Appendix A.]

E.—2.

given and at the end of the year 1916, also the number of children on the rolls, the approximate number in average attendance, and the percentages of attendance: —

School Staffs. —There were 969 teachers in the Board's service at the end of 1916. Of these, 373 (165 males and 208 females) were head teachers or in sole charge; 478 (73 males and 405 females) were assistants; and 11.8 (26 males and 92 females) were pupil-teachers. There were in addition 82 (7 males and 75 females) probationers and 25 sewing-mistresses in small schools in charge of male teachers. Manual and Technical Instruction. —During the year the increase in attendance at the Christchurch classes has further accentuated the need of an additional centre. In domestic science the work of Standard V classes has improved as a result of the extra quarter-hour given at each lesson, besides providing more facilities for housewifery. The introduction of breadmaking as part of home science and of metal-work in combination with woodwork, both vocational subjects, has increased the interest of the pupils in their work. The classes at outlying centres have been continued on much the same lines as in previous years, those at Ashburton, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Temuka, Timaru, and Waimate having well maintained the high character of work done in a multiplicity of subjects. As regards the teachers' classes held in Christchurch, owing to the small support accorded cookery and woodwork the Board has discontinued these subjects, in both of which, it may be remarked, students in training have opportunity of receiving instruction. Owing to the amalgamation of districts it became necessary to appoint a Supervisor whose whole time would be available for the direction and supervision of the work, a change to the necessity of which Mr. Howell, the Board's Director, himself drew attention, although involving his own retirement. For the past ten years Mr. Howell has discharged his duties with much success, his ability as organizer and Director of the Christchurch classes having been especially noteworthy. The appointment of Supervisor has been.given to Mr. Ritchings Grant, whose long experience, (in South Canterbury and elsewhere) and enthusiasm for the special duties to be undertaken are a guarantee that every endeavour will be made, to co-ordinate the work with the ordinary school subjects and place the classes throughout the whole district on a satisfactory basis. Training College. —During the past year the enrolment of students (forty-six second-year and sixty-nine first-year) constituted a record in the history of the Training College. One hundred and three were ex-pupil-teachers or ex-probationers (Division A) eight of Division B (matriculated) and four of Division C (University graduates), the students of the two latter groups not having had any previous experience as teachers. The limitation of space, to which the Department's attention has been repeatedly called, has been much in evidence. As the Hon. the Minister of Education has made himself acquainted by personal inspection with the urgent need for improved working-conditions, there is ground for belief that the Board may shortly be authorized to commence the erection of a new College more suitable in every way than the building at present in use for training purposes. In his report the Principal also emphasizes the need of a hostel, more particularly for the women students, who, living away from home as many of them do, at present lack those facilities for study as well as other benefits which a suitable hostel in close proximity to the Training College would provide. The Principal's report deals with many matters of interest, and furnishes general information relating to the staff and courses of study. Inspection. —To most of the 385 schools open at the close of the year two visits of inspection were paid, while forty-one private schools were also visited. The number of pupils examined in subjects of the Sixth Standard and the results achieved are given in the following table :— Number Proficiency Competency Examined. Certificate. Certificate! Public schools ... ... ... 2,236 1,377 419 Private schools ... ... ... 225 131 42 Special examinations ... ... ... 203 99 65 2,664 1,607 526 The important duties in connection with medical inspection have been solely discharged with energy and enthusiasm by Dr. E. Baker, who, it is pleasing to note, will in future be able to avail herself of the School Nurse recently appointed by the Department. In many of the schools a very high level of efficiency in physical training has been reached, due to the untiring efforts of the instructors, ably seconded by the whole-hearted co-operation of the teachers. Agriculture. —The number of schools having recognized classes was 186, compared with 173 for the previous year. The total number of children receiving instruction in school-gardening during the year was 3,066. Mr. Martin reports that the adoption of a uniform syllabus of instruction and the holding of the spring school of instruction have resulted in important work being done at many schools. The rural course has been carried on at the District High Schools

XV

Year. aw i It a \ i Oil Boll at End of Total ot Schools. ,. Average Attendance. Percentage of Attendance. i . i J I ' I 1880 1890 1900 1.91.0 1916 185 23,086 268 29,605 335 27,930 360 29,778 378 34.054 16.412 23,728 23,806 25,587 29.728 71-10 80-14 81-60 85-90 87-20