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Infantile Paralysis.—'Until the middle of April the schools were closed owing to an epidemic of infantile paralysis. During that time a refresher course for teachers was held and was much appreciated. During the latter part of the period the children were taught by correspondence :in the case of many of the rural schools by visits to the home of the teacher. In this way the ill effects of a long period of closure were to some extent neutralized. Mr. W. E. Spencer. —The Board desires me to express to you its high appreciation of the services of Mr. W. E. Spencer, who for many years was Officer in charge of Sites and Buildings Branch of the Education Department. The relations existing between Mr. Spencer and the Board and its officers were most cordial. The Board found Mr. Spencer just and reasonable. Conclusion. —In conclusion the Board cannot but express satisfaction with the cordial relations existing between the Board, the School Committees, the teachers, and the Education Department. The School Committees have shown great interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools under their jurisdiction. The teachers have done the utmost for the pupils under their care ; and the Department has met the requirements of this education district so far as was possible with limited financial resources. I have, &c., A. W. Burns, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. Chairman of Board.

TARANAKL SIK, — In accordance with the requirements of the Education Act, 1914, I have the honour, on behalf of the Taranaki Education Board, to present the following report of our proceedings for the year 1925 : — Board Members. —The personnel of the Board during the year was as follows : Central Ward—Rev. J. L. A. Kayll and Mr. F. H. Sims; North Ward —Messrs. H. Dempsey and P. J. H. White ; South Ward—Messrs. H. J. Eaves and A. Lees; Urban District of New Plymouth—Messrs. R. J. Deare and S. G. Smith. Twelve ordinary, special, and extraordinary meetings were held during the year, and individual members have again given much valuable time to meetings and sub-committees, and in visiting various localities for purposes of administration. The following schools were opened during the year : Mackford Household (0), Croydon (I), and Westown (IVb). Marangae (0), Pehu (0) and Frankley Side schools were closed. The Ahititi and Tongaporutu Schools were combined as half-time schools, and District High Schools were established at Opunake and Manaia. Buildings.—The past year has again been very active in general building operations. The following new works were completed : New schools in concrete at Eltham and Westown. The building at Eltham consists of a range of five class-rooms, including a dental clinic and teachers' rooms, and was erected on a very fine new site to form a nucleus of a complete new school for Eltham. The school at Westown, consisting of four rooms, is now overtaxed, although only opened barely twelve months, and a grant for an additional room is now authorized. New schools of a movable type were erected at Mangakara, Croydon Road, and Everett Road, and also two movable teachers' baches at Hillsborough and Turoto Road; a new school in wood (replacement) was completed on a new site at Pembroke ; additional class-rooms in concrete were also completed at Waitara and Fitzroy ; additions and remodelling for the Fraser Road School and remodelling at the Albert School. New residences were erected at Awakino and Norfolk Road. In addition to the above, twenty-seven schools and thirteen residences were painted and renovated throughout. The movable type of building erected to meet temporary needs is proving very satisfactory. The Board has also had a very complete workshop, and practically tl\£ whole of its building, furniture, and joinery work is carried out by its o"wn staff. The Cuthbert Shield, awarded to schools of Grade 3 and upward for arrangement and care of school-grounds, instructional, indoor, and experimental work, was won by the Ohangai School which gained the highest aggregate marks. The Tisch Shield, presented in 1909 by Mr. Tisch for the same purpose for which the Cuthbert Shield was presented, now limited to schools below Grade 3, was won by Ararata School. Handwork. —The supplies were ample and of good quality and came to hand in good time for distribution during the early months of the year. This subject is now universally recognized as an important adjunct to education, and teachers and instructors make good use of the supplies sent to them. Agriculture. —During the year, in addition to ordinary practical garden-work, schools have been equipped with charts, gauges, and barometers for observations upon the weather. Many of the teachers manifest a very keen interest in the aims and objects of rural education, and much of the work done is very creditable. In addition to the work in general agriculture and nature-study, several of the schools include dairy science in the course of instruction. Interest in afforestation work has been stimulated in all schools in the district, and members have noted with pleasure many instances where valuable results are being obtained. Medical Inspection.—The School Medical Officer paid several visits to the district during the year.

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