E.—s

86

based upon them, also formed part of the coarse, whilst a very rigid insistence upon the correct use of instruments raised the standard of work done in geometrical drawing to a very creditable degree of neatness and precision. On Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 1 p.m. provision was made for teachers residing outside Dunedin. Pupil-teachers, probationers, and uncertificated teachers were prepared for the drawing subjects of the new D syllabus. Certificated teachers had every opportunity given to them to obtain a thorough acquaintance with drawing and handwork in all the branches required for their school-work. A special series of lectures and demonstration*, with individual practice, was provided on " Animal drawing and illustration on the blackboard," and was followed with interest. Wood-carving, clay and plasticine modelling, stencilling, design, perspective, brush drawing and colour-work were also subjects of instruction. The standard of work presented in the examinations in drawing and design for the proficiency certificate of the elementary schools again showed an all-round improvement. This year the competition in design was especially keen, some excellent work being presented, and two medals were presented by myself for the best examples in this section during the test. These medals, however, are presented to individuals, and your Director is of opinion that a challenge shield, to be held during the year by the school earning the best average of marks for drawing and design at the Proficiency Examination, would be an excellent incentive and afford a rairer criterion of successful teaching. Under that impression a prominent art amateur was approached, and I am pleased to be able to report that, with the approval of the Board, a challenge shield will be available for competition in 1914. The attendance at the evening classes increased very considerably during 1913, and courses of drawing suitable to the various requirements of groups of students were arranged. Freehand, geometry, model-drawing, perspective, light and shade, drawing from the antique, drawing from life, plant-form, design, painting, modelling, and the art crafts were the principal subjects of instruction. To encourage these students and with a view to more effective instruction they were given the opportunity of attending either Wednesday afternoon or Saturday afternoon classes in painting without further fee, but the offer was not much availed of. The work of students in the life class was very enthusiastic, and was stimulated by the addition to their ranks of one or two well-known artists whose presence in the class had an excellent effect. For trade students classes were provided in freehand, instrumental drawing, mechanical drawing, machine-construction, building-construction, architectural drawing, architecture, perspective, drawing and design for cabinetmakers, decorative painters, and ticket-writers. To break down barriers between the students, to build up a spirit of enthusiasm for the institution, and to encourage private study, an arts and crafts club was formed under the management of an executive elected by the students, and presided over by your Director. Very successful competitions were held in art and crafts subjects, some excellent lectures were delivered by eminent experts, and papers were read by members of the club. The club is building up a spirit of comradeship among the students and developing their instincts for the social amenities. In place of the usual school picnic a fancy-dress parade was held in April. The function was a pronounced success. The development of the social aspect of the school is one of the most gratifying features of the year's progress, and the students fully appreciate the kindness of the Board in granting them facilities for holding their meetings and functions. The annual exhibition of students' work was again held in conjunction with the autumn exhibition of the Otago Art Society, and earned warm commendation from the Press and expressions of approval from the public. A very varied collection of studies, paintings, drawings and designs, including craftwork and casts from modelled studies, was forwarded in November to the Auckland Exhibition. No official awards have so far been declared in this connexion, but from numerous congratulatory letters received it would appear that the exhibit has created interest and earned some distinction for the Dunedin School of Art. In students' competitions within the Dominion, Dunedin succeeded in gaining creditable results. At the New Zealand Academy we gained first place in drawing the head from life, and first place in painting from life. The Otago Art Society awarded us first place in landscape, first place in drawing from life, and first place in painting from life. Thanks are due to the Board for the very generous spirit in which they have allowed the extensive improvements effected in the buildings and internal arrangements during the year. When the new entrance and hall come into being the attraction of the school should be further materially improved, the present first effect being decidedly dingy. My thanks are also tendered to the staff for their loyal attention to duty and the keen interest they have taken in any suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of the school-work. R. Haworidgb, Director. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st December, 1913, in respect of Special Classes conducted at Dunedin and certain Country Centres by the Otago Education Board. Receipts. £ 8. d. Expenditure. £ a. d. Capitation on olasses .. .. .. 145 1 6 Dr. balance at beginning of year .. .. 2,141 3 1 Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 17 18 0 Salaries of instructors .. .. .. 960 10 0 Material .. .. .. .. 28 0 0 Office expenses (including salaries, staFees .. .. .. .. .. 720 6 9 tionery, &c.) .. .. .. .. 20 16 8 Voluntary contributions .. .. .. 42 011 Advertising and printing.. .. .. 106 1 4 Sales of material .. .. .. 53 0 3 Lighting and heating .. .. .. 73 5 1 Transfer Dr. balance " Instruction Material for class use .. .. .. 105 2 6 of Teachers" now under " Train- Cleaning, &c. .. .. .. .. 98 14 2 ing College".. .. .. 37 0 9 Buildings .. .. .. .. 672 17 4 Less transfer part Cr. balance Furniture, fittings, and apparatus .. 292 5 4 "Wool-classing" due to Balolutha Teohnioal Classes Association ..276 34 13 3 Dr. balanoe at end of year .. .. 3,429 14 10 £4,470 15 6 £4,470 15 G S. M. Park, Secretary.