7

C—3,

The following table shows the results of the late annual examinations:—

Results of Annual Examinations, 1900.

There were two candidates for the University scholarship—Mr. J. E. Brown and Mr. E. B. McDuff—but neither was successful. The previous winners of the scholarship have all had a high-school training before attending the School of Mines, whereas neither of the present candidates has received any such training, and the absence of this groundwork made their work, and also that of the teaching staff, so much the more difficult, and in some measure accounts for their want of success, especially when it is considered that the high average of 75 per cent, is required in each of eight subjects. Mr. Brown secured an average of 69-2 per cent., and Mr. McDuff an average of 71-7 per cent. Mr. Brown carried off the President's medal for the highest aggregate of marks in all subjects with an average of 691 per cent, in thirteen subjects, Mr. McDuff being second with an average of 70-7 per cent, in eleven subjects. During 1900 the following Government certificates have been granted to Thames School of Mines students, after examination and on proof of the necessary practical experience : Two firstclass mine-managers', two first-class coal-mine managers', and twelve battery-superintendents' certificates, making a total of sixteen ; while another candidate passed the examination, but has not yet had the requisite practical experience of cyanide-work. In January, 1901, I supervised the annual Government examination, for which there were fifteen candidates. The Thames School this year presented seven candidates for first-class minemanagers' and eight for battery-superintendents' certificates. The results of the examination have not yet been declared. These results are a proof that the Thames School is doing good useful work, and that the advantages of combining theoretical with practical training are being recognised. Distribution op Prizes and Certificates. The annual distribution of prizes and certificates took place on Tuesday, 12th February, before a moderate gathering.of students and their friends. The President, Mr. E". McDonnell, presided, and the secretary read the annual report and balance-sheet of the Council, showing a credit balance of £5 13s. 4d., and assets estimated at £3,500. Governing Body. At the annual meeting regret was expressed at the resignation of Mr. T. A. Dunlop, President of the Council, owing to pressure of business, and the following officers and members'of Council were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. E. McDonnell; vice-president, Mr. George Denby ; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Hague Smith; Council, Messrs. E. F. Adams, W. Baker, T. c! Bayldon, W. Eddowes, H. Haszard, M. Paul, and W. H. Paltridge; hon. secretary, Mr. Albert Bruce. It gives me much pleasure that the Council have all along taken such a keen and intelligent interest in the school, and have taken every opportunity of improving it; and I have thankfulfy to acknowledge the able assistance of Mr. W. H. Baker, B.Sc, Assistant Lecturer; of Mr. E. B. McDuff, temporary assistant ;of Mr. A. B. Harding, drawing-master ; of Mr. E. McLean, late laboratory assistant; and of Mr. C. A. Banks, who is now acting in that capacity; and I am glad to say that the students have throughout the year conducted themselves in an orderly manner, and have shown an earnest desire to take advantage of the courses of instruction.

Subject of Examination. First |Class. Seoonc Class. Third Class. Failed. Total General and mining geology Pumping and winding ... Ventilation and explosives : Mining and applied mechanics ... Theoretical chemistry (senior) Theoretical chemistry (junior) Practical chemistry (senior) Practical chemistry (junior) Practical assaying, dry (senior) ... Practical assaying, dry (junior) ... Practical assaying, wet (senior) ... Practical assaying, wet (junior) ... Surveying (land and mine) Map-drawing ... ... ... . Mineralogy and blowpipe Metallurgy Mechanical drawing 3 2 1 2 1 1 7 1 2 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 5 "a i 2 2 1 2 2 1 8 1 i i i 4 5 6 6 5 3 6 2 12 4 5 2 5 3 2 7 8 2 2 2 3 5 3 2 1 "i 2 Saturday science 82 1 17 1. 26 6 10 7 85 Totals 33 IS 3-2