9

E.—6

Wood-carving. —The attendance compares favourably with that of past years. Several of the students have turned out excellent specimens of work, and both day and evening classes have done good work. There is a general tendency for students to rely too much upon the instructor for the drawing of the design. I would rather each student drew and modelled the piece of work he proposes to carve instead of relying upon the instructor for each individual part of the work done. These students would find an increased pleasure and profit in their work. It is all very well to carve, but a different thing to draw or conceive a design. There is an insufficient amount of drawing and modelling done in this direction. I only regret that, for financial reasons, it cannot be made compulsory. Mechanical Drawing and Machine-construction. —The class has maintained its position with regard to the numbers of students in attendance, and has done good work. It was found impossible to give sufficient attention to the large number present within the time. The Committee, therefore, has obtained a qualified assistant, who will instruct the junior members of the class. The question of models and apparatus, which has hitherto been a serious difficulty, is now being gradually overcome by the Department's aid. A course of lectures upon steam was given in connection with this work to the whole class ; it has been deemed advisable to increase the course to twenty lectures, ten in each of the second and third quarters. I regret that as yet we are unable to provide a workshop course for students. Negotiations are still proceeding, and I trust we shall before long see this much-to-be-desired work put in hand, and thus enable us to give the students a thorough course of work dealing with the principles and practice of mechanics, mechanical drawing, and construction. Practical Mechanics. —This class was established at the commencement of the year, under Mr. C. E. Adams. lam disappointed that greater advantage has not been taken of this most necessary and all-important work, without which it is hopeless to expect success. Mr. Adams, finding the evening work in conjunction with his other duties too arduous, resigned his position. Mr. W. S. Mackenzie, formerly Lecturer upon Engineering to the University of Adelaide, has been appointed to succeed him. Electric Light and Power Distribution. —Steady progress has been made in this class. We are again indebted to the Electrical Syndicate for the loan of appliances. The grant under the Technical Instruction Act has enabled me to place an order for the supply of apparatus which will enable practical work to be done during the present year, one night being devoted to practical work, and one to class demonstration. One of the difficulties of the instructor is the want of a knowledge of mathematics in the majority of the students presenting themselves. Every inducement is offered to students to take up this work; it is only a question of time when compulsion will take the place of persuasion. Want of accommodation in all classes in the Engineering Section is becoming a serious matter ; provision at no distant date will be required for expansion. Building-construction. —The progress of this section is all that can be desired. The attendance at the class is steadily increasing, and additional accommodation is urgently needed. Models and appliances have been obtained under the Technical Instruction Act, and the work considerably strengthened by their aid. Carpentry and Joinery. —l should very much like to see an improvement in the number of apprentices in attendance. The works on construction in the library, together with the drawing and shop practice, afford students every possible facility for progress. Plumbing, Theory and Practice. —The number of students and the attendance at these classes continue very good. As in former years, a number of apprentices and younger workmen again attempted the examination in the hope of obtaining a certificate, but failed to reach the necessary standard. A two-years' course of work is a necessity if success is to be obtained. The City and Guilds of London have made it compulsory that candidates shall present themselves in theory as well as in practice at the same examination. The theoretical work has been continued as formerly; additional apparatus and illustrations have been provided. A good attendance continues to be maintained. The absence of a sufficient knowledge of arithmetic, and, I may say, general education, is one of the serious drawbacks this class suffers from ; thus the course of work is considerably lengthened by the want of general knowledge. For the above reason the course has been divided into two sections, an elementary and an advanced ; by this means it is hoped to obtain more effective work. Owing to the difficulty of finding accommodation, the class has now to be held in the cookery-room. Application has been made to the City Council for a continuance of the aid formerly given. Mathematics. —The attendances have been fair during the year, though the number on the roll has not been large. Shorthand and Typewriting. —All classes have proved successful, and good work has been done throughout. A considerable number have left the school to take up permanent positions in various city offices. Students have the advantage of dealing with the office correspondence daily. In connection with the examinations I should like to see a Colonial Board of Examiners appointed by the Government for the control of this work. As now conducted, under Messrs. Pitman and Sons, the examination is unsatisfactory, particularly as regards the length of time between the examination and the receipt of results. Arithmetic. —This class has considerably increased in numbers. It is highly essential that all students of technical classes should be well grounded ; it is therefore a pleasure to see the steady increase, which means greater efficiency in the more advanced and special instruction to follow. Latin and English. —The English section has slightly increased in numbers. The Latin has decreased. This is not to be wondered at, considering the modern tendency to disregard Latin, several of the English colleges having now dispensed with this subject. The success of the students in the Matriculation and Civil Service Examinations has been very gratifying to all concerned. Book-keeping. —The attendance of the past year has been steadily maintained. It had been decided to establish an advanced course of work in this branch of the school's work. 2—B. o.