Appendix C]

E.—2.

Singing.— ln seventy-two schools singing was taught, and in the bettor schools reached a high degree of excellence. In addition 1" modulator and other vocal exercises, songs in unison, rounds, and part songs are practised. Needlework was taught in sixty-nine schools; in fifty-nine the instruction was efficient. Drill.—ln fifty-three schools drill was considered satisfactory, and in twenty-one others was passable: in nine it was defective: the last-mentioned are all very small schools. ruder the Defence Act, 1909, Hie junior cadets must give fifty-two hours to drill. There are two or three scout troops or patrols in the district, and they seem to be doing good and useful educational work. Hoys from the beginning of the year in which they became twelve years of age until they leave school are now obliged to be junior cadets or to be boy scouts. Regulations under the Defence Act, 1909, were published in March, 1910; according to them, where the number of boys of cadet age is under fifteen, scout patrols must be formed, with " Scouting I'm- Boys," by Sir I!. BadenPowell, as text-book. School games are usually keen ; the grant of free footballs has given a great impetus to that game. Order, discipline, diligence, and obedience are usually very satisfactory. The tone in respect of alacrity and honour varies more from school to school, and depends more largely mi the personality of the teacher and on the manner in which some subjects— e.ij., history and moral instruction —are dealt with. Moral Instruction, Health, ktc. —In addition to the ordinary moral and other disciplinary sanctions of school life, instruction in morality is given through song or recitation, or in set lessons through the School Journal and otherwise: school mottoes hold up constant ideals; a neat and well-ordered environment also furnishes many silent lessons. The most attractive schools are iint iced els&where. The erection of a debating-room at Canvastown also marks an attempt fostered by the teacher. Mr. Hill, to lead the young people after school days to make the best use of their time. Some tuition in the principles 'if health is given in most .schools. Elementary physiology appears as a subject on ilie programme of seven schools. STANDARD VII.—At the dose of the year there were thirty-four on the roll of Standard VII. The following subjects were taught in this standard at one or more schools: Latin, English, higher arithmetic, algebra, geometry, history, geography, agriculture, physiology, ambulance, botany. book-keeping, domestic economy, drawing, shorthand. Good work done in this standard in country schools deserves recognition fr iiu the Department. It is to be hoped that this is possible under section 17, subsection (2), of the Education Amendment Act, 1910. Scholarships. — Twenty-six candidates, from ten schools, entered for the Junior National Scholarship test, and sixteen, from eight schools, were successful. Three snle-leacher schools were represented by those successful. Only two candidates fell below the minimum in arithmetic, and one in English. This is very creditable. It represents a higher percentage of success than the average for the Dominion. The marks in geography and drawing were low, especially in instrumental drawing. Teachers are recommended to study the syllabus in that branch of drawing. The following table indicates satisfactory progress —it relates to the .Junior National Scholarship test: — Number Number who gained Year. of 400 Marks or Candidates. more. 1903 ... ... ... ... ... .. IT 3 1904 ... ... ... ... ... ~. 14 5 1905 ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 5 190G ... ... ... ... ... 21 11 190T ... ... ... ... Hi 8 1908 ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 14 1909 ... ... ... ... 23 10 19)0 ... ... ... ... ... ... 26 l(i Consequent on the passing of the Education Amendment Act. 1910, some slight variation in the Hoard's scholarship regulations is proposed. The Amendment Act enables pupils from private schools to compete for Junior National Scholarships. Pupil-teachers and Probationers. — The programme of study has been that set for the D certificate, and in most schools training in the theory and practice of education is earnestly and conscientiously given by the head teachers. At the close of the year all pupil-teachers sat for D or C or some part of these certificates. Handwohk. —[Remarks on handwork reprinted in E--5, " Manual and Technical Instruction."] APPRECIATION. —The teacher is "the man behind the gun " in the education world. During another year the teaching staff has done its work faithfully, and the high position taken by the primary schools of this district has been recognized by outside critics. The staff therefore deserves the thanks of all interested in the advancement of our district. I have, dec., D. A. Strachax, 31.A., Inspector. The Chairman, Education Board, Blenheim.

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