A.—3

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" Attendance. —The average returns of attendance for the quarters fully available show that there were 2,027 children on the roll. The following shows the numbers for the past five years : — Year. Lower Group. Northern Group. Total. 1924 .. .. .. .. .. 1,361 367 1,728 1925 .. .. .. .. .. 1,484 370 1,854 1926 .. .. .. .. .. 1,507 380 1,887 1927 .. .. .. .. .. 1,521 403 1,924 1928 .. .. .. .. .. 1,659 368 2,027 " This total for 1928 includes sixteen European children who formed a class of the Avarua School. " At the Catholic Mission school, Rarotonga, there are 182 children in attendance. " Student Teachers.—The policy of training students for future positions has been maintained at the Avarua Normal School. Several students are in their third year of training, and thus will take up teaching positions next year. Many students are from outer islands, where they have not had the advantage of the advice, help, and teaching of European teachers. " Number of students at beginning of year, 11 ; number at end of year, 5 ; dismissed as unsatisfactory, 2 ; to Fiji for medical work, 1 ; placed in positions in outer islands, 3. From the Ist April, 1929, there will be eight students in training. " Native Teachers' Classes. —In the islands of the Lower Group the European headmasters throughout the year conducted classes for the Native teachers in reading, English composition, spelling, nature-study, &c. These classes are held apart from the ordinary school hours. " All the Native teachers were given an examination at the end of the year. Owing to the circumstance of communication, all of these have not been received from the outer islands, but papers already marked show an astounding range in the ability and understanding of the above-mentioned common branches of learning. " The Director of Agriculture conducted and supervised classes in practical and theoretical agriculture for all Native teachers and older pupils one afternoon per week at Avarua School. " Examinations. —An examination of all the pupils in Class 8 in the schools of the Lower Group was held in December. Of the sixty-one pupils, over 50 per cent, were credited as having attained a satisfactory standard in their school subjects. "It is intended that an able senior pupil from each school in the Lower and Northern Group should be selected to attend the Avarua Normal School. This selected group will be given additional and wider training in all the subjects beyond the present course of study as outlined to Class 8, and more in line with the work finally required in the New Zealand primary-school syllabus for S. 5 and S. 6. " From Avarua School, one European and one Native pupil gained proficiency certificates, and two Native pupils gained competency certificates. " Agriculture, Woodwork, Weaving. —As with the Rarotongan schools, the headmasters of Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia, report the continuance of woodwork classes of a practical nature, including the repair of school buildings and furnishings, the making of forms, gates, cupboards, &c. Basketweaving and mat-weaving classes have been continued according to the circumstance of supply of necessary native materials. Practical agriculture and nature-study finds due recognition in the timetables of all schools. Aitutaki reports very extensive additions and improvements to playing-areas and agricultural plots. In all schools staffed by European or Native lady assistants sewing and fancy work is taught. " Buildings and Equipment.—New buildings were erected during the year at Avarua, Titikaveka, Atiu, and Aitutaki. In the latter two cases much of the work was done by community effort and voluntary labour. Desks for certain schools, woodwork tools, and agriculture tools were supplied as needed, and requisite supplies of general school material have been distributed for the year. " Reading-material. —During the year four issues of the local school journal, Te Tuatua Apii, were published and distributed to all schools. At the end of the year arrangements were made for the distribution of additional supplementary reading-material to all schools. " Vernon Reed Shield. —This shield, presented for the promotion of good English in the Rarotongan schools, was this year won by Ngatangiia School. " Pomare Medals. —These medals, a recognition of outstanding progress, good attainment, and leadership, were again awarded in the schools under control of European head teachers. " Athletics. —Games such as cricket, football, and basket-ball are fostered in all schools of the Lower Group. In so far as is possible, inter-school games are arranged. The Rarotongan schools held a combined sports meeting in August, embracing all forms of athletic events. Each school had previously held an individual meeting, and the winners met on this combined day, with the honours going to Titikaveka School. " Dental Treatment.—Treatment of the pupils of the Rarotongan schools was continued by the Dental Officer in charge and the nurse throughout the year. " Medical Treatment. —In conjunction with the course of study in health, practical treatment and demonstrations are given as occasion demands, requisite supplies and dressings being furnished by the hospital." Public Works. The following report of the Officer in Charge, Public Works, covers activities in regard to roads and bridges, public buildings, telephone system, &c. In regard to roads it is hoped to arrange to procure the services of a Public Works Engineer from New Zealand in order to go thoroughly into our road problems, advise as to the construction and repair of both roads and bridges, the metals to be used, the provision of a suitable crushing plant and roller, to lay down a scheme of work, and the estimated cost.