Appendix C]

E.—2.

schools took up solid geometry in lieu of model; ordinary studies in freehand object-drawing should give sufficient practice in the principles of model drawing. In twenty-nine schools plasticine modelling was adopted as a means of self-expression in nature-study, design, and in correlation with other subjects. The standard of former years was well maintained. Needlework. —Sixty-four schools were classed as efficient. Six classes, with a total enrolment of 105, were instructed at the Blenheim manual-training rooms. At six schools in charge of sole male teachers special provision was made under the Manual and Technical Regulations. Subjects under Manual-training Regulations. —Seventy-five schools used manual methods in subjects other than needlework, writing, and pencil drawing. Forty-seven adopted two or more media. Blenheim manual-training rooms (Miss M. Grace and Mr. F. Course). Roll 1912 :—

If the teachers' class in cookery (twenty) and the nurses' class (five) be added, the gross number benefited by these rooms is found to be 401 different students for the year. Agriculture and School-gardening. —Gardening was practised at fifty public and two private schools. A number of gardens indicated real enthusiasm, even where the science was not so observable. Some teachers are taking up the study of insect-pests ; the Department's sheet treating of this subject is a valuable aid. Section 56 of the syllabus should not be overlooked by teachers looking for correlation between gardening and science. School exhibits at shows are frequently* wonderfully attractive and significant of varied interests —flower, vegetable, cookery, &c. Arbor Day and School Improvement. —The following may be mentioned : Crail Bay (18 trees), Havelock Suburban (22), Ocean Bay (200), Rapaura (84), Ugbrooke (26), Marlboroughtown ( grounds planted). In the last case the community, headed by the School Committee, formed a workingbee, and displayed a practical interest in the endeavour to create a beautiful environment. So, too, at Nopera Bay the settlers gave their time and labour, and succeeded admirably in improving the surroundings of the school. Dairy Science. —Practical work was undertaken at three schools. This was a new departure. All three schools will in this way do valuable service in their respective communities. It is a branch of science that should be more widely adopted. Some teachers are inclined to keep the lessons learned at the summer school, like Masonic secrets, religiously hidden from their pupils. Every opportunity should be taken to present to the notice of the children subjects so interesting, both from an educative and from a practical point of view. Swimming and Life-saving (Seven Schools). —Very good use has been made of the municipal baths at Blenheim, where those in office have made a feature of contests that won the interest of the pupils. First Aid and Physiology (Four Schools). —In view of the new regulations for teachers' certificates, this should be taken up more widely. No school is too small for practical treatment of the subject. The course need not be long nor very elaborate, unless it is chosen as the manual-training subject of the year. Other Subjects. —Good work was noticed at the schools mentioned : Sand-tray (1), Scarborough Run; tablet (1), Picton; paper folding, cutting, design, and weaving (5), Blenheim, Springlands, St. Joseph's Infants ; stick-laying (1) ; carton (1), Blenheim ; botany (2), Apple Bay ; blackboard drawing (2), Marshlands and Blenheim ; embroidery (1), St. Joseph's Infants ; natural collections (14), greatest improvement was noticed at Eli Bay, the Pines, St. Lawrence, Waitaria, Endeavour Inlet. Tone, Moral Instruction, Discipline. —These are generally of a very satisfactory nature. Teachers may, however, be advised to refresh their memory by reading at intervals the programme set in " Moral Instruction." This will keep the mind more on the alert for opportunities to derive moral benefit from ordinary school incidents. A number of schemes of work continue to omit reference to this important topic. Carefully detailed courses were noted at Blenheim. Standard Vll. —Two pupils from the Canvastown School succeeded in passing the Civil Service Junior Examination. The following subjects were taught in Standard VII at one or more schools : Geometry, algebra, arithmetic, English, French, geography, history, book-keeping, dairy-work, agriculture, physiology, botany, drawing. Scholarships. —Of seventeen candidates, six were successful. Nine schools presented candidates, and five schools were represented by those that qualified. Four of the scholarships fell to schools of twenty-five to fifty-four in average attendance (Grades II—III). The test in instrumental drawing appears unreasonable when offered as a compulsory subject, especially in the case of girls. When

XXIX

I Cookery. jWoodwork and AT ,, . Drawing. Needlework. Marlborough High School Blenheim, Standard VI Blenheim, Standard V Grovetown Ren wick Fairhall Koromiko and Tuamarina Picton Springlands St. Mary's Boys St. Joseph's Girls 18 17 22 21 23 10 30 10 14 32 29 15 29 23 14 17 14 16 4 21 9 28 25 30 10 Totals .. 165 211 105 I