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the year the instructor had to go. It seems that the need for instruction in wool-classing in this district is for the time being supplied, doubtless to arise again when science and experience shall have contributed "a" new body of principles upon which an advance in connection with the industry will depend. It may be gathered from the reports submitted that, though the number of students has decreased, the interest in the work itself has not flagged. The work done may be grouped, as hitherto, under the following heads : Primary industry classes, commercial classes, art classes, domestic classes, and building-construction classes. The primary industry classes comprise wool-classing, veterinary science, beekeeping, poultry-raising, and orcharding. No agriculture or dairy science classes for adults were held. The commercial course includes book-keeping, typing, shorthand, commercial arithmetic, commercial English, and business routine. From the lists of the successful students given it will be seen that the Board's certificate in book-keeping is coveted by the young people attending the schools. It is a business certificate the value of which is vouched for by a business man. With respect to the art classes I may state that in the opinion of the Department's Inspector the work done at the three centres is of a very creditable kind, and the lists of successful students support the Inspector's view. The domestic course comprises cookery, dressmaking, and home nursing, and it says much for the quality of the teaching that the classes have been going on continuously for many years. It is greatly to be desired that in all cases courses in cookery and dressmaking should be supplemented by courses in home nursing, so that the schools may do their part in the production of the " complete housekeeper." The Directors and Committees will perhaps give this view their consideration. Lessons on the constructive arts comprise building-construction, plumbing, and architectural drawing. Of these classes plumbing has the sympathy and support of most of the Town and Borough Councils, while the builders in Wanganui give substantial support to the building-construction classes. It goes without saying that no classes have been held in pure science, not owing to the want of laboratories or teaching-power, but because there has been no demand. The Wanganui Technical College, with its splendid equipment, may now be expected to give a lead in this direction. The Education Department has not yet sanctioned the Board's suggested regulations re compulsory attendance at continuation classes. The provision of the Education Amendment Act, 1910, therefore still remains a dead-letter. The scheme is certainly not one that should be embraced lightheartedly, but as the Legislature had evidently made up its mind on the matter it seems a pity that the experiment should not be tried, especially in view of the fact that several of the Committees are not only willing, but extremely anxious, to make it. While we in New Zealand are thinking about this problem it has been already solved in Scotland, as appears from the reports that have been considerately sent to me from the Scotch Education Department. I have again to place on record the excellent work done by the Technical Committees and the Directors at the different centres. Without the co-operation of the Committees it would be difficult to perform the business incident to the carrying-on of the schools and to enlist the sympathy and cooperation of the people. The Directors have not spared themselves, and if the results have not been always in keeping with the efforts put forth they may take comfort in the reflection that they are at least preparing the soil for the reception of the seed. Throughout the entire year the instructors did not once fail to be at their posts, and there is every reason to believe that their work was well done and warmly appreciated. Mr Bell efficiently performed his duties as executive clerk of the Board's Technical Department. G-eo. D. Braik, Superintendent. Extract prom the Report of the Director of the Northern District. In the Northern District the term enrolments for the year totalled 1,026. Individual students numbered 473, and, as for two years past, Hawera centre was in the lead as regards attendance. Art classes, book-keeping, dressmaking, and veterinary science were the subjects most in favour. There has been a solid advance in subjects of rural interest. Successful classes in veterinary science, poultryfarming, shearing, and beekeeping were formed. The beekeeping classes at Hawera have been especially successful, junior, senior, and advanced work being taken. This class has now lasted for three seasons, and this year has drawn students from Stratford. Kaponga, Manaia, and Eltham. The class in poultryfarming has been a most enthusiastic one. The students themselves have built a hen-house and an incubator-house. A couple of hatchings of chickens were made, although the machine arrived very late in the season. The class in shearing and" wool-sorting, &c, had but a small attendance, but good work was done under an able instructor. Several intending students sent in their names, but could not get off work to take up the class. A course in veterinary science was taken throughout the district by Mr. Wilmot C. Quinnell, M.R.C.V.S. The enrolments in this were very satisfactory. The commercial classes have continued with fair success. At Hawera, where a course is provided, the attendance has been good. In country districts where book-keeping and accounting were taken support was less than usual. The drop in capitation allowance on country classes will keep these from paying. Since it is impossible to provide complete courses, we can take it for granted that adults will not come out two nights a week to any subject. The art classes have continued with fair success. At Hawera the attendance has been good. In Waverley, Patea, and Eltham greater support can be expected from now on, as students are being drawn from boys and girls leaving school. The dressmaking classes are improving, keen demand now being evident. Miss Dempsey has spared no pains to make her classes a success. Several more could have been formed if the instructor's services had been available. From support promised day classes in rural subjects are practically assured for next year. The buildings continue to be better looked after than in previous years. Overcrowding was in evidence at Hawera, but the new room just granted will improve matters. When rooms for cookery and woodwork are provided at Waverley this should see the end of building operations in this district for several years to come. When the rural and domestic classes are in full operation in the district high schools there will be little need for permanent instructors apart from the Board's staff. At present we have not quite sufficient classes to keep instructors constantly employed, and as a result there is much change from year to year. Compulsory attendance would be beneficial in this direction. R. Browne, Director.

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