E.—s.

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. [In continuation of E.-5, 1902.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. EXTEAGT FBOM THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL EEPOET OF THE MINISTEE OF EDUCATION. A great advance was made during 1902 in respect to manual and technical education. The total number of recognised classes, which at the end of 1901 was 425, increased to 980 at the close of last year. Of these 566 were classes for handwork in schools, and 414 were " special," " associated," or " college classes," of which 64 were continuation classes —that is, classes for adults or for boys and girls that have left the day schools —in the ordinary branches of a general education, and the remaining 350 were technical classes properly so called. The total number of classes that so far are known to be in operation during the present year (1903) is about 1,800. The number of classes for handwork in the upper classes of the public schools is still small in comparison with the number of classes doing such work in the lower classes; with the introduction of the new standard syllabus shortly to be issued all excuse for this anomaly will disappear. One of the most pleasing features of the year is the increase of the number of classes in country schools and of classes for adults in small country towns. Much more might be done, especially if the agricultural associations and the local authorities generally would follow the example so well set by a few of them. The Act of 1902, it may be pointed out, by recognising Borough Councils, County Councils, and other local authorities as bodies that might join with Boards of Education, School Committees, or the governing bodies of University colleges to form technical classes, and by giving such authorities representation on the boards of managers, placed them in the same position as associations of various kinds were placed in before. There is now really nothing to prevent any district or any body of persons in a district from starting classes under the Act and securing grants sufficient to equip and carry on the classes, unless it be the comparatively small number of thoroughly competent instructors that are to be obtained. This, however, is an evil that is being gradually removed as those who have been attending training classes for teachers in these subjects become qualified.

I—E. o.j