B.—l

14

In the poetry a new feature was introduced, each poem in Part 111 being prefaced by a short paragraph indicating its special merit and some observations on the style of the author. Among the list of poets are the following names — Allingham, Rupert Brooke, Browning, Burns, Barry Cornwall, Cowper, Goldsmith, Mrs. Hemans, Henley, Hood, Christina Rossetti, Scott, Shelley, Southey, Stevenson, Tennyson, E. W. Wilcox, Whittier, and Wordsworth. A monthly departmental publication for the information of teachers —the Education Gazette —is now issued. Besides containing helpful articles by experts on various educational matters, there are also published in it departmental regulations and instructions, and also lists of all vacant positions for which teachers may apply. Owing to the necessity for economy the publication is limited in volume, but it is hoped when circumstances permit to increase its size and its capacity for usefulness. Subsidies on Voluntary Contributions. The Education Act provides for the payment by the Department of pound-for-pound subsidies on voluntary contributions raised for improving and beautifying the premises, grounds, and equipment of public schools. It may be justly claimed that the system, is on a more generous basis than obtains in other countries, and that it has been the means of stimulating throughout the Dominion a strong spirit of self-help and local effort. Further, it has undoubtedly enhanced the pride taken localiy in the schools and their surroundings. While an increasing number of schools are taking advantage of the provisions, the large sums raised as contributions, not infrequently being in the neighbourhood of £1,000 at urban schools, have necessitated a revision of the regulations in order that the funds made available as subsidies by the Government might be widely and equitably distributed, having regard particularly to the needs of small schools. At these the raising of comparatively small sums entails greater effort and more sacrifice than does the raising of very substantial sums obtained in large towns, where a spirit of emulation between neighbouring schools is often apparent and all the conditions for raising large amounts are more favourable. The amended regulations provide, therefore, that in any financial, year for approved purposes the total subsidy payable with respect to any school shall not exceed 10s. per unit of average attendance, an exception being made in the case of country schools, however, which may receive pound for pound up to £30, no matter how small the attendance. These limitations do not apply to subsidies in connection with the extension of school-sites or the provision of actual school accommodation. The amount paid by the Department in subsidizing contributions in 1921-22 was £13,411, as compared with £10,004 in the previous year, and £3,328 five years ago. Class-books and School Libraries. Included in the purposes for which voluntary contributions may be subsidized is the provision and maintenance of school libraries, and in addition to the departmental subsidy the Education Board may pay a further subsidy for this purpose. The books purchased for school libraries are approved by the Inspector of Schools, and are such as are suitable for individual reading in school or at home. A capitation grant of 3d. per child is also payable for the purpose of supplying schools with supplementary continuous readers for class reading, and also for the free supply of class-books in necessitous cases or in cases where a newly entered pupil has already purchased elsewhere class-books different from those in use in the school. As many of the Education Boards had moneys in hand on this account in 1921 they agreed, in view of the financial position, to accept smaller grants than those prescribed, the total disbursements made by the Department for this purpose during the financial year being accordingly only £685. The Department is at present devising an improved scheme for the supply of continuous readers and library books to schools. Physical Education. In his report on the year's work the Chief Physical Instructor states that physical education appears to be progressing in a satisfactory manner throughout the Dominion, and that teachers are realizing in an increasing degree the value of