E.—2.

used in conjunction with a daytime screen, operates satisfactorily in semi-daylight, thus obviating the necessity for the complete darkening of the room by means of special blinds. The advantages are that the projector can be used in any class-room, the ventilation of the room is not interfered with, while the class can be seen by the teacher and the children can see to take down notes. The Board has decided not to proceed with its scheme until the Department has formulated proposals for the whole Dominion. Instruction in Swimming. —The special effort made by the Otago Branch of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, with the aid of financial support from the Government and the co-operation of teachers, resulted in a phenomenal increase in swimming awards. The figures for 107 schools participating in this district were 694 merit, 746 proficiency, 1,071 learners, and 504 beginners, a total of 3,015.

SOUTHLAND. (Chairman, Mr. S. Rioe.) Special School.—The special class conducted at the Isabella Dryburgh School continues to give good service. Owing to the restricted accommodation, however, it is by no means meeting the needs of the district. Permission was granted during the year to appoint an additional assistant at the Invercargill North School to conduct a class of backward children. The Board is of the opinion that the time has arrived when a special-class teacher should bo attached to the staff of each of the city schools, and it hopes to bring this matter before the Department at an early date. Intermediate Schools.-—Further progress has been made towards the establishment of two intermediate schools in Invercargill. A suitable site has been acquired for the school to be erected in the southern part of the city, and negotiations are in progress regarding a site for a school at the northern end of the city. Owing to the many urgent works in hand it has not been possible for the Architect and his assistant to progress rapidly with the plans and specifications. An endeavour was made to obtain additional assistance, but advertisements in local papers from Invercargill to Wellington met with no response. Physical Instruction.—The Board regrets that no action has been taken towards the appointment of Physical Instructors. It is appreciated that specialists in physical exercises are trained at the teachers' training college, but much of this training is lost to the schools, as to gain promotion these specialists must obtain ordinary positions. The Board trusts that the Government will give this matter its earnest consideration at an early date. Admissions to Training College.—The Board notes with pleasure the amendment to the Training College Regulations whereby admission may be gained after securing a pass in the University Entrance Examination or the School Certificate Examination. The introduction of the Training College Entrance Examination was intended to raise the standard of applicants to the teaching profession, but it must be admitted that it was not successful in this direction. The risk of non-selection after an additional year at a secondary school deterred many promising young people from seeking admission to the profession. School Committees. —The Board wishes again to place on record its recognition of the excellent work that has been done by the School Committees in this district. In isolated cases only is it necessary to appoint School Commissioners, rail Committees being appointed at the biennial election'. This in itself is an indication that parents realize their responsibilities and are taking a keen interest in the school life.

32