17

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treasurer continuously from the opening of the school, took a warm interest in its proceedings and and an active part in its management, and was ever ready with kindly advice and assistance, which his business tact and experience made invaluable. Report of Examiner. Mrs. R. D. Harman, having held the annual examination in practical and theoretical cookery at the School of Domestic Instruction, has great pleasure in reporting a general and steady improvement in the technical work during the past year. The practical work was of very good quality, and the methodical way in which each student arranged her work so as to have all the test dishes cooked within the stated time showed great forethought and the practical efficiency of the training, the work altogether being well and carefully done. The theoretical work was excellent, showing that a greater interest had been taken in the details of the various branches of cookery, more intelligence being shown as to the cause and effects of the methods employed. The improvement in the working-conveniences of the class-room, owing to the new sinks, water-heater, increased number of stoves, kitchen utensils, &c, is most satisfactory, simplifying all work in a most noticeable manner, the scullery-work in particular showing excellent results owing to the improved arrangements. The number of certificates granted was nine. Statement for Year ending 31st December, 1901. Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance from last year .. .. .. 77 9 6 Petty cash .. .. .. 56 10 1 Donations and subscriptions .. .. 712 6 Rent .. .. .. .. 100 0 0 School fees .. .. .. 71 7 0 Less received from sub-tenant 21 0 0 General fees .. .. .. .. 154 10 2 79 0 0 Government grants— Cooking-material .. .. 161 4 1 General .. .. .. .. 116 6 3 General expenses, including gas, Capitation .. .. .. .. 205 11 0 coals, &c. .. .. .. 121 11 7 Sales, &c. .. .. .. 77 12 11 Salaries .. .. .. 267 1 3 Advertising .. .. .. 7 7 6 Bank charges .. .. .. 0 10 0 Balance in bank .. .. 19 15 3 Less cheques outstanding .. 14 510 5 9 5 Cash in hand .. .. .. 11 15 5 £710 9 4 £710 9 4 O'Bryen Hoare, Honorary Treasurer.

SOUTH CANTERBURY. Report of Inspectors of Schools. So far the introduction of handwork in our schools has not been general; indeed, until a revision of the present standard syllabus has been made we do not think it would be wise to do much more than has been done. As it is, various kindergarten occupations have been taken up for the first time by the infant classes and Standard I. in some schools ; and in the Timaru Main School and one or two others that have been doing good work in this direction for years past the instruction continues to be given with success. We are pleased to report that the teachers have been doing something to prepare themselves for taking up the work of instruction required for school classes under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act. During the last term of the year classes for the instruction of teachers were held in Timaru on Friday evenings and on Saturdays. The woodwork class for men was attended by forty-two teachers. The course extended to twelve lessons of two hours each, and the average number of hours attended was nineteen out of twentyfour. A class for instruction in kindergarten occupations, which included paper-folding, bricklaying, modelling in carton, mat-weaving, and cane-weaving, was conducted by Miss Avison, and was attended by eighty female teachers, the course being one of twelve lessons of one hour each, the average number of hours attended being almost ten. A course of twelve lessons of one hour each in brushwork and modelling in plasticine was given by Mr. William Greene. This was for teachers of both sexes, and was attended by 126 teachers. The class was so large that it was taken in two divisions, the lesson for each division lasting one hour, and the average time attended by each student was nine hours and a half. Teachers bad the privilege of attending the classes free of charge, and were allowed free railway travelling. Needless to say, the institution of these classes was hailed with delight, and the work, which was new to most of the teachers, wa3 entered on with an enthusiasm that was well maintained throughout the course. In accordance with the provisions of the Manual and Technical Instruction Act, the Timaru Technical Association was formed, with the Education Board as controlling authority; and, though it was so late in the year that there was time for only one term of lessons, evening classes were established and successfully conducted by the association. We hope to find this association appreciated by the townspeople, and so loyally supported that at no distant date a fully equipped technical school may be established in our town. Repoet of Managers of Technical Classes Association. The Timaru Technical Classes Association was formed at a meeting held on the 18th June, 1901, when a provisional committee was set up. The committee set to work vigorously, secured the fitting-up of the Main School so as to enable evening classes to be carried on, and succeeded in obtaining subscriptions from no fewer than 173 citizens, and also from the Levels County Council, 3—E. 5.