E.—2

Staffing of Schools.—The number of uncertificated teachers now employed is very small, and it is expected that in the near future none at all will be employed, except in the case of small aided schools. The Board wishes to express its thanks for the adoption of the recommendation for schools to be graded on the attendances for the year ending 30th September. The amendment has greatly facilitated the staffing of schools at the beginning of the year. The Board desires to point out the serious position that has arisen in the last few years in reference to the unemployment of ex-students of the training college. The Board hopes that means will be devised so as to ensure that students be given permanent employment immediately after they have completed their course of training. Married Women Teachers.—The Board desires to again ask that discretionary power be given to Boards in the matter of the employment of married women teachers. It is the opinion of the Board that it should have the right to decline applications from teachers whose husbands are in a position to support them, especially when there is so much unemployment in the teaching service. The interests of other teachers whose circumstances necessitated their employment would, of course, be safeguarded. Medical and Dental Inspection of Schools.—The Board has placed 011 record its high appreciation of the work of medical and dental officers in the primary schools in this district. Their services must prove of lasting benefit to the children. The Board desires to urge that the needs of rural districts where no dentists are available be seriously considered by the authorities. The Board recommends that additional dental clinics be established and the extension of the travelling-dental-officers system. The travelling dental officer in the North Auckland District has done very fine work in his area, and very gratifying reports have been received from the Committees and parents of schools attended by him. Organizing Teachers.—The efforts of the two organizing teachers employed in the Auckland District have greatly improved the standard of work in rural schools, and the Board asks that their services be retained. " Adopted " Schools.—The scheme of adopted schools has been continued, and has proved to be of very great benefit to teachers who are at a disadvantage in being employed in outlying districts. Special Classes for Retarded Children.—An investigation of Auckland city and suburban schools, made by the Supervisor of Special Classes, showed the necessity for provision to be made for the establishment of additional classes for the tuition of retarded children. The Board is pleased to report that further classes have recently been established at the Onehunga and Richmond Road Schools. Conveyance to Schools.—The Board desires to renew its application for an increase in the regulation allowance for the conveyance of children to schools. In many cases that allowance has been insufficient, and the Board has been compelled to contribute largely towards the cost. General.—The Board desires to again place on record its appreciation of the sympathetic consideration given by the Minister and the Department to the representations made by the Board. 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 continued to show the greatest interest in all school matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools under their jurisdiction. The teachers have done the utmost for the pupils under their care. The Board desires to thank the officers of the Department for the courtesy and attention received in connection with the many requests submitted during the year. The Board appreciates the periodical visits of the departmental officers, and hopes that arrangements can be made for more frequent visits to be paid in future. Such visits can only prove of great benefit. The Board wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of the Senior Inspector and his colleagues, and thanks them for their assistance in promoting the educational welfare of this district. I have, &c., Arch. Burns, Chairman of Board. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

TARANAKI. Sir, — 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 on our proceedings during the year 1928 : — Board Members.—At the biennial election which took place on 18th July, 1928, the Rev. Canon J. L. A. Kayll was re-elected for the Central Ward, and Mr. P. J. H. White and Mr. A. Lees were returned unopposed for the North and South Wards respectively, and Mr. W. H. Jones was elected a member for the Urban District of New Plymouth. Twelve ordinary meetings and one special meeting of the Board were held during the year, and individual members have expended much time in journeying to various parts of the district to report upon matters of administration. Schools.—The following schools were opened during the year : Mohakatino and Patua (Grade 0 schools) ; and Astwood Household, Waikiri (Grade 0) ; Mangakara (31st December), Hurimoana (31st December), and Waitewhena (Grade 0) were closed. Organizing Teachers.—The Board is constantly hearing from parents and others expressions in terms of the highest approbation of the value of the mature experience and wise influence upon the work of country schools of the organizing teachers. Given wider powers and placed in charge of all the schools in a definite area, this popular and efficacious service could quite easily, without

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