E.—2.

In view of the projected consolidation of the Education Act, the Board suggests that provision should be made for the direct representation of the districts where schools have been closed on the Committees of the consolidated schools. The election of Committees was held on 13th April, and, while many Committees were returned unopposed, there were several cases where there was keen competition for election. To all members of Committees and to those who retired (in some cases with very long service to their credit) the Board tenders its sincere thanks for their untiring efforts on behalf of the children. Personal contact between a number of Committees and the Board was established by the several official visits paid during the year. These visits have assisted in consolidating the good spirit of co-operation which exists throughout the district. Intermediate-school System. —The Wanganui Intermediate School again functioned most successfully, despite the many unsatisfactory circumstances with which it contended due to the lack of sufficient contributing schools to assure a definite roll number. The fact that the school has maintained its roll is in itself a tribute to the efficient service it is rendering, as during the past two years no less than 43 per cent, of its enrolments has come from schools not classified as contributing schools.

HAWKE'S BAY. (Chairman, Mr. G. A. Maudison.) Ground Improvements.—Much valuable work has been done in the district under the scheme for ground improvements whereby the Department provided the funds for materials, the labour being provided by the Employment Promotion Fund. It was with very great regret, therefore, that the Board learned that the abandonment of this scheme became necessary early in the year, especially as many of the applications submitted to the Department had actually been authorized. It was a great disappointment to School Committees in particular that the work which they were informed would be carried out had not been undertaken. Salaries of Teachers. —The Board noted with interest during the year the adoption of a new scheme of salaries for public-school teachers, and in particular the provision in the scheme for a relative improvement in the salaries of teachers in country schools. It is early yet to say what the effect of the new scheme will be, and whether the objects claimed for it—namely, that it will improve the staffing of country schools, and also reduce the number of staff changes—will be realized. It is admitted that it will take several years for the scheme to settle down, but it can be said even at this stage that there is an indication that the increased salaries for country schools is having the effect of attracting more experienced teachers to positions in the country districts. So far as staff changes are concerned, the regulations have waived the provisions of the twoDecembers clause until 31st January, 1940, the object being to facilitate the change-over from the old order to the new. It would be unfair, therefore, even if it was possible at this stage, to offer any opinion as to whether the new scheme will have the effect of reducing the number of staff changes. In this connection the Board considers that too great a stability of staff in country districts is not wholly desirable, especially in the case of young teachers, who should not be away for too long periods from contact with their fellow-teachers. It has further to be realized that the criticism in respect of staff changes is generally laid against the system of appointment and promotion, whereas the great majority of staff changes are caused by the large wastage of teachers due to resignations, retirements, &c., from the teaching service. Staffing of Schools.—The need for an improvement in the staffing of schools has long been advocated. There are many classes far too large for successful instruction. It is understood that the Department has adopted a scheme for the improved staffing of schools, and that it will be put into effect as soon as a sufficient number of teachers become available. The Board hopes that it will be possible in 1940 at least to improve the staffing in some grades of schools where assistance is most needed. During the past year the shortage of teachers was the most acute for at least the past fifteen years. The services of married women ex-teachers were drawn upon to the greatest extent possible, but despite this it was not possible to keep all schools fully staffed—some sole-charge schools had to be closed temporarily, while other schools were short of assistants. It is expected that in 1939 the position will be greatly improved owing to the action of the Department in increasing the number of entrants to the training colleges in 1937. The Board is pleased to note that the increase in the number of admissions to the training colleges is being maintained, and also that the type of applicant now available is improving. Medical Inspection.—Medical inspection work in the schools has proceeded steadily, and has been carried out by the Medical Officer stationed in the southern portion of the Board's district with the greatest zeal and efficiency. In the northern portion of the Board's district the School Medical Officer is also Medical Officer of Health, and it would appear that there is not sufficient time available for the school medical work to be carried out as hitherto. The reports from the Medical Officers show that the teachers co-operate very fully with the School Medical Officers in their duties, while the follow-up work of the School Nurses is of considerable value in securing for the children the benefit to be obtained as a result of the examinations made by the Medical Officers. Conveyance and Board of Children. —The following is a statement of the number of children for whom conveyance was approved and who were attending school at the end of the year : Number travelling by vehicle for whom capitation was paid, 348 ; number conveyed under contract services, 1,086 ; number conveyed on horseback, 80 : total, 1,514. The figures show an increase of 196 over the previous year. The total expenditure on conveyance for the year was £10,766 14s. 5d., compared with £7,757 3s. Bd. for 1937.

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