E.—2.

The Board's quota for 1937 was fixed at sixty-three, but thirty-seven additional students were admitted on behalf of districts where there were deficiencies. The Selection Committee was impressed with the number of superior applicants applying under the relaxed conditions. Their personality and general suitability placed them ahead of many of those who had a pass or partial pass in the Training College Entrance Examination, and who, because of this qualification, received preference in admission. The time appears opportune for reviewing the conditions of admission, particularly in view of the fact that many young men of eighteen years and over, debarred through age from following a business career, may now turn their thoughts to teaching as a profession.

SOUTHLAND. (Chairman, Mr. S. Rice.) During the year it was found necessary to employ two superannuated teachers, eighteen married women ex-teachers, and two uncertificated teachers in schools above Grade 0. The thanks of the Board are due to_ the Otago Educational Board for arranging for twelve teachers from the Otago District to take relieving-work in this district. It appears that it will be again necessary next year to obtain teachers from other districts, and also to employ married women ex-teachers as relieving teachers. Technical Instruction.—Technical classes in dressmaking were conducted during the year. These were successfully organized by the Southland Centre and branches of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. The number of classes was eighty-one, of which sixty-six were day and fifteen were evening classes. Students attending totalled 964, and two itinerant Instructors were employed throughout the year. Agriculture, Science, ancl Nature Study— Towards the end of the year an additional Agricultural Instructor was appointed. All schools will be visited by Instructors at least twice during the year, and in addition much greater assistance is being rendered towards the boys' and girls' agricultural clubs movement as regards organization, judging of competitions, &c. Swimming. Instruction in swimming for all Standard IV pupils in Invercargill schools has continued to be carried out at the Municipal Baths. The thanks of the Board are again due to the Educational Officer, Southland Swimming Centre, for his interest in and assistance rendered to school pupils. The Board trusts that the capitation grant for instruction in swimming will be restored at an early date. Health Gamp. —The health camp at Omaui was again open, there being two terms of four weeks each. The number of children attending each term was fifty-two, and very beneficial results were obtained. Refresher Classes.—During the year refresher classes in music, art, nature study, and physical instruction were held at Invercargill and Gore, and were well attended by teachers. It is hoped that it will be possible to arrange for further classes of this nature, which are of great benefit to the teachers and to their schools. School and Class Libraries. —As in the previous year, the special grant provided has been applied to the purchase of continuous readers for lower-grade schools. It is hoped that arrangements may be made for country schools to obtain books from the Juvenile Department of the Invercargill City Library. Radio in Schools—A commencement has been made with the installation of receiving-sets in schools, and indications are that there will be a considerable increase in the number of machines installed. The use of radio as an aid to instruction in schools is becoming more appreciated.

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