Appendix C.

E.—2

measures, and in all classes repeated exercise hi long tots till mechanical accuracy is secured. Partly as a test of accuracy, exercises in mental arithmetic have been again applied in Standard IV and the lower classes, and the greater attention now paid to this branch has probably had a beneficial effect upon the general arithmetic. At least half the tests given were readily solved in all classes except Standard 111. Next to Standard 111. the First Standard found the greatest difficulty with the oral work. The exercises were also selected to test, without laying an undue stress upon the memory, the child's knowledge of tiie year's work, and some curious results were noted. Several who worked similar exercises on slate or paper readily enough, failed completely at mental work, but the converse also held true, for some did the mental tests well, though they had been altogether unsuccessful with the written work. Handwork and Manual-training Classes. —The following list, shows the number of classes that have been recognized in the various branches of elementary handwork, which has this year been taken in forty-eight schools, as compared with thirty-seven in our last return ; Plasticine modelling . . .. . . . . .. .. 38 Brush drawing .. .. 15 Paper-folding .. .. .. .. .. 12 Free-arm drawing .. .. LO Bricklaying .. .. .. .. 10 Cardboard modelling .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Needlework .. .. .. .. .. 8 Fifty-one schools have received instruction in manual training. A special centre for cookery was established at Motueka, and classes for instruction were instituted for Motueka District High School, Riwaka, Brooklyn, Lower Moutere, and Whakarewa. The number of classes taking the various branches of work was as follows :— Classes. Ironwork ~ .. 7 Woodwork .. .. ..11 Cookery .. .. .. 21 Elementary agriculture .. .. 36 Physiology and first aid. . . . .. .. 18 Swimming .. .. .. 17 Physical measurements . . . . .. .. 8 Elementary chemistry .. .. .. .. .. 2 Dairy-work .. .. .. .. .. ..11 These numbers show an increase of ten classes over those in operation during the previous year. Good work continues to be done at the special centres —in ironwork at Westport ; woodwork at Nelson. Wakefield, and Reefton ; and cookery at Nelson, Westport, Reefton, Wakefield, and Motueka. In some of the handwork subjects the tendency is still to regard them as independent subjects. While this continues their full benefit on the general school-work will be minimized. Our experience in this matter has been similar to that of some other districts- —namely, that the conditions laid down for taking up these subjects in a school —chiefly the specific time that has to be. devoted to them — made them come to be regarded as distinct in themselves. Until they are looked upon mainly as methods of instruction, useful as aids in the teaching of many of the primary subjects, their true value will not be appreciated. Military drill in schools has. hitherto been conducted with good results upon the bearing of the lads, and upon the discipline and tone of the schools. Under the direction of Colonel Loveday, the organizing officer, the course of work, though from the first too ambitious in scope, was carried on with a zest and enthusiasm that infected the lads, created a health)' esprit de corps, and stimulated and enlivened many departments of school life. As to the continuance of military drill in schools, considerable uncertainty appears to exist in the minds of teachers, arrangements hitherto in force having terminated at the end of December. i The Education Amendment Act of 1912 makes military drill in schools no longer compulsory for boys, but those between the ages of twelve and fourteen may receive such instruction where there is an approved instructor on the staff —that is, an officer of the Territorials or Senior Cadets, or one who held under tiie regulations in force last year an appointment as an officer of Junior Cadets. The Board has accordingly recognized eighteen of its larger schools, in which an equipped company or detachment existed, as schools in which military drill is to be continued. The drill is to be subject to the inspection of an officer appointed by the Commandant, but matters pertaining to military drill will still be under the control of the Education Department, who will issue regulations, corresponding directly with the Board and not with Cadet officers as hitherto. As usual, we make brief references to changes brought about by* amending legislation during the year. From the Education Amendment Act of 1912 we note the following: (1.) A Senior National Scholarship may be held at any affiliated university college, and not merely at the college of the university district to which the scholar belongs. (2.) The Minister may disestablish any district high school in which there are less than twelve pupils holding proficiency certificates, or disestablish any district high school if he considers that sufficient means of secondary instruction arc already provided in the same district by another district high school, or by a day technical school, or by a secondary school providing free places under the regulations. (3.) The Minister may disestablish any day technical school in which there are less than forty pupils, or if he considers that sufficient means of similar instruction are already provided. (4.) Provision is made for physical drill according to regulations, and for the appointment of a Director and Inspector of Physical Training. (5.) In the case of an appeal by a teacher in a secondary school against dismissal or suspension, the Teachers' Court of Appeal is constituted. (6.1 Provision is made for Medical Inspectors to enter any public school

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