E.—2.

During the year—more particularly in February when the normal time-table was suspended— valuable instruction was given in first aid, the services of experts of the St. John Ambulance Association being available in many districts for this purpose. It may be said in passing that in one education district interest was awakened to such an extent that a very large number of teachers took up again the serious study of first aid and obtained certificates., From the various education districts have come reports of regular attention to health instruction, including temperance in its widest sense. That attention to the health and physical welfare of school-children is definitely in the forefront of educational practice in this country can be stated with confidence. The provision of school buildings, modern in type, roomy, well ventilated and well lighted ; the remodelling of old buildings to conform to the standard ; the replacement of out-of-date seating accommodation; extensive playing areas wherever possible ; regular medical inspection ; free milk ; free dental treatment; health camps ; specialist teachers in physical education ; the suspended curriculum in February ; instruction in first aid, swimming, road conduct, and other safety measures —all these serve to show that much attention is focused on this all-important matter. Correspondence School. Established in 1922 to meet the needs of some few children (as it was thought) who were unable for various reasons to attend school, and opened with a roll of fewer than two hundred, the school has steadily increased in numbers. At the end. of 1939 the total enrolment was 2,813 —primary department, 1,705, and post-primary, 1,108. The courses offered are of varied nature covering a wide range of subjects, both academic and practical, and catering for various groups in addition to children of school age. The teaching staff numbers eighty-one, with qualifications and interests ranging over a wide field. The visiting of pupils in their homes has become an established part of the school routine. During the year tliree members of the staff visited various sections of the country during the first and third terms. The value of this personal contact has proved considerable, parents being keen to discuss their problems with the visiting teachers and to avail themselves of skilled assistance. The school also gave assistance to some nineteen district high schools, providing assignments and correction service in subjects tuition in which was not available locally. The first " Vacation School " conducted by the Correspondence School was held at New Plymouth during May. The generous action of the board of governors and the Principals of the boys' and girls' colleges in placing at the disposal of the Vacation School their school premises, hostel, and domestic staffs, and thus rendering possible the holding of the school, is highly appreciated. In all, 156 pupils drawn from widely separated areas attended the school. A varied programme of activities was carried through with great success, the children benefiting not only through daily attendance at school under normal class-room conditions, but also through the social living thus made possible. District High Schools : Post-primary Departments. The number of district high schools continues to increase. They serve a most useful purpose, making available in rural areas facilities for post-primary education which would not otherwise be obtainable. Though still too many pupils follow an academic course, there is a decided movement towards a broader course taken for other than examination purposes. As additional facilities for more practical training become available, this trend should become much stronger. Several districts report the development of courses in art and crafts, home craft, and agriculture. School Libraries. The increased grant made available by the Government has given considerable impetus to the development of school libraries. Their necessity as part of the equipment of the modern school is fully realized, and in a variety of ways much local support is given, and a wide use is made of existing library facilities. The children's departments of public libraries are playing an increasingly important part. A definite survey of possible lines of development and expansion would probably now serve a very useful purpose. Museums. The work of the school museum officers, who are stationed in the four main centres, continues to develop and to reach a wider circle of schools. Visits to museums by schools within reasonable distance are becoming increasingly common and more definite in purpose, while the demonstration cases circulated among schools farther afield have served a most useful purpose by making available to children less fortunately situated material of a valuable and interesting nature. This is an innovation the development of which offers very great possibilities. Readiness tor Formal Instruction. For many years it has been the practice to give children formal instruction in reading and number soon after they begin school. Investigations made by research students abroad tend to indicate that this early formal instruction is unnecessary, if not actually harmful, and that a postponement until the pupil reaches a stage of readiness results in rapid progress unaccompanied by emotional upsets or loss of confidence due to difficulties too great for the immature mind, and in the development of a correct attitude towards the subjects. This interesting theory is being tested in some New Zealand schools, and the progress of the experiments will be followed with close attention.

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