1.—13 a.

"The instruction may be given partly in the nature-study or science lessons, and partly in special oral lessons, or in lessons contained in the reading-books of the higher standards. If this be done, it will not be necessary to allot a separate place for the subject on the time-table. " Very simple preliminary work of the same kind may be done, at the discretion of the teacher, in the lower classes." The Department has every reason to believe that the provisions of this clause have been generally complied with, though doubtless the stress laid on the various portions of the programme outlined depends largely on the personality of the teacher. Even if set lessons are not provided in the time-table, confidence is with good reason entertained that, at the hands of every clean-living teacher of mental and moral worth, the main purpose of the instruction is steadily kept in view, and that, by precept and example, the children of the schools are under permanently persistent and effective influences guiding them them towards the formation and maintenance of good habits, in close association with the necessary knowledge of the related facts. It may be noted, further, that in the " School Journal," published by the Education Department and circulating as a supplementary reader throughout the whole of the Dominion, a course in hygiene, health, and temperance is included in the regular programme of subjects treated, the lessons in this form thus reaching practically every child in attendance of an age to make use of them? The following lessons have already appeared in the Journal under the headings— " Treatment of Burns and Scalds " : Part 111, May, 1907, page 19. " Care of Teeth " : Part I, June, 1907, page 24. " Care of Teeth " : Part 11, June, 1907, page 27. " Care of Teeth " : Part 111, September, 1907, page 119. " Use of Tourniquet" (Article, " Snake-bite") : Part 11, June, 1907, page 18. " Physical Effects of Alcohol" : Part 111, July, 1907, page 65. Note on effects of alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise, on heart: Part 111, November, 1907, page 199. " Care of Bones " : Part 11, February, 1908, page 9. " Why do we Eat? " : Part 11, March, 1908, page 22. " Hydatid Disease " : Part 111, March, 1908, page 43. " Fresh Air " : Part 111, April, 1908, page 85. " Science and Alcohol " : Part 111, May, 1908, page 116. " Hand in Eelation to other Organs " : Part 111, June, 1908, page 157. The means of instruction thus provided are open in the ordinary course to the pupils of every school; but, in addition, "school classes" to the number following have been formed under the regulations for manual and technical instruction, for which capitation payments are made, provided that at least half of the instruction given is of an approved practical character:—■ Physiology, health, and first aid ... ... ... 53 classes. Swimming and life-saving ... ... ... ... 81 „ All of these classes, with the unimportant exception of 7 and 6 respectively, are classes of pupils in attendance at public schools under the various Education Boards. W. J. Anderson, Assistant Inspector-General of Schools.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

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