A.—4

10

made by them is soon by all, as it is naturally from theso regular pupils, who show by their regularity that they desire to make progress, that the best work is obtained. The conditions so far as these matters are concerned were somewhat improved during the year, 1920. *' Subjects of instruction : As regards the Malifa schools (which are attended by pure-blooded Samoans only), it will be readily understood that it is impossible to cover the same range of subjects as is covered in the Ifi Ifi School. The principal subjects taught are the three Rs, and the main stress is of course laid on English, for the future progress and development of the pupils depends principally on a knowledge of that language. The methods employed for the most part in the teaching of English are tho phonic and the, conversational. In other words, the language is taught as a living language, and the primary aim sought to be attained is to make possible to the girls and boys the use of English as a means of intercommunication and intercourse. It is a comparatively easy thing to get the boys and girls to read fluently. It is a far more difficult and at the same time more important thing to make it possible for them to carry on a conversation. Conversation, correct pronunciation, clear enunciation are all looked for, but oral and written composition and writing also receive due attention. Arithmetic is taught on modern lines, and is made as practical as possible. Good results are attained. No school for Samoan children should bo carried on without a prominent place being given to singing and music. In this subject excellent results have been attained. History and geography have received, as before, a share of attention, mainly by means of travel talks and talks on pictures. Drawing also finds a place in the school, curriculum. The subject appeals strongly to most of the pupils, many of whom show a decided talent in this direction as in singing. It will be readily understood that in all subjects, not those, purely language, the aim of giving the children as good a knowledge of English as possible is kept always in view. '* School Libraries. —During the year of its reopening tho formation of a library was begun in connection with, the Ifi Ifi School. Additions of books to the library have been made from year to year until now the number of books has reached a total of about 450. It is gratifying to be able to report that very good use indeed of the library is made by the girls and boys. Practically every book in the library has beon road, and all. additions,are eagerly welcomed. It is impossible to overestimate the good, that must ensue from this splendid use of the school library. A beginning has been made also with the formation of a library for the Malifa School, and also of a teachers' library. '"' Examinations for Certificates of Proficiency and of Competency and for Junior National Scholarships. —The Department of Education, Now Zealand, has agreed to the holding of examinations for certificates of competency and proficiency in connection with our schools, and it is understood that the gaining of theso certificates will carry with it the same privileges as accrue in New Zealand. As regards the Junior National Scholarships, it is understood that the Department is prepared to support amendments to the Junior Scholarship Regulations so that they may apply to children in islands that come under New Zealand Administration. " Outside Activities. —The activities of tho teachers are not confined to the ordinary school-work done within the four walls of the buildings, and it is necessary to make reference in this report to some of these activities. " School Brum and Fife Band. —A school band, established in 1919, composed of girls as well as boys, plays an important part in the school life. It is heard in the mornings at the opening exorcises when the children salute the flag. The pupils march in and out of school at all times to its strains. It appears at many public functions. " Schools Entertainment. —During the third term a school entertainment was given by the combined schools, tho second given by the schools. The Market Hall was filled to overflowing. The entertainment consisted of songs, part-songs, dialogues (humorous and otherwise), band selections, dances, and tableaux. The results were excellent. Indeed, no words but those of commendation wore spoken by parents and friends who attended. Many could hardly believe that the tableaux with dialogue and song, ' Britannia and her Colonies,' given wholly in English, were carried through entirely by girls and boys of the Malifa schools— i.e., by pure-blooded Samoan children. " Swimming Sports — Life-saving Exercises. —Toward the end of 1919 swimming sports were held. In 1920 there were given exercises in life-saving—exercises both theoretical and. practical--i.e., in the water itself. Naturally (Enough, theso excited a great deal of interest among the girls and boys, and will, it is hoped, have a practical benefit. " Essays Competitions — Na.vy League and Overseas Club. —A schools branch of the Navy League was formed in 191.9. Most of the boys and girls of the upper division of the school belong to the branch which is affiliated to the Otago Branch. Last year a number of the children took part in the essays competitions on naval history, tho subject being ' The Life and Work of Sir Francis Drake.' The children were successful, in gaining several prizes—four firsts and three seconds. This year (1920), the subject was ' The, Life and Work of Captain Cook.' There were again entrants from the school, and gratifying results were obtained. Five prizes were secured —three firsts and two seconds. Further, last year the local Overseas Club, with, the object of fostering an interest and a pride in the Empire, promoted an essays competition, the subject being ' The Visit of H.R.H. the Prince, of Wales: its Objects and Benefits.' There were two divisions—viz. (1) Essays from Samoans in Samoan ; (2) essays from whites and others in English : and two classes in each division. All the prizes given, were gained by pupils of the Government schools, either of Malifa or of Ifi Ifi. " Boy Scout Movement.--The first troop to be definitely formed—the pioneer troop for Samoa — was the ' Ifi Ifi School Boy Scout Troop.' Later on, when the movement had boon put on a definite basis, with a properly constituted committee and commissioner, a troop was formed in connection with the Malifa, School. This was the first troop to be formed consisting of pure-blooded Samoan boys only. " A good deal of work was put in last year so far as the school troops were concerned, and it must be admitted that the boys have reaped great benefit from the work done. Church parades were held, two Scout excursions were made—one to the Methodist Mission Century School at Piula, a visit which helped in the creation of a splendid feeling between the schools —and a camping excursion to Lake