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One hundred and three copies of the guide-book were sold during the year. It will be desirable to have a new edition issued before the opening of the Christchurch International Exhibition. During the heavy rains last winter it was found that several parts of the roof of the Museum leaked badly, and special precautions had to be taken for the preservation of the specimens. The matter has been already reported to the Board, and an examination by the architect shows that some of the woodwork of the skylights needs replacing, some gutters renewing, and other repairs effected. The expense will be considerable, but the trouble, though more apparent last winter, has been of long and gradual growth, and it is evident that the roof needs a complete overhaul, and the sooner it is thoroughly done the better. A large amount of work has been done in repainting the interior of some of the show-cases and in improving the display of the specimens, especially in the Foreign Gallery, and the usual precautions have been taken for the security and preservation of the specimens. The following are some of the chief additions to the various departments : — Geological Collections. —A collection of wind-worn stones, from Mr. John Handley of Wanganui ; a model of the Lower Waimakariri Gorge, prepared and presented by Dr. P. W. Hilgendorf, of Lincoln Agricultural College. Foreign Natural History Collections. —A large collection of foreign birds' eggs and some foreign shells, presented by Mr. E. F. Stead ; specimens of cassowary, lamenting bird, the Cape penguin, leopard shark, and a skeleton of the giant kangaroo. New Zealand Collections.—A skeleton of the North Island moa (Euryapteryx crassus) has been mounted and placed in the moa-case, specimens of the Caspian tern and the spotted shag have been added, and the skeleton of the extinct Chatham Island rail has been set up; a small collection of moths, presented by Mr. Philpotts. Archwological Collections. —A fine collection of ancient Egyptian pottery, presented by the BeniHasan Excavation Committee through the Institute of Archaeology of the Liverpool University ; copies of the seals used by Queen Victoria, purchased. Ethnological Collections. —Trumpet, exorcising dagger, rosaries, jade ring, &c, from Thibet; carved Burmese dagger, Lambeth candle-pot, Bristol puzzle jug, and various other specimens of British pottery purchased in England ; specimen of snuffers and tray, &c. Library. —The usual presentations from museums and scientific societies have been received, and the following books have been added by purchase : Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum " ; Lesquereux and James's " Mosses of North America " ; Dixon and Jameson's " Handbook of British Mosses " ; Pfeffer's " Nomenclator Botanicus " ; and Cook's " Handbook of British Hepaticse." School oe Art. As compared with 1904, the numbers in attendance were : — 1904.—First term —Morning, 38 ; afternoon, 13 ; evening, 117 ; Saturday, 84 : total, 252. Second term —Morning, 30 ; afternoon, 18 ; evening, 134 ; Saturday, 93 : total, 275. Third term —Morning, 34; afternoon, 18; evening, 139; Saturday, 102 : total, 293. 1905. —First term —Morning, 29 ; afternoon, 36; evening, 141; Saturday, 77 : total, 283. Second term —Morning, 29 ; afternoon, 42 ; evening, 144; Saturday, 83 : total, 298. Third term —Morning, 27 ; afternoon, 40 ; evening, 147 ; Saturday, 92 : total, 306. This shows an increase of sixty-six on the previous year, the increase being mainly in the afternoon and evening classes. Drawing and Painting. —Instruction has been given in drawing and painting from life, still life, landscape from nature, and drawing from the antique. A number of new casts have been obtained for use in this department. Modelling, Moulding, and Casting was carried on as in previous years, being attended by painting students as well as those taking applied art. Professor Lanteri's casts were obtained for this department, giving a bust in three stages for modelling. Applied Art-work. —The classes in this department have been larger than in previous years, especially in repousse and carving. The class in plant-form and its relation to design was very well attended. Painters , and Decorators' Work. —The judges appointed by the Painters' Union state the work in this section has greatly improved, most particularly in writing. The stencilling was also of a high order, and the judges had considerable difficulty in awarding the prizes. A written decorated panel was considered worthy of a special prize. Decorative Design was taken in the morning and also in the evening, and was worked on with the other classes as much as possible. The Tinsmiths , Geometry Class was not held, there not being enough applications to make a class worth starting. Geometry and Perspective. —-The classes in these subjects were well attended, and the work has been of a very practical nature. Instruction to Teachers and Pupil-teachers has been the same as last year. The work was in accordance with the syllabus of the Education Department for teachers' certificates. Architecture and Building-construction. —The students of the architectural class have shown a great deal of interest in their work throughout the year, and have put in some very creditable work. The studentship has been won by a young student who has widened his desire to succeed and has submitted some good work. The Advanced Building-construction Class has had fewer students this year, the reason being that the students from the elementary class of the previous year did not come for the advanced course. The Elementary Class this year has been under another teacher, and has been well attended, with very good results. The State School Scholarships for Boys and Girls were awarded to fourteen boys and eleven girls. Their attendance was good and their work satisfactory.

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