E.—s.

The pupils have confidence in their instructors, and are eager to learn, which goes a long way to prove the utility of technical education. In fact, at our evening classes the pupils range in ages from fourteen to forty years. The number of pupils lias increased during 1910, and circumstances point to an extended popularity for the coining season. The new building is now well on the way, and will be greatly appreciated by all concerned when ready for occupation. Extract from the Report on Special Classes at Leeston and Doyleston. The woodwork classes have been fairly well attended during the year. It lias been found a little difficult to keep the same pupils all through the year, the students seem to move their places of residence so often, and it is only the boys that live in the township and within easy distance of the building whoso attendance can be relied upon. The classes for typewriting and book-keeping were started at the beginning of the year, but through lack of interest lapsed after the first quarter. Great interest has been displayed in dressmaking, and the classes have been worked to the entire satisfaction of the instructress and pupils. The numbers increased so much that Miss Rennie was compelled to arrange for a second class, thereby providing more opportunities for individual instruction. Extract from the Report on the Special Classes at Lincoln. The woodwork class has been carried on along the same lines as in previous years, and with .similar results, though it is a pity that so many boys fail to take advantage of the class. A valuable addition to the equipment of the workshop, a wood-turning lathe, which may also be used for simple metal-turning, has been provided by the generosity of a few local residents. The completion of the internal fittings, carried out by the pupils, has greatly improved the appearance of the workshop. The cookery class, as usual, attracted a large number of girls, and the class was working at its full strength throughout the year, with very satisfactory results. Extract krom the Report on Special Classes at Amberlkv. The dressmaking classes have, as usual, been a pronounced success. The attendance at the adult cookery class was only moderate. Lads who would benefit most by attendance at the woodwork classes are withdrawn from the district into various occupations, leaving only those who are too young to earn capitation. It has been thought advisable to discontinue the wood-carving class for the present. The school classes prove a valuable adjunct to the ordinary curriculum, and are uniformly appreciated ; at the same time, the best results are not obtained with the present facilities for leaving school. One student took her diploma in cookery this year and another will present herself in June. Although the roll-number (79) is less than that of the previous year, the attendance has been good. Miss Smith has been appointed to succeed Miss Gillies as instructor in dressmaking. Extract from the Report on Special Classes at Southbridge and Darfield. During the year the dresscutting classes at Southbridge were attended by 17 pupils in the first term, 14 in the second, and 15 in the third. The attendance on the whole was satisfactory, and an average amount of work was done. The work done consisted of taking measurements, drafting patterns without the aid of a chart, fitting and making up same. Pupils made up skirts, blouses, dresses, &c. The attendance at the class in agricultural chemistry was very satisfactory considering the inclement state of the weather on several occasions. Of the 26 students, 22 are following agricultural pursuits. The instruction given has been keenly appreciated by all present, and should have very beneficial results.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1910, in respect of Special Technical and Continuation Classes in Country Districts.

v—E. 5.

XXXIII

Receipts. Grants from Government. Other Receipts. Centre. Balance i ; at Subsidies Beginning Capitation Buildings on of Year, j on Special | and Voluntary Classes. : Rent. Contributions. Fees. On Voluntary Account of 0 .. „, Contribu- Public- ,,„V i i tions. school Material. Classes, j Totals. .mberley Laiapoi and Belfast leeston and Doyleston )arfield lOuthbridge lincoln little Biver £ s. d. 18 7 9 58 9 6 52 13 11 £ s. d. 39 18 0 109 0 8 29 6 6 £ s. d. £ s. d. 5 5 0 3 7 0 42 14 0 2 0 o; 10 5 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 38 12 5 46 4 6 10 12 0 4 0 0 £ 8. d. 16 11 9 60 18 6 £ s. d. 1 7 7 £ s. d. 123 9 6 317 7 2 108 17 11 14 0 0 46 7 5 13 8 6 10 0 6 14 3 20 17 9 4 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 3 5 0 2 15 1 4 0 0 4 0 0 20 6 3 100 27 19 3 82 0 3 46 14 9 15 2 9 14 2 9 Totals 101 9 6 12 0 0 97 16 6 2 7 7 721 11 7 204 7 1 219 19 11 49 19 0 33 12 0