E.—2

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APPENDIX B. REPORTS (EXTRACTS) AND STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS OF EDUCATION BOARDS. I. EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS. AUCKLAND. (Chairman, Mr. A. Burns.) Teachers' Residences.—The need for the erection of teachers' residences is becoming still more acute in this district, especially in rural areas. The Board has found considerable difficulty in staffing several country schools, owing to the lack of suitable accommodation for teachers. The Board is of opinion that the number of grants made for teachers' residences is insufficient. The Board renews its request that the number of grants for teachers' residences at country schools, particularly those of Grades 3a and upwards, be considerably increased, in order to cope with urgent requirements, and to overtake arrears of former years. Practically the whole of the teachers' residences in the Auckland District are now occupied by the teachers. Training College.—The matter of the unemployemnt of ex-students of the training college, particularly for the first six months of the year, still continues to give the Board the greatest concern. These teachers, who have satisfactorily completed their training-college course, have little opportunity of securing appointments in open competition, owing to their relatively low grading, due mainly to their short service. The Board employs the students in relieving work wherever possible, but the employment is not continuous, and often only of a very temporary nature. Several are out of employment for periods as long as three months. The action of the Department in authorizing the employment of temporary additional assistants, in view of large classes, or on account of sudden increase in attendance, is greatly appreciated by the Board. Such action not only improves the staffing conditions of the schools concerned, but also greatly assists in relieving the unemployment situation. Subsidies. —The Committees of the Auckland District continue to show keen interest in the schools under their jurisdiction. During the year they raised approximately £6,000 for the establishment of libraries, for improvements to school-grounds, and for many other purposes for which provision is not made in the allowance for incidental expenses. Such contribution is an evidence that the parents in general are keenly interested in the importance of a suitable environment during the school life of their children. Staffing of Schools. —A steady improvement continues to take place in the staffing of schools. Certificated teachers have almost entirely replaced uncertificated teachers, and the number of the latter in the Board's service is now very small, being mainly employed in aided schools. The grading of schools on the attendances for the year ending 30th September, has greatly facilitated the staffing of schools at the beginning of the year. Married Women Teachers. —The Board trusts that the Government will see its way to grant to Boards discretionary power in the mat'ter of the employment of married women teachers. The Board considers that the employment of married women teachers should not be unconditional, but that the Board should have discretionary power. The interests of all married women teachers who, through special circumstances, are required to take up employment, would not be in any way prejudiced by the granting of the Board's request. Adopted Schools. —During the year the scheme of adopted schools inaugurated by the Senior Inspector has continued to prove of great benefit to teachers in outlying districts. The principle of a highly efficient school adopting one or more small schools has proved quite sound and beneficial. The enthusiasm of the teachers concerned is greatly appreciated by the Board. Consolidation of Schools.—The consolidated schools established in the Auckland District continue to give the greatest satisfaction, and frequent applications are being received for the extension of the system. During the year a consolidated school was established at Ruawai, the Awaroa, Naumai, Raupo, Ruawai, and Whenuanui schools having been closed and the pupils conveyed to Ruawai. A district high school was also established in connection with the consolidated school. TARANAKI. (Chairman, Mr. S. G. Smith.) Junior High Schools. —My Board considers that the matter of establishing junior high schools, or intermediate schools, should be approached very carefully. Detailed information concerning the working of similar existing schools in New Zealand should be made available. Particularly should it be made clear that qualified teachers have been properly trained, and that provision is made for suitable administrative control. We realize that the system has many advantages, but before it can be successfully operated the amalgamation of local Education Boards and the unification of primary, secondary, and technical teachers' salaries is essential. Teachers. —It is pleasing to note that the aim of the Board for many years past has at last been realized. There are now no uncertificated teachers permanently employed in graded schools in Taranaki. Approximately one hundred permanent appointments and 169 relieving appointments have been made during the year. These do not include thirty transfers due to rise or fall in grade of