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EXTEACT FROM THE REPORT OP THE DIRECTOR OF THE WANGANUI TECHNICAL COLLEGE. •*"• Owing to the removal of the old buildings and the erection of the new school, work was carried on during the greater part of the year under very discouraging conditions ; but the instructors and the students assisted most willingly during the transition period, cheerfully enduring much inconvenience. Classes were conducted in St. Paul's Hall (art), in the Methodist Schoolroom (commercial), in Mr. Graham's shop (plumbing), in Mr. Huston's rooms (dressmaking and millinery), and in the storerooms on the new site (applied art). Our thanks are due to the trustees and owners of these rooms for their assistance in helping us over our difficulties. The day classes were well attended, the following being the various courses : Engineering and agricultural, commercial, art. Despite the year's drawbacks much good work was accomplished, as was evidenced by the successes in the various examinations. Art department: In April Mr. Seaward was granted leave of absence to visit the Old Country. During this period Blisses I. M. Copeland and J. Murray conducted the classes in a most capable manner, maintaining much interest in this important branch, of the school's work. The evening classes suffered most through the work being removed to hired rooms where the lighting was unsatisfactory. The life classes were abandoned for part of the year. Wood-carving lias been somewhat replaced by metal-work, a form of handwork which gives evidence of becoming very popular. Students have shown marked improvement, especially scholarship pupils who take both modelling and design in their course. Mr. Andrews, as usual, has shown great interest in the work of his classes. Engineering department : Messrs. Crow and Morrison have again done a capital year's work. The attendance was well maintained in the day classes, but the evening classes suffered considerably. For some months during the dismantling of the old school it was impossible to continue the evening classes in practical engineering. Commercial department: This continues to be the most popular department of the school's work, and great credit is due to Mr. Cox and the various members of the staff for the good work that has been achieved by their students. The advanced accountancy and commercial law classes put in a splendid year's work, and two of the students (Miss Neilson and Mr. W. B. Allan) succeeded in passing the Intermediate Examination in Accountancy conducted by the University of New Zealand. In the Board's book-keeping examination the following were the results out of 42 entries ; Senior, 9 (1 with distinction) ; junior, 10 (2 with distinction) ; preliminary, 16. In Pitman's shorthand examinations our students gained 49 certificates, including 4 for speed. The December results just to hand are as follows.: 15 elementary certificates, 3 theory certificates, 7 speed certificates. The evening cookery classes were abandoned for a time on account of the dismantling of the old cookery-room. Miss Mollison conducted a cookery class for nurses in the early part of the year, the Girls' College room being used through the courtesy of Miss Cruickshank, the Lady Principal. In the subsequent examination each student succeeded in gaining a creditable award. The dressmaking and millinery classes under Miss Dandy's supervision were very successful, especially towards the end of the year, when the new buildings were available. The evening trade classes did a good year's work and were well attended, especially the plumbers' and carpenters' courses. General classes were conducted much as usual, but the photography and mathematics classes lapsed through lack of accommodation. The new school was opened by the Hon. Mr. Fowlds on Thursday, 28th September. It was estimated that on the opening day over two thousand people passed through the buildings, every one being satisfied that Wanganui now possesses a most convenient and excellently arranged school, ample provision being available for all classes of technical work. It is a source of gratification that instructors and pupils are now able to work under most favourable conditions. The old school had pleasant associations for many of us, who have seen it grow from yery small beginnings, but " the old order changeth, giving place to the new," and we anticipate for the new structure a long career of usefulness. During the year students have shown great interest both in their studies and in their school. Subscriptions were collected for the purchase of pictures and books. The engineering class camped up-river during the third week in December, and their " surveying " experience under the able guidance of their instructors will prove very beneficial to them. In conclusion, my best thanks are due to the Press for the generous manner in which they have always treated the school, to the Technical School Committee for their willing assistance, and to the instructors who have worked so willingly and loyally for the success of the school. A. Varney, Director. Extract from the Report of the Director of the Central District. Technical and continuation classes w-ere conducted at Marton and Taihape during the year. The attendance was very disappointing, especially at Taihape. The classes were well advertised, and in addition the local directors made a personal canvass for pupils. It would appear that various forms of amusement, which are conducted nightly, have got a greater hold on the young people than the knowledge which we are trying to disseminate. A very successful class for wool-classing was conducted for one term at Taoroa. The attendance was good, and the students, who were mostly young farmers, did very good practical work. Another class was held at Mangaweka. Good work was done here also. The dressmaking classes in both Marton and Taihape were rather poorly attended. However, those students who did attend were rewarded in obtaining more personal attention than would have been possible had the classes been larger. In Marton one class in cookery was held during the year; it was fairly well attended. A class for plumbing and sanitary science was held in Marton. All the students were working at the trade, and were studying with a view of passing the examinations which are held annually for plumbers. The commercial classes in Taihape were carried on for a couple of terms, and then lapsed owing to the decrease in the attendance. In Marton a very successful class was carried on. The classes in woodwork were a failure ; it was expected that classes would be established in Ohakune, but, though several attempts were made, the response was never satisfactory enough to warrant a beginning being made. I have to thank the local Directors and the teaching staffs of both schools for their faithful work during the year. It was an uphill fight, but I hope that the coming year will see a great improvement in. the attendance at all the classes. J, Grant, Director,