E.—s

10

South Kensington Examinations. —The results of these examinations are considerably higher than those of last year, which were 69-64. The results just to hand show 84-27, as follows: Elementary freehand —28 passed, 6 failed; advanced freehand—ll passed, 2 failed; elementary model—ll passed, 0 failed; advanced model—2 passed, 1 failed ; elementary light and shade— 9 passed, 3 failed ; advanced light and shade —6 passed, 0 failed ; perspective —1 passed, 0 failed; principles of ornament—l passed, 0 failed ; painting in monochrome—-2 passed, 1 failed ; painting from still life—4 passed, 1 failed. In addition to the above art subjects four science papers were sent in, all of which passed. It is to be regretted that these results do not reach us till so long after the examinations are held. Nine months having elapsed, it leaves little time for preparation for next examinatton. Literature, Mathematics, and Experimental Science.—Ot the new work undertaken during the past year these subjects show the largest attendance. Mr. Cresswell, M.A. with honours, was appointed instructor by the Board. These classes aim at preparing students for Teachers' D and E certificates, Civil Service, Matriculation, &c. The English and Latin work is divided into elementary, intermediate, and advanced, the average enrolments for the year being 13, 9-5, and 825 for the three classes. Mathematics—elementary and advanced classes show averages of 17-75 and 3 respectively. The experimental science lecture is delivered on Friday evening as well as Saturday afternoon, the respective attendances being 975 and 10. A course of lectures on history were attended by six students. The total average enrolment for the four quarters was 77-25. A few pupils were also taken by correspondence. Students in this district are much handicapped through inability to attend a University College. It is hoped that these classes, therefore, will be found a valuable assistance, particularly to those desirous of taking a University course. This work is being extended during the present year. More time will be devoted to advanced mathematics, and a new class is to be started in history and political economy. The correspondence work is also now a special feature : regular notes are issued of all University lectures, and it is hoped that they will be helpful to students who by reason of distance are prevented from attending at the school. Needlework and Dressmaking. —lt was found advisable to discontinue these classes during the last quarter of the year, as the hours at which the instructress could attend were unsuitable. Dressmaking has, however, been resumed this quarter by Miss Murphy, who holds a South Kensington diploma for this subject. Two classes are held—one for junior students (two afternoons), with an attendance of twenty, and an evening class for senior students attended by four. Cooking. —This very important subject was commenced during the last quarter of the year. A junior class for demonstration only was attended by forty-six students, while eleven students attended the senior class for practical work. For this work the Board obtained the services of Miss Murphy, who holds a South Kensington diploma for this subject. As there is no room in this school suitable for cookery, these classes were held in one of the rooms of the girls' school. This arrangement cannot be considered satisfactory, and till the Board can provide a special room with the necessary appliances this work will not meet with that success its importance demands. Wood-carving and Bench-work. —These classes are now fairly established, the students turning out some excellent work. The attendance of nineteen for carving and 15-5 for bench-work during the four quarters of the year must, when compared with similar classes in the large centres, be considered satisfactory. In fact, taking the numbers that received instruction in the eighteen subjects above referred to as compared with the total attendance at the technical schools elsewhere in New Zealand, the progress made during the year shows that the school is appreciated by the public. Palmerston Branch. —At the request of the Board I inspected Mr. Watkin's work as instructor of these classes, and found a marked improvement in the methods employed. The difficulty as regards accommodation continues to exist, but tins I expect in the near future will be removed by the erection of a special building. ■ Hawera Branch. —Branch classes for drawing and painting have been commenced this term at Hawera. Mr. Babbage, assistant in this school, arrives there every Friday and returns on Tuesday to Wanganui. A good start has been made, nineteen teachers and eight general students having joined. I have, &c, The Chairman, Wanganui Education Board. David Blaie, Director.

WELLINGTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Sib,— Wellington, 10th April, 1899. I have the honour to submit my report upon primary drawing and manual and technical instruction under my direction : — Primary Work. During the earlier part of the year, my absence on leave prevented my paying the usual visits to the primary schools. I took advantage of my visit to England to make myself acquainted with the methods of work in the schools there, and return impressed with the necessity of important changes in some of our methods of instruction. Changes naturally take time, but I hope to see a gradual introduction of hand- and eye-training in the lower standards. In drawing, more advanced instruction is given to the standard scholars in plane and solid geometry, light and shade from the cast, and in clay modelling, whilst in many schools brushwork forms an important lesson in conjunction with drawing. Shoulder-work—that is, drawing at arms-length—is a marked feature in drawing exercises, and one I strongly urge teachers to adopt. Hand and eye exercises, in paper-folding, brick-laying, wire-work, cardboard-work, 4c, are also