37

E.—s

by instalments. This has proved an undoubted success in maintaining the interest of the students and keeping the class together. Some of the engines will be completed during the next session, when the students will proceed with the construction of a suitable dynamo. In all probability, if the services of a suitable instructor were available during the day, classes could be held during the day' with even greater success. The art and art-craft classes were numerously attended, and did some excellent work during the year. The commercial classes were also well attended, and additional classes had to be started and were soon filled. The day cookery classes were fairly well attended, but the evening classes were very poorly supported, and finally fell through. A class for nurses from the public hospital in invalid cookery was held during the second term, with an average attendance of nine. The number of boys entering the school for day courses in carpentry, &c, was fewer than usual. The evening class in cabinetmaking was fairly well attended, and satisfactory work was done. The classes in English and arithmetic continue to be well and regularly attended both during the day and evening. The class in higher English and mathematics, which was started during the latter part of the session 1914, increased during 1915, and justified its existence. Examinations were held in most subjects, both day and evening, at the end of each term, and also at the end of the year for senior free places. All who sat were successful in gaining the extension of their free places. Classes were conducted in farm carpentry and drawing at. the Stoke Orphanage, and were attended by about fifty boys. The usual classes for teachers in drawing, botany, and chemistry were held on Monday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, and were attended by an average of sixteen teachers. A successful year's work was brought to a close by the annual exhibition of students' work. Mention must be made of the splendid way in which students in the art and art-craft, domestic, and carpentry departments worked making various and ornamental things which were sold for the benefit of the local patriotic funds; nearly £40 was raised in this manner. In conclusion, 1 have to thank the Board's staff for courtesy and assistance during the year, and also the teaching staff for their loyalty and support. F. C. Cockburn, Director. Extract from the Report of the Supervisor of the Reefton Technical School. During the year classes were held in the following subjects : Dressmaking, shorthand, bookkeeping, and typewriting. A class for students wishing to sit for the Public Service Entrance Examination was also held. The numbers attending the various classes were as follows : Dressmaking, 15; shorthand, 16; typewriting, 16; book-keeping, 16; Public Service Entrance, 10. The dressmaking class in 1914 was in every way our most successful class, but this year it had to be discontinued at the end of the first term as the number of jjupils offering did not warrant its continuance. Good work has been done by all classes, and the students who were taking a second year's course now have a good working knowledge of the subjects taken. Financial matters in connection with the school do not come under my jurisdiction to any great extent, but I would respectfully suggest that, with a view to putting the school on a better condition financially, the scale of fees be revised. In conclusion, 1 have to thank the instructors for their able and willing co-operation, and also the Board's office staff for prompt attention to all matters in connection with the school. w . A. Rumbold, Supervisor. Extract from the Report of the Director of the Westport Technical School. in spite of the retarding influence of the present disastrous war, the year's work stands as a record one in the history of the school in all departments, and I hope that the result will stand in a like position. The total amount of fees forwarded to date is £157 9s. 3d., being only £13 ss. 3d. short of the previous five years added together. The majority of the classes have been carried on under conditions which have not been at all favourable. The temporary classroom arrangements have been most inadequate, and more equipment and adequate lighting are urgently required in several places. With the assistance of some of the day engineering students I have done everything in my power to make conditions as comfortable as possible during the year, and I can only add my appreciation of the manner in which the whole teaching staff have carried out their respective duties and the enthusiasm evinced by all of them. 1 have already seven enrolment forms filled in for next year's day engineering course. Previously not one has enrolled before the holidays. The following courses were conducted at the school during the year : An engineering course at the Technical School, classes for engineering held in the evening, carpentry, art, commercial subjects, dressmaking, and domestic science; and classes for drawing, hygiene, and chemistry for teachers; manual-training classes for metal-work and domestic science in connection with the local public schools. The class for accountancy was abandoned at the end of the first term owing to the small roll number. With the Board's consent I propose to revise the arrangements under which the art classes are conducted. The classes next year will include general instruction in art instead of definite subjects as hitherto. The work will also embrace applied art, a subject which has never been taught at the schools before, This will tend to make the classes more popular, and will provide a more assured income for the instructor. Owing to the increased number of engineering students the appointment of a probationer assistant for next year is a matter of necessity. Two classes will have to be provided for next year. In conclusion, I have to thank the Board for the manner in which they have treated the school this year, and also the local bodies who have contributed very generously towards its support. A. G. Tomkies, Director.