M 22
The season opened with 9 teams in the Junior, but some time ago Victoria and St. Joseph's (who had entered two teams for the Junior) withdrew, being unable to raise teams. Finance.-The competitions are in a better position than ever they were in former years, and at the close of the present season I hope to show a small balance on the right side. The last instalment due on the shield, purchased some four years ago, will be paid this season. Medals are provided in the Junior Competition, and the expense incurred is covered by the entrance fees.
Hockey. A good deal of hockey is played, but I have received no details.
Simple Physical Exercises within school hours were introduced late in the year at Saiyingpun. A month later on entering the school I noticed immediately the improved bearing of the pupils. The Board of Education "Syllabus of Physical Exercises for Public Elementary Schools" is now in the hands of the Headmasters of all the principal schools, and should be productive of good results in the coming year.
Excursions. Such excursions as are described in the report of the Headmaster at Saiyingpun quoted above are of great value. I propose in the coming year to obtain fuller information of what is being done elsewhere in this way. Such developments are and must be voluntary on the part of both boys and Masters.
STAFF.
The Staff of the Department was increased during the year under review by ten Chinese Masters and Pupil Teachers. It now consists of
English Masters, 17
English Mistresses, 10
27
Chinese Masters, 64
Chinese Mistresses, 7
Indian Master, 1
Pupil Teachers, 15
87
114
The Inspecting Staff besides myself consists of one Sub-Inspectress of Girls' Schools and one Sub-Inspector of Vernacular Schools.
I was absent from the Colony during four of the summer months. Mr. Dealy, Headmaster, Queen's College, acted for me, his place being taken by Mr. Ralphs.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
11th March, 1910.
EDWARD A. IRVING, Director of Education.