E.—2.

[Appendix C.

experiments. An exhibit, on a larger scale than the previous one, was staged at the Palmerston North winter show. The celebration of Arbor Day is a feature of school-work in this district. As many of the country school-grounds are now fully planted, it is intended in future to co-operate with the residents of these villages in the planting of reserves and roadside wastes. The question of reafforestation is an important one, and has engaged the attention of the Supervisors. With a view to gathering data in regard to the most suitable trees to plant in different localities, it was decided to plant experimental plantations at a number of schools. The experiment will be watched with interest, as it will provide very valuable information for those landowners who are anxious to undertake planting but who are in the dark as to the best way to go about it. As time goes on, portions of the schoolgrounds in other parts of the district will be planted. Woodwork, Metalwork, and Domestic Science- Classes jwere held at Wanganui, Palmerston North, Patea, Bull's, Marton, Huntorville, Taihape, Ohakune, Feilding, Rongotea, Foxton, and Apiti. 832 pupils from thirty-eight schools received instruction in woodwork, 114 pupils from five schools received instruction in metalwork, and 799 pupils from thirty-nine schools received instruction in cookery. The classes at Ohakune, which are now well established, are held in very unsuitable premises. £100 has recently been guaranteed in donations towards the cost of erecting permanent buildings, and it is hoped that these will be gone on with in the near future. Art Instruction. —The Supervisor reports that there is evidence of a steady improvement in drawing all through the district, which is clear proof of a more intelligent handling of the subject. A large number of schools was visited, the pupils' work thoroughly examined, and lessons given in drawing, &c. Teachers were assisted with the preparation of suitable schemes of work, and were given practical instruction in methods of teaching. Swimming and Life-saving. —1,351 pupils from thirteen schools received instruction in this important subject. Swimming-baths were constructed at Campbell Street and Aramoho Schools. Handwork.- Included under this heading are plasticine-modelling, carton and cardboard modelling, paper-folding, brush drawing, blackboard drawing, stick-laying, bricklaying, &c. 12,958 pupils from 182 schools received instruction. < Needlework. —Special teachers were employed at eighteen schools in charge of male teachers. Dressmaking was taught at three schools. Physiology and First Aid. —This subject was taught at two schools, the average attendance being seventy-eight. Physical Measurements. —247 pupils belonging to three schools received instruction in this subject. The following table shows the number of schools at which classes were held in each subject, and the number of pupils who received instruction: —

Voluntary Contributions. —During the year the sum of £353 6s. Id. was received in voluntary contributions.

HAWKE'S BAY. Extract from the Report of the Director of Manual and Technical Instruction. Manual Instruction. —Classes in elementary-handwork subjects (plasticine-modelling, crayon-work, paper-folding, paper-cutting, cardboard-work, and colour-work) were recognized in 130 schools. As in the past two years, great difficulty was experienced in obtaining materials for the work of these classes. Most of the materials ordered from English firms did not arrive until fifteen months from date of order, and certain classes of goods, such as knives, scissors, sticks, coins, and saucers, were unobtainable either from Australian or English houses. The enormous increase in the price of these materials also placed a strain on the finances of the Board, owing to the fact that the capitation paid by the Department remained at the same rate as prior to the war. The average roll number of pupils in the different groups of classes who received instruction in various branches of handwork were : Class Pto S2, 6,464; S3 and S4, 2,875 ; S5 and S6, 2,241 : total, 11,580. These figures show an

IV

Subjects. Number of Schools. Average Attendance Agriculture and dairy-work Cookery Woodwork Metalwork Advanced dressmaking Handwork Needlework ... Physical measurements Physiology and first aid Swimming and life-saving Rural course at district high schools 158 39 38 5 3 182 18 3 2 13 6 2,456 799 832 114 68 12,958 215 247 78 1,351 155