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true knowledge is shown, and, further, the comparisons shown are of great advantage to students in all stages. Machine Construction and Drawing.—This class has steadily increased in number. The work was examined by Mr. Fulton, C.E., theoretically and practically. After reporting the results as exceedingly satisfactory, he states that " the value of this class cannot be too highly praised for the excellent opportunity given to engineers, machinists, and others for acquiring a thorough knowledge of mechanical drawing." Applied Mechanics.—l can only regret that this class has not met with the success it deserves, evidently the young mechanics, with a few exceptions, do not understand the value of this portion of their studies. Irregular attendance has no doubt something to do with the result, but it is lamentable that out of the very large number of young men engaged in mechanical occupations only eight are anxious to continue the study of this very necessary work. Architectural Drawing and Building Construction.—The class has maintained its average of last year in attendances. Mr. Crichton, who examined the work, expressed satisfaction with the excellent results obtained, but remarks that, " considering the population of Wellington, and the opportunities given, the class falls far short of the possible roll-number." Plumbing (Theory and Practice). —The numbers in attendance continue satisfactory. The examinations have been held as usual locally, and under the City and Guilds of London. lam pleased to report an increased number of candidates in connection with the latter, many presenting themselves in the higher stages. Many students, although they have passed the necessary examinations, have returned to the classes to continue their studies. The necessity of studing practical geometry and model-drawing has been recognised by many, who found themselves unable to deal with the simplest problem of construction. The City Council have contributed this year £62 Os. 9d. towards the working-expenses of these classes. Carpentry, Wood-carving, and Modelling.—The day classes have somewhat reduced in number, but the evening classes have considerably increased. Good work has been done throughout, particularly in wood-carving and clay-modelling, as shown by the exhibits displayed in the exhibition of the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Industrial Exhibition. These classes are in great need of " good examples," which I hope to obtain from private sources at an early date. The carpentry class has made satisfactory progress, and has been very well attended throughout the year. Practical Plane and Solid Geometry and Perspective.—These classes have been fairly well attended, but I am anxious to see the junior students, especially of the evening classes, make greater use of the facilities offered in this direction for obtaining a thorough grounding in the principles of their work. It is all very well to shirk this as drudgery in the first year's course, but the want of this knowledge, especially in mechanical pursuits, is a bar to satisfactory progress. I would urge all students joining the school to master these essential principles first, and so save themselves a considerable amount of time in after-work. Advanced Joinery, Staircasing, and Handrailing.—This class was opened at the fourth quarter with twelve students under the instruction of Mr. Corbett. The following is the course of instruction : The making of general and detail drawings to scale or full size of staircase-work, handrail ramps, wreaths, swan-necks, &c. ; and spiral and circular joinery generally, together with the principles of staircase work. The use of tools used by the carpenter and joiner, together with the setting, sharpening, and keeping in repair of same ; the making and the use of the bench. Setting out and making from scale, or full-sized drawings, all joints used in carpentry and joinery—parts of staircases, handrails, &c. ; the making of complete models of staircases, roofs, &c, to scale, from drawings ; the making of doors and windows, and frames for same ; the hanging of doors with the various descriptions of hinges ; the making of domestic, school, and office furniture and fittings. The steaming and bending of woods. Veneering, staining, varnishing, and French polishing. Shorthand. —This class was commenced during the fourth quarter at the request of a number of students, Miss K. Williams being appointed instructor. The sections of instruction are elementary, corresponding, and reporting. Wellington College and Girls' High School. — The numbers in attendance at the College have been respectively, thirty-six, thirty, and thirty-one in the three terms, the work being confined to second-grade freehand, model, perspective and elementary design. The classes were divided into upper and lower divisions, thus enabling the instruction to be more efficient than in previous years. The classes in manual instruction in woodwork have also been conducted by Mr. Barrett, Instuctor of the Technical School. The numbers under instruction were thirty-three for the first term, thirty-two for the second term, and twenty-eight for the third term. The Girls' High School class numbered seven, seven and six respectively for the three terms ; the subjects of instruction being freehand, model, and light and shade from the cast. It is to be regretted that with the excellent instruction provided the Girl's High School class has fallen in numbers. I have perforce to recommend that the class be discontinued. The reason, I suppose, is that the literary subjects are considered as being of greater importance. In this we are considerably behind the times, for there is scarcely any secondary school of importance in Great Britain or the Continent that does not devote a considerable amount of time to drawing, and in many cases to manual instruction, throughout their schools. This has been found essential to their success, how much more should it be so in a new country. Examinations. The number of papers examined during the year was 6,991. The number of certificates issued was 4,244, exclusive of over 300 full certificates in the various grades. The number of certificates issued in all grades since the school was established in 1886 is 28,506, subdivided as follows : Primary or first grade, 22,875 ; intermediate or second grade, 3,019 ; higher or third grade, 1,053 ; South Kensington, 1,496 ; and City and Guilds of London, 63.