E.— s.

The painting and drawing classes were under the charge of Mr. George E. Irvine. The average number of pupils on the roll was fifty-seven, while the average attendance at the classes was forty. Several of the pupils sat for the South Kensington Art Examinations in June last, but up to the present the results have not been received. Several more are now preparingfor the same examinations this year, which will most probably be held in June next. At the close of the third term Mr. Irvine successfully held an exhibition of the work done by his pupils during the year. The book-keeping class, under the tuition of Mr. P. G. Magnusson, had an average roll for the three terms of ten, while the average attendance for the same period was eight. This subject is a most useful one, particularly to those desirous of qualifying themselves for mercantile pursuits, and should therefore receive a great measure of support. The shorthand class was taught by Mr. Eobert Carpenter. Owing to the impossibility of securing a competent instructor in Pitman's system, Gregg's light-line was introduced and Mr. Carpenter appointed instructor. The class, however, dwindled away until, at the close of the second term, the managers decided, owing to the lack of interest shown by the pupils, to discontinue the work for the remainder of the year. The Civil Service and matriculation class was carried on under the direction of Mr. A. N. Burns. The average roll-number was eight, and the average attendance six. This class was formed with the object of affording greater facilities to students preparing for the Civil Service and Matriculation Examinations than they have hitherto been able to obtain, and on that account should receive considerable support during the coming year. The wood-working class, under the direction of Mr. D. Christian, was successfully carried on for three sessions. The average roll number was eight, and the average attendance of pupils six. Notwithstanding the fact that the work was carried on in a shed totally unsuited for the purpose, being badly lighted, draughty, and altogether too small, good progress was made, so that at the end of the year many of the pupils were able to show very creditable results. The managers desire to express their hearty thanks to Messrs. McHattie and McLeod, who very kindly made very valuable donations of timber for the use of the pupils working in this class. The balance-sheet shows the receipts for the year to have amounted to £364 2s. Bd., the expenditure for the same period being £280 3s. 3d., thus leaving a credit balance of £83 19s. 5d., a result which your committee confidently feel you will regard as satisfactory. With the increased facilities which a well-constructed and properly equipped building would afford, the scope of the work could be greatly increased and strengthened, and classes established and successfully carried on in subjects which with the present means at disposal your managers find it is absolutely, at this time, impossible for them to think of inaugurating. In conclusion, your managers take this opportunity of again specially thanking Mr. A. W. Hogg for his untiring efforts on behalf of the Masterton Technical School, and express the hope that the time is not far distant when technical instruction in Masterton will be carried on in a building worthy of the town and district. E. Feist, Chairman. Statement of Accounts for the Year ending the 31st December, .1902. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from year 1901 .. .. .. 5 9 7 Salaries for year 1902 .. .. .. 221 11 6 Class fees for 1902 .. .. .. 77 4 0 Printing and advertising .. .. .. 12 11 6 Rent for use of rooms .. .. .. 6 2 6 Commission paid colleotor of subscriptions .. 13 0 Voluntary contributions .. .. .. 8 11 0 Lighting and warming rooms—gas account.. 8 S 4 First instalment Trust grant, 1902.. .. 33 6 8 Insurance premium . .. .. 019 0 Capitation on account of classes, 1901 .. 103 10 10 Material for use of classes .. .. 13 & 8 Capitation on account of classes, 1902 .. 35 19 6 Bent of shed for woodwork olass .. .. 13 0 0 Government grants— Bank charges and oheque-book .. .. 012 6 In aid of buildings .. .. .. 25 10 11 Imprest Account — In aid of apparatus .. .. .. 16 3 6 Postages .. .. .. .. 0 7 5 Subsidy on voluntary contributions .. 52 4 2 Stationery .. .. .. .. 018 7 Cleaning rooms .. .. .. 6 3 0 Petty accounts.. .. .. .. 16 9 Credit balance, 31st December, 1902 .. 83 19 5 £364 2 8 £364 2 8 N. D. Bunting, Treasurer.

HAWKB'S BAY. Extract pbom the Eepobt op the Inspector of Schools. There has been much activity shown by teachers in some of the subjects under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act, but I feel it necessary to reserve my judgment for the present as to the benefits conferred upon the standard children. The drawing classes that are carried on by Mr. Anderson and his assistant are excellent, and the scope of this class of work might easily be widened were it not for the doubt that exists as to what subject to leave out from the class subjects under the standard regulations. In the case of preparatory classes there is no difficulty in the way, and the grants for the supply of kindergarten apparatus and brush drawing have assisted in a marked manner to create interest in the teaching of manual subjects in the infant-schools. Equally satisfactory results might be expected in the ease of standard children, but teachers are averse to the increase of school subjects, and I fear the progress will be delayed until a more definite syllabus of instruction has been issued whereby alternate subjects may be taught. If Eegulation 29 of the standards of instruction could be widened, school classes under the Act would become general in the schools of my district.

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