Appendix A.I

E.—2.

XXV

more important works undertaken during the year were new schools at Fortification and St. George ; re-erection of the school building at Ardlussa which was destroyed by fire ; additions to schools at Half-moon Bay and Waimahaka ; the erection of a new residence at Redan Valley ; and the erection of a new building at Ryal Bush to replace the one condemned. The school buildings at Wendon Valley, Greenvale, Waikaka Valley, East Chatton, Maitland, Waikaka, Mokoreta, Redan, Invercargill Middle, Tisbury, Drummond, Limestone! Plains, Opio, Nightcaps, Aparima, Waikouro, Fairfax, Gladfield, Arrowtown, Bluff, Crown Terrace, Croydon, Feldwick, Kcnnington, Macetown, Riversdale, Scott's Gap, Waimahaka, Waimatuku, Wairio, Wallacetown, West Plains, and. Woodlands have been renovated. Nearly all the new buildings and additions ereoted during the year have been carried out- by the Board's staff of workmen. This departure from the contract system has proved, a success, the saving in cost being considerable, and will justify the Board in continuing the practice. Tin; whole of the repairs and painting have been carried out by the Boarel's workmen. With an up-to-date workshop and a competent staff of workmen under the direction of the Architect, the Board is now manufacturing its own desks, blackboards, and generally all the furniture required for school purposes. During the incoming year the Board will be called upon to face a large expenditure in connection with the installation of the town schools with the new sanitary sewerage system, anel in the opinion of the Board special grants should be made by the Department for it. Finance. —The receipts of the Board from all sources, exclusive of the credit balance of £3,233 1,75. Bd. carried forward from last year, amounted to £81,926 I.os. 6d., and the actual expenditure to £81,755 ss. 2d. The actual balance te> the credit of the Board's account at the close of the year was £3,405 3s. In view of the prospective expenditure in replacing worn-out buildings the Board has practised the strictest economy. Conclusion.- —The Board desires to thank the Minister and officers of the Department for the courtesy and consideration it has received on all occasions in the various matters requiring attention during the past year and the School Ce>mmittees and teachers of the district for their cordial oe>evpe.ration. I have, &c, Dunoan Gilchrist, Acting-Chairman. The Hem. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

IV—E. 2 (App. A..)