E.—2.

Division C students have a one-year course in College which should be devoted solely to professional study and teaching practice. Several students with a bachelor's degree were disappointed that they were not permitted to study for honours this year, and two students withdrew in order to complete their honours examination before entering the Training College. The remainder were permitted to take a half-honours course, which will be completed during the probationaryassistantship year. The disadvantage of this is that at present there is no guarantee that they will be in schools near the University. It would be advisable for such students to complete the " honours " examination before entering College. University Work.—ln all, 120 students took lectures in not fewer than two subjects. Five students took the course for Diploma of Education. Ten students took an honours course. (This is to be completed in 1937.) The reports furnished by Professors and Lecturers of the University indicate in general a highly satisfactory standard of work. Reports on work of every student for University, Training College, and practising schools were individually examined by the Board of Studies, and a general report covering all has been issued to the various Education Boards for the students of their districts. In a few cases students have been advised to discontinue University work and confine their attention to Training College studies and teaching practice. I am indebted to the Council of Victoria University for library facilities offered to students and staff of the Training College. There has been considerable evidence during the year that this College has availed itself of the privileges and appreciated the generosity of the Council. Practical Training.—The Normal School has rendered highly efficient service in the practical training of students. My thanks are due to the Headmaster and the staff for the fine spirit in which they have carried out their duties connected with student-training at a time when the school was undergoing reorganization consequent on the new appointments. Students have been posted during the year to all the city and suburban primary schools, as well as to the colleges, secondary and technical. I wish to thank all Headmasters and associate teachers for their efficient co-operation in the work of student-training. In this connection I particularly desire to acknowledge my indebtedness for the help given in the first term, when, pending the organization of the College, the schools took charge of the students. As a result of the practical experience gained during the first term, students were the more ready to receive College lectures. I recognize that the posting of students without previous instruction in methods of observation and lesson-preparation imposed a considerable extra burden on Headmasters and associate teachers. The response was a highly creditable evidence of goodwill in the acceptance of responsibility for the training of future teachers. The Headmasters' Association and the Secondary Schools Principals' Association at my request met me and were courteous and helpful in giving valued advice in regard to more effective collaboration between the Training College and the practice schools. Administration and supervision of practical training is a branch of College work which requires strengthening. It entails, in addition to considerable office work, a constant contact by means of visiting lecturers between College and schools. Co-ordination is essential. This department is under the able administration of the-Vice-Principal, Mr. F. L. Combs. I would urge the appointment of a General Methods Lecturer, whose work would be constantly in the schools, and consequently more effective than the half-day visits of subject specialists, who can be freed for only half-day periods.

CHRISTCHURCH. The College reopened in February this year with both first- and second-year students all being in either Division A. or C, no students being admitted in Divisions B and D. It was a source of gratification to the staff to know that teacher-training facilities were restored in all four centres, and to feel that the limitations of the previous three years had been permanently removed. Organization.—Academic : The course of academic training during the year was arranged so that second-year students would complete their final Training College examinations in October, to enable them to devote attention to University studies during November in conjunction with their last period of practical teaching in the schools. Second-year students were in College for twenty weeks, and first-year Division A students for twenty-five weeks. Division C students were in College for twenty weeks. The courses followed comprised subjects leading to the Teachers' Cor B Certificates. Exemption from lectures was granted to students who had already passed in a subject either at the University Examinations or at the Department's examinations held in August in each year. No exemption was granted, however, from attendance at lectures where methods of teaching a subject were being dealt with. Professional Training and Practice Teaching.—The Normal School staff and the associated teachers of the other practising-schools have again given loyal service during 1936. Owing to an increased enrolment of students more schools and teachers were enlisted to do the work. The Headmasters ind teachers concerned have placed at the disposal of the trainees whatever could be offered of successful methods of teaching, together with all practical class-room aids. The fine co-operative spirit shown by all head teachers of primary and secondary schools as well as by the Principal of the Technical College, and the loyal service rendered by associated teachers, have been most gratifying. I would respectfully urge again as I have done before that those teachers selected for this extremely important and onerous work should have their services to Education recognized by some addition to their salaries,

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