E.—s

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brush drawing and cardboard modelling were taken by a number of schools. Materials for teaching form and colour and number work were also supplied by the Board to all schools. The number of pupils receiving instruction in the various branches of elementary handwork at the end of the year was as follows; Preparatory-Standard 11, 5,500: Standard 111-Standard IV, 2,411 : Standard VStandard VI, 1,493; total, 9,404. Woodwork. —In this subject, as in cookery and dressmaking, the classes are taught on what is known as the centre system. Although by no means the most satisfactory method, it is, on account of the cost, the only feasible one. The centres established throughout the district are Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Waipawa, Dannevirke, and Woodville. At each of these places a woodwork-room exists with a complete equipment of tools, &c. It is regretted that matters are not farther advanced in the building of a centre for manual training and domestic science at Napier for primary pupils. Throughout the district improvements are noted both in the character of the work and in the methods of instruction. Mr. E. C. Isaac, Inspector of Technical Schools, in his last annual report called attention to what, in my opinion, is a most serious fault in our woodwork instruction—viz., the lack of variation and originality in the models and exorcises given to the pupils. Most of the models constructed are the same year after year, and are too closely related to courses adopted in English schools. During 1914 an attempt has been made to introduce more variation and originality into the woodwork course, with a fair amount of success, especially in the work of the rural course. The number of classes receiving instruction at the different centres during the year was : Gisborne, .12 ; Napiry, 8 ; Hastings, 6 ; Waipawa, 2 ; Dannevirke, 3 ; Woodville, 3 : total, 34. The total number of pupils under instruction was 775. In order to improve the conditions under which instructors and pupils work alterations arc necessary in the Gisborne and the Dannevirke centres. Both of these rooms need lining, and some system of heating is necessary during the winter months, especially whilst the drawing-lesson is being given. Regarded as a whole the work in this subject has been very satisfactory : the standard of accuracy in models and exercises and of neatness in drawing has been raised above that of previous years. Domestic Science and Dressmaking. —The classes were carried out on much the same lines as the previous year. The course in cookery now includes elementary domestic science, elementary hygiene, and instruction in food values. The pupils of ail classes showed an intelligent appreciation of the work done. As well as the educational value derived from these classes parents have on numerous occasions favourably commented on the practical utility of the instruction both in cookery and dressmaking. The cookery classes were attended by 665 girls and the dressmaking classes by 570 girls. The instructors in woodwork and domestic science have during the past year shown great interest in their work and have been in complete sympathy with their pupils. They have been unsparing in their efforts for the general welfare of their classes, and have been keen to adopt any suggestions for improvement in methods of teaching. It is with very great pleasure that I place on record my appreciation of their energy and enthusiasm in the performance of their duties. As yet no provision has been made for instruction in woodwork, domestic science, and dressmaking at Wairoa. Wairoa is an important centre, though isolated, with a large and growing school, and it is time that something was done to give* pupils in this district some of the educational facilities enjoyed by their more fortunate brethren. A number of the Board's teachers have special qualifications for teaching woodwork and cookery, and if such teachers were appointed to the staff of the school and a building provided the cost of the equipment required to undertake an elementary course in these two subjects would not be prohibitive. •" Elementary Agriculture and Dairy Science. —Owing to the drought, which has been continuous throughout the district since last May, the school-garden work has been very disheartening. Teachers and pupils have laboured conscientiously, but unfortunately with little result. In numbers of cases seeds failed to germinate. The indoor experimental work, both in dairy science and agriculture, has been of a very high standard in the majority of schools. A few schools, however, follow too closely some text-book on these subjects. It is still noticed that the method of recording scientific observations can be greatly improved. A number of teachers record the observations on the board and the pupils are made to enter these in their books. By this method individual effort on the part of the pupil is impossible. The garden tools are well cared for, and the milk-testing apparatus throughout the district is in excellent condition. At the, beginning of the year ninety-two schools had recognized classes in elementary agriculture, including, in some cases, dairy science. Other Classes. —Classes in elementary physical measurements, elementary chemistry and swimming have been conducted at Gisborne and Napier schools. The number of classes receiving instruction in these subjects was : Physical measurements, 16 ; elementary chemistry, 2 ; swimming and lifesaving, 6. Rural Course in District High Softools. —The rural science course approved by the Department is now taken by all first- and second-year pupils in the district high schools. Agriculture, dairy science, and science of common life are taught by Mr. W. Morris, domestic science and dressmaking by Miss V. Hyde, and farm woodwork by Mr. Dandy. The other subjects of the course are taken by the staffs of the different schools. Last year has been the most satisfactory since the inception of the rural course. The standard of work in elementary agriculture and dairy science is that required for the Public Service Entrance Examination. During the year demonstrations were given in budding, grafting, pruning, and the mixing of sprays, by Mr. W. Morris, assistant instructor in agriculture, and the practical work thus demonstrated was performed by the pupils. In the dairy-science work the local factory-managers have been of great assistance to the instructor, inasmuch as they have arranged butter-making demonstrations, &c, for the benefit of the pupils. The orchard at Woodville is looking very promising, and a number of the trees are bearing. During the year the Hastings School