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along definite lines. Numbers of plumbers, carpenters, druggists' assistants, and others come with a definite aim in view, and the general report of the teachers is that the work done is assuming a somewhat more solid character each session. Considering the difficulties under which the work of the classes has been carried on in the past, I think the progress made is very creditable alike to teachers and taught. - An attempt was again made at the commencement of the session to open a German class, but there was not sufficient response. The importance of this subject from the point of view of a technical school is not sufficiently realised here. The neglect is no doubt due in part to the attitude taken up by the local University Council towards modern languages. The students of the association, as well as the committee, a.re under considerable obligations to those ladies and gentlemen who undertake the examination of the classes or supervision of the papers. The names of those who assist the teaching-staff are a gurantee to the public of the quality of the work accomplished, and an incentive to both teachers and taught to desei've the praises of such critical examiners. In conclusion, I have to express my thanks to the teaching-staff for the excellence of the work performed by them, and for the extremely pleasant relations which have existed between us during the session. Gbo. M. Thomson, Honorary Secretary and Superintendant.

BALOLUTHA. Your committee has much pleasure in submitting the second annual report and balance-sheet for the session 1896. There were 145 pupils, making 250 enrolments, in the following classes: English, shorthand, chemistry, mechanical drawing, carpentry, dressmaking, nursing, ambulance, millinery, gymnastics, choral society, orchestral society, violin, upholstery. The committee desires to acknowledge its indebtedness to the following, who generously gave their services gratuitously in conducting classes: Messrs. Valentine, McElren, King, Eev. J. G. Chapman, and Dr. Fleming. In connection with the classes there were also held a series of very successful lectures and entertainments, and the thanks of the association are due to the following lecturers : Mr. G. M. Thomson, M.A., Mr. Hamilton, Mr. J. B. McEwen, Professor Gilray, and Dr. Hocken; and to the many ladies and gentlemen who kindly assisted at the entertainments. Since last annual meeting the committee has added a stage and two anterooms to the gymnasium, and has had it lined and papered. A carpenter's shop has also been built and supplied with the necessary tools. The thanks of the association are due to the Otago Education Board for their grant in aid of the building, and to the Government for the grant of £25 3s. 7d. as capitation allowance.

4. EXTRACTS FEOM SCHOOL EEPOETS. WANGANUI COLLEGIATE SCHOOL. Carpentry classes are conducted by Mr. Dunn, one of the staff. Under his supervision three large buildings have been erected entirely by the boys—namely, the cricket pavilion ; the new workshop, 40 ft. by 20 ft.; and a large building, measuring some 60 ft. by 20 ft., and containing a class-room, laboratories, and music-room. With the exception of the windows and the brickwork of the chimneys, everything was done by Mr. Dunn and the boys, even to the gas-fittings.

NAPIER BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL. A carpenter's shop with an efficient instructor has been provided, but very little advantage is now taken of it.

WELLINGTON COLLEGE. There is a well-fitted carpenter's shop, with six benches that accommodate four boys each. The building is thoroughly lighted from both sides, and supplied with a number of gas-jets. Lessons are given twice a week by Mr. W. H. Barrett, an instructor of the Technical School, for one hour on Mondays and for two hours on Fridays. The boys all work to scale, making their own drawings of the work before it is undertaken. Some of them are taking up wood-carving with success.

CANTERBURY GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL. In addition to the usual subjects taught in high schools, considerable attention is given to manual and technical instruction. A class for cooking is held at the school on every Saturday of term in a building belonging to the school, and situated on its grounds, fitted up as a kitchen for this purpose. The class is divided into parts, the first beginning at 8 a.m., and each division receives two hours' instruction. A class for dress-cutting is held also on Saturday at the same time as the cooking-class, in a room at the school arranged for the purpose. Ordinary needlework is taught on two afternoons of the regular school week by the permanent teachers of the school.

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