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haps the weakest branch of the subject. In a few schools effective work was done, but in. a. large number the pupils seemed to lack any knowledge of the fundamental principles, their designs being for the most part a fantastic arrangement of lines and curves. Drawing from actual objects was as a rule well treated in the upper standards. Much pleasing variety can be introduced into this part of the subject by using as examples many of the objects that come up for observation in nature-study. Some schools in their handwork course have taken up free-arm drawing with a considerable amount of success. With the more general adoption of blank books, a wise step in our opinion, and the varied programme of work required, we would like to see the branch of freehand to which each drawing belongs distinctly marked in the book presented for examination, while in the case of mere copies an accompanying footnote should state whether the copy has been made from (a) blackboard-drawing or large wall diagram, or (b) from the ordinary small card. Singing.—This subject is now attempted in the great majority of our schools, only thirteen in fact being recorded in which singing is not taught, as against twenty-seven last year and sixty-five in 1903. History, too, was more generally taken up this year. In fifty-one schools out of ninety-six we regarded the work done as " satisfactory." In too many instances, however, the course of work set out received but meagre treatment, and we cannot report any general improvement in the subject on the new syllabus lines. Handwork. —Various branches of handwork were taken up in thirty-nine different schools—onethird of this number being schools below Grade IV—the subjects embracing plasticine modelling, elementary physiology, swimming, brush drawing, bricklaying, and free-arm drawing. The handwork itself was usually executed in a satisfactory manner, though we would like to see in some of the divisions a fuller application wherever possible to other subjects in the school, course —such, for example, as a greater use made of plasticine modelling in connection with the geography and drawing lessons. In addition to the above, the school classes in cookery have been continued at Westport, Reefton, and Toi Toi Valley; dressmaking classes have been carried on at Reefton and Westport, and woodwork at Reefton; while towards the end of the year new classes in cookery were started at Richmond and Wakefield. During the year new regulations under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act were brought into force. So far as school classes are concerned the changes introduced seem of advantage, and consist —(1) in arranging the subjects into three divisions corresponding to three groups of the Standard classes Preparatory to Standard 11, Standards 111 and IV, and V and above ; (2) a less complex method of paying capitation by the adoption of a uniform rate for each group of classes ; (3) more favourable working conditions as regards the duration of certain classes, and number of pupils that can attend ; (4) special grants in aid of material are done away with —in their place advance payments may be made, while the rate of capitation for the first year of recognition of a class is higher than in subsequent years. Fifteen schools this year have taken needlework under the regulations of the above Act. Special classes for the training of teachers were again "conducted at Nelson and Westport, and for the first time at Reefton, the subjects comprising model, brush, and blackboard drawing, plasticine modelling, woodwork, cookery, vocal music, physiography, and dressmaking. The attendance at these classes was only fair. We shall endeavour, if possible, during the coming year to arrange classes for teachers in such parts of the district as we have not yet been able to reach, though this is a difficult matter on account of the inadequate means of communication, which prevent teachers from being readily brought together. Technical School. —Since our last report it is gratifying to be able to record the completion of the building for the Technical School in Nelson, and the establishment of classes under a most efficient staff of teachers. In all fourteen technical and nine continuation classes were in operation at the close of the year, a total of 275 students being enrolled. The satisfactory attendance of so many at the classes would seem to fully justify the setting-up of this school, and we are sure that, as time goes on, this branch of our modern educational equipment will prove of ever-increasing usefulness and benefit to the youth of the community. In this connection it seems a matter of surprise to us that nowhere in our country school districts have the local Committees seen fit to institute " continuation " classes under the Act—that is, classes in which instruction is given in the ordinary public-school subjects above Standard IV, or other subjects of general Or commercial education. Drill.—Physical instruction continues to improve and become more general, though, however, it should be universal, only five teachers failing this year to give any instruction. A notice sent out early in the year re the method of conducting breathing exercises has been, we find, generally acted upon —short practices being given daily and very commonly twice a day. These, if rightly supervised and faithfully performed, should prove of immense benefit in years to come, for, with our lads, chest and arms are weaker than lower limbs. Attention might now be directed to making other exercises as well, however short/as frequent as possible and to the preservation of a good carriage in the schoolroom. Where such simple exercises as those detailed in the syllabus are practised, we naturally expect the children to be so familiar with them that they can go through them judging the time and without the teacher's lead. Cadet corps or detachments have been now formed at Westport (three), Waimangaroa, Denniston, Reefton, Nelson (two), Richmond, Motueka, Wakefield, and Motupiko, and the companies in Westport and its neighbourhood have been formed into a battalion. We have referred to new measures passed and regulations issued during the year, but by no means the least important of these is the Teachers' Superannuation Act, which indicates a decided educational advance that should confer great benefits upon the whole service. We do not approve of all its details, nor do we consider that in many cases too liberal a provision has been made, but in spite of shortcomings