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Evening class part-time instruction in commercial subjects has shown continuing development. Almost all centres have sufficient numbers to maintain classes in shorthand and typewriting at both introductory and advanced stages. Classes are also available in almost every centre for the subjects of the Professional Accountants' Examination ; these classes, though often with small enrolments, are invariably attended regularly. The increasing popularity of the Professional Examination has been reflected in a markedly increased demand for part-time instruction over the past three years, Libraries The libraries of all post-primary schools benefited this year from an additional supplementary grant, bringing the total library capitation for the year up to ss. a pupil. Book stocks, in range and quantity, are now showing the valuable results of a firm capitation allowance since 1945. Those schools, however, which had no initial book stock, particularly district high schools, are still under a disadvantage. In this latter group of schools the problem of book storage and accessibility is becoming urgent, as few have even a small, separate room that could be called a library. In January, 1949, teachers were given the opportunity to learn some of the duties and techniques of the teacher-librarian at two refresher courses held in Wellington and Dunedin respectively. The Wellington course emphasized the more technical aspects of library practice ; the Dunedin course covered a wider and more general field. Both courses were eminently successful, and it is expected that school library organization will show immediate beneficial results. The Department wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance and interest of the National Library Service and the Library School in the planning and operation of both courses, and of the various librarians of Dunedin in the operation of the Dunedin course. It is expected that closer co-operation in school library matters between the National Library Service and the Department will be established during the coming year. Two experienced members of the former's staff have been made available at intervals for actual organizing assistance in post-primary school libraries, and some schools have already benefited. A detailed manual of library practice, adapted to school needs, is in course of preparation, and the Buildings Branch of the Department has been in frequent consultation with the National Library Service staff on the planning of libraries for new schools. Sixth Form : Link With the University As much of the work of the Sixth Form is a preparation for University studies, a link between the school and the University is very desirable, and the valuable work of the liaison officers in this connection has been much appreciated. There is now a steady flow of in form at,ion to the schools, so that in most cases intending University students now know quite clearly what subjects they should take for the degree they seek, the particular requirements of each college in regard to the degree, and even which subjects they should take in any particular year. One possible danger arising from the very closeness of this link is that the course chosen may tend to become too narrowly specialized —the intending science student may desire to concentrate entirely on these subjects in Form VI, and thus take no further interest in other cultural subjects. Most Principals are watching this matter very closely, so that there is probably little to fear. Post-primary Bulletins Nineteen ordinary bulletins and two technical ones were produced in 1948, the second year of operation. The topic system has again proved very popular, and the following subjects were covered : Our Living Environment (three bulletins), Government (two bulletins), General English (How to Read, How Words Work, Fact and

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