MASTERTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10170, 21 February 1911, Page 6

MASTERTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

ANNUAL REPORT, 1910

The Managers of the Masterton > Technical Classes' Association submit the following report on the working of the school during the year ended 31st December, 1910: The classes opened on March 21st, and were continued until 'the- end of ■November. The course of work was divided into three terms of twelve we'eks each, and instruction was given to classes in the following subjects:— Painting, Light and shade, Pc-rspactive, and Model Drawing, , Machine and Building Construction, ! Geometrical and Architectural Drawing, Dressmaking, Plumbers' Work, Commercial Work, (including shorthand, typewriting, and book-keep-ing), Signwriting, Wool-classing, English and Arithmetic, and Civil Service subjects. In all twenty-six classes were formed, having for the three terms a total average roll of 285, and an average • attendance of 219. Taking into considera" tion the fact that by far the greater' majority of the classes are evening classes, the figures quoted above are viewed with much satisfaction by your Managers. Forming the practice of former years,''holders of Proficiency Certificates in Standard 6 were this year again, admitted as free pupils to classes in connection with the institution, and the number who took advantage of the concession thus offered was 46. Of this number 40 succeeded in complying with the regulaitions in regard to attendance of free place holders, the remaining six failing to do so for various reasons. Speaking of the classes in general, special attention deservedly attaches to those in dresstnaking, no less than 79 pupils coming ,*fonyard for instruction in this subject during the first term. . At the end of the term, however, the instructress, Miss M. Johnston, owing to her projected removal from the district, was compelled to send in her resignation, which was accepted with regret by your-Managers. ■ Good classes in this subject, however, were fom?x" by the new instructress,' Mrs Howell, and continued till the end of the year. Other popular classes at the school were those for commercial work under Mr C. N. Haslam and Messrs Munro and Bufement. These classes were joined by a total of ninety odd pupils, and were well attended throughout 'the year.

Owing to his not being able to arrive in Mastsrton tor the opening of the school in 'March, the Art Classes, under the newly appointed Art Master, Mr E. P.. Fenton, did not ait first turn out Tso successful in, point of numbers as was anticipated.' With the object of stimulating an interest in. art, and incidentally of attracting: a. greater number of pupils to .the. A\rt classes, your Managers organised an.Art Exhibition. The exhibition was held in the Technical {School on. the afternoons • and evenings of. ;Wednesday and Thursday,'' the 3rd and 4th August, and proved in every way "a complete success. During the two days' '(that tKe exhibition --war. open the, building was tlirongpd with spectators, one and all .of" whom seemed to thoroughly appreciate the various works of art displayed. The result of the, holding of exhibition was soon manifested in the-increased attendance at.the Art classes, and it is' confidently anticipated by your Managers that a greater amount of interest and enthusiasm will be aroused in this hranch of instruction during the current year. . Mr S. Wood, of Napier, again successfully conducted classes for instruction in wool-classing in connection with this institution. One of these classes was held by Mr Wood at Mangamahoe, and 1 proved most popular, being attended by no less than 18 students, most of whom were farmers belonging tto the neighbourhood. Whilst referring to the subject of wool-classing, mention may be made of the fact that your Managers have been requested to ■ arrange for the. holding of 'classes at various out-centres such as Tinui, Larigdale, ? Te> Wharau; etc., and it is their intention this year, if suitable arrangements l can be made, to provide for the requirements of the settlers in this,respect. A glance at the accompanying statement of receipts and expenditure for the year shows (the latter item to have totalled £BIB 18a' 2d, whilst the receipts from air sources 'during the same period reached £BOO 14s lid, leaving a debit bakmoe on 31stf December of £lB 3s 3d. This, however, does not show the> actual position, as' a subsidy on voluntary contribution received during the year did not come to hand until 4th January last. Taken .'as., a /whole, the work of [the school throughout the past year has v been, well maintained, and has given considerable satisfaction to your Managers, who confidently look forward to further advancement dur-

ing the course of- the present year. Before completing this brief report on the year's work, you;- Man" agers wish to place on record their appreciation of the efforts of all who have in any' way whatever assisted them in . their work, and in this connection special acknowledgement is now made of the valuable financial assistance tendered by the Education Department, the Trust Lands Trust, and the Masterton Borough Council. . To the farmers who sent in wool for the use of the wool-classing students, the ladies and gentlemen who assisted in making the Art Exhibition, the success it undoubtedly proved, the local press for its valuable assistance on all occasions, and the.staff for its loyal co-operation,'■. your, Managers now desire to tender their thanks and pratituds.