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and eleven children were taken into camp. Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Lethbridge again placed their beautiful grounds at the .Board's disposal. Mr. Lethbridge erected, at his own cost, a number of hutments as sleeping-quarters for the children, and during wet weather these were much appreciated. Once again the Board desires to place on record its deep appreciation of the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Lethbridge, without whose interest and assistance the holding of these camps would not be possible. To Dr. Elizabeth Gunn and her assistants praise is due for the admirable manner in which the camp was carried on, and the way in which they stuck to their task during adverse weather conditions. Voluntary contributions in cash towards the expenses of the camp totalled £205 10s. Id., and, in addition, liberal donations of foodstuffs were received. To all'donors the Board tenders its thanks. Physical Education. —The reports of the Inspectors indicate that the standard of physical instruction has definitely advanced during the past year. A number of half-day refresher classes for teachers were held by the physical instructor, and it is felt that by this means the teachers in many of the country schools to which it is impossible for the physical instructor to pay regular visits have been enabled to acquire a greater conception of the value of this important branch of school-work. Teachers' Refresher Course. —A teachers' refresher course was held at Wanganui during the last week of the May holidays. The subjects dealt with were music, drawing, school hygiene, geography, agriculture and nature-study, and physical instruction. The course, which was attended by nearly two hundred teachers, was highly successful, and the thanks of the Board are extended to the lecturers and instructors, whose able handling of the subjects allotted to them went far towards bringing about the success achieved. Buildings and Sites. —New schools were erected at Milson's Line (Palmerston North), Makokomiko Valley, and Waipuna. A new building for the accommodation of the secondary pupils, and for Manual classes in cookery and woodwork, was erected at Foxton. A building handed over by the settlers at Murumuru was converted for use as a school. During the year the Marohema School was totally destroyed by fire. This was replaced by the removal to the site at Marohema of the Tauinatatahi School, which had been closed for some years and was unlikely to be again required in the locality. Additions were made to the Ashhurst, Durie Hill, Horopito, Hokowhitu, Lytton Street, Newbury, Tokorangi, Tawhero, Wangaehu, Wanganui East, and Westmere Schools. The Castlecliff School was remodelled and enlarged. Remodciling-work was also carried out at the Ohakea and Otairi Schools. A considerable amount of maintenance-work was carried out during the year, including various improvements, comprising the lining of school-porches, provision of improved lighting in class-rooms, &c. An exceptionally busy year was experienced at the Board's workshop, which was employed to full capacity throughout the year. The gross turnover was £5,164, as compared with £3,367 for the year 1927. The value of the furniture manufactured and issued to schools during the year was £2,217, being an increase of £467 over the previous year. New sites were acquired at Clydesdale and Milson's Line (Palmerston North). A site was donated at Foxton for the new secondary and manual-training building, and at Otairi the site and the school building (which was originally erected by one of the settlers) were handed over to the Board. The Board's gratitude is extended to the donors. Finance. —The annual financial statements are attached hereto. After allowing for cash assets and liabilities the net credit balance at the end of the year was £1,621 15s. Bd. General. —I wish to convey the Board's thanks to members of School Committees for the interest they have displayed in the welfare of their schools, and for their readiness at all times to co-operate with the Board in carrying out improvements to school property ; and to the teachers for the loyal manner in which they have performed their duties. In conclusion, I would like to convey to the Minister and the officials of the Department my appreciation of the courteous attention given to the Board's requirements. 1 have, &c., W. A. Collins, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. HAWKE'S BAY. Sir, — In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, the Education Board of the District of Hawke's Bay has the honour to submit the following report on its proceedings for the year 1928 :• —• The Board. —The only change in the personnel during the year was occasioned by the death of Mr. R. P. Soundy, who had been a member of the Board for eleven years. The Board has placed on record its appreciation of the long and valuable services rendered to education by Mr. Soundy in varying capacities. Mr. H. S. M. Quigley was elected to fill the vacancy. Finance. —The credit cash balance on all accounts at the 31st December, 1928, was £6,392 3s. 4d. Full details under the various headings will be found in the accounts attached hereto. The cost of general administration in 1928 was 5-71s. per pupil in yearly average attendance. It must be stated in this connection that this cost includes administration charges in respect of the Board's workshop and the manual and technical side, to neither of which branch has any special officer been appointed, nor is any special payment or allowance made for services rendered by the Board's staff.