E.—2.

School Committees: Contributions and Allowances.—The Board records its deep appreciation of the work undertaken by the members of School Committees throughout the year. They have displayed a keen interest in the welfare of the children and a general desire to still further improve the environment of the schools. It is hoped that the Government will soon be in a position to assist the Committees by restoring the subsidy system. As far as possible the Board has subsidized the efforts of School Committees in connection with improvements to the school premises. The Minister's action in granting increased capitation allowances to the schools did much to encourage the Committees in their work, and his sympathetic consideration of this question is gratefully acknowledged by the Board. Resignation of Secretary. —During the year the Board accepted with regret the resignation of Mr. E. S. Hylton, Secretary to the Board, who retired on superannuation. Mr. Hylton commenced his service with the Wellington Education Board in June, 1897: In June, 1907, he was appointed Secretary of the Marlborough Board, but returned in July, 1916, when the Marlborough area was absorbed into the Wellington District. He was Assistant Secretary and Acting Secretary for eleven years, and was appointed Secretary in August, 1931. Throughout his long period of service Mr. Hylton worked assiduously in order to promote the welfare of education, and was untiring in his efforts to maintain a high standard of efficiency in the administration of the Board's business. The Board appointed Mr. W. I. Deavoll, Private Secretary to various Ministers of Education, to be his successor.

NELSON. (Chairman, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, M.L.C.) School-grounds—During the year the Board amended the conditions governing the award of environment certificates. It was decided to present a championship shield to the school whose total environment, inside and outside, was considered to be the best in the Nelson Education District, and three grades of certificates—first, second, and third class. At the end of the year the following schools were granted certificates : First class, 6 ; second class, 18 ; and third class, 30. The championship shield, to be held for the year ending 31st December, 1937, was awarded to the Riwaka School. Health of Children—Dr. E. Irwin continued as School Medical Officer until the end of October, when she was transferred to Southland. During the years she was attached to this district Dr. Irwin proved a most zealous officer. She was intensely interested in the welfare of the children. Through lier kindly nature and tactful manner she endeared herself to pupils and parents alike. She was ably assisted by Nurse Doneghue (Nelson) and Nurse Cox (Westport.) Dr. Wyn Irwin relieved until the end of the year, and the Board hopes that a permanent appointment will shortly be made. Owing to the outbreak of poliomyelitis the health camp, which was to be held at Tahunanui, was cancelled. Dental Service.—There were nineteen dental clinics in operation throughout the year. With a few exceptions the whole of the schools throughout the district are now able to receive the services of a Dental Nurse. The central clinic in Nelson is not satisfactory, owing to the loss of time incurred to both patients and nurses. Investigations are at present being made with the object of providing separate clinics at each of the city schools. Physical Instruction.—The Board is disappointed that itinerant Physical Instructors have not again been appointed by the Department. Although practically all teachers pass through the training college and go through a course of physical instruction, they feel the need of the services of specially trained instructors visiting their schools periodically. Many teachers still find difficulty in interpreting the exercises in the new drill manual. If Physical Instructors were attached to each district it would again be possible to hold refresher courses at intervals. Classes in agriculture were held in 119 schools, 1,410 children receiving instruction. The number of children receiving instruction in elementary science was 853, attending at eleven primary schools. Classes in agriculture were also taken at the three country district high schools, science classes being held in six secondary departments. Mr. Cork, Instructor in Agriculture, continued his enthusiastic Work throughout the district, and the improved environment of so many schools is a reflection of the success he achieved. The reinstatement of sewing capitation towards the end of the year was much appreciated. In practically all schools in sole charge of a male teacher the service of an outside instructress was availed of in orddr to provide needlework instruction for girls. Handwork instruction was given in every school, the increased grant from the Department making it possible to make much more liberal supplies of material. Technical Instruction— At Nelson, Motueka, Takaka, Reefton, and Westport technical classes were in operation, and enrolments of pupils continue to be well maintained. Training College Students. —The new method of selecting trainees whereby every applicant was seen by a Selection Committee proved successful. The Selection Committee set up consisted of the Chairman of the Board, the Senior Inspector, and the Secretary. Twenty-nine students were selected from this district and entered either Wellington or Christchurch Training Colleges. All the candidates who secured admission possessed at least a partial pass in the Training College Entrance Examination.

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