Dec. 14.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 3213

it is incidental. Further, while the instruction should be inci-
dental it should not be accidental, but should be given systema-
tically and thoroughly.

For suggested topics see "' Explanatory Notes.'"'

SINGING.

The purposes of the singing lessons and of the singing exercises
practised in the schools are:-

(1.) To cultivate the musical ear for the love of sweet sounds,
and to train the pupils to use the melodious tones in
their voices:

(2.) To give some practical elementary knowledge of musical
notation:

(3.) By singing wisely selected songs, to waken the imagination,
to widen the capacity for emotion while subjecting it to
artistic restraint:

(4.) By a body of songs the common property of the people, to
encourage a local and a national patriotism.

It is most important that the teaching of singing should include
instruction of a progressive character in the elements of musical
knowledge. For this purpose the value of the tonic sol-fa notation
can scarcely be placed too high. By the end of the school course
the pupils should be able to read fluently and at sight any simple
melody.

Progressive exercises in voice-production and breath-control
should be given daily throughout the school, and particular care
should be paid to pronunciation and enunciation.

In the selection of songs extreme care should be exercised; only
the best should be tolerated. While patriotic and standard songs
whose merits are undoubted should find a place in every programme,
the so-called patriotic songs of the music-hall type should be
severely banned.

For suggestions see "' Explanatory Notes.'"'

PHYSICAL INSTRUCTION.

Preparatory Class and Class I.

Little in the nature of formal drill should be attempted, but the
exercises should consist largely of marching and games which,
besides being interesting forms of recreation, should make some
call on the children's alertness and intelligence.

Classes II to IV.

Suitable games and exercises (see "' Regulations for Physical
Training,'" N.Z. Education Department). Marching and games
should be associated, where possible, with singing, and arrange-
ments should be made for supervision and encouragement of active
and healthy games in the playground. The children should now
be taught more regular games, such as rounders.

Classes V and VI.

Physical exercises and games (see "' Regulations for Physical
Training,'" N.Z. Education Department). Definite provision
should be made for organized games during recess or after school
for both boys and girls. All teachers are expected to take an active
interest in the games and outdoor recreation of the children.

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

The following explanatory notes are submitted for the guidance
of teachers:-

ENGLISH.

Preparatory Class.

(1.) and (2.) Teachers are required to prepare a list of the
objects and actions, together with the orders, they propose to in-
troduce.

(3.) Counting should always be associated with real objects.
While it is not intended that children should be required to do
"' sums,'" it is expected that they will be able to work practically
simple operations such as-Put six shells on the table; count them;
put two more; now count them; take three away; count again;
&c.

(4.) A list of the exercises given should be prepared, and
regular practice, individual and in small grouped chorus, should