35

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working. To obviate this disability in some small degree, we have been in the habit of taking round with us specimens of work in drawing, writing, and sewing; but, unfortunately, our time in the very class of school we wish to reach is all too short, and the samples necessarily limited in number; hence, besides the advantage referred to, it seemed to us that such a display would be productive of good throughout the whole district. Towards the close of the year we were able to carry out our project, which we did the more readily by working it in conjunction with the scheme of competitions mentioned above. Further, in addition to handwork from the primary schools, a considerable part of the exhibition was devoted to samples illustrative of the work being carried on in the technical schools. The exhibition was opened in the Nelson Technical School by the Chairman of the Board on the 20th December, seven rooms being required to contain the mass of work forwarded. The exhibits from the technical schools included samples of drawing, painting, and modelling, which called forth general praise; models of plumbers' work, and specimens of woodwork and wood-carving, all indicating excellent lines of practical instruction; while the dressmaking classes furnished further evidences of the good work being carried on in both technical and school classes. From the primary schools we had a very large number of exhibits in drawing, writing, brushwork, plasticine modelling, and woodwork, and last, but not least, some excellent specimens of the products from the school gardens. Although some schools were unable to send forward any exhibit, we still had a most representative collection, as many of our remotest schools had some branch of work on view. In every sense the exhibition must be regarded as a complete success, much of the work displayed reflecting the greatest credit on teachers and pupils. We have to heartily thank the teachers of the district generally for their splendid response to our appeal for exhibits. We also feel deeply grateful to the Board for their co-operation and their support to the movement. At the instance of the Principal of the Wellington Training College, a short winter course of study was held at the College, the object of which was to extend to teachers in small schools, who have had little opportunity for any training, some of the benefits of modern treatment of certain branches of school work. Needless to say, teachers were delighted with the opportunity, and those who were privileged to attend seemed highly interested in the course of work undertaken. We trust that by a continuance of this system many of our teachers will enjoy a similar advantage in the future. By the passing of " The Education Act Amendment Act, 1907," several important changes have been introduced, the chief of which we here call attention to. We note that our educational district will now be entitled to two Junior National Scholarships, at least one of which must be awarded to one of the candidates from schools having not more than forty children in yearly average attendance, should there be a qualified candidate from such schools; while the standard of examination has been raised to subjects prescribed for Standard VI, and the age of a candidate must be not more than fourteen years on the first of the month in which the examination is held. Considerable change, too, has been made in the conditions on which Senior National Scholarships are awarded. Instead of a certain number being allotted to each university district, they are now to be open to the Dominion generally. Again, no further Queen's Scholarships are to be awarded. In regard to continuation classes, we are pleased to find that provision has been made for allowing these classes to be held at any hour on Saturdays. A clause that should urge all uncertificated teachers to become fully qualified provides for a deduction of 5 per cent, from the salary of those teachers who hold only temporary certificates or licenses. Lastly, the attainment by any teacher of the age of sixty-five years becomes a reasonable cause for determination of engagement by the Board. We have been well satisfied with the order, discipline, and tone of our schools, and the fact that in our opinion ninety of the 108 examined proved efficient should, in spite of our criticisms of certain details and the faults we have pointed out for correction, convince the Board that it has every reason to be satisfied with the general conduct of its schools, especially as wherever we have had to assess the quality of the work done the same high standard of excellence as in former years has been demanded. We have, &c. G. A. Hahknbss, M.A., ) T A. Chawford, 8.A., f Inspector". The Chairman, Education Board, Nelson.

GREY. Sir,- — Education Office, Greymouth, 31st March, 1908. I have the honour to present a general report on the schools of the district for the year 1907. Since the Ist June thirty-six inspection visits have been made, besides a number of special visits in connection with new schools and other matters. Thirty-two public and three private schools have been examined, together with the Greymouth District High School, regarding which a special report has already been submitted to you. One hundred and thirty-one pupils presented themselves as candidates for proficiency certificates, and 55 per cent, of these were successful. These figures do not include the Catholic schools, one of which —the Grey Convent School—achieved a measure of success in this direction which is certainly deserving of special mention. Every Standard VI pupil in this school gained a proficiency certificate, and none obtained less than 80 per cent, of the possible aggregate of marks. During my examination of the schools epidemics of measles and influenza were prevalent in the district. Many children were absent from examination owing to this cause, and in some cases