[Appendix D.

E.—2.

University results for the year (class results only to hand as yet) : Seven firsts, ninety-one seconds, 135 thirds an improvement on last year. Medical Inspection.- The annual course of lectures was not given to the students this year by Dr.. McCahon. The senior students did the usual practical work of assisting the doctor in the Normal School medical inspection of scholars. The corrective classes for physically defective children have been regularly held throughout the year. Teaching practice has been carried on throughout the year in the Normal School and in six other schools under twelve associated teachers. Each senior student aims to spend one month continuous observation, and practice in each standard, and also one month in a model school, and at least (in case of women) three weeks in a kindergarten class. All observation and practice is continuous for a month at a time, using four mornings a week and -three afternoons each alternate week. It will be seen that a rather absurd position obtains- viz., that the majority of the students do seven-eighths of their practice with large classes, whereas most of them go out to teach country schools. This could only be obviated by establishing another normal school, making each room a model country school instead of an ordinary class-room. The war has affected us great'y. Only thirteen men were left at the close of the year. Practically all fit students who have gone out since the war started are at the front. Of those who have gone straight from College to the front without teaching, five have lost their lives. The year has been rather gloomy, as most of the students have lost either relatives or friends. On the whole, the work of the College has given me great satisfaction this year. The students have been interested in their work, and the staff have done their very best to further the welfare ol the institution.

VIII