Appendix B.]

E.—2.

Organization.- —The following table shows the percentage of pupils at each stage, with a comparison of the record for the Dominion :—

It will be observed that the proportion in Class P. tends to diminish and that in Standards VI and VII to increase. The following statistics summarize the organization of convent schools :— Poll Present at Examination in Dooembor. Standard VII .. .. .. .. 42 37 VI .. .. .. .. ..80 71. V •.. .. .. .. ..103 -102 IV 99 95 111 .. .. .. .. ..119 116 II .. .. .. .. ..134 122 I .. .. .. .. ..127 115 Preparatory .. .. . . . . 411 387 1915 total. .. .. .. .. .. 1,115 1,045 1914 total. .. .. .. .. .. 1,124 In private schools the aggregate roll was 470 ; number present at examination, 443. Instruction. —A summary of the various reports issued, during the year to the several schools shows that in reading, spelling, writing, recitation, arrd arithmetic progress and efficiency have beerr fully maintained. The syllabus defines the scope of grammar in general terms. This is a subject in which a more definite minimum requirement would be welcomed by many teachers ; a survey of modern text-books in English reveals great diversity of opinion as to suitable schemes. There is much more variety in the treatment of the supplementary subjects—geography, history, drawing, science, and handwork. In general, drawing, handwork, and science in relation to gardening receive highly satisfactory interpretation. As a sample of special work attempted in the gardens, it may be mentioned that Mr. Speight, of Petane, experimented with seventy plots of mixed grasses, to see which gave the best crops (a) at maximum, (b) for the season, and to note which survived in the struggle for existence. The high value of the different species of legume was very noticeable. The female teachers have also improved their schemes in domestic science—including needlework, domestic hygiene, and scientific cookery. In many schools really valuable work is done in this connection. The patriotic enthusiasm aroused by the war has caused many of the senior girls to undertake ambitious programmes in practical applied needlework, with excellent results. Schemes in geography are at times either over- or under-elaborated ; where, over-elaborated the details occupy so much space that the skeleton programme is lost to view, and the teacher is apt to stray in specializations that aro foreign to the needs of a primary system. More attention has been given to history, and more solid progress has been made. The offer of prizes by the Hon. Dr. McNab has greatly stimulated interest in the subject, and the books awarded —copies of " From Tasman to Marsden " —should have the effect of turning more minds to the study of the history of our own country. Much of the singing in our schools is of a very pleasing character, and instruction is such as to result in the attainment of good vocal quality. The concerts organized in the chief centres at the end of the year aro from this cause sometimes of exceptional interest. Elementary handwork is used under various forms to cater for the motor appetites of the children, and many studies significant of good taste or inventive design suggest that the teachers are more and more appreciating the educational value of these modes of expression. The marks awarded by Mr. Loten to S6 candidates taking woodwork and cookery show that very satisfactory progress is being maintained. Instruction in swimming has been attended with splendid success, large numbers of children having learnt the art, and excellent distance records having been attained. The regulations and conditions governing payment of capitation are well observed. Physical Culture. —Mr. Roydhouse has been stationed in this district and is doing important work among the schools. Not his least valuable effort is the class formed in Napier, during the summer

iii—E. 2 (App. b.)

XVII

Roll. Percentage of Enrolment, 1915. Percentage of Dominion, 1914. Standard VII VI v IV III II I Preparatory 190 825 1,216 1,389 1,653 1,617 1,605 4,287 ) 1 -49 i 6-45 ! 9-51 ■ 10-87 I 12-93 12-65 > 12-56 33-54 I -36 6-05 9-08 10-80 12-01 12-26 12-11 36-33 Total 12,782