E.—4.

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, SUMNER. The School for the Deaf at Sumner, Christchurch, was opened on the 10th March, 1880. Under an arrangement with the Director of Education this Branch is entrusted with the details of administration. The Director and officers of the inspectorate visit the institution regularly. It is the only residential institution for deaf children in New Zealand. Day pupils whose parents or relatives live in the neighbourhood of the institution also attend the classes. Children of both sexes of normal mentality are admitted, usually between the ages of six and seven years, and leave the school as soon as they have completed their education or when they have reached a standard equivalent to a primary school. The annual report of the Principal is attached. School fob the Deaf: Report of Principal . I have the honour to lay before the Department my report for the year ended 31st March, 1939. Data relating to the number of pupils are set out hereunder: —

The standard of work in the school was well up to former years. The usual school inspection was carried out by the Canterbury Board's Inspectors, who spent a considerable time with each class and reported separately upon the work of the teachers. A number of pupils were recommended for and granted Form 11 Certificates. Library.—The pupils' library is well stocked and in good order. Suitable books are continually sought and added to the library from time to time. The value of reading to the deaf cannot bo too strongly stressed. The staff library is being maintained, and additional publications and books dealing with the work are constantly being added. Workshop.—The workshop equipment has been augmented by the purchase of a planing-machme, circular saw, band saw, sander, and drill. A start has beep made to make enough chairs for use in the dining-hall. Mr. Regnault has given many hours of service in the workshop over and above his allotted time. General Training.—The usual work of the boys in the garden and on the farm was carried out. The girls received training in household work, mending, darning, cooking, &c. A very creditable display of sewing was made at the end of the school year in December. During the year the Matron inaugurated a course of home nursing for the senior girls. This will undoubtedly be a valuable adjunct to their other educational training. Boys' House. —The new boys' house was occupied during the year, and this has proved a boon to all concerned. The furnishings were selected and personally attended to by the Matron, and the whole establishment well merits the favourable comments of parents, visitors, and friends of the school. The fullest benefit of the building will be felt during the coming winter. Improvement to Grounds.—The Public Works Department has undertaken the work of levelling and laying out the grounds. Generous paths have been provided, trees which kept out the sunshine and fresh air have been removed, and the whole work when completed will give ample playground accommodation and will be in keeping with the generally improved appearance of the place. Hearing Aids. —A room has been specially fitted with a group hearing aid. This will enable the various classes to be given an opportunity of using earphones, employing both bone and air conduction. Physical Training.—The usual physical training and drill of the boys was given due attention. A team of boys from the school entered the Canterbury Hockey Association's competition for boys under fifteen and a half years of age, and was successful in tying for first place. The girls indulged in basket-ball matches, and entered a team in the Christohurch Girls' Athletic Sports Carnival at Lancaster Park, meeting with very fair success. Health. —Except for an epidemic of measles, the health of the children during the year has been uniformly good. A well-balanced diet has been provided by the Matron, and carefully kept records show a steady improvement throughout the school, and the pupils have a well-cared-for and happy appearance amongst congenial surroundings. In conclusion, I have to acknowledge the loyal co-operation of the teachers and of the Matron and her stall in using our best endeavours to promote the general welfare of the institution. T. F. Chambers, Principal. COSTLEY TRUST. The Costley Trustees, in addition to giving financial assistance in connection with the hostel for secondary-school boys in Auckland (see notes elsewhere in this report), continued during the year their beneficent work of helping deserving children other than State wards with grants for school books, fees, and continued education, with assistance with apprenticeship, and in other ways. Although the funds available are limited, the trustees have for many years past assisted a large number of children. Last year no less than sixty-two young people were granted assistance.

Table 17. —Expenditure on the Education of Backward Children.

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Boys. Girls. | Total. Pupils on the roll as at 1st April, 1938 .. .. . . 58 55 113 Admitted during the year .. .. .. .. . • 7 6 13 Died .. .. .. • • ■ • • ■ • • • • ; 2 2 Left during the year .. .. .. .. • • • • 8 j 13 21 On the roll as at 31st March, 1939 .j •. • ■ 57 1 46 103

Item. Otekaike. i Richmond. | Total. £ I £ £ Salaries 10,588 | 3,412 14,000 Advertising, &c. .. .. •• •• 6 2 8 Maintenance of buildings .. .. •• 1,373 460 1,833 Maintenance of institutions .. •• •• 7,084 2,257 9,341 25,182 Travelling-expenses .. • • • • • • • • • • 617 Postage and telegrams .. .. ■ ■ • • L ____ - H5 Less— , 25,914 Board of staff .. . • • • • • 1,500 436 V. y J 1,936 Recoveries (parental contributions and revenue from farm, sale of articles manufactured, &c.) . . 1,572 3,508 22,406