21

E.—L

Examinations bear testimony to the good work done in our theory classes ; but such classes are not recognised in the recent regulations issued by the Education Department, for these regulations prescribe that at least half the time of the class must be given to practical work. In fact, the regulations recommend one and a half hours' practical work at each lesson, and, as our school is open only two hours each evening, this leaves but half an hour for the study of the principles. Further, after a day's work of eight hours students are not inclined to devote another hour and a half to the same kind of work. On the other hand, the changes required to be made in the cookery classes in order to bring them into agreement with the regulations will lead to even better work than formerly in these classes. The number of students attending the class in wood-carving was too great for the teacher to supervise, and an extra class was therefore opened. Since the present teacher took charge the examiner has repeatedly expressed approval of the bold-relief style of carving taught; but, although the class is crowded, carpenters and cabinetmakers, for whom the work is specially suited, are poorly represented. At the beginning of the session the number of students taking dressmaking was so great that the class had to be duplicated, but during the second quarter the attendance at this class was, as usual, small. Of the science classes, that in chemistry is the best supported. The students are drawn from all grades, and the majority are extremely earnest in their work. Professor Black's prize of free tuition at the University to the dux of this class leads to remarkably good work among the best students. The physics class still continues to be only fairly attended, and not to any extent by the class of students for whose benefit it was established. Here also the competition for the University prize (Professor Shand's) results in very careful work and a healthy rivalry among the leading students. The botany class, which has just started for the spring session, is in a much better state than it has been for some years. In attendance at present there are 18 students, of whom nearly all are either kindergarten students or chemists' assistants. Of other classes, the mechanical engineering and drawing classes at Port Chalmers are the principal; and to suit the requirements of those students who intend sitting for the City and Guilds Examinations a special class will be carried on during the summer months. In summarising the year's work, if allowance be made for the unusual distractions and consequent interruptions, the result may be regarded as extremely satisfactory. The students as a body have been earnest and diligent, and well behaved. Angus Marshall, Secretary. The balance-sheet is appended herewith, and shows a debit balance of £42 15s. 6d. on account of the financial operations over the period ending the 31st December, 1901, but since the balancesheet was made up the financial position has been improved by receipt from Government of £93 65., the subsidy on voluntary contributions. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for Period ended 31st December, 1901. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £. s. d. Pees .. .. .. .. .. 504 2 6 Balance, 31st January, 1901 .. .. 3 5 1 Donations .. .. .. .. 93 6 0 Salaries .. .. .. .. 686 8 5 Government grants— Printing, advertising, &c. .. .. 34 3 1 For premises .. .. .. 2,000 0 0 Apparatus and fittings .. .. .. 365 17 8 For apparatus and fittings .. .. 178 610 Materials .. .. .. .. 48 17 8 For materials .. .. .. 54 12 0 Gas .. .. .. .. .. 25 5 1 Subsidy on donations.. .. .. 179 18 3 Insurance .. .. .. .. 13 14 11 Subsidy on attendances .. .. 91 910 Repairs .. .. .. .. 511 9 Education Board .. .. .. 75 0 0 Rents.. .. .. .. .. 96 7 6 City Council .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Fixed deposit, Bank of New Zealand .. 2,000 0 0 Interest .. .. .. .. 10 0 3 Bank overdraft, 31st December, 1901 .. 42 15 6 £3,279 11 2 £3,279 11 2 Examined and found correct.—C. Grater, Auditor.

SOUTHLAND. Report of the Boaed of Education. Technical Education. —ln last year's report reference was made to the probability of the Board taking over the work for several years carried on by the Technical Classes Association of Invercargill. The Board has now to report that the overtures then made by that association were agreed to, and the sole control of technical education throughout the Southland District was assumed by the Board. With the view to a proper organization of technical and continuation classes under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act, the Board at its August meeting appointed Mr. W. A. McCaw to the position of Director of Technical Instruction, and from that officer's annual report full particulars respecting the inauguration and continuance of technical instruction under the supervision of the Board will be obtained. In the month of June last, and at the invitation of the Board, the then recently appointed Technical Inspectors for the colony, Messrs. Isaac and Browne, paid a visit to the district, and while here delivered a series of demonstration lectures illustrative of the method of conducting school classes. An audience of over one hundred teachers met the Inspectors, and it is quite safe to state that the opportune visit of those gentlemen did much to foster and encourage the enthusiasm of our teachers in the matter of technical education. 4—E. 5.