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Civil Service or senior free places, and 36 passed. Six of these were candidates for senior Board Scholarships, and two were successful in winning scholarships. Fourteen also of the above entered for Junior Civil Service proper, and all passed save one, 6 passing with credit. Of the remainder (senior free place and scholarship candidates), it will not be known how many passed with credit until the marks are issued, for though the examination is the same as that for the Junior Civil Service, the Government only publish in the credit list those who entered for the latter. We do not make a speciality of this latter examination, nor do our best boys enter for it. The distinctions won by old boys since the last annual report are as follows : Mr. C. A. Cotton, M.Sc. (first-class honours geology), New Zealand University ; Mr. J. Bartrum, M.Sc. (third-class honours electricity and magnetism) ; Mr. D. Florance, M.A. (first-class honours electricity) ; Mr. M. Gresson, LL.B. Out of 13 exhibitions awarded by Canterbury College in October last, 7 were gained by old boys—viz. : Mr. H. D. Broadhead (Greek), Mr. A. H. E. Amess (English), Messrs. G. W. D. Mulgan and H. Edgar (political science), Mr. C. M. Stubbs (mathematics), Mr. D. B. Macleod (chemistry), Mr. A. E. Eyder (biology). Mr. D. B. Macleod was equal first with another candidate for the Sir George Grey Scholarship. It may also be noted that out of 72 credit passes obtained by male students at the last College annual examination, 31 were obtained by pupils of this school. CANTERBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY. Reference. Department. In this department 1,045 volumes and pamphlets have been added, the total number of volumes being 18,221. On taking stock, 6 volumes were found missing. Annual Examination. —l again draw your attention to the state of the binding. A large percentage of the books are in a very bad condition. The ruinous effect of coal-gas on leather bindings is all too apparent. If funds allowed, it would be better to bind, as repairing or recasing is at all times unsatisfactory. The ventilation is a matter that should be attended to. The fumes from the gas make it almost impossible to read in the gallery, and the installation of the electric light would prevent the destruction of the books, and make the gallery so that the public could read with comfort. The following new publications have been added : English Historical Review, Educational Times, Antiquary, Australian Insurance and Banking Record, Banker's Magazine, and Engineering. On the 14th September the books bequeathed by the late Sir John Hall were received and placed in the room that had been constructed for them. The Patent journals arc re eceived, and are taking up a great deal (if shelf-space, and increased accommodation will very soon be required. The room that has been set aside tor Sir John Hall's books (which arc nearly all duplicates of what arc in the reference library) might be devoted entirely to the Patent papers, which are frequently consulted, and the books thai are at present in there, and are seldom looked at. mighi be placed in the reference library, and some in the circulating, if allowable. The demand for technical books on every subject is a matter that should receive attention. If this department is to answer the purpose of an educational institution, books on different subjects, the latest and best, should be procured. In June an attempt to burn the building was made, but fortunately was discovered before much damage was done. Had it taken place at night the consequences would have been serious. The matter was placed in the hands of the police, lull they were, unable to find the culprit. Shipments of books have been received from Mudie's, of London. They are hooks that in the ordinary way would not have been obtained locally. This department contains a very fine collection of New Zealand books. Every effort should be made to complete the history of the colonies, and it is only by constantly watching the sales that tins end can be gained. Every year they are getting more difficult to obtain. More shelf-accommodation is needed. Some 5(H> volumes have had to lie removed to the gallery over the reading-room to make loom for accessions. SCHOOL <>F ENGINEERING. (Professor, Robert J. S•«it t. M.1.M.X., -M. 1.0. E.) Attendance. —During the year 175 individual students attended lectures, the hour attendances per week amounting to 1,085. Twenty-nine students were taking courses for the University degree or for the Associateship of the School, and 10 College students attended lectures in electricity and magnetism. Thirty-two lectures were delivered per week, and instruction was given in drawing and designing, experimental work in the laboratories, and in field-work for 126 hours, the total instruction hours per week amounting to 158. Additional Lectures. —The number of lectures per week on the principles of civil engineering was increased from one to two. A special course in military electrical engineering was, by request, established, and attended by the members of the Canterbury Engineers. The fees for this course were