E.—2,

28

In conclusion, I wish to again express my Board's appreciation of the hearty co-operation of School Committees in the local administration of education. By their willing help many of the schools have become delightful centres of the social life in the district. A number of school-grounds have been so cultivated and planted out with lawns, and trees, and shrubs that they have been transformed into a park-like appearance, giving an ideal environment for a school. Many Committees, by voluntary efforts, have raised comparatively large sums of money in order to provide septic-tank systems, libraries, improved playing-areas, and facilities, and it is pleasing indeed to note that their relations with the Board have been most cordial. To you, sir, my Board has already conveyed its felicitation upon your taking up the reins of office. We feel that you appreciate that Education Boards have their difficulties, and that we may confidently look to you for help in our service in the interests of the child. I have, &c., S. G. Smith, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

WANGANUI. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the proceedings of the Board for the year ending 31st December, 1928 :—• Board.—Early in the year Mr. D. W. Low, one of the members for the Palmerston North Urban Area, resigned from the Board, the vacancy being filled by the election of Mr. M. H. Oram. Although Mr. Low was a member for only a short period, he evinced keen interest in the work, and his retirement on account of ill health was regretted. At the biennial election, which took place on the 18th July, 1928, Mr. W. Adams was re-elected for the North Ward ; Mr. J. S. Tingey was elected for the South Ward ; Mr. A. S. Coleman was elected for the West Ward ; Mr. W. S. Woodroofe was re-elected for the Palmerston North Urban Area ; and Mr. W. A. Collins was elected for the Wanganui Urban Area. Mr. W. A. Collins was re-elected Chairman. Mr. H. Mclntyre, who was a representative of the South Ward for many years, did not seek re-election. It was with regret the Board learned of Mr. Mclntyre's decision to retire. His long experience in educational and legal affairs, and his outstanding ability, made him a valued member of the Board, and the district owes much to him. Mr. A. Hickford, who was elected in 1927 as a representative of the Wanganui Urban Area in place of Mr. W. W. Hedges, who resigned, did not seek re-election. At an election held on the 28th August, 1928, Mr. R. Dukeson was elected for the North Ward to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. A. J. Joblin. Schools and Attendance.-—New schools were opened at Milson's Line (Palmerston North), Middle Road, Tunanui Road, Murumuru, Waitahinga, and Tuha. The school at Karioi was taken over from the Native Schools Branch of the Education Department. The Otiranui Road, Pukekaha, Taoroa, and Tauangatutu Schools were closed during the year. Efficiency of the Schools.—The report of the Inspectors shows that the estimated efficiency of the schools was as follows : Good to very good, 87 ; very fair, 95 ; fair, 21 ; and weak, 1. This is a distinct advance over the previous year, and the position can be regarded as highly satisfactory. " Adopted " Schools.■—The system of adopted schools has been continued throughout the year, with excellent results. The thanks of the Board are due to the teachers concerned, to whose enthusiasm the success attained is largely due. Organizing Teacher.—The work of the organizing teacher is of a very valuable nature, and is doing a great deal to improve the efficiency of many of the smaller schools in charge of teachers with little experience. The Board's organizing teacher, Mr. T. B. Haydon, has rendered excellent service in this direction, both by means of periodical visits to the schools allotted to him and, in the case of certain Grade 0 schools situated in remote districts, by correspondence. Conveyance and Board of Children.—The total expenditure for conveyance and board allowances was £2,327 ss. lid. The average number of children conveyed was 368, in attendance at fortythree schools, and the average number of children for whom boarding allowance was paid was fifty, in attendance at twenty-one schools. The above amount is made up as follows :— £ s. d. Special grants approved for conveyance of children to six schools 848 5 3 Conveyance allowances, at usual rates .. .. .. 1,052 0 8 Boarding-allowances .. .. .. .. .. .. 427 0 0 £2,327 5 11 Voluntary Contributions.—Voluntary contributions received during the year totalled £1,984 15s. 9d. The main purposes of the contributions were the improvement of buildings and grounds, the purchase of new sites and additional land, the installation of septic tanks, the purchase of pianos, gramophones and records, pictures and special equipment, and the establishment and enlargement of school libraries. Health of Children.—During the year we had the usual epidemics of influenza, measles, whoopingcough, mumps, and chicken-pox, and the attendance at the majority of the schools was seriously affected. The eighth annual health camp was held in November and December. One hundred