FEWER PUPILS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 989, 4 June 1930, Page 1

FEWER PUPILS

SCHOOL ROLLS IN PROVINCE SHOW DECREASE EDUCATION BOARD’S WORK A decrease in the total number of children attending: schools under the control of the Auckland Education Board during 1929, as compared with the total in 1928, was shown in the annual report of the board, presented by Mr. A. Burns, chairman, this morning. At December 31 of last year 36,204 boys and 32,662 girls were receiving instruction, a decrease of 110 in the total. The average attendance for the year was 61,389, as against 67,924 in 1928. On the other hand, the number of schools had increased, now standing at 772, an increase of 103 during the last 10 years. Hope was expressed that the board would be given authority shortly for the provision of accommodation urgently required at several schools, which works have been deferred until the department’s policy regarding post-primary education has been determined. A large sum was spent during the year on the erection of new buildings, and in providing additional accommodation where required. A considerable sum has again been contributed by the board toward this expenditure. In former years a policy of rebuilding every year one of the oldest schools in each of the larger centres was carried out, but this has been dropped of late. The need for more teachers’ residences is becoming acute, especially in the country, and the board has found it difficult to staff certain schools owing to a lack of suitable accommodation. Practically every house provided in the district is now occupied, and the board urges the increase of grants for this purpose by the Education Department. Keen interest is shown by school committees throughout the district, and last year about £ 6,000 was raised for the establishment of libraries and improvements to grounds. This expenditure is not covered by the board's finances, and could not have been undertaken, as the expenditure of £887,633 exceeded income by £135. TRAINING TEACHERS Teachers in training at the Training College here numbered 372, being 2 55 women and 117 men. The question of the unemployment of ex-students of the Training College, particularly for the first six months of the year, still continues to give the board the greatest concern. The secondary departments of district high schools continue to give most efficient service in providing for the post-primary education of children of country districts. Full passes in the matriculation examination were obtained by 117 pupils, 161 passed the Public Service Entrance examination, and four obtained full passes for the whole of the teachers’ “D” certificate examination. Attendance still continues to increase. A steady improvement continues In the staffing of schools, and now the few uncertificated teachers employed are largely in aided schools. The scheme of adopted schools inaugurated by the senior inspector, a highly efficient school adopting one or more small schools, has proved sound and beneficial and has been taken up with enthusiasm. CARING FOR HEALTH Good work is being done by the medical and dental officers, and additional clinics established at Pukekohe. Waihi, Te Aroha, Otahuhu. Whitiora, Matamata. Onehunga and Te Kuiti. Greater stress is being laid on practical manual and handwork training. There are now 470 primary schools recognised agricultural courses, the total number of pupils trained being 17.195. Thirteen schools with 1.033 pupils have a recognised science course. Part-time teachers conduct dressmaking classes in 17 district high schools. Domestic science classes were attended by 5,332 children last yesir, and woodwork instruction was received by 5.620 pupils.