E.—2.

Intermediate Schools. —The Napier Intermediate School continues to fulfil successfully the purpose for which it was established, and the gradual increase in the roll number by the enrolment of pupils from schools other than contributing schools indicates that its value as an important link in our educational system is becoming more and more appreciated by the parents. The roll is growing steadily. Definite proposals are now before the Department for the establishment of an Intermediate school in Gisborne, where complete unanimity in favour of the establishment of such a school has been reached by all those interested. Similarly at Hastings the School Committees and the Hastings High School Board have agreed to the establishment of an intermediate school, a suitable site already being available.

WELLINGTON. (Chairman, Mr. W. V. Dyer.) Schools and Attendance. —The attendance during the first term was affected to a great extent by the unfortunate outbreak of infantile paralysis. The position became so acute that for a time the Board was forced to close all schools in its district. A system of correspondence tuition was operating throughout the district within twenty-four hours of the decision to close the public schools, and the Board records its warmest thanks for the helpful co-operation received from the proprietors of the Dominion and Evening Post, the National Broadcasting Service, the Post and Telegraph Department, the headmasters' associations, and all others who helped to make for the success of the scheme in a time of emergency. The Education Department's Child Welfare Branch has again earned the Board's thanks for the help given in dealing with the more difficult cases of irregularity, both in the city and country areas, and in causing parents to realize more fully the obligations which are imposed on them in regard to their children's welfare. Training College.—ln previous years attention has been drawn to the need for the provision of a new college. The Board desires to thank the Hon. the Minister, and express appreciation of his decision to secure a new site. When the plans of the new building are drawn and application is made for a grant it is hoped that the same sympathetic consideration will be given and that the middle University district will be served by a college up to date in design and thoroughly equipped for the important work of teacher-training. Children's Sports.—The Board appreciates the efforts of those teachers who have organized sports gatherings in various parts of the district and who have done so much to encourage children in learning to swim. The work of some of the schools is most praiseworthy and extremely beneficial to the pupils. School Committees. —The Board records its deep appreciation of the work undertaken by the members of School Committees throughout the year. They have displayed a keen interest in the welfare of the children and a general desire to still further improve the environment of the schools. The Board again expresses the hope that the Government will soon be in a position to assist the Committees by restoring the subsidy system. As far as possible the Board has subsidized the efforts of School Committees in connection with improvements to the school premises. Medical and Dental Services. —The medical and dental school services continue to confer valuable benefits and are much appreciated. The requests for widening the scope of school dental treatment are so insistent that the Board trusts the Government will shortly extend the service. The Board again records its appreciation of the successful efforts of School Committees and teachers in raising the required quotas for the maintenance of the dental clinics.

NELSON. (Chairman, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre.) Health of Children. —During the whole of 1937 the Board was without the services of a permanent School Medical Officer. Dr. P. Moir was loaned by the Health Department for several short periods during the year. Nurse C. Doneghue continued with her good work throughout the year in spite of the heavier duties which devolved on her through the absence of a permanent doctor. The health camp was held at Tahunanui in December and January. Dental Service. —There were nineteen dental clinics in operation throughout the year. With few exceptions all schools throughout the district are now able to receive*the services of a Dental Nurse. The matter of the disestablishment of a central clinic and the institution of separate clinics in the town schools is still under investigation, and it is hoped that matters will be finalized in the near future. Physical Instruction.—The Board is disappointed that itinerant Physical Instructors have not yet been appointed by the Department. It is hoped that these appointments will be effected during the coming year, as teachers still find difficulty in interpreting the drill manual. Manual Instruction.—The reinstatement of sewing capitation is being greatly appreciated by the smaller schools. In practically all schools under sole charge of male teachers the services of an outside instructress were availed of in order to provide needlework instruction for the girls.

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