E.—s

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Delves, Wanganui Technical College. It is noteworthy that on Messrs. Burrell and Booth's report being given to the Feilding Agricultural and Pastoral Association some fourteen prizes were immediately donated for the next March camp. It will be necessary to remain in camp a fortnight in order to qualify for all these prizes. In carrying out the rural course of instruction under the direction of the Board it has been the custom to give the boys practical work under actual farming-conditions. In this way lessons have been given on some phases of animal husbandry and agriculture. This year a new series of lessons in animal husbandry was instituted—namely, sheep-shearing. At first some difficulty was experienced in getting sheep for the experiment, but after some time a couple of farmers were found who had enough faith to allow the boys to try their 'prentice hands on their flocks— Mr. John Henson, of Mount Stewart, and Mr. A. Matthews, of Sandon. Mr. Henson gave the use of his shearing-shed, which is distant from Feilding about five miles, llie board accommodated eight boys. The shed contained the appliances found in most sheds, except shearingmachines. Our camp equipment was designed for fine-weather conditions. We had a large marquee for use as a dining and sleeping room, but it was not a success. It leaked very badly, and was blown down on two occasions. A new marquee was obtained, but it proved no better than its predecessor. It was far from being waterproof, and had to be abandoned. Fortunately there was a small whare near the shearing-shed. This was cleaned out and made a tolerably good bedroom and dining-room. A couple of small tents were obtained, and served very well for a number of the boys to sleep in. The boys had to undertake • their own cooking. The Feilding contingent had received lessons in cramp cookery from Mrs. Woolf. They cooked potatoes, meat, and puddings well, and even managed to bake scones. The groups of boys who cooked the meals were so arranged that each group contained at least a couple of Feilding boys. The weather from the 24th November was must unseasonable. Rain fell daily on ten consecutive days, thus making it most difficult to get the sheep dry enough for shearing. The number of boys selected for the camp was twenty-four. Two failed to come, hence the roll number was twentj--two. These came from Wanganui (five), Marton (one), Hunterville (three), and Feilding (thirteen). The training of the boys in shearing and wool-craft was in the hands of Mr. W. T. Hambly, who has had a lifelong experience among sheep and wool. We are also deeply indebted to Mr. John Henson and his sons, and to Messrs. Reid and Mitchell, for much valuable help given during the camp. During the first few days the boys had abundant practice in the following operations : Picking up and throwing out of fleeces, skirting, classing, rolling, placing in bins, pressing, sewing bales, branding, and drawing up specifications for the wool-broker. After twenty bales were thus dealt with the first lessons in sheaving were given. Ihe boys were taken in pairs and the correct methods of catching the sheep and bringing it on to the board and of holding it for shearing were explained and practised in detail. After three days' practice the boys shore 185 lambs and ewes. With better weather-conditions this tally could easily have been surpassed. Lessons were also given in wool-classing, establishment and management of a flock, both from the farmer's and the manufacturer's standpoint. The boys were not allowed to sacrifice neat work for speed. The result of this policy was that the_ sheep received very few cuts, and were neatly and closely shorn. The men most interested —Messrs. Henson and Matthews —have declared publicly that they are most satisfied with the work of the boys. The conduct of the boys was excellent. Notwithstanding the many discomforts they had to put up with there was not a murmur from a single boy. An examination in shed practice lasting nearly five hours was given. The boys acquitted themselves satisfactorily, gaining marks ranging from sixty-six to ninety. It is recommended that the next camp be held earlier, and that it be continued for a month. Boys could be brought out in two relays of twenty-five each. The time may be stated provisionally as from the middle of October to the middle of November. Extract prom the Rkport op the Supervisor for the Southern District. It is very satisfactory to note that the roll number and the average attendance for the year broke previous records. The total term enrolments for the district numbered 1,018, while individual students reached the total of 577. There were fifty-seven free-place students—fortyfive junior'and twelve senior—on the rolls. Despite the fact that many of the students had to travel long distances to attend their respective classes, the attendance throughout the district has been very satisfactory. A word of praise is due to the instructors for the efficient manner in which they have performed their duties. It is gratifying to know that although some of the itinerant instructors have to travel in some instances over thirty miles to classes in the outlying districts, they have braved rain and flood and Met their students at the appointed hour. Examinations, City and Guilds of London: Plumbing, four passes; St. John Ambulance Association, first aid, fourteen certificates; book-keeping—preliminary two passes, junior two passes; shorthand, five certificates; proficiency certificate, two passes; Senior Free Place, seven qualified. In the arts crafts, twenty-one awards—twelve firsts, seven seconds, two very highly commended —were gained. Mr. Primmer, Government Veterinarian, delivered lectures at Feilding and Rongotea. The Committee used its best endeavours to get compulsory continuation classes inaugurated, but without success. It is to be hoped that next year will see the introduction of free compulsory continuation classes in Feilding. Thanks are due to the local bodies, the Chamber of Commerce, the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and private subscribers for donations received during the year. Classes for teachers in art, agriculture, and singing have been taken throughout the year. I have to express pleasure at the good work done by the Technical School Committee of the district. Technical classes have been conducted during the year at the following centres: Apiti, Pohangina, Kimbolton, Rongotea, Foxton, Kiwitea, Ashhurst, Bunnythorpe, Cdlyton, Sanson, and