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Discount to Teachers.—By arrangement with the council of the New Zealand Music Trades' Association, a special discount was secured on music supplied to teachers for bona fide school use. A list of the music recommended for school use was also supplied to the council. Free School Song-book.—Negotiations were commenced for the supply to Standards V and VI of a free song-book, which is now in course of publication. Eurhythmies.—A temporary arrangement has been made for classes in eurhythmies to students at the Wellington Training College, under Miss Eileen Russell, certificated Dalcroze teacher. It would be of great value if eurhythmies could form part of the regular instruction at all training colleges. General.—My aims throughout the year have been (a) to arouse in the teachers, students, and children an interest in music as something which grows directly out of human life, and which is a powerful aid to health of body and mind and to the creation of corporate happiness and friendship ; \b) to give them a wider vision of the possibilities of development; (c) to arouse an enthusiasm that will lead to individual self-help and collective effort musically; (d) to supply definite and detailed guidance for instruction ; (e) to arouse the interest of the general public in the value of music as an educational and social power. It is obviously beyond the power of one man to make systematic inspection of the music in all the schools in the country. It has been my endeavour, therefore, in pursuit of the aims outlined above, to visit as many schools as possible, and to present to teachers and children music as a subject of human interest. When the handbook of musical instruction has been circulated, it will be of more value to make systematic inspection as to the results of its use in different grades of school. There is no lack of natural musical gifts in the children, although it has been difficult in most eases to create an effective musical environment for them. In many schools fine work is being done by individual enthusiasts, and wise use of the gramophone will greatly increase the possibilities of cultivating taste and appreciation of fine music finely performed. It is essential to cultivate the child's powers of musical invention, and already as the result of help and example given to teachers a number of simple melodies of a most promising character have been composed by children in different schools. This is a most valuable means of stimulating interest and promoting understanding of the real significance of music, besides being the natural reason for the study of theory —namely, that one may record permanently the music composed and reproduce it again from the written symbol. Stress has been laid on the importance of hearing music, as well as composing and performing it, as an essential part of education ; and also upon the value of every corporate kind of musical effort, such as the formation of " percussion bands " and school orchestras as well as choirs, frequent informal concerts, &c., in order that the social benefits of music may be realized more fully. The possibilities of the radio providing a means of imparting direct instruction in nearly all branches of music, especially to schools in isolated districts, must not be forgotten. Many parts of the country yet remain to be visited ; and the use of music in the special schools needs serious consideration, especially as regards the wonderful benefits to be derived from eurhythmies. I have, &c., E. Douglas Taylek, Supervisor of Musical Education. The Director of Education, Wellington.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation not given ; printing (1,225 copies), £96.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 927.

Price, Is. 3d.]

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