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11. EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF PRINCIPALS OF TRAINING COLLEGES. 1. AUCKLAND. I have the honour to submit my report for the year 1924. The following table shows the numerical strength of the College : — Men. Women. Total, In College, 1923 .. .. .. .. .. 119 244 363 Left at end of 1923 .. ..77 149 226 Remaining in College .. .. .. 42 95 137 Admitted, 1924 .. .. 85 149 234 Totals, 1924 127 244 371 Left during year .. .. .. .. .. 3 3 6 In College at end of 1924 .. .. .. ..124 241 365 This year forty-eight first-year students are leaving College. Staff. —Dr. Fitt, Vice-Principal since 1921, was appointed Professor of Education in the Auckland University College, and left at the end of 1923. Mr. D. M. Rae, M.A., Rector of the Riverton District High School, Southland, was appointed to the Vice-Principalship. Mr. H. Binsted, of the Kowhai Street Junior High School, joined the staff at the beginning of the year as Lecturer in Psychology. College Work.—The annexe has been used wholly for women students. The wide floor-space has been of great service for drill, and games, but lecturing has always been carried on under difficulties. At the Wellesley Street College, where all the men and half the women have their headquarters, accommodation has been taxed to the utmost. However, both staff and students have risen superior to conditions, and the full curriculum has been at all times satisfactorily maintained. We hope to have the use of the annexe until the new College is opened toward the end of 1925. In history a two-years course has been arranged ; the first-year students cover New Zealand history and the main stream of English history. The second-year students take the course prescribed in the C syllabus. The "project" system has been introduced this year, with highly satisfactory results. A wide range of books for consultation is an essential under this method. As our own library proved inadequate, the history students were given access to the University library and to the fine Auckland City collection. In drawing there has been a further advance on the high standard of blackboard work reached last year. Science includes nature-study for first-year students, physiography for secojid-year students, and a two-years course in general hygiene. One of the chief hindrances in the science work has been the poor equipment of many students when they enter the College, and the lack of a common basis of knowledge due to the diversity of scientific subjects taught in the secondary schools. English has followed the C syllabus with a class in composition for first-year students ; and phonetics, voice-production, a general survey of English literature, and special studies in present-day literature for the second-year students. During the year Mr. D. Wallace, a leading authority on Maori language, generously offered his services in Maori pronunciation. University Lectures. —148 students attended University lectures. On the whole the University work was correctly and capably done. In the 1923 degree examinations students and ex-students of the College gained the majority of Auckland University successes in arts : M.A., 13 ; Senior Scholarship, 1 ; B.Sc., 3 ; 8.A., 13 ; Mus.B., 1 ; 8.C0m., 3 ; B.Ag., 1 ; Sections B.A. and B.Sc., 90. At the loCal terms examinations seven premiums (for first place in the class) were won by the students of the College. Teaching Practice.—Each student spends 240 hours per year at teaching practice and observation in the Normal and Associated Schools. The verdict of the critic teachers is more than satisfactory. They report this year a distinct improvement in the standard of efficiency. In addition, the College staff regularly give model lessons to the normal School classes in the presence of the students. Athletic and Social.—The College activities on the social and athletic side have been fully maintained. Practically every student is brought into direct touch with these aspects of College life and work. As in previous years, we have found the discipline of the playing-field and the influence of the social life of College contribute largely to the development of character and individuality, and add elements to the students' equipment that serve them well in coming days. The fine physique of the students and their keenness at drill has been most favourably commented on by the physical iiistructors and the. military authorities. College teams, both men's and women's, have taken a leading part in the local athletic championships. Professor Adams. —The visit of Professor Adams proved an inspiration to staff and students. The Professor's wide culture and broad sympathies, his remarkable powers of exposition," and the charm of his personality had a fine effect on College life and ideals. The students' enthusiasm for so sane a guide and' their keenness to profit by his visit augur well for the future of the profession. Normal School. —The Normal School has proved an invaluable adjunct to the College, the loyal help of the headmaster and the school staff contributing very largely to the general success.In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the unity and good-fellowship of my staff. The happy relations existing between the various members, each strong in individuality, is one of the finest features of the College ; the year's work has been a happy one as well as a valuable one. For the kindness, courtesy, and consideration I have received from the officers of the Board and of th§ Education Department I gratefully express my thanks,