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OHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL OF DOMESTIC INSTRUCTION. The Committee, in making its seventh annual report, has pleasure in noting the maintenance of a steady interest in the work of the school, as shown by the number of attendants who, quarter by quarter, take advantage of the instruction it has to offer. Established first in 1893 through the efforts of a few private individuals, with the assistance of a small public subscription, supplemented by a Government grant of like amount, the school has consistently held a good place in public* favour, and may fairly claim during the intervening years to have done excellent service in carrying out the purposes of its existence within the opportunities afforded by somewhat limited conveniences. A school of the kind is now in common estimation a permanent necessity, and the Committee trusts that early in the coming year it may find itself in a position to make improved arrangements. Better accommodation is much needed, and a material increase in the means of practical instruction is also a requirement which the Committee should use its best efforts to satisfy. To secure these objects it relies mainly on the more liberal provisions of the Manual and Technical Instruction Act of the past session of Parliament, under which the school will now continue its work. During the year there has been a marked increase in the number of pupils furnished by the public elementary schools. These now supply a very large proportion of the attendants during three parts of the year. In the first quarter four schools sent classes of forty to fifty girls each ;in the third quarter six schools were similarly represented ; and in the fourth seven, with a total attendance of upwards of three hundred children. In the second quarter there were no classes in attendance from this source, as just at that period of the year the town and suburban schools are specially preparing for their annual examination, the girls receiving at this time theoretical instruction from their teachers on some kindred subject. It is for these classes, consisting as they necessarily do of comparatively large numbers, that better accommodation is so urgently required. Fifteen girls entered for the examination held under the auspices of the City and Guilds of London Institute; thirteen of these passed, two with first-class certificates. It is with the greatest regret that the Committee have to record the death of our late President, Mrs. Turrell. To her efforts chiefly the school owes its existence, and the great success of the school is to be attributed largely to her enthusiasm and personal influence. The following is the return of attendances for the several quarters of the year:—

Report of Examiner. Mrs. Harman reports that she held the usual annual examination in practical and theoretical cookery at the School for Domestic Instruction, and has great pleasure in stating that the work was all done in a highly satisfactory and capable manner. The papers were most carefully written, and all the questions were answered in a clear, concise way, showing that the students thoroughly understood the subject, and had made the theory of cookery a special study. The practical work this year is the best shown yet, great accuracy being displayed in weighing and measuring the quantities of material, flavouring, &c, required for each dish. The quality of the cookery was good, all dishes being suitably seasoned and carefully dished and garnished. Great deftness and good method was also shown in all branches of scullery-work, all utensils used being thoroughly cleaned and neatly arranged on the tables at the close of the examination. Nine certificates in plain cooking were granted.

Balance-sheet for the Year ending 7th December, 1900.

Receipts. £ s. d. Balance from last year .. .. .. 44 9 4 Petty cash from last year .. .. .. 2 4 0 Capitation and donations— From Government, special grant .. 20 0 0 From Government, capitation .. .. 127 5 3 School fees .. .. .. .. 245 5 4 £439 3 11 Liabilities, aboul

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Expenditure. £ s. d. Salaries .. .. .. .. .. 144 15 5 Cooking materials, cost .. £132 15 3 Less for food sold .. 49 6 10 ■ — 83 8 5 General expenses — Rent, gas, advertising, ooals, and sundries .. .. .. 132 7 0 Petty cash on hand .. .. .. 13 7 Balance in Union Bank of Australia .. 77 9 6 £439 3 11 it £50 for salaries. W. Chrystal, Hon. Treasurer.

Nu: iber of Cli ises. Num' ier of Atteni iants. Quarter ending Average Attendance. Cooking. Dressmaking. Total. Public Schools. General. Total. list March «0th June !0th September list December ... 11 7 14 13 2 2 2 1 13 9 16 14 170 99 100 124 70 269 100 417 387 224-5 88-7 381-4 356-5 293 317