E.—s

40

department all classes show an increase, a pleasing feature being the keen desire shown by the students to progress and the fostering of that desire by the instructors. Seven speed certificates were obtained by students of the shorthand classes for speeds of from 80 to 1.30 words per minute. Another gratifying feature is that employers are now recognizing the training of this department of the school by applying for junior clerks, &c. In the trade classes there has been a general increase. The woodwork department, including carpentry and joinery, trade drawing, and farm carpentry has made splendid progress, as have also the classes for metal-work, electricity, and magnetism and agriculture. A class for woolclassing was again held at Methven, and the class for sheep-shearing was also well supported, although there were not sufficient, students offering to start a second class. The art classes have shown a slight increase. The class for physical culture has been very successful, and the apparatus fitted up in the wool-room for gymnastic purposes has been much appreciated. The European war has, as elsewhere, affected the attendance, inasmuch as the increase in roll numbers has not been as great as it, might otherwise have been, but, the decrease in individual students and comparatively small increase in roll numbers is largely accounted for by the fact that several classes—drawing for teachers (roll, 66), sign and ticket writing (roll, 18), and elocution (roll, 13) —were not held this year, due indirectly to the war. The addition to the full-time staff has greatly facilitated the work; it has enabled us to increase the number of classes by dividing up the large classes, a very desirable change, which has greatly increased the efficiency of the school. Thirty-one students entered for the examination for senior free places, and one sat for the Public Service Entrance Examination. The boys' hockey club was somewhat disorganized by senior students' volunterring for the front, and in the circumstances we are not sorry but proud of the fact. The girls, who had also lost some of their best players, were collectively too weak to enter the competitive matches. It is difficult, in the absence of our old students' association, to keep in touch with those who have left the school, consequently the exact number of ex-students who arc serving their King and country cannot be stated, but, we know that there is a goodly number —some, alas, who will return to us no more. Mention must, be made of the girls attending the school, particularly those in the home-nursing class, who have willingly and eagerly learnt to knit and have spent their spare time in making garments for the wounded, also those who are cheerfully doing their brothers' work on the farms while they are at the front. It is quite plain that after peace is declared there will be a strenuous and sustained fight, for industrial and commercial supremacy, and the nation which is first on its feet, the nation which first recovers its financial stability, will be able to dictate terms and back them up. How can we help in this? By careful preparation. Educate, educate, and educate —especially on the industrial and commercial sides—so that when arms are laid down, we can spring off the mark and not be handicapped by a bad start. Parents who are making and who will make an extra effort to continue their children's education are taking a wdse step, and are, moreover, showing a foresight and patriotism which will receive the approbation of the present and the commendation of the future. I must thank every member of my staff for the loyal support and good work done throughout the year. The thanks of the Board are due to the following contributing bodies : County Council, Boroufjh Council, Canterbury Sheepowners' Union, Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, High School Board, Borough and Hampstead School Committees, and private subscribers who have generously contributed monetary and other support. I must thank the Board for the whole-hearted way in which they have supported me throughout the year, which has now reached a successful termination. ' A L , MoORH) D i rector . Extract from the Report oe the Director of the Kaiapoi Technical School. During the year classes have been held in woodwork (twenty students), dressmaking (fifty-one), and motor-engineering (twenty-eight). The attendance at most of the, classes has been satisfactory. Instruction in woodwork and cookery was also provided for pupils attending public schools. The new class in motor-engineering was well attended. Last year's contributing bodies have again kindly responded this year. The Kaiapoi Working-men's' Club has doubled its contribution. The buildings and grounds are in good order. Trios. Douds, Director. Extract from the Report of the Managers of the Akauoa Technical School. Owing to the war the Managers found it, impossible this year to carry on the classes for adult males. A very successful class for dressmaking was held. Instruction was provided, as usual, in cookery and woodwork for public-school pupils. With the permission of the Managers the ladies working for the Red Cross have used the dressmaking-room for their work during the whole of the year. a,,,,, n T ~ -n- a Alex. Gray, Hon. Secretary. Extract from the Reports on Classes held at various Country Centres. Amherley. —Classes for dressmaking (sixteen students), home science and cookery (sixteen), and woodwork, (seventeen) were held during the year. By making 80 per cent, of possible attendances several boys have qualified for free tuition or refund of fees. A good quantity of workwas put through, and in all the classes the interest was most marked. A very creditable display was made at, the local show in May. The Managers are greatly indebted to the Kowai County Council and the Amberley Town Board for voluntary contributions to the funds.