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No. 4.—SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, RICHMOND. ANNUAL REPORT OF MATRON. Sir,— The number of children on the school roll as at the Ist April, 1926 was seventy - seven. This number included three temporary admissions and two on vacation. During the year twenty - five admissions took place —seventeen temporary admissions and eight new pupils. Twenty-two left, including all temporary admissions, making a total of 103 persons passing through this period. The school-work has progressed satisfactorily, the girls receiving instruction in all branches of needlework, cane and raffia and marquetry work. This feature of school-work is developing on good lines, apparent in the increase of orders received during the year for this class of work. The older girls are also being trained in various domestic and gardening work, and, as in other periods, the assistance received from this source is very valuable. The games and recreation section has been very beneficial in making for improved general alertness and activity of movements amongst the pupils. We are, as formerly, indebted to Mrs. Morrow for the use of a furnished house at the seaside (Tahuna), enabling all the children to have a holiday at the seaside. The Nelson Gala Committee also entertained the children at Nelson on Gala Day. These kindnesses are much appreciated by all concerned. The children attend Divine service at the local Anglican Church, and the Rev. Mr. Daynes, Vicar of Richmond visits and imparts religious instruction to the children one day weekly. Mr. Parker and nurse of the schools dental clinic visited the school during the year, examining the teeth of the pupils and carrying out all necessary dental work. The health of the pupils has been satisfactory, no case of illness occurring during the year. I am, &c., L. F. Williams. The Director of Education.

No. S.—SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, SUMNER, REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. Sir, — I have the honour to lay before you my report for the year ending 31st March, 1927. Data relating to the number of pupils on the roll is set out in tabulated form hereunder : — Boys. Girls. Total. Pupils on the roll as on Ist April, 1926 .. . . .. 57 56 113 Admitted during the year .. . . . . ..14 9 23 Left during the year .. .. .. . . 11 4 15 Resident pupils, 31st March, 1927 . . .. .. 51 50 101 Day pupils, 31st March, 1927 . . . . . . 7 10 17 On the roll but temporarily absent . . .. 2 2 4 On the roll as on 31st March, 1927 .. .. 60 62 122 The numbers attending the special classes in connection with this school in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin as on 31st March, 1927 were — Auckland. Wellington. Dunedin. Children .. . . .. .. 23 26 28 Adults .. .. .. .. .. 25 20 12 From my personal observation of these special classes I am satisfied that good work was done in the cure of speech-defects, in the treatment of stammering, and in the instruction of the adult deaf in the art of lip-reading. The Christchurch class for the adult deaf carried on unofficially by two assistant teachers and myself had an average attendance of eighteen. It is gratifying to report that the health of the pupils during the year was very satisfactory, no break in the work of any consequence having been caused by sickness. During the year a new sleeping-out shelter for the boys was erected adjacent to the Boys' Home. Its erection has relieved the congestion in the old shelter and has provided accommodation to meet the probable requirements of some years to come. I regret to record that last December Miss H. Heinzmann, assistant teacher, met an untimely death by the explosion of petrol. I greatly deplore her loss, as she gave promise of becoming an efficient teacher. Her place on the stafi has been taken by Miss Doris Field.