E.—s

50

deal to advertise the school, although they have their drawbacks. A number of the older pupils stay away on these occasions, as naturally they do not like their work being criticized, and often by people u&ko are thoroughly incompetent to do so. During the year a wool-sorting class was started. Mr. A. Cate, of the Petone woollen-mills, was appointed instructor. The progress made by his class has been very gratifying. The students have shown a great desire to learn as much as they possibly can about -wool, and the school itself has, owing to the generosity of the manager of the woollen-mills, been in the happy position of being able to supply as much wool as was wanted by the pupils, and of every description required, for absolutely nothing. In this respect we have been particularly fortunate, and Ido not think that there is another wool class in the whole of the Dominion that is better equipped in this particular than the class at Petone. There is only one drawback, and that is in the matter of accommodation. However, until the class has been going for another year Ido not feel inclined to put forward any proposal, although I am sure that in time a large shed will have to be built, which will do for a drillshed, wool-shed, and gymnasium. Mr. Cate has been enthusiastic with his class, and he has managed to interest such well-known wool-men as Mr. Burridge and Mr. Lees, the latter of whom gave a very i nteresting lecture during the year. It is common knowledge that the more education a person gets the more he sees the need of it. Many boys, having passed Standard VI, seem, however, to think that they have all the education that they will ever require. It is gratifying to note that of those who have gone beyond the ordinary primary education some are beginning to see that there are advantages to be obtained at a technical school. The headmasters, too, of the various Valley schools are helping by placing before their older pupils the value of technical education. The reports from the various instructors are very satisfactory, although in one or two classes the attendance was not so good as it should be. This was particularly noticeable in the cookery class, and it is hoped that this useful class will be better supported next year. 101 Senior Cadets have been posted to this school. About 50 of these boys are at present on the school roll. Arrangements will be made so that the drill will interfere as little as possible with the working of the school. A beginning has been made in forming a reference library and a museum and although there has been but small progress so far yet a start has been made. Mr. J. Kino-dom has presented the school with eighteen bound volumes of a technical magazine. This valuable donation is a very acceptable contribution to the library. Mr. Burns, at one time an instructor of the mechanical drawing class, has presented the school with a valuable model of a ratchet pump. Several pupils have been successful at the examinations of the Board of Education, South Kensington, and of the City and Guilds of London Institute, also at various public examinations. Seven pupils have been recommended for the award of Senior Free Places. During the year the manager of the Petone Railway Workshops gave an interesting lecture to a large number of adults on the theory of steam and steam-making. This lecture was much appreciated by those present. A set of Cusson's elementary models were procured during the year for the use of the students in the mechanical drawing class. I must take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Hope for the assistance he gave to this class during the year by bringing small useful models at various times for sketching purposes. Miss Kimbell, the instructress in art, resigned during the year, as she was giving up teaching altogether. Miss Gooder, of Wellington, was appointed to take her place. The reports of the various instructors are of a highly satisfactory nature, and the Board is fortunate in having on its staff some very keen and capable teachers. Many of those have been connected with the school for a number of years, and it is due to their earnest work that the attendance has gone up. The system of grouping recommended by the Department has been adopted. There is no doubt that those taking a systematic course of study derive far more benefit than those taking subjects in a haphazard style" The system at present in force, however, could easily be simplified, making the preparation of claims for capitation a less complicated matter than it is at present, No doubt the Department will arrange for a more adaptable system, which will simplify matters for all concerned. The assistance oiven by the various local bodies, companies, and other associations is much appreciated, and I think if the townspeople fully realized the amount of good that the Technical School does, that more institutions would follow the excellent example that has been set them. In conclusion, I must thank the Board for the very hearty way in which they have supported any recommendations that I have made, the Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. G. Castle, for his assistance and advice during the year, the Department for their unfailing courtesy, and the staff one and all for their loyal support. Jas. H. Lynskey, Director.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1911, in respect of Associated. Classes at Petone Technical School.

Receipts. Balance at beginning of year Capitation on associated classes Capitation on account of free places Furniture, fittings, and apparatus Material Subsidies on voluntary contributions Fees Voluntary contributions Prom controlling authority, on acoount of sohool classes Sales, &c. £ s. d. 78 15 2 163 1 4 49 15 0 56 18 0 47 14 3 92 5 0 152 15 0 93 10 6 9 5 4 10 8 4 Expenditure. £ s , a. Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 443 13 q Office expenses (including salaries, stationery, &c.) .. .. .. , _ 17 11 8 Advertising and printing.. .. .. 11 8 0 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 38 13 9 Insurance and repairs .. .. .. 17 10 9 Material for clasB use .. .. 41 7 11 Bonus to Director .. .. ., 20 0 0 Caretaker .. .. ., _ _ 53 5 0 Cartage .. .. .. \\ 1 10 0 Bank commission and oheque-books .. 0 16 0 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 29 14 0 Balance at end of year .. .. ,, 73 12 10 £754 7 11 £754 7 11 Alexander Thomson, Chairman) , „ J. G. Castle, Secretary j of Managers,