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present time, and their progress is very satisfactory; but, on the whole, we cannot, through the necessity of meeting the needs of the younger student and on account of our plentiful lack of necessary rooms and equipment, offer special facilities for this kind of work in all branches taken at the school, or for the more advanced and extremeh important work of original investigation injipplied art or applied science. The classes in general science and mathematics have been well attended, largely by students preparing for Matriculation and Civil Service Examinations, with satisfactory results. These classes should be much more largely attended by the young artisan, but he is usually fully occupied in the evenings with special trade classes in which the instructors introduce the minimum amount of mathematics and science to enable their students to solve the various practical problems that arise. While this method has its advantages in the it cannot be accepted as more than a temporary expedient to be replaced by a more systematic arrangement when the young apprentice is given more time for training at the Technical School. The class in practical mathematics is an exception to the above statement, but the numbers attending were small compared with the total numbers in the trade classes. The building-trades classes were well attended during the year, and good work was done in many of them. There is gratifying evidence in these as in other classes of the benefits arising from the establishment of day classes for those preparing for various trades. In the yearly examination in buildingconstruction, for example, the first five places were filled by old day students. In the commercial section the progress has been great, a large majority of the students taking connected courses and doing satisfactory work. It is, however, to be regretted that a very large proportion of the free students prefer these classes to those connected with mechanical trades or domestic science. The classes in domestic-science subjects have not developed so rapidly as they should have done, but there are signs of improvement, and it is hoped that they will become a prominent feature of the school-work. Apart from changes in detail in the running of the various classes, the main change during 1908 has been in the establishment of special courses in electrical fitting and electrical wiring for those wishing to qualify for the certificate of the school or the City and Guilds of London certificates to enable them to obtain licenses under the City Council. The city by-laws render it necessary for wiremen and fitters to obtain licenses, renewable yearly, and granted on the production of satisfactory evidence of training and ability, before doing work in the city. The Council has arranged for the Technioal School to provide the necessary courses in theory and practice, and to conduct qualifying examinations. The courses have been based on the new syllabus for similar work of the City and Guilds of London, except that candidates who have gone through the full course at the school will be required to produce in the fitters' examination duly certified specimens of work which they have done in class as well as work done in course of examination. Certificates were granted only to those candidates who have completed a satisfactory workshop apprenticeship with a reputable electrical-engineering firm in addition to passing the certificate examination. So far, the arrangements made are working satisfactorilymany of our keenest students in these classes being old day students who had spent two or three years in preparatory work at the school before joining an electrical-engineering establishment. The Managers have conducted classes for the Education Board in drawing and manual training for teachers, and for the Governors of Wellington College and the Girls' High School in drawing and woodwork for boys and drawing and design for girls. The work done in these classes has been very satisfactory. It seems to be unfortunate in some respects that the connection between this institution and the Education Board is so slender. In a general way, a closer connection between the central technical school of the district and the institutions managed by the Board of Education would, I think, be of advantage to both sides in allowing greater elasticity in the whole system and greater uniformity of aim. Teachers, for example, come to the school to attend classes in drawing and design, &c, but the instructors of these classes have no direct connection with the work done in the schools, and are therefore in some degree working in the dark. At the same time there is abundant evidence that the association of the City Council and Industrial Association with the Technical School is of direct and enormous benefit to the cause of technical education in the city. The buildings have been maintained in good order and condition during the past year. The equipment has been increased in many departments, notably in the engineering workshop, which is now fairly representative of its class. The present buildings and site are both eminently unsuitable for technical purposes, and the .Managers spent considerable time during 1908 in seeking for a suitable site for a permanent home of technology in this city. It was finally decided to ask for the co-operation of the City Council in the matter, and after visiting and discussing various proposed areas, a site of about 1£ acres at the top of John Street was finally chosen as being the most suitable and accessible. The site can easily be extended if necessary. The frontages total about 1,100 ft., and the lighting is exceptionally good. A large area—some 50 acres—of Town Belt faces the section, and some 10 acres will in a few years be converted into a' level recreation-ground exactly across the road from the proposed school-site. At the direction of the Managers, sketch-plans were prepared by me, including all that is urgently necessary at the present time in the way of buildings. The plans are arranged to allow for easy extension when required. The total cost of buildings would be about £30,000. There is no doubt that the inadequacy of the present buildings militates greatly against the usefulness of the school, and that a change to a convenient and central site must be made sooner or later. The Managers arc now moving to secure the site chosen, and it is hoped that the Board will soon be able to dispose of its present property and build a permanent school. The staff has worked loyally and enthusiastically during the year, and has maintained a high standard of work. W. S. La Trobe, Director.