Appendix A. |

E.—2.

XI

SRfT ßuildings. —Grants were expended in the erection of new school buildings at Ngaio, Tablelands, Plimmerton, Whareama, Matahiwi, and Kaiwaiwai (after destruction by fire); and of additions at Masterton, Karori (infants), Reikiorangi, Rongokokako, Mungaroa, and Kahutara. The reconstruction of the Johnson ville School on the new site was completed, and that of Eketahuna School on the new site begun. Residences were provided at Kaiparoro, Wainuiomata (renewal), Alfred ton, Waterfalls, Pongaroa, and additions to four others. The periodic overhaul was undertaken at eighteen schools and residences. Conveniences were renewed at six schools, and fencing at five, in addition to a large number of minor renewal works. In the course of the year the Board had the misfortune to lose by' fire the old school at Greytown, which had again come into use for secondary and science purposes. Subsidies. —The Board continued to assist by subsidy on local contributions for approved purposes the efforts of School Committees to improve the school premises or grounds, to establish and improve school libraries, and to jiurchase extra apparatus for use in schools. Thus subsidises on moneys locally raised yvere granted to twenty-eight school libraries ; subsidies also assisted to provide a milk-tester, a good microscope, extra implements for agriculture, fittings and apparatus for science. The Board greatly appreciates the extension of library privileges by the City Council to an additional school in the city. It is observed with pleasure that the number of schools is increasing at which efforts have been made to beautify and improve the school-grounds. In this connection the Board brought before School Committees and teachers the benefits arising from a faithful observance of Arbor Day. While in some districts the opportunity was neglected, in others well-considered plans were adopted and local enthusiasm aroused, with results highly creditable alike to Committees and teachers. Pictures. —The Board has continued its policy of endeavouring to cultivate in the children attending its schools an appreciation of the beautiful in art. Copies of pictures, selected with care for artistic merit, have been framed and sent one each to our largest schools in and near the city, and others will soon be sent to the larger schools in the outlying parts of the district. Committees are also encouraged by subsidy to frame other good pictures and to provide fresh books for the school library. Receipts and Expenditures. —The year began with a credit balance of £3,568 13s. 9d. The receipts were £125,957 6s. lid., the disbursements £125,210 15s. Id., leaving a credit balance of £4,315 ss. 7d. Reports. —Reports of the Inspectors* and of the Principal of the Training College! are attached. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. Robert Lee, Chairman

HAWKE'S BAY. Sir,— Education Office, Napier, 31st March, 1913. In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, the Education Board of the District of Hawke's Bay has the honour to submit the following report of its proceeding during the year 1912 : — Board. —At the annual election Messrs. M. McLeod (North), W. G. Hunter (South), and C. M. Whittington (Middle) were re-elected, the last-mentioned unopposed. In December, Mr. J. R. Kirk (North) was elected, vice Mr. G. Darton resigned. The following was the membership of the Board at the end of the year : North Ward, Messrs. W. Morgan, M. McLeod, and J. R. Kirk ; Middle Ward, Messrs. C. M. Whittington. G. F. Roach, and J. H. Sheath ; South Ward, Messrs. W. G. Hunter, R. B. Ross, and Rev. A. Grant. At the August meeting Mr. C. M. Whittington was re-elected Chairman. The Rev. Grant, Messrs. W. Armstrong, and W. G. Hunter represented the Board on the Dannevirke High School Board of Governors ; Messrs. .1. H. Sheath and S. McLernon on the Napier High School Board ; Messrs. Sheath and McLernon on the Board of Managers of the Napier Technical Association ; and Messrs. C. M. Whittington, W. G. Downes, and W. J. Pellow on the Board of Managers of the Waipawa Technical Association. Number of Schools. —The number of schools in operation at the end of 1911 was 125. During 1912 new schools were opened at Glenbrook, Haupouri, Wharerata, Poututu, Kereru, Lower Hangaroa, Ahititi, Huanui, Pourerere, Omakere, Maraetotara, Port Awanui, and Twyford, while the schools at Totangi, Glenbrook, Eskmount, Poututu, Wharerata, and Morere were closed, leaving 132 schools in operation at the end of the year. Attendance. —The average roll and attendance for the several quarters and for the year were: — Average Average Percentage Roll. Attendance. of Attendance. March quarter .. .. .. .. 10,645 9,710 91-1 June quarter .. .. ..10,726 9,616 89-6 September quarter .. .. 10,858 9,521 87-6 December quarter .. .. ..11,077 10,048 90-7 Year 1912 .. .. 10,829 9,724 89-7 Year 1911 .. .. .. 10,423 9,223 88-4 Increase in 1912 .. .. 406 501 1-3 Considering that severe epidemics of mumps, scarlet-fever, and influenza prevailed during practically the whole of the year, particularly during the June and September quarters, the Board is of opinion

* See Appendix C. t See Appendix D.