E.—4

I regret to say that the school has lost by resignation the services of Miss E. G. B. Bowden, assistant teacher in charge of the special class in Dunedin. Miss Bowden was an able and conscientious teacher, and I greatly regret her departure from the service. lam glad to report that the special class in Wellington was reopened last June. This was made possible by the recovery from a prolonged illness of Miss R. M. A. Grant, teacher in charge. Of the work of the school during the year I can with some confidence say that it maintained the standard of former years. Those pupils who left last December have found employment in various occupations. Two or three are on farms, one is employed gardening, and one is in the sorting-room in the Post Office. During the year the usual curriculum was followed, the highest class doing work similar to that of the Fifth Standard in a public school. Recently the school was visited by Sir. W. W. Bird, Chief Inspector of Primary Schools. I am, &c., The Director of Education. J. M. B. Crawfobd, Director. Expenditure on the School foe the Deaf, 1926-27. £ s. d. £ s. d. Salaries.. .. . .. .. .. 5,698 17 2 Advertising, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 7 12 9 Maintenance of pupils and sundry expenses .. 2,040 9 3 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. 298 4 5 Maintenance of buildings, furnishings, &c. . .. 205 13 8 8,250 17 3 Less parental contributions and amount received from Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards .. .. 2, 280 10 7 Sales of farm-produce .. .. . . .. 2 14 11 National endowment .. .. .. .. 213 0 0 2,496 5 6 Net expenditure .. .. .. .. £5,754 11 9 The net expenditure for the year 1925-26 was £5,843 10s. 6d.

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