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HAWKE'S BAY. (Chairman, Mr. G. A. Maddison.) Grading and Staffing of Schools.—This is a matter which gave the Board very serious concern during the year. Owing to the fall in roll numbers and attendance, quite a number of schools were de-graded, involving the transfer of assistants because the schools were overstaffed, and also involving the transfer of head teachers and assistant teachers because their salaries became over-scale. This constant changing of staffs had a detrimental effect on the efficiency of a number of the schools, and it is to be regretted that more elasticity was not provided by the Act and regulations, so that it might have been possible to secure some degree of stability in the school staffs. The Board gratefully acknowledges the decision of the Government to readmit the five-year-olds as from the beginning of 1936, but, unfortunately, another period of adjustment of staffs will have to be faced consequent on the up-grading of many of the schools. There is urgent need for a system which will prevent the enforced transfer of teachers through a slight fluctuation in the roll number and attendance. During the second term a shortage of teachers was experienced for the filling of relieving positions. This difficulty was overcome, however, by the temporary employment of surplus teachers from other districts. District High Schools.—The secondary departments of these schools had a successful year, and have met reasonably the need for post-primary education in the smaller town centres. The schools were on the whole well-supported in the country districts, and the keenness of many of the pupils is shown by the regularity of their attendance, more especially owing to the fact that they have long distances to travel to pursue their post-primary education. The Inspectors' reports on the work of the secondary departments show that on the whole the work is of a satisfactory standard. Special Glasses. —Only two Special Classes for Retardate Children were in operation in 1935, the same number as during the past few years. The total enrolment at the end of the year was thirty. The teachers in charge are very earnest in their work, and these less fortunate children have benefited from the instruction they have received. WELLINGTON. (Chairman, Mr. W. V. Dyer.) Children's Sports.—The Board appreciates the efforts of those teachers who have organized sports gatherings in various parts of the district, and trusts that those in charge of schools, particularly in the larger centres, will consider seriously the question of reviving the excellent gatherings which were a feature of school life a few years ago. Manual Instruction. —The report of the Supervisor indicates that another satisfactory year's work has been accomplished, and this opinion was again fully confirmed by the excellence of the exhibit from the manual classes displayed at the Easter Show. The training which the boys and girls are receiving under this heading must prove of great benefit to them when they leave school. Special Glasses.—Although the total number of pupils enrolled in these classes is only 114, the Board is convinced that their establishment has been fully justified, judging by the excellent results so far achieved. Great credit is due to the specialist teachers for the very patient manner in which they have carried out their duties and for the undoubted success of their work. School Committees' Voluntary Contributions. —As far as possible the Board continued to subsidize the efforts of School Committees in connection with improvements to the school premises and the enlargement of school libraries. In the latter connection, the Board records its deep appreciation for the restoration of part of the grant for school libraries, and expresses the hope that the Government will soon be in a position to restore the subsidies which were formally granted on moneys raised by School Committees.^ NELSON. (Chairman, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, M.L.C.) School Age of Admission.—The announcement that the five-year-olds would again b'e admitted to the schools was received with the greatest satisfaction. Ever since the proposal to raise the school age of admission was mooted this Board strenuously opposed it, and from the moment the legislation was put into effect has consistently urged its repeal. The admissions to all schools throughout the district at the beginning of this year bear ample evidence of the parents' appreciation of the Government's action in again opening the primary school door to the five-year-old child. Rationing Scheme. —The improved rate of pay for teachers employed under the rationing-scheme, combined with the guarantee of a full year's work for all certificated teachers without permanent positions, gave general satisfaction. All the young teachers engaged under the scheme gave of their best, and appreciated the fact that the scheme was only a temporary measure made necessary by abnormal conditions that were gradually being adjusted. School Ground's. —The standard of school environment continues to improve, and at the end of the year the Board awarded seven new certificates and endorsed forty-one of those previously awarded. Letters of commendation were sent to the teachers in charge of a further thirteen schools. The environment certificate, which was introduced by the Board in 1930, has proved an undoubted success, but it is felt that the conditions governing the award could be improved. It is therefore proposed to put amended conditions into operation at an early date. School Committees. —The Board once again records its grateful appreciation of the splendid and unselfish work carried out by members of School Committees throughout the year. The continued improvement in school environment is in a very large measure due to the enthusiasm and interest of the School Committees throughout the district.

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