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Two samples of telluride-ore from West Australia, forwarded by the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines, are of especial interest. The Council hope to be able in course of time to form a mineral museum in connection with the school, and to devote a separate room or building to the collection. Many specimens, especially samples of fossils, are still required before this laudable object can be accomplished. During the year a large number of journeys were made into the surrounding district in connection with field geology, and the students" have had opportunities of visiting the mines and studying mining geology and surveying underground. The practical illustrations thus afforded have been invaluable as an aid to the class-work. My thanks are due to the Council, who have manifested their untiring interest in the welfare of the school; to Messrs. Morgan and MacLeod, who have in turn discharged their duties in a highly creditable manner ; and to Mr. P. Callan, who, with Mr. John Parr, ably carried on the work of the assistant for one month before Mr. MacLeod's appointment. I have much pleasure in acknowledging the willing assistance of Mr. D. Finn, who has filled the position of laboratory assistant throughout the year ; and, in connection with the experimental test plant, Mr. B. Vercoe has discharged his arduous and responsible duties to my entire satisfaction. The following is a table of the attendances at the several classes : —

Table of Attendances for Year ending 31st March, 1898.

The annual examinations were held in December, 1897, the papers being set by examiners in Wellington, appointed by the Government —viz., Mr. George Wilson, Inspecting Engineer; Mr. William Skey,-Government Analyst; Mr. Alexander McKay, F.G.S.; Mr. C. H. Pierard; and the Surveyor-General. A large number of candidates presented themselves, and they showed a higher proficiency than usual. Sixty per cent, of the candidates obtained first-class certificates, and 25 per cent, second class. Two President's medals were awarded for the highest aggregate, one each to Messrs. Donovan and Metcalfe, who were bracketed equal, with the high average of 87 per cent. Mr. Barrance, whose average was 90 per cent., was ineligible, as he won the medal last year. At the end of 1897 I held a practical examination in mineralogy and geology, the result of which, combined with those of the theoretical papers set by the Wellington examiners, showed that Mr. H. E. Metcalfe obtained the high average of 86 per cent., and he was consequently awarded the Director's prize, a clinometer and compass, given for the highest aggregate in the above subjects.

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1897. 1898. Name of Subject. Eirst Term. Second Term. Third Term. First Term. Registered Students. General and mining geology Mineralogy and blowpipe Land-and. mine-surveying Mathematics Mining and applied mechanics ... Metallurgy of gold and silver ... Practical chemistry Theoretical chemistry Practical assaying Mechanical drawing ... Mineralogy and geology (combined course) 15 15 53 17 50 15 16 54 14 50 23 49 43 65 23 15 15 40 12 40 20 32 30 48 19 12 13 31 11 29 42 40 62 22 22 20 40 21 14 Total Saturday science class 316 29 352 24 271 27 213 65 Total attendance at classes ... 345 376 298 278 Individual registered students 117 128 94 72 Total individual students 146 152 121 137