E.—l2.

and the solids so produced form models from which the plans and elevations of them are made. The pupils pass on to more advanced geometry, and elementary perspective in the Fifth Forms, reaching the standard of the South Kensington Second Grade. Elementary freehand follows elementary design in the lower classes. Model-drawing begins in the Remove; more difficult model-drawing, shaded either in chalk or sepia, is done in the Fifths. Manual and Technical Instruction : Much of the drawing would come under this head, though not available for a grant, (a.) Woodwork :We had sixty-four boys doing woodwork this year ; last year there were only some twenty-five. A systematic course of exercises in the use of ordinary carpentry tools according to the English sloyd system is gone through, and proper drawings to scale are made. A special prize was given for woodwork by the late Chairman, Mr. T. S. Weston. Each boy receives two hours a week, including half an hour's instruction in the special drawing required, (b.) Two classes—one of nine, the other of thirteen boys—did practical chemistry ; only the first, however, fulfilled the conditions of the Government regulations. Many of the junior forms also did a certain amount of practical chemistry, (c.) A class of twenty-one boys did practical physics, measurement of length, area, cubic contents, determination of weight and volume, &c, as in Eentoul's Physics ; instruction, eighty minutes weekly. Commercial Work : Two classes of eleven and thirty-two boys respectively, or forty-three in all, have done commercial work. Mr. W. H. Gundry, the accountant, has instructed them in book-keeping, some short methods of calculation, and the rudiments of finance. Five boys entered for the Students' Accountancy Examination ; the results not yet to hand. The same boys have also had from other masters commercial arithmetic, mensuration, tots, precis and correspondence, and commercial geography ; but we have not found it possible to comply with the Government Eegulations 111., (e), for a grant. Some six boys have been learning typewriting and shorthand for extra payment out of school hours. Gymnastics: The gymnasium has been placed on a different footing; a special qualified instructor, Mr. T. 8. Tankard, has been appointed, and the. exercises are adapted for health and physical training. Every boy now receives about one hour a week physical training, unless specially exempted. Drill: There is a cadet corps under Staff Sergeant-major Farthing, who has succeeded Major Richards. A great impetus has been given to shooting this year, which has been made compulsory on all cadets. The Government have increased the amount of ammunition, and have provided the corps with twenty Martini-Enfield carbines for shooting practice. Each boy goes to the range four times in the year, and some are allowed to go eight or ten times. Sergeant-major Farthing also drills in physical and marching exercises a junior squad. Swimming : This is taught by one of the masters in the summer months. Singing is taught by one of the masters to a class of about forty boys.

5. Scholarships. There were held at the school four senior and three junior district scholarships, three of the latter being supplemented by free tuition given by the Governors ; and thirty-five boys were granted free tuition by the Governors.

CHRISTCHURCH GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL. Staff. Miss M. V. Gresson, M.A. ; Miss C. K. Henderson, M.A.; Mr. G. J. Lancaster, M.A. ; Miss F. Sheard, M.A. ; Miss E. Low, M.A. ; Miss L. Bing, B.A. ; Miss K. Gresson, M.A. ; Mrs. S. Hervey; Miss N. Gard'ner; Miss E. Easterbrook; Miss M. M. Cook ; Mrs. E. Gard'ner ; and Sergeant-major Farthing. 1. Report of the Governors. This school, which was first opened on the 13th September, 1877, has this year completed its first quarter-century, and during this time over 1,400 girls have been entered on the books. The average length of a pupil's stay at school is about two years and a half; the record of continuous attendance is seven years. The highest roll number was attained in the first term of the year 1891, when 152 pupils attended ; the same year has also the highest roll for the third term, 144 ; while this year (1902) takes second place, with a roll of 140 for the third term. The present building will not accommodate more than 150 pupils, and even during this year the need of additional class-rooms has caused some inconvenience, and necessitated the frequent use of the lunch-room as a class-room, though it is not well suited for the purpose. The regular staff, which consists of the lady principal, five full-time and one part-time assistants, has also been taxed to its utmost capacity, the smallness of two of the class-rooms, and the numerous examinations on slightly different lines for which pupils have to be prepared in small groups, adding to the difficulty of organization where space and teaching-power are limited. The general health of the scholars during the year has been excellent, and this is especially gratifying as many other schools both in Christchurch and in other centres have suffered severely this year from the prevalence of epidemics. The two classes in conversational French which were begun this year have made very fair progress, and the senior class will be able to obtain a considerably higher standard of proficiency next year. As a blue ensign had been presented to the school by the New Zealand Government, the Governors erected a flagpole, and the flag was hoisted for the first time on Coronation Day, on which day a fine young oak-tree was also planted in the playground. The authorised boardinghouse is now quite close to the school. The house is a particularly suitable one for its purpose, the accommodation is ample, the drainage and water-supply are good, and the girls have the use of a pleasant garden. Though not yet so well patronised as

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