E.—s

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last examination. The younger members of the class are now required to take a course of work in plane and solid geometry and model-drawing previous to, or in conjunction with, their shop-work. I should very much like to see an improvement in the number of apprentices in attendance. The works in the library upon construction, in addition to the drawing required and shop practice, afford students every possible facility for progress. Plumbing Theory and Practice. —The number of students and the attendance at these classes continues very good. As in former years, a number of apprentices and younger workmen again attempted the examination in the hope of obtaining a certificate, but failed to reach the necessary standard. A two-years course of work is a necessity if success is to be obtained. The City and Guilds of London have now made it compulsory that candidates shall present themselves in theory as well as in practice at the same examination, and juniors are required to pass in the preliminary examination of the City and Guilds or the geometry and model of the Wellington School prior to the ordinary grade. The workshop has been improved by the laying of a floor, and additional ventilation has been provided, both of which were urgently needed. The theoretical class has also done good work, many students attending for the more advanced stages of work. The City Council has again contributed a sum of £60 towards the working-expenses of this class, and has repaired the workshop. Mathematics. —In spite of the fact that the attendances have not been of the best, the work of this class has proved satisfactory. The work has varied from the elementary stages of Euclid and algebra to the full mathematical course required by the Senior Civil Service Examinations. I have to report the resignation of Mr. Robison, the instructor, who severed his connection with the class at the close of the year's work. His position has been filled by the appointment of Mr. C. E. Adams, late mathematical lecturer of Lincoln College. Wood-carving. —There is a considerable increase in the numbers attending these classes. Several of the students have turned out excellent specimens of workmanship, and both day and evening classes have done good work. Shorthand. —Good work has also been done in this class, the attendance being exceptionally good. Many of the students are making practical use of their knowledge in connection with their daily occupations. Several students were successful in the speed examination recently held by the Wellington Shorthand-writers' Association, on behalf of Messrs. Pitman and Sons. I am glad to report that capitation is now paid for this subject. Day classes in shorthand and typewriting are now held daily, and are meeting with considerable success. Arithmetic. —One of the greatest difficulties instructors have in connection with their work is the want of necessary grounding in such subjects as arithmetic. The majority of boys upon leaving school drop all work of this description, concluding that they have nothing to do but enter the workshop and take up trade work. The want cf this elementary knowledge will be a constant drawback to their success and a waste of the instructor's time in technical subjects. To meet this want, as there are no continuation schools, a class in arithmetic was opened. Its success has not been very encouraging, nevertheless the work has been continued. Mr. A. Erskine was appointed instructor, but resigned at the expiration of six months, and was succeeded by Mr. Renner, M.A., of the Wellington College, who has since conducted the class. I hope that his perseverance will be rewarded by an increased attendance. Mr. Renner reports satisfactorily of the work done during his term. Latin and English. —At the request of several students these classes were established at the commencement of the year, and are also conducted by Mr. Renner, the work ranging from Standard VII. of the primary schools to Matriculation and Civil Service Examination work. The numbers have steadily increased, and the classes apparently have a good future before them. Book-keeping. —Constant applications having been made for a class in this subject, Mr. O. S. Watkins, chartered accountant, was appointed instructor at the commencement of the year. The class has steadily gained in popularity. The instruction is directed to imparting a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of the most modern methods of practical bookkeeping and an acquaintance with general business transactions, and preparing students to undertake the duties of more responsible positions in the countinghouse and the warehouse. Electric Light and Power Distribution. —This class was also established at the request of a number of students, under the direction of Mr. L. T. Reichel, late of the Electrical Syndicate Works. Here also success has been met with, the attendance being excellent throughout. During the last quarter of the year Mr. Reichel was unable for a time to conduct his class owing to illness. Mr. Brown, electrician, very kindly continued his work until the end of the quarter. One of the difficulties in connection with a class of this kind is the supply of instruments and apparatus, particularly so when no funds are available. In this direction the thanks of the Committee are due to Mr. Richardson, manager of the Electrical Syndicate, who very generously placed at our disposal over fifty pounds' worth of apparatus. The Technical Instruction Act will, however, obviate this difficulty, and I hope to have a complete set of instruments and machines for class use at an early date. Want of accommodation has also been a drawback to the class, and special provision in this direction is absolutely necessary. The class is divided into two grades— one for beginners, and the other for advanced students. The course is, as far as possible, of a practical nature, and is intended to assist electric-light artisans and others interested in electricity to acquire a full technical knowledge of the subject. It is especially applicable to students preparing for the City and Guilds of London Institute Examinations. In the case of this class, arithmetic is an essential if successful results are to be obtained. For the want of it several students have not made such progress as might have been expected had the necessary knowledge been obtained previous to entering the class. In due time I anticipate we shall be able to establish a preliminary course of work, through which all students must pass or give satisfactory evidence of their ability to do the necessary work previous to entering upon a special course such as that of electric lighting.