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students have been recommended for Senior Free Places. An examination in book-keeping was conducted by Mr. G. Hirsch, F.1.A.N.Z., and his report on the result is very satisfactory. Good work has been done in all the continuation classes connected with this course, and especially so in the generaleducation class, where the pupils are prepared for the Standard VI proficiency certificates. Of 15 pupils examined, 9 gained proficiency and 3 competency certificates. This is one of the most useful classes in the school. The numbers in the plumbing class show a decrease, owing to the fact that nearly all the journeymen plumbers have now obtained their certificates. There are, however, several apprentices who should be attending. Four plumbers sat this month for the Wellington local plumbers' certificate, and two in June last for that of the City and Guilds of London Institute. One plumbing scholarship has been awarded. For the first time in the history of the school good cookery classes have been established and carried on. The numbers reached 42, and the popularity of the classes is largely due to the energy displayed by the instructress. Miss M. Watson. The dressmak'ng classes under the excellent tuition of Mrs. Whitehead have again put in another good year's work, as has also the millinery class under Miss Ellison. The interest in the classes connected with the building trade is at a low ebb, and seems to remain so. even although special efforts have been made to work them up to the position they ought to occupy. The wool-classing class has kept up well, and owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Hugh Akers, who has practically been the mainstay of the class since its inception, and has kept the class supplied with wool during the whole year. Thanks are also due to Mr. E. J. Wilson, of Hillsbourne, Johnsonville, for a most interesting series of addresses on wool-classing, uniformity of the fleece, adaptation of sheep to soil and climate, &c. Demonstrations have also been given by Mr. McNaught. Good classes in electricity and magnetism, graining and marbling, ticket-writing, and wood-carving have also been carried on. A mechanical-engineering course is being arranged for next year. This will include ironwork, steam, engineering, &c. The classes will be in the charge of Mr. Charles Taylor, a certificated engineer, and recently assistant instructor in mechanical engineering at the Wellington Technical School. This department promises to be well supported. Several students sat for the South Kensington and City and Guilds of London examinations, but the results are not yet to hand. The total number of individual students who have passed through the school this year is 500. the weekly attendances averaging from 700 to 750. The number of classes was 5k The action of one or two of the business firms in paying the fees for the classes taken by their employees is much to be commended. One firm in particular paid for twenty-one of its employees, the fees amounting to £17 for one term. This is not only a great boon to those who avail themselves of this advantage, but it is also a very practical way of assisting the Technical School. The elocutionary competition held in connection with the school was a great success, and materially assisted in increasing the interest in the work of the school, as well as assisting financially. While due attention has been paid to giving the boys and girls the best assistance available to enable them to fight the battle of life as workers, their physical development has not been overlooked. The school has now a flourishing sports club, as well as a Defence Rifle Cadet company numbering over seventy strong. We are indebted to Captain H. Whalley and Lieutenant Kells for enthusiastic assistance given in the matter of officering the corps. The Board is to be congratulated in the matter of its instructors, most of whom have now been working in connection with the Technical School for the last three years. Besides being most regular and punctual, they take a keen interest in all that pertains to the school, thus tending to bind the school together and keep up the esprit de corps. The thanks of the Committee are due to the public generally for donations towards the school funds, and to the Press of the town for their readiness to publish anything that may help to further the technical education of the town and district. F. D. Opie, Director. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1910, in respect of Special Classes conducted at Palmerston North by the Palmerston North High School Board. Receipts. £ 8. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. B dance at beginning of year .. .. 119 4 1 Sauries of instructors .. .. .. 792 16 8 Capitation on special classes .. .. 8 IS 9 Office expenses (including salaries, staCapitation on acoouut of free places .. 413 4 8 tidnery, &a.) .. .. .. .. 305 110 Biiil linga .. .. .. .. 164 10 0 Advertising, printing, and books .. .. 43 11 1 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 108 9 6 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 57 910 Material .. .. .. .. 12 6 6 Insurance and repairs .. .. .. 46 17 5 Subsidies on voluntary contributions .. 124 15 2 Examinations, &c. .. .. .. 719 2 Fees .. .. .. .. .. 515 3 6 M*teri*l for class use .. .. .. 38 111 Voluntary contributions.. .. .. 87 11 2 Caretaker, maintenance .. .. .. 44 11 8 Sundry receipts—Sales of material .. 40 210 Contracts (new buildings, additions, &c.) .. 350 1 0 No , , proceeds elocutionary competition .. 21 7 0 Architect, &c. .. .. .. .. 3 8 0 From High Schojl, for cookery, material Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 213 17 5 .. .. .. .. 13 19 0 From High School, for art master's salary 50 0 0 Balance at end of year .. .. .. 224 6 10 £1,903 16 0 |£1,903 16 0 William Huntek, Secretary.