81

E.—s

tion given in this course; as a preparation for the home life of our girls its utility cannot be overestimated. The commercial course, consisting of English, arithmetic, book-keeping, typewriting, shorthand, and commercial correspondence, was exceptionally well attended, and the reason is not far to seek : the instruction given is all in the hands of experienced teachers, and the courses of instruction are specially arranged to benefit those looking for employment or those who are already in employment. Employers of labour also in this line are always ready to take the recommendation of instructors when making appointments. The trades ar.d arts courses were not so well attended as might have been expected. It is very difficult to understand why apprentices are not willing to take advantage of capable instruction in such subjects as building-construction, carpentry, joinery, &c. An attempt was made to form a modelling class, as it was thought it would be a great benefit t<; plasterers and others in this line, but the class was but poorly attended. Many students took up unrelated subjects as they could not find the time to devote themselves to a course of study. Plumbing in theory and practice has always been a good class at this school, and last year was no exception. The success of the class depends upon the fact that the Managers have always been able to secure the services of competent instructors. Woolclassing was again an excellent class, and without doubt the popularity of this class is entirely due to the enthusiasm of the instructor and the scope of his instruction. Besides dealing with the commercial aspect of the question he gives instruction in the structure of fibre, effects of climate, feeding, and soil, on the production of wool, and the adaptation of flocks to different localities. Farmers are not slow to take advantage of this course of instruction. An innovation into the curriculum of the year's work was the introduction of a sheep-shearing class. This class was started mainly at the instigation of the Farmers' Union, and by the courtesy of the Christchurch Meat Company the Managers were enabled to make use of the company's sheds at Smithfield. It was anticipated that there would be some difficulty in securing a constant supply of sheep for the students, but this difficulty was overcome by the farmers in the vicinity freely offering their sheep. The class was not a large one, but it was a very successful one so far as it went, and the experience gained will no doubt prove beneficial in carrying on the work in the future. The classing, pressing, and baling of the wool was all done by the students attending the class. A glance at the balance-sheet will show that the funds of the school are in a sound healthy condition. To bring about this result the Managers have to practice strict economy with regard to all expenditure, as the school has no endowments, but has to depend on its own resources for its existence. It is pleasing to note the large amount collected in fees, thus demonstrating the fact that students are ready to pay for the instruction given. When everything is taken into consideration the year's work must be considered highly satisfactory. The number on the roll increases year by year; the attendance during the past year was all that could be desired. The examiners report that the different classes did good work, and the diligence and general behaviour of the students were quite exemplary, not a single case of insubordination having to be reported. As long as this spirit exists among the students there can be no doubt about the future success of the school as a whole. The thanks of the association are due to all who in any way contributed to the success of the school during the year, to local bodies and citizens who gave liberally to the funds, to the Press who always loyally support the school and are ever ready to help on the cause of technical education in the town. A special word of thanks is due to the teachers for the very able manner in which they carried out their onerous duties. The whole success of the school depends on the staff, and Tiniaru has been well favoured in this respect in past years. The Managers also desire to acknowledge with thanks the prompt attention of the central Department to all claims and applications made during the year. Gilbert Dalglish, Chairman. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1913, in respect of Glasses conducted at the Timwru Technical School. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Or. balanoe at beginning of year .. .. 127 10 6 Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 744 17 10 Capitation on classes .. .. .. 333 18 0 Office expenses (including salaries, staCapitation on acoount of free places .. 158 19 0 tionery, &o.) .. .. 24 19 4 Buildings .. • • • ■ • • 250 0 0 Advertising and printing .. .. .. 30 9 0 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus.. .. 52 2 5 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 44 6 2 Material .. •• •• .. 60 4 6 Insurance and repairs .. .. .. 718 2 Subsidies on voluntary contributions .. 143 8 6 Examinations, &c. .. .. .. 8 5 0 p ees ~ .. .. .. .. 318 13 8 Material for olass use .. .. .. 50 1 8 Voluntary contributions .. .. .. 115 14 9 Cartage, &o. .. .. .. .. 2 13 6 Sales of material.. .. .. .. 9 8 4 Refund of fees .. .. .. .. 15 0 Sundry refunds .. .. .. .. 10 10 3 Water rates .. .. .. .. 110 0 Interest 2 17 3 Buildings 235 16 3 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. .. 53 10 7 Arohitect .. .. .. 12 13 9 Drainage .. .. .. .. 3 0 0 Cr. balanoe at end of year.. .. .. 362 0 11 £1,583 7 2 £1,583 7 2 Gilbebt Dalglish, Chairman) , M Etchings Geant, Secretary fOl mana g er^

11— E. 5,