TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 February 1916, Page 3

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

AN INCREASED ATTENDANCE. In liis report to the Taranaki Education Board yesterday, the Director of the Technical College (Mr. A. Gray) stated:—"The technical day classes reopened on the 7th inst. There was an increased attendance, and I have had to make temporary arrangements with regard to room. I recommend that the Department be asked to pay the rent of the Baptist Sunday School, which is suitable and handy to the College. The numbers in the different classes are as follows: Engineering, 38 (12 new ones): commercial, 90 (51 new ones): domestic, 20 (6 new ones); woodwork, 1; arts and science, 8 (5 new ones); agriculture, 7 (3 new ones); a total of 173. Last year we opened with 114 on the first day. This year there were 165 on the first t»y. while the numbers are now as stated above. "On account of the increase in the commercial class, I recommend the appointment at £SO per annum of a trainee who will also assist in clerical work. The need for increased accommodation for the engineering class is greater than ever. We have not even enough room to stow the apparatus which has been allowed us. During the holidays a large amount of electrical engineering apparatus came to hand, while during the next week or two still more electrical nnparatus will be coming to hand, Tins is verv delicate mechanism, even under favorable conditions, and requires a great deal of looking after." AGRICULTURAL CLASSES. Mr. H. G. Sergei (agricultural instructor) reported:—"Before recommencing lectures I have been occupied visiting boys who have entered for the agricultural competitions, potato and swede turnip growing. lam very glad to notice the keenness and interest displayed by the boys, and especially in the potatoes I have seen some first-class work done, creditable to a degree. It has been an exhilarating experience to myself. I have been, so far, on the coast side of the mountain; next week I intend to do the railway side. I don't think I have seen tlie coast looking" so well for this time of the year although the weather has been suitable.' r'ov the production of fungi. There is considerable club-root in the turnips this year. It may be the means of bringing home to us the value of liming more, quite apart from the possibility of visible results." Both reports were adopted.