TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1915, Page 7

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

THE PAST MONTH'S WOBK, Reporting on tlie work done by the New Plymouth Technical College during the past month to the Taranaki Education Board yesterday, the director (Mr. A. Gray) stated:— "At the New Plymouth Technical College, the day classes are decreasing somewhat, owing to several of the students having obtained positions. Some very fine work is being done by the day students in the engineering workshop. In connection with this class, on September 28, the instructors (Messrs Kirkpatrick and Skelton) took the boys to Mr. Cattley's Garage, where they were permitted to witness an up-to-date demonstration in oxo-acetylene welding, carried out by Mr. R. E. Hunt, of the Acetone Illuminating and Welding Company. On October 5 the boys visited the car sheds at Fitzroy and had a practical lesson in electric car mechanism. Our thanks are due to Mr. Barclay, New Plymouth Tramway Engineer, and Mr. Anderson, of Messrs Greenshield, for kind attention to the boys. I also wish to thank Mr.. Cattley for loan of a complete vulcanising outfit for use in connection with the motor class. Other classes ttre doing good work. Miss Bell, dressmaking instructress, leaves the service of the Board on Friday next. Tiie evening classes are keeping up well, although several notices liave had to be sent to parents in terms of the compulsory attendance clause. Parents should note that the notice card is only a reminder, anil is in no wise final. Owing to so many plumbers having to work in the country at this time of the year, the attendance at plumbing classes both in Stratford and New Pljy mouth is small. Mr. Schwartz, earetakar of the Swimming Butlis, has donated a gold medal for competition among the boys." The report on farmers' instruction work stated:-—"Since my last report I have lectured at Waitara Road, Okato, Bell Block, Pungarelni, Oakura, Egmont Village, Oaomii. Opunake, Pihama, Te Kiri. I have experienced exceptionally rough weather on occasions, and considering the time of the year and shortage of labor, attendances have been good generally. I have been speaking about forage crops, particularly swedes, and endeavoring to emphasise the value of operations in the handling of soil for conservation of moisture, which I hope may be of special value on the eoast. It is particularly interesting to note this season the growth of lucerne at different places, and there are good grounds for optimism with regard to this valuable fodder crop. I am continually finding cases where soil has become very acid in the district, There is no doubt very special attention will have to be paid to this matter, if full results are to be obtained.'' The reports were received.