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Examinations of the Education Department. This announcement has been made after consultation with the Education Department, and with the approval of the Minister of Education so far as the Education Department's examinations are concerned. The changes contemplated include some slight rearrangement of the compulsory group of subjects, and the revision of the syllabuses in order to bring them into line with what is regarded as necessary in the up-to-date treatment of the several subjects. While a few subjects which are very seldom offered for examination are being dropped, history is being made compulsory, and certain new subjects are being added to the optional group. The amendments will be in the direction of bringing the three examinations more closely into line with each other, and a consequent advantage to teachers should result. The proposed scheme is framed to cover a more liberal course of education, since bright boys taking courses other than classical courses will secure equal advantages with the rest, and, in particular, small country secondary schools, district high schools, and technical schools will be assisted by being enabled to develop courses suited to their environment and needs. The wide choice of subjects, including some of a practical nature, will be of advantage to those candidates who do not have the opportunity of attending a secondary school. Apart from the more liberal conditions with regard to optional subjects, there will remain a sufficiently complete body of compulsory subjects to ensure that the candidates selected will have the qualifications needed by them in taking up cadetships in the Public Service. The changes will first affect the examinations of November, 1927. In addition, in November last, an Entrance Examination was held in the largest towns for shorthand-typists, for which there were 280 entrants. Leave of Absence for Educational and Training Purposes. During the year the following officers were granted special leave of absence, in some cases to permit them to proceed abroad for the purpose of extending their knowledge and experience, and in others to enable them to pursue their studies : — Makgill, Dr. R. H., Medical Officer of Health, Health Department: To visit Great Britain to investigate subject of medical research. Donovan, W., Assistant Dominion Analyst, Internal Affairs Department : To visit England to investigate methods of increasing safety in coal-mines, and fuel research generally. Watt, Dr. M. H., Deputy Director-General of Health, Health Department: To visit Japan and America to take part in the interchange of Health personnel under League of Nations scheme. Thomson, W. 8., Process Engraver, Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington : To further studies in London. Bold, E.. Land Purchase Officer, Public Works Department, Wellington : To study procedure adopted abroad in respect to legislation affecting acquisition of or interference with private lands. Croker, H., Head Masseur, Tourist Department, Rotorua : To study latest methods in England and Continent in connection with massage treatment. Barnicoat, C. R., Dominion Laboratory, Wellington : To enable him to take lectures in Honours in Chemistry at Victoria College. Leslie, Miss E. D. W., District Health Nurse, Health Department, Rawene : To undergo training at St. Helens Hospital, Auckland. Alecock, C. E. K., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Gisborne : To attend Canterbury School of Engineering during 1926 session. Carter, N. R., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Kapuni : To undergo workshops training in New Zealand. Clark, A. E., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Okaihau : To undergo workshops training in New Zealand. Doig, F. M., Electrical Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Head Office : To undergo workshops training in England. Fraser, C. W., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Tauranga : To attend Canterbury School of Engineering during 1926 session. Garlick, E. J., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Arapeti: To attend Canterbury School of Engineering during 1926 session. Moorhouse, T., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Dunedin : To attend Canterbury School of Engineering during 1926 session. Young, W. E., Engineering Cadet, Public Works Department, Rotorua : To undergo workshops training in New Zealand.

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