35

E.—s

the divisions a fuller application wherever possible to other subjects in the school course—such, for example, as a greater use made of plasticine-modelling in connection with the geography and drawing lessons. In addition to the above, the school classes in cookery have been continued at Westport, Reefton, aud Toi Toi Valley; dressmaking classes have been carried on at Reefton and Westport, and woodwork at Reefton; while towards the end of the year new classes in cookery were started at Richmond and Wakefield. During the year new regulations for manual and technical instruction were brought into force. So far as school classes are concerned the changes introduced seem of advantage, and consist—(l) in arranging the subjects into three divisions corresponding to three groups of the Standard classes—Preparatory to Standard 11, Standards 111 and IV, and V and above; (2) a less complex method of paying capitation by the adoption of a uniform rate for each group of classes; (3) more favourable working-conditions as regards the duration of certain classes, and number of pupils that can attend; (4) special grants in aid of material are done aw-ay with—in their place advance payments may be made, while the rate of capitation for the first year of recognition of a class is higher than in subsequent years. Fifteen schools this year have taken needlework under the above regulations. Special classes for the training of teachers were again conducted at Nelson and Westport, and for the first time at Reefton, the subjects comprising model, brush, and blackboard drawing, plasticine-modelling,. woodwork, cookery, vocal music, physiography, and dressmakiug. The attendance at these classes was only fair. We shall endeavour, if possible, during the coming year to arrange classes for teachers in such parts of the district as we have not yet been able to reach, though this is a difficult matter on account of the inadequate means of communication, which prevent teachers from being readily brought together. Technical School. —Since our last report it is gratifying to be able to record the completion of the building of the Technical School in Nelson, and the establishment of classes under a most efficient staff of teachers. In all fourteen technical and nine continuation classes were in operation at the close of the year, a total of 275 students being enrolled. The satisfactory attendance of so many at the classes would seem to fully justify the setting-up of this school, and we are sure that, as time goes on, this branch of our modern educational equipment will prove of ever-increasing usefulness and benefit to the youth of the community. In this connection it seems a matter of surprise to us that nowhere in our country school districts have the local Committees seen fit to institute "continuation" classes under the Act—that is, classes in which instruction is given in the ordinary public-school subjects above Standard IV, or other subjects of general or commercial education. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending the 31st December, 1905, in respect of Special Classes conducted at the Nelson Technical School. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Capitation on classes ... .. .. 31 10 9 Balance at beginning of year .. .. 63 2 Buildii gs .. .. .. .. 1,124 10 0 Salaries of instructors .. .. 160 2 8 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 47 19 6 Office expenses (including salaries, staFe ( ,s .. .. .. .. .. 63 6 0 tioneiy, &c.) .. .. .. 7 0 0 Balance at end of year .. .. .. 465 5 9 Advertising and printing .. .. 619 6 Lighting, heating, and wages .. .. 914 5 Material for class use .. .. .. 610 0 Refund scholarship deposits .. .. 7 17 6 Contracts (new buildiugs, additions, &0.).. 1,124 10 0 Architect, &c. .. .. .. .. 57 17 9 Furniiure, fittings, and apparatus .. 335 19 4 Transfer of title .. .. .. 9 17 8 £1,732 12 0 £1,732 12 0

GREY. Extract from the Report of the Education Board. Technical Instruction. —Saturday classes for teachers were established during the year, and a course of work in physical measurements was taken. In August the Board received authority to erect a woodwork and a cookery room as portion of a technical-school building. Tenders were called, and the rooms will be ready shortly. Four schools took a branch of handwork as part of the year's syllabus.

WESTLAND. Extract from the Report of the Education Board. Manual and Technical Instruction. —During the year the following classes, recognised specially by the Education Department, have been in force: (1.) A teachers' instruction class in cartonwork correlated with geometrical drawing; the average attendance during the six months of the existence of the class was 17. (2.) One special class and one school class in woodwork; the roll was respectively 29 and 26. (3.) Three special classes and one school class in cookery; the total number in attendance was 95. (4.) Seven school classes in handwork were in force in the larger schools, and two sewing classes with an extra instructor in the schools under a male sole teacher. In addition, the junior pupils of a considerable number of schools received practical instruction in handwork. With the aid of a special grant from the Education Department a technical-school building has been erected in Hokitika, and has already been utilised for cookery classes. The room to be devoted to practical work in science will be available during the present year.