B.—■ 2.

[Appendix B.

Corrective Classes. —Corrective classes have been established by the Medical Inspector in a few schools in the Wairarapa, and in about twenty-six schools in and round the City of Wellington. In conjunction with the physical instructors special tables of exercises have been drawn, and in each school teachers have been selected to carry out these exercises for a short period twice a day. It is yet too soon to make a definite report on the result, but the Medical Inspector assures us that, although in operation only for a short time, there is already sufficient evidence to justify the establishment of such classes. District High Schools. —[See E..-6, Report on Secondary Education.] Training of Teachers. —The summer school for uncertificated teachers held at the Training College in February, 1916, was attended by twenty-nine teachers, fifteen from Wellington, six from Taranaki, five from Nelson, and three from the Grey district. Much interest was taken by these teachers in all departments of their work. The Principal in his report states, " The general attendance and diligence displayed by all was quite satisfactory." As all the schools had been closed for some time on account of the epidemic of infantile paralysis, it was considered advisable to postpone the spring school for instructions in agriculture which is usually held at some centre in the Wairarapa. Saturday classes for the instruction of pupil-teachers, probationers, and uncertificated teachers were held at Wellington and Masterton. Instruction is given in drawing, handwork, home science, hygiene, physiology, and singing. The reports of all the instructors show that the progress made by those who attended during the year was generally satisfactory. In the Marlborough Ward correspondence classes for uncertificated teachers were conducted during the year. Good progress was made, and satisfactory results achieved at the teacher's examinations. A three-weeks course was held in December, and the Instructors speak highly of the diligence of the teachers. Positions which a few years ago would have been sought after by certificated teachers are now going begging, and have to be filled by unqualified teachers. Maori Children. —[See E -3, Report on Education of Maori Children.] Buildings, Grounds, &c. —Eight of the school buildings are not owned by the Board, and in the majority of cases are either very small schools or are used as temporary buildings merely. Of those marked " Inferior," in two eases —Ohariu and Pongaroa—provision is now being made for more satisfactory accommodation. With regard to the others the Board has at various times been in communication with the Department regarding more suitable arrangements. In seven cases the buildings are marked " Moderate," but the majority of these are schools of an old type, badly arranged and badly lighted. Those cases where it is reported that the fences are in need of repair and that the offices are unsatisfactory have already received the attention of the Board, and steps are being taken by the clerk of works to put matters right. An improvement in the condition of many of the grounds is noticeable, due to the fact that more prominence is being given to the study of agriculture in the country. The senior instructor in agriculture reports, " In most cases trees and hedges have grown well and Committees have co-operated in the care of them. These trees and hedges with flower-plots have helped to make many of the school-grounds the most attractive places in the district." The same, however, cannot be said of many of the inadequate playgrounds in the city and suburbs. We have, &c, T. R. Fleming, \ F. H. Bakewell, t F. G. A. Stuckey, ' labors. The Director of Education, Wellington. Davip A. Stdrrock, I

NELSON. Sir,— Nelson, 31st March, 1917. We have the honour to present our annual report on the schools of the Nelson Education District for the year 1916. One hundred and fourteen schools were at work during the last quarter of the year, the number including two half-time schools reckoned as one. There were in addition ten side schools, a new one at Oparara having been attached at Karamea. Nine very small schools were closed during the year; and. one at Woodstock, after being closed for some years, has been reopened. One hundred and thirteen schools were inspected by us, and in most cases more than once, though the time available for the first visit, usually the greater part of the first half of the year", was very much curtailed by the pressure of other work, especially that pertaining to departmental examinations. Three small outlying schools were left unvisited, but these should receive attention early in the coming year. Twelve private schools and two special schools within the education district have also been subject to inspection. The total roll of these schools, all of which are outside the jurisdiction of the Education Board, was 867, and the attendance 815. The attached summary affords an estimate of the general efficiency of the instruction imparted in them: One school, good; eight schools, satisfactory to good; three schools, satisfactory; two schools, fair to satisfactory. In all sixty-nine pupils were presented for examination iri Standard VI, and by these thirty-four proficiency and twelve competency certificates were obtained. Some slight increase is again apparent in the number of children on the rolls of the public schools of the district, the average weekly number for September quarter being 6,818, or eightyseven larger than for the corresponding quarter of last year. A glance at the average attendance, however, reveals a tale of woe, the yearly average having fallen from 896 to 86 - 5 per cent. For the whole Dominion the attendance per cent, of roll for the year 1915 was 90. The district has

XVI