E.—s.

It is hoped that some such scheme will be adopted by the Chambers, with the idea of having a uniform system throughout the colony. In many towns in England the Chambers of Commerce have become affiliated with the local technical schools, and have agreed, other things being equal, to give preference to applicants for positions who hold certificates from the technical school. There is no reason, as far as I can see, why this should not be done here. CONCLUSION. One of the greatest difficulties here at present is the financial one. As a rule, the people of New Zealand do not realise the importance of technical education, nor the fact that it costs money. Another difficulty is in obtaining well-qualified teachers for subjects under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act. ; 'The man in the street" never seems to realise the difference, for instance, between a carpenter and a trained teacher of woodwork, and there arises a perfect howl of indignation when it is suggested that such a teacher should be imported from Home or elsewhere. George George, Director of Technical Education. Eepoet of the Director, " Elam " School of Art. The following report relates to the work done during the year 1902 at the " Elam " School of Art:— I am pleased to say that the night classes which were started at the beginning of 1902 have been very successful, and have been so largely taken advantage of that the attendance of the school has been more than double that of the previous year. With a few exceptions the students have been regular and attentive, and have shown a pleasing desire to take advantage of the teaching. lam also glad to say that a considerable number of teachers have taken advantage of the night classes, those in town attending on several nights .during the week, and several of the country teachers who have been in the habit of attending on Saturdays now are able to attend on Friday evenings also. I regret, however, to say that the teachers as a body are among the most irregular attendants at.the school. The school has often to be worked as a disadvantage at night owing to insufficient room, and the number of students could, I think, be easily doubled if more suitable rooms were available. I regret to say that the wood-carving classes have had to be given up owing to the objections of the insurance companies, who seem to be under the impression that they are a source of danger to the building. I am pleased to see that examinations in blackboard drawing are now held in the colony, and I have taken advantage of the fact to encourage drawing on blackboards as much as possible, as not only does it tend to make a bolder style in all drawing, but to teachers it is absolutely necessary, and a branch which my experience compels me to say has been almost neglected in the past. The general classes have worked smoothly and well, although the necessity for so much individual teaching is a constant drawback. With the increase in the number of students it is becoming more possible to make use of class teaching, but to a large extent, owing to the class of students, a large amount of individual teaching will always be necessary. The total number of attendances registered during 1902 was 32,799. In the examinations of the Board of Education, London, 43 candidates presented themselves, and 34 passes were obtained, as follows : Blackboard drawing —5 candidates, all passed. Freehand drawing—ls candidates, 14 passed. Perspective—s candidates, 3 passed. Light and shade—lo candidates, 5 passed. Model-drawing—7 candidates, all passed. Of 11 works for art-class teachers' certificates sent to the Board of Education, London, for examination, 10 were accepted.

TAKANAKI. Extract from Eeport of the Education Board. Teachers' Classes. —During the year teachers' classes —first established in 1901 —have been considerably developed, classes being held in New Plymouth for mat-weaving, modelling, paperfolding, brushwork, and first aid, and at Stratford for modelling, paper-folding, and brushwork. It is gratifying to find the teachers very generally avail themselves of these means of improvement. Some effort should, however, be made to assist teachers who cannot avail themselves of the railway to reach the centres in which classes are held. Technical School. —Efforts have been continued throughout the year to establish a Technical School, with branches at New Plymouth and Stratford. The approval of the Minister of Education has been obtained of the plans of the building proposed to be erected at Stratford, and it is hoped the building will soon be erected and classes established there. At New Plymouth the question of site is still under consideration, and it is hoped that any difficulty existing will soon be got over, and classes established at an early date. Extract from Eepobt of the Inspector of Schools. Handwork is being undertaken in an increasing number of schools, and in many cases the progress made has been surprisingly good. In order that the difficulties inseparable from starting new work might be minimised, brush drawing was allowed to displace the whole of the drawing previously taken ; but, as in a great measure these initial difficulties have been overcome, it is desirable to point out that geometry and scale drawing should not be omitted, but might well be taught together in Standard V. and less brush drawing taken in consequence. As scale drawing is, however, required in connection with some manual subjects, where these are undertaken such special attention as I have mentioned need not be given to it. Paper-folding, bricklaying, modelling, and so on, have also been undertaken, though the difficulty in obtaining material has

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