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free pupils in 1915 continued to attend in 1916. Of the total number of senior free pupils in their first year over 35 per cent, had previously completed two years at technical classes as junior free pupils. The remaining 65 per cent, had previously attended technical high schools, secondary schools, or district high schools. In addition to students holding Government free places, 310 students held scholarships or free places provided locally. Regulations requiring the attendance of young persons between the ages of fourteen and seventeen who are not otherwise receiving a suitable education or who are not specially exempted from attendance were in force in ten school districts in Auckland, in three in Wanganui and Taranaki respectively, and in one in Hawke's Bay. The number of students attending under these regulations was 1,219, an increase of 361. Of this number, 654 were males. Returned soldiers to the number of 70 were admitted to free education under regulations gazetted last year providing for the free education of duly accredited returned soldiers at technical schools. Although, as was confidently expected, the school authorities offered facilities up to the limit of their available resources, the attendance was much below expectations. It is not difficult to advance reasons for what appears to be a meagre response on the part of the soldiers. For example, many of them being men of good education do not stand in need of further education, and are able to take up or return to profitable employment. Again, the courses of work at technical schools are not designed to enable students quickly to become proficient in the technique of a particular trade or industry and put them in a short time in the way of commanding good wages. Yet another cogent reason is the unavoidable disturbing effect which the sudden change from civil to military life must have on the individual. If, presently, it is found that there is any considerable number of returned soldiers who desire and stand in need of further industrial training, means must be found for giving them such training either at selected technical schools prepared, with the assistance of grants if necessary, to specialize in particular trades or industries, or, possibly, at one or more special institutions. The following technical schools had roll numbers of 500 and over, exclusive of the technical high schools carried on in connection with some of them :— - Koll Number. SchooL 1915. 1916. Auckland Technical College ... ... ... ... 1,451 1,329 Christchurch Technical College ... ... ... ... 1,156 1,225 Wellington Technical College ... ... ... ... 1,163 1,207 Dunedin Technical College ... ... ... ... 1,277 1,204 Wanganui Technical College ... ... ... ... 984 814 Palmerston North Technical School" ... ... ... 566 673 Dunedin School of Art ... ... ... ... 535 560 The fall in the attendance at some of the above schools is due to withdrawals as the result of enlistment. The attendance at the schools and classes generally must be regarded as satisfactory in view of the fact that it is for the most part voluntary. That so many students are prepared to take up definite courses of study involving attendance on three or more evenings a week is nol the least gratifying feature of the present voluntary system. Capitation earnings for the year totalled £34,771 (including £9,599 on account of free pupils, pupils admitted under " compulsory regulations," and returned soldiers), being at the rate of nearly £2 per student. The rates of capitation vary from 2d. to Bd. per hour according to the year and nature of the instruction. These rates are increased by one-half in the case of classes in remote centres. An additional rate of 3d. per hour is paid on account of free pupils, " compulsory " pupils, and returned soldiers. Payment is not made on account of any student for more than 400 hour-attendances a year, but this maximum is only reached by a small proportion of students. The science examinations of the Board of Education, London, and the technological examinations of the City and Guilds of London Institute were held as usual, the former at nine and the latter at thirteen centres. The total number of entries was 421, and the number of passes 262. In connection with the technological examinations bronze medals were awarded to two Auckland