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Probationers. —In nearly all our schools the probationers are receiving thorough training, both academic and practical. At the end of the year practically all of the probationers qualified for entrance to the training college. Incidentally it may be stated that the wealth of material allows of a much wider choice, and that consequently there are fewer of the proverbial round pegs in square holes entering the profession. Head teachers have carried out satisfactorily their duties in regard to the instruction and training of their probationers, most of whom improved materially their examination status during the year. A number of head teachers now hold themselves personally responsible for the greater part of the instruction given in the school classes. We are pleased to be able to record the enthusiasm and promise shown by the probationers.— (Wanganui.) Probationary Assistants. —The work of our probationary assistants, although as yet there are few of them, shows that they have benefited by their two years' experience at training college. The plan of spending the fourth year of training in class-teaching at approved schools appears to be working out well. — (Nelson.) Special Classes. —The Board has been fortunate in obtaining a staff specially competent to do effective work with children of the non-academic type. Some of the pupils are subnormal and respond more readily to manipulative exercises than to work of the ordinary type. At all three centres most encouraging success has attended their operation. Retardates have in cases been able to return to their normal classes. Under skilful direction the self-disciplinary and organizing powers of the children have made distinct advance. It will be profitable to develop classes of this nature ; and, incidentally, better accommodation should improve results. Two of the staff have gone abroad to study recent developments in this direction. A liaison committee is now required to act as a connecting-link between school and vocation, so that the good work done in class may be continued by providing a safe launching into citizen occupations. A health camp was instituted and continued for three weeks, the success being sufficient to warrant renewal annually as a permanent feature. —( Wellington.) Adopted Schools. —The " parent " and " adopted " school scheme, which had its inception in this district in 1925, was continued last year, and again was markedly successful. Some fifty city, suburban, and large country schools acted as " parents," each adopting a sole-charge country school. For the complete success of the scheme enthusiasm on the part of both parent and adopted teacher is required, and we take this opportunity of thanking personally the headmasters and assistants of parent schools for the assistance they have afforded —assistance which has not only greatly benefited, but which has also been greatly appreciated by the adopted teachers. In one case some pupils of the adopted school during their school holidays attended the parent school for a week, were placed in the classes, and received manifest advantages. The expense involved in connection with the scheme for the year is extremely small when compared with the value received, being made up principally of cost of postage on letters and parcels sent. The total cost to the Board amounted to £2 2s. 10d., which for fifty parent and fifty adopted schools averaged sd. per school.— (Auckland.) I have, &c, William W. Bird, The Director of Education, Wellington. Chief Inspector of Primary Schools.

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