WOMAN'S WORLD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 169, 11 April 1919, Page 5

WOMAN'S WORLD

(Continued from Pace 4) TRAINING LIMBLESS MEN REPORT OF WORK AT OATLANDS PARK. A copy of the report made byLieutenant 8011, officer ill command of the training of disabled soldiers at Oatlands Park, Wcybridge, has been forwarded to the lion, secretary of tho Wellington branch' oi the N.Z. Red Cross, by Mr. Waldegrave, hon. secretary of the N.Z. Red Gross in London. Lieutenant Bell's report is dated Decomber 19, and covers the two months of Novembor and December. "In the commercial section, Oatlands Park," states the report, "tho results obtained during tho period under review indicated tho progressive nature of the work of the students. On November 3ft tho number in the class stood at 74. During the past two months 12 students were enrolled, two placed outside for practical continuation courses, five transferred to other sections, and three struck off tho roll for various reasons. During October shorthand speed tests were held under the rules and regulations nf'he Facultr of Teachers in Commerce, Liverpool. Of the ntudeuts 11 sat lor the various tests, and all passed for their particular grades. Commenting most favourably upon tho results the Gregg Publishing Co. stated that 'the 'success arising from these tests is due to the keenness and consistent work of the students themselves, and to tho nblo manner in which Sergeant-In-structor Allington performed his duties.' Shorthand theory tests were also_ horn during November, when two candidates failed to qualify. Bcokkeoping examinations were also held in December, under tho regulations of the National Union of Teachers.

"In tho motor engineering section (Oatlands Park) a series of lectures have been given on the following subjects, and have been of grest assistance to tho students in tho carrying out of the practical side of the work in the schools: motor engineering, elementary electricity and magnetism, and workshop practice These lectures extended over u period of ten v«cks. end' wevn to Ite eoifileted about, the middle of December. The practical instruction has been provided in the re-pairs and complete overhaul uf tho Alda car, and this is now ready for the road, anil has been turned out solely by the pupils in a highly satisfactory mechanical condition. The variety cf vehicles repaired in this school has given the pupils an opportunity of studying the various designs of mechanism. The total of students in this section at the end of November was 26, showing a slight falliuer off.

"The vulcanising section continued to show excellent results. Work genoravly was going smoothly, 'and rll students look a great interest in lectures and practical work. The vulcankinT plant at this "(School belonged to the N.Z.M.T. (Oatland? Park), and all tyru repairs to M.T. vehicles in England arc carried out by the pupils in a very efficient manner. "The Cabinet-making section in well attended, and the interest well-main-tained. In addition to a four-drawer cabinet for headquarters, a number of small articles have been made by the men. including a writing-desk for the hospital. The model woolshed for the New Kenlniid war museum was Bearing eomolotkm. The French-polishing section of the school provided training for five men, and each showed a keenness to learn.'and were making steady prowess.

"The men attending the bootmaking suction (Oatlands Park.) were gaining considerable exiier.ence. Light footwear for both men and ■ women, and twelve I'M: of -boots and shoes have been com pleted, while upwards of 2(io pairs of military boots had)been repaired by the men during the past two months. Since the last report there had.been an increase of four students. A number of mt-n have reached a high standard of ability.

"In regard to the wool-classing soction, the number on the roll at the end vember was forty-three, an addition of thirteen new pupils- having been received for training during November and December. The allotment of fifty, bales of New Zealand wool gave ample '..opportunity for instruction, but owing to'the illness of Sergeant-Instructor-Perry, progress suffered-somewhat. A' number of pupils have reached a standard when it is advisable to send them to Bradford for a continuation course. At tho poul-try-farming section the. months of November and December have been chiefly devoted to preparations for the breeding season. The attendance of men had not been so good as in previous months. The number on tho' roll at the end of November was twenty-five, and the average attendance twelve.

"Courses with the I.Q.S. have been started, and the two students who are taking courses are paying keen attention to the work. During November a further three men were transferred from tho Motor Engineering School at Oatlands Park to Messrs Guys' Motor Works. Wolverhampton, for a continuation course. niEight of the men stationed with that firm, having completed their six months' course, were withdrawn for evacuation to New Zealand. All have made excellent progress, aud have received wide experience in various branches of tho motor trade. The work of student's attending the electrical engineering, draughtsmanship, tailoring, artificial limb-making, hairdressing, kinema operating, commercial, pharmacy. astronomical, dentistry, and watchmaking classes is also mentioned and commended. In astronomy one student, Sergeant C. J. Comrie, had been granted a course of training at the University College, London. He had shown special ability for this course, and it was expected that ho should have no difficulty in Raininß necessary qualifications for a cost- in such work.'

The following table give the totals of students on the strength of tho various sections at the end of November, compared with totals at tho end of September For' September, commercial section, 72: for Novembr, 74; motor engineering, Sepember, 4-0; November, 2fi. Wool-clnss-ing: September, 30; November, 43. Bootmaking: September, 30; November 34. Woodwork: September, 10; November, 10. Poultry farming: September, 23; November. 25. 1.C.5.: September, 2; November. 2. French polishirg: ' September, 4: November, 5. With various firms in tho United Kingdom, 44 in September, in November 41. Total for September attending classes, 256; total for November. 260.