8.—6

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occupation he may take up as his work in the future. We therefore think it most important that some form of handwork should be introduced into every school. We would go a step further, and express the opinion that regulations should be drawn up making attendance at technical schools compulsory, within certain limits, after the pupil has left school. In twenty-two of our schools, agriculture was recognised by the Department, and Mr. Morison, the Board's agricultural expert, reports that the work progresses favourably, and much useful work is being done. In a farming district, such as Taranaki, teachers might well consider the advisability of taking up agriculture, dairying, or some other kindred subject. At the beginning of this year instructors in woodwork and cookery were appointed, and classes were established at New Plymouth and Stratford. These were made centres for the neighbouring schools. As an evidence of how this privilege was appreciated, it is sufficient to remark that almost every school that could possibly come in took advantage of it, and close on seven hundred pupils attended these classes. Extract from the Report of the Director of Technical Instruction. Teohnical and Continuation Classes were held at New Plymouth, Stratford, and Inglewood, The number enrolled was in some cases somewhat disappointing, but the students were regular in attendance, and the results of the examinations held at the end of the year gave evidence that highly satisfactory work had been done by the majority of-the students. The various members of the staff have been punctual and regular in attendance, diligent in the discharge of their duties, and ever ready to assist in making the classes a success. The subjects of instruction included plumbing, carpentry am! joinery, wood-carving, cookery, dressmaking, and various branches of art and commercial instruction. Saturday Classes for teachers were held during the year at New Plymouth, Stratford, and Opunake, but, although a large number of teachers entered for the several classes, the regularity of attendance fell far short of what might have been reasonably expected. The subjects of instruction included drawing, agriculture, woodwork, cookery, and elementary physical measurements. Reports on the Agricultural and Dairying Classes are appended. W. A. Ballanttne, Director. Extract from, the, Report, of the Board's Agricultural Instructor. ■ The work in connection with elementary agriculture is progressing favourably at most of the schools where the subject is.being taught. Since making my first visit some eighteen months ago, much useful work has been done, and both teachers and pupils appeal' to be greatly interested in the work. Much delay was caused owing to the exceptionally wet weather experienced during the early spring. I am pleased to note that the instructions previously given have been generally well carried out. I refer particularly to the preparation of the soil, the laying-out of the grounds, the keeping of correct records, such as the kind, weight, and cost of manure, seeds sowed, when and how sowed, crops sold or valued at end of season, and profit on season's work. In this connection it may be stated that many teachers, besides requiring the children to keep full records, took advantage of the opportunity afforded for giving lessons in practical book-keeping for farmers. During the season many useful experiments were carried out, notably at Rahotu and Stratford (see special reports). This year every school taking up agriculture is experimenting with various manures, and the results will be carefully recorded for future reference. At Mahoe the work has been hindered partly owing to the teacher being away through illness, but mainly for the want of a suitable plot of ground. This, I understand, can be got from a settler close at hand. T would suggest that arrangements be made soon with a view to preparing for next year. T would recommend a suitable plot being set aside for the work at Tikorangi. There is plenty of ground in the present site, but it is not well adapted for a school garden as regards either shape or position. With an expenditure of a few pounds in transplanting some trees and shrubs from their present very disorderly position, a very suitable plot could be made. At West End I met a fine class of boys (twenty-nine), but the only place to give my lesson was in a private garden across the street. This is not satisfactory, as the boys do not feel at liberty to go and work in their gardens, when otherwise they might do ro. I would strongly advise getting a small section somewhere close to the school. At Urenui a very suitable plot can be got at the back corner of the grounds. This will not in any way interfere with the playground. At present a long strip is taken right along the whole frontage at Bell Block, but a much more convenient site could be got by fencing in a small square which could afterwards be divided into suitable plots. With a vipw to stimulating interest in agriculture and horticulture, the Stratford Horticultural and General Produce Society has taken up the matter most heartily, and is offering at its show to be held next March some twenty-five prizes, and in addition a beautifully worked banner for the school highest in the competition. In conclusion, T desire to thank the various vendors for the gratuitous supply of both seeds and manures. R. McK. Mortson. Extract from the Report on Stratford Agricultural and Dairying Classes. At Stratford the important subjects of agriculture and dairying were carefully dealt with : the practical and theoretical sides of each subject, and the bearing of the one on the other, were closely attended to. Experiments were made and carefully watched and noted. The subjects were