449 ~ First two quarters (mean) Second two quarters (mean) Year (mean) combined .. i 20,496 20,865 20,823