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11

E.— 5

Reports upon Glasses. Drawing, Painting, and Modelling.—Day classes : The work in these classes has been fairly satisfactory. The most serious cause of complaint is the indifference to serious study, particularly of the junior students. In the more advanced sections of antique, still life, and drawing from the life, better work has been done all round, and a higher standard obtained. Modelling has been continued as a part of the school course, but, unfortunately, the value of this work is not by any means sufficiently appreciated by our students. The examiner of these classes —Mr. Butlerconsiders that the work as a whole shows a fairly high standard, excepting, perhaps, the work of the antique, which shows a lack of knowledge of detail. The work in shading from the cast (second year) shows an intelligent interest, and is proportionately high in standard. The modelling shows a tendency to " finish " before the proportion and character of the design is fully considered. The usual competitions in memory drawing, subject sketches, still life, and design were held up to the month of September, with fairly satisfactory results. Here again, however, there was shown a tendency to fall out of competition because certain students were sure to obtain the prize, the value of the competition and general good to the student being completely lost sight of. Messrs. Cassells and Co., of London, have recently made a valuable gift to the school of twelve original drawings in black and white, by well-known illustrators. Examples of this kind are of the highest importance to our students, and I cannot sufficiently thank Messrs. Cassells for their generous gift. Evening classes : The work of these classes in light and shade from the cast and antique, sepia, plant-form, modelling, drawing, and painting from the life, studies of New Zealand birds, &c, has progressed very satisfactorily. These classes, taken as a whole, are always more satisfactory than the day classes; the work is earnest and painstaking throughout. A few of the students do not sufficiently appreciate the value of modelling as an adjunct to their studies, but this, I am convinced, will be gradually overcome. 'Plane and Solid Geometry and Model-drawing. —Geometrical and model drawing are now compulsory subjects for all trade students under eighteen years of age. This section has been well attended, and the interest taken and the results obtained are very satisfactory. Workshop drawing has now been included in this class-work. The advanced geometry class, held for the first two quarters of each year, was fairly well attended, and the results obtained in the examination of the Science and Art Department highly satisfactory. The higher stage of work is not (in accordance with the latest regulations issued) required for the ordinary drawing or the art-class teacher's certificate. It is still required for the City and Guilds of London Examination. The class will therefore be continued as usual. Design. —This class has shown a marked advance upon previous years' work in the elementary section. No doubt the fact of having a room for this special study, the display of examples procured from various decorative establishments, and a definite course of study have materially helped this development. Brush and stencil forms have received particular attention, many excellent designs being produced. Plant-form, particularly native foliage, has been freely used; also designs including native birds. This class, however, does not make sufficient use of the library, where examples may be found of the best class of workmanship. Several excellent designs were produced for the cover of the Academy of Arts Catalogue, one by Miss M. Kimbell being selected for reproduction. In the advanced section little effort was made to do systematic work; this is to be much regretted. Machine Construction and Drawing. —The number of students in attendance is still as large as the previous year, and shows evidence of the value attached to the work. The continued absences, owinp- to overtime work at the foundries, is the greatest drawback the class and students suffer from; it is a great pity that some arrangement cannot be made whereby students attending these classes may be relieved from such work, in order that they may continue their studies satisfactorily. The want of an applied-mechanics class has been a serious deficiency in connection with this work. The appointment by the Committee of Mr. C. E. Adams has, however, now removed this fault, and it is to be hoped the young engineers will take full advantage of this very valuable class. A course of lectures on steam has been given by Mr. Adams to this class without additional fee, and has been appreciated by the students in attendance. A workshop course is a necessity if our mechanical work is to be at all complete, but this has during the past year proved impossible, though an effort in this direction has been made. I anticipate during the coming year a prospect of this much-desired work being put in hand, when it will be possible for a student to go through a very satisfactory course of work dealing with the principles and practice of mechanism, mechanical drawing, and construction. It is not to be expected that a university course can be given, but a thorough grounding is what will be aimed at, such as will place a student in the best position to continue his work in the higher branches of engineering. The examiners, Messrs. Marchbanks and Robertson, report that the work and methods of the class are good, and show evidence of careful teaching. Architectural Drawing and Building-construction. —Early in the year Mr. McKay, the instructor, left for England, upon nine months' leave ; his place was filled by Mr. Lawrence, who has fully maintained the standard of the work. Those students who have attended regularly have done excellent work. A large number of students attend one night per week, instead of two. There is, of course, the difficulty of having their daily work often a considerable distance away, and also' out of town; still, the attendance, either in number of students or regularity, is not such as it should be, particularly considering the advantages to be derived. Mr. Farr, the examiner, speaks well of the quality of the class-work, and expresses particular pleasure with regard to the answers to the examination-papers. During the last month Mr. McKay returned, and joined Mr. Lawrence in the conduct of the class, thus considerably strengthening the instruction forces. Carpentry and Joinery. —This class has about maintained its average of last year in point of numbers. The examiner, Mr. Graham, states that there is great improvement in the work since his

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