E.—s.

the ordinary work more interesting and definite. Thus, a good deal of the arithmetic and drawing may be mastered by the intelligent application of stick-laying and brick-laying; modelling in plasticine may be used in conjunction with drawing, nature-study, and geography; and paperfolding, carton-work, and cardboard modelling are similarly valuable in connexion with arithmetic, mensuration, and geometrical drawing. At the Saturday class for teachers the subjects taken were brush drawing and carton-work, as for the D and (' examinations. This class was well attended by teachers of distant schools, and it is hoped that not only the teachers themselves, but also the children under their care, will derive considerable benefit from the work done. A word of praise is due to those who, at considerable self-sacrifice, have undertaken the conduct of special classes, for any remuneration they have received is very slight compensation for the labour and loss of time entailed. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1912. in respect of Special Classes conducted at Greymouth and Totara Flat. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Capitation on classes .. .. .. 25 1 6 Balance at beginning of year .. .. 193 12 2 Training of teachers .. .. .. 140 0 0 Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 75 17 9 Fees .. .. .. .. 13 2 6 Office expenses (including salaries, stationery, Voluntary contributions .. .. .. 8 0 0 &c.) .. .. .. .. .. 39 18 0 Sales .. .. .. .. 23 11 6 Advertising and printing .. .. 416 0 Orazing-rights .. .. .. 210 0 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 016 11 Balance at end of year .. .. 135 6 6 Material for class use .. .. 14 4 5 Teachers' travelling-expenses .. 14 16 0 , Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. .. 3 10 9 £347 12 0 j £347 12 0 P. F. Daniel, Secretary.

WESTLAND. Extract from the Report of the Education Board. The following technical- and manual-instruction classes have been in operation : (1.) Physiology and hygiene A teachers' class was in operation for thirteen weeks, and was attended by thirtyseven teachers. (2.) Correlation of handwork with other subjects—A teachers' class conducted for thirteen weeks. (.'!.) Elementary agriculture—Three schools. (4.) Physical measurements — Hokitika secondary class (boys). (5.) Physiology—-Hokitika secondary class (girls), ((>.) Handwork classes Thirteen schools. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December. 1912, in respect of Special Classes conducted at Hokitika. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d Balance at beginning of year .. .. 6112 Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 35 14 0 Balance at end of year .. .. .. 48 14 9 Lighting, heating, and cleaning .. .. 9 8 0 Material for class use .. .. 12 4 5 I Travelling-expenses of teachers .. .. 52 9 6 fc-109 IS 11 £109 15 11 ChaS. Kirk, Secretary.

NORTH CANTERBURY, Extract from the Report of the Education Board, The average attendance of pupils at the Christcliurch centres has increased from 772 to 832 in the case of woodwork, and from 778 to 829 in cookery, while in laundry-work the numbers have been more than maintained. The new centre at Sydenham has greatly facilitated the arrangement of classes—a matter previously of great difficulty—and made it possible to extend the benefits of manual training to schools outside the immediate district. The establishment of an additional up-to-date centre in the east of the city is urgently needed in order to provide for the large schools in or adjacent to that locality, whose pupils at present are accommodated in an unsuitable building at the Normal School. As regards the Christchurch Technical College, the steady growth slmwn during recent years has been maintained, provision having been made for instruction in a large number of subjects. The additional accommodation available has contributed greatly to the convenient working of the institution, which is deservedly well supported by the several public bodies, as well as by trade organizations representative of many important industries. The examinations held iii connexion with the City and Guilds of London Institute are regarded as unsuitable, and in future, so far as some subjects are concerned, no special provision will be made for the students to prepare for such examination. The Board would draw the Minister's attention to the hope expressed in the Director's report that the Department will itself eventually cany out the necessary examinations in New Zealand. In reviewing the work done at the several country centres it is convenient to include reference to technical classes, the two forms of training—manual and technical —being closely associated in 'he Committees' reports. At Ashburton a very satisfactory development has taken place under the supervision of Mr. A. Moore, the new Director. Not only has there been a considerable

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