E.—s.

INSTRUCTION TO TEACHEBS AND PUPIL-TEACHEES. Classes have been continued, as in former years, in plane and solid geometry, freehand, model, light and shade, and memory drawing, and in cardboard-modelling and brush-form work. The numbers in attendance were very satisfactory. In the second quarter the newly appointed instructor in design and modelling, Mr. Herdman-Smith, gave a course of lectures to teachers upon class-instruction in clay-modelling and brushwork, this being followed by Mr. Bastings upon geometrical and model drawing. An abridged course was also given at Masterton. Classes in drawing were also held at Masterton and Carterton by Mr. Irvine. HIGHEB-GBADE SCHOOL. I would again urge the establishment of an intermediate school between the primary and technical work. A. school so established would enable a course of instruction to be given upon the most modern lines to all scholars now in the Seventh Standard, particularly in the city and suburban schools. Manual and domestic instruction, chemistry, physics and mathematics, and commercial subjects could by this means be more practically dealt with. Some such scheme of an intermediate school is an urgent necessity in this city, for a very large percentage of children will otherwise proceed to work at a time when additional training provided by such a school would be of exceptional advantage. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. Central Technical School. The number of students in attendance at the several classes of the school was as follows : First quarter, 942; second quarter, 1,037; third quarter, 948; fourth quarter, 826. The total number of entries was greater by 338 than that for 1901. ' Country Technical Classes. Instruction in drawing was given during the year at Pahiatua, Masterton, and Carterton. EBPOETS UPON CLASSES. Art Section. The work generally in these classes has been considerably strengthened by the appointment of Mr. Herdman-Smith, late of the Bath School of Art, England, to the design and modelling sections of the Art School. The present room used for modelling purposes is totally unsuited to the work, and it is hoped that additional accommodation will shortly be available. The advantages of modelling are slowly being recognised as a means of obtaining a knowledge of form, without which success is unattainable. Black-and-white work for illustrative purposes has been a prominent feature of the school's work during the year. Mr. S. Begg, the celebrated black-and-white artist, very kindly presented the school with two important examples of his work. Design has again formed an important feature, the instruction now being under Mr. HerdmanSmith. Many important pieces of decorative work in stencilled hangings, covers, panels for furniture, and illustrated work have been executed during the year. Metal Bepousse and Leather-embossing have also been successfully established; the results exhibited at the Technical School Exhibition speak for themselves. Wood-carving is now under Mr. Fraser, of the Heriot-Watt College, Edinburgh, who succeeded the late Mr. Barrett. Modelling and Carving are now worked in conjunction with each other, students having Wednesday set aside for that purpose. Plane and Solid Geometry and Model-drawing have, as usual, been very largely attended throughout the year. The course of work has been revised to meet more closely the trade requirements. Engineering Section. Mechanical Drawing and Machine-construction continue to attract large numbers of students, an assistant being provided for the junior section of the work. The additional models provided by the Education Department have greatly assisted the work of this section. Practical Mechanics and Steam have been placed in charge of Mr. W. S. MeKenzie, Whitworth Scholar, who has also revised the course of instruction throughout the Mechanical Engineering Sections. Mr. MeKenzie is now in charge of this branch of the school's work. Accommodation for the practical mechanic's work is urgent. I regret that the laboratory course cannot at present be provided. This is a matter of urgent necessity, and it is to be hoped that the necessary extension will be made without delay. Electric Light and Poiver Distribution is now a recognised feature of the school's course. The apparatus supplied by the Education Department, under the Technical Instruction Act, has enabled us to return that so kindly lent by the Electrical Syndicate. This class is only in temporary accommodation. It would greatly assist the work if a permanent room could be provided. Architectural Section. Building-construction classes have suffered considerably from want of accommodation, the classes being overcrowded. The Industrial Hall, rented at the beginning of the year, was found inadequate to the requirements. The classes have now been placed in the large hall of the Education Board. Additional apparatus has been provided by the Department, which places the classes in a strong position.

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