X—6.

At Stratford classes under Mr. Tyrer as Supervisor were conducted in the following subjects : Latin, English, shorthand, mathematics, dressmaking, drawing, and plumbing. At this centre, as elsewhere, the volunteering for active service of so many young fellows caused the classes to be smaller than they otherwise would have been. During the year the Stratford Borough Council voted a sum of £10 towards the funds of the classes. At Inglewood classes under Mr, Stratford as Supervisor were conducted in the following subjects : First aid a-nd ambulance, and dressmaking. Alfred Gray, Director.

WANGANUI. Extract from the Report of the Education Board. Tho Committee appointed at the beginning of 1915, consisting of three members of the Board and the Chairman, and known as the Manual and Technical Instruction Committee, met regularly throughout the year. By means of monthly reports submitted by Supervisors, Directors, and instructors, and conferences with the agricultural instructors and supervisors, the Committee was kept in close touch with the progress of this branch of education in the district. Since Mr. Braik's death Mi. Swanger has filled the position of Director of Technical Instruction. The report submitted by him will be found to be of interest. It is pleasing to note that sound progress continues to be made along the lines laid down by Mr. Braik, and the credit for this is largely due to the efforts of the capable staff of Supervisors, Directors, and instructors, to whom I (also this opportunity of conveying the Board's thanks. The Board has also been fortunate in retaining the interest of the various public bodies and private individuals who have, year after year, rendered assistance by making donations in cash, by placing land, buildings, and stock at the Board's disposal, or by acting as members of the respective Technical School Committees. Extract from the Report of the Secretary to the Kduoation Board. At the close of the year there were twenty-six Supervisors, Directors, and instructors on the permanent staff. Mr. G. ,1. Park, Bach. Com., was appointed Director of the Wanganui Technical College in place of Mr. W. A. Armour, who left to take up the position of headmaster of the Napier Boys' High School. The organization under which the district has been worked for several years past remains unaltered. It is a satisfactory one, but with the alteration in the boundaries of the district which will take place in August a change in organization will be necessary. Technical and continuation classes were held at thirty-five centres. The enrolments totalled 5,517, the number of individual students being 2,628. These figures show an increase of 181 and 328 respectively compared with the numbers at the end of 1914. During the current year the work of establishing classes in the Main Trunk district is being taken in hand, and it is anticipated that Mangaweka, Ohakune, Rangataua, and Raetihi will shortly be numbered amongst the centres at which successful classes are being carried on. Compulsory classes under section 124 of the Act continue at Wanganui, Hawera, and Eltham, the number of pupils in attendance being 259. These classes have passed the experimental stage, and it is anticipated that other centres will apply to have the compulsory regulations brought into operation. The success which has attended the establishment of compulsory classes is in no small measure due, to the tact and consideration displayed by the Directors of the respective schools. The majority of the students quickly settle down to work, realizing that their- attendance at a technical school must ultimately result in benefit to themselves. The Wanganui Technical College is progressing along right lines. It is pleasing to note that the present year has commenced with a record enrolment, the numbers attending agriculture, engineering, and domestic courses showing a marked increase. The Board was successful in securing three sections of land adjoining the engineering workshop, on which will eventually be erected accommodation for cookery and laundry-work classes. Some If acres were added to the playing-fields. The opening of a boys' hostel is an important forward step, and has been the means of attracting to the College boys from as far north as Whangarei. The equipment of the College was considerably augmented during the year, and, thanks to the interest shown by a local resident, it was found possible to purchase about twenty-five new typewriters. Contributions received by the Board during the year in aid of manual and technical instruction totalled £870 13s. 4d. To the following, as well as to numerous private subscribers, the thanks of the Board are due for contributions, without which it would be impossible to carry on the work at many of the smaller centres: Wanganui, Eltham, Feilding, and Hawera Borough Councils; Wanganui, Waitotara, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Hawera, Kiwitea, Eltham, and Oroua County Councils; Wanganui Chamber of Commerce; Wanganui Furniture-makers' Association; Wanganui Builders' Association; Feilding Agricultural and Pastoral Association; farmers' unions or clubs at Feilding, Mangatoki, Alton, Ararata, Maxwell, Normanby, Whenuakura, Rowan, Mokoia, Kapuni, and Riverlca. The thanks of the Board are also due to those ladies and gentlemen who have acted on advisory committees, and to others who have rendered assistance during the past year, I desire to express my thanks to the District Supervisors, Directors, and instructors for their ready response to the demands of the office at all times. W. H. Swanqer, Secretary.

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