E.—s

84

Extract from the Report of the Director of the Dunedin Technical School. The attendance register of the day Technical School shows that 48 boys and 162 girls received instruction during the year. Of these 191 were free-place holders. The technical course for the preparation of trade apprentices is becoming better known and appreciated, 30 boys attending for -instruction this year as against 16 in the preceding year. For the day domestic course there were "52 entrants, and it is worth noting that several of these day pupils were among the successful candidates for the London Guild examinations. The classes in chemistry and physics in this department are suited to the requirements of girls wishing to matriculate with the intention of proceeding to a domestic science degree. So far no other school in Otago lias made this provision, although it is necessary to enable the university degree course to be brought to a successful issue. Consistent attention has been given to the teaching of commercial work, and the appointment of a special teacher for each subject has led to a greatly increased attendance, the results being of a highly satisfactory nature. At the beginning of the year the girls of the school were given the option of tuition and practice in deep breathing, vocal exercises, and singing as an addition to the usual physical exercises, and it is a matter for regret that only about one-third of them took advantage of the instruction thus offered. The art course, conducted in connection with the School of Art, is worthy of better support than it has yet received. The evening school was attended by 884 individual students, classed as follows : Junior Free Place holders —119 males, 53 females; Senior Free Place holders —39 males, 28 females; other than free-place holders —407 males, 238 females. During the past session the majority of the students seeking admission to the electrical science course required to attend for instruction in drawing, mathematics, or elementary physics, and this depleted the number in attendance at practical electricity to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to omit the class for the year. The school examination results indicate that the quality of the work done by the students of the evening classes was somewhat uneven. Several members of these classes each year proceed to the University by matriculation, and for many years the school has been very successful in this respect. During last year, however, candidates were inclined to rely too much on the reputation of the school, and seemed disposed to curtail the period of their preparation. The result of this policy need hardly be mentioned; but intending candidates should realize that a three or four years' secondary school course cannot be covered in two winter sessions at the Technical School. The continuation subjects met with a fair measure of support, and doubtless much benefit to the students resulted. lam not yet satisfied, however, that students give sufficient time and attention to English before entering upon tht study of commercial and technical subjects. For example, the examination-papers from the penmanship and commercial correspondence classes show that good penmanship and very fair correspondence are at times disfigured by bad spelling. In book-keeping, again, neat writing, methodical arrangement, and careful placing were often accompanied by inaccurate additions. It is true such deficiencies are not a common feature of the work, but yet they occur with sufficient frequency to arrest attention, and a corresponding weakness pertains to other subjects essential to a course. For example, some of our young people would like to become electrical engineers without being troubled with the study of mathematics, or patternmakers without the nect ssary practice in drawing, and so on in respect to other subjects. It is hoped that the recognition of courses under regulations issued last year will to some extent counteract this tendency. The slightly increased capitation will enable the school authorities to make extra provision for smaller classes, and at the same time enable them to refuse admission to any student not prepared to undertake the complete study of his subject. Notwithstanding the weaknesses just referred, to, much good work continues to be done in our evening classes. The success attained by students in the Science and Art and the City and Guilds of London Institute Examinations is sufficient indication of the high quality of the instruction provided. Members of the staff have been regular and painstaking in the discharge of their duties, and have rendered me a hearty co-operation in advancing the interests and reputation of the Dunedin Technical School. Angus Marshall, Director.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1911.

Extract from the Report of the Managers or the Oamaru Technical School. The result of the year's work has been satisfactory, the enrolment and attendance having improved, showing an increase of 20 pupils this year, the number reaching 186 divided among 16 classes. There is every reason to believe that the aims and objects of the Managers are being recognized, and that the youths of the town will embrace the opportunity afforded by the Technical Association to gain further education at a nominal cost. The Managers desire to thank the various public bodies and individual subscribers for their support, also the local Press for valued assistance.

Receipts. Balance at beginning of year Capitation on associated olasses .. Capitation on acoount of free places Furniture, fittings, and apparatus.. Material Subsidies on voluntary contributions Fees .. Voluntary contributions Sale of material £ s. d. .. * 560 8 10 I 2,710 17 9 184 8 11 115 17 6 331 5 0 .. 608 8 8 997 11 5 5 18 0 Expenditure. £ s. d. Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 2,673 1 2 Office expenses (including salaries, stationery, &c.) .. .. .. .. 235 11 2 Advertising and printing.. .. .. 94 12 8 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 183 5 7 Insurance and repairs .. .. .. 62 14 3 Rent .. .. .. .. .. 16 3 0 Material for class use .. .. .. 190 16 0 Janitor.. .. .. .. 101 0 0 Water rates .. .. .. .. 14 0 0 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus.. .. 556 12 10 Balance at end of year .. .. .. 1,386 19 5 £5,514 16 1 £5,514 16 1 Thos. Scott, Chairman ) f ™ Angus Marshall, Secretary f er '