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General. —The thanks of the school and students are due to the Mines Department for further donations erf valuable books to the lending library, also to the Geological Survey Department for sets eif typical New Zealand fossils, carefully packed and classified. T have; also to thank Colonel Boscaweu, A.D.C., for donating several valuable mineral-specimens to the geological collection, In conclusion, I wish te> express my hearty appreciation of the zeal and interest shown by the Council in the support and progress of the school. I have, &c, U. B. Inglis, Director. Mr. J. F. MoPadden, A.0.5.M., Director of tho Reefton School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary of Miner, Wellington. Sir,- Reefton, loth April, 1915. T have the honour to present my report on the work of the Reefton School of Mines for the year ended the .'list- December, 1914. Attendance. —First term, seventeen students ; second term, eighteen students ; third term, eighteen students ; fourth term, seventeen students. Waiuta School.— Attendance at this school averaged eight for the year. Examinations. —At the examination for Government certificates held in March, 1914, two students gained first-class mine-manager's certificates, one a partial pass for the; same;, one; student obtained a. certificate, and two partial passes as battery-superintendents. Assays. —During the year 141 assays Were made for the public. I have the pleasure to aokrmwlcdge, with thanks, the receipt of mineral-specimens from various gentlemen, particularly Mr. Jacobsen, of Karamoa, for specimens of granite rock showing free geild. T also desire to place on record the lively interest taken in the school by the Council. I have, (fee., J. F. MoPadden, Director. Mi'. W. H. Baker, B.Sc, Director of the Thames School of Mines, to the Under-Sroretary, Mines Department, Wellington, Sir,- Thames, 10th April, 1915. I have the honour to present my annual repent, em the we>rk done at the Thames School of Mines during the year 1914. Attendance.- The attendance has been practically the; same as during the; previous year, anel is sheiwn in the following schedule : — First Seoond Third Term. Term. Term. Registered students . . .. . . . . .. 38 40 31 Class attendance of registered students .. .. .. 49 53 46 Elementary science class .. .. .. 35 31 23 Teachers'science class .. .. .. .. .. 14 12 10 Total individual students .. .. .. .. 87 83 64 In the elementary science class it is customary to give prizes for attendance, and eight students qualified for these prizes. Several students have been accepted for service at the front, and these 1 I am sure will do credit to their company and, the school. Examinations. —At the annual Governmemt examinations eight first-class, seven second- and eme third-class certificates were obtained. Seven passes were; also obtained in the practical examinations. On account of the continued mining depression there were very few candidates in assaying anel mining subjects. Although mining students are just, now at a discount, the local femndries are employing many men, and in order to supply these with an eipportunity of technical training We have this year commenced a class for engineers' certificates. Battery and Experimental Plant. —As there are practically no now mines being opened up, the quantity of ore treated in the mill has been small. Six parcels Were treated, ranging from 2 cwt. to 1 ton. These were chiefly battery concentrates and residues, and in every case satisfactory extractions Were obtained- For the public 115 assays were made, including several for the Prospectors' Association. Three analyses have also been made with a view to determine suitable ore-treatment. Museum. —The geological museum collection has been increased by several donations, among them being a valuable exhibit of cinnabar and mercury lent by Captain T. C. Bayldon, and several ore-specimens demated by Lieut.-Colonel BosoaWon. Gas-testing Plant. —The Hailwood gas-testing plant, installed by the Mines Department at the school, has been utilized to good purpose. Twelve certificates Were granted, and several more candidates are presenting themselves for examination. Library. —The reference library has been adeled to by donations e>f bulletins of the United States Geological Survey Department; mines and geological reports from Tasmania, New South Wales. Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand; and the reports of the Chambers of Mines of Wostralia and Transvaal. The lending library has also been increased by several volumes forwarded by the Mines Department. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the work done by the staff, and my thanks to the Council for the keen interest it maintains in the progress of the school. I have, &c, W. H. Baker, Director.