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F. EEPORT OF CANTEEBURY AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, 1908. (" The Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Act, 1896.") [In continuation of E.-11, 1908.] Visitor. —Hia Exoellenoy the Governor. Board of Governors. Appointed by His Exoellency the Governor—E. Richardson. Elected by members of the Legislature—Hon. E. 0. J. Stevens (Chairman) ;M. Murphy, P.L.8.; and H. A. Knight. Eleoted by governing bodies of-agricultural and pastoral associations—T. Blackley; J. MoMillan; and G. Jameson. Staff. Director. —W. Lowrie, M.A., B.Sc. Lecturer on Veterinary Science. —A. Taylor, M.A., M.B.C.V.S. Lecturer on Chemistry. —G. Gray, P.C.S. Lecturer on Biology.—F. W. Hilgendorf, M.A., D.Sc. Farm Overseer. —W. Street. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. Sir,— I have the honour by direction of the Board of Governors, in pursuance of " The Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Act, 1896," to submit the following report on the work of this institution for the year ending 31st December, 1908, and the balance-sheet for the same period. The attendance of students was maintained at or near the limit of accommodation throughout the year, and altogether fifty-five students were enrolled, or one less than the preceding year. The work of the students, both in the College and on the farm, was quite satisfactory, and in the stockjudging competition for young farmers, arranged by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association at its November show, students from the College obtained two first and two second prizes among a large number of competitors. Eight students completed tlie] course in December, and, of these, five satisfied the examiners, and were awarded the diploma of the College. Their names and addresses are as follows :E. N. Grimwade, Auckland (gold-medallist); A. Ariell, Auckland ; E. B. Warburton, Palmerston North ; G. Price, Hawke's Bay ; G. W. Gilbert, England. • During the year the buildings and implements were kept in their usual efficient state, and new sheep-yards and sheep-dip were constructed ; extra shearing-accommodation was also provided, and the water-supply to the College was augmented. The College land has been generously and thoroughly farmed. Several trials were made of the relative values of manures and seeds, these experiments—as, indeed, every other operation of the farm—being conducted on commercial principles. The results of the experiments were of considerable interest to the farmers, who met at the College at the invitation of the Board of Governors at the annual distribution of the prizes in December. The farm stock has maintained a high level of merit, as is evidenced by the fact that the College stock won the Macfarlane Challenge Shield, awarded by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to the competitor gaining the most points for live-stock of all kinds at its annual November show. The English Southdown Breeders' Cup and several other prizes also came to the College. These prizes were all won by stock bred on the College farm. Early in the year arrangements were made to let on fourteen-year leases most of the college lands situated at Hakataramea, and this step has resulted in an increased income to the College. Mr. W. Lowrie, who was appointed to the position of Director to the College in 1901, resigned at the end of 1908, to proceed to the duties of Director of Agriculture to the Government of Western Australia. His departure was extremely regretted by the Board of Governors and by all sections of the farming community, and the many eulogistic speeches and handsome presents t he was the recipient of indicate that by every one his connection with the College was regarded as having been of the greatest benefit to the institution. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. R. E. Alexander, Director.