TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION L. T57 
populated areas, with the alternative of conveying children to school in suitable 
vehicles, is important. The review of the furniture and apparatus in rural 
schools has shown that a large proportion is very unsuitable, having regard to 
modern standards. It is believed that much of the worst of this furniture has 
now been replaced by modern seating and fittings. School books have been 
generally considered, and the report of the Committee on this subject is noticed 
as being of great value. Much progress has been made in introducing in rural 
schools practical subjects, including particularly woodwork, gardening, and 
cookery. Medical inspection and its effect on public health, and the standard 
of health and cleanliness in the home and family are referred to. Important 
progress has been realised in most districts in this respect, and also in endeavour- 
ing to associate parents with a personal interest in school work. 
These results are mainly applicable to elementary education. The secondary 
school system which has been built up under the Act is now fairly complete, 
and is in itself, and in connection with university training to some extent, a 
vast constructive result. Scholarships and assistance in various forms now 
given to children enable the specially talented from all classes to obtain the 
benefits of the best education of every kind. The advance obtained under the 
Act and the result of ten years’ administration are both very important and 
generally successful, and justify the labours of the local authorities and of the 
Board of Education. Among matters remaining for consideration (legislative or 
departmental) are the co-ordination of university and secondary, and even 
elementary, education; the institutional training of teachers; the introduction of 
medical inspection and sanitary supervision in secondary schools, and the 
structural improvement of all defective elementary schools. 
