43

E.—s

the appliances of the Strength of Materials Laboratory were utilized in the above work, which could not have been proceeded with had the laboratory and its equipment not been available. Experiments were also made in the Electrical Engineering Laboratory on the electro-deposition of copper driving-bands. By means of a modified Cowper-Coles process very satisfactory results wv.ro finally obtained. It was considered desirable under present-circumstances to restrict expenditure in additions to plant. The larger items were those ordered before the beginning of the war. The addition comprised of a 25-kilowatt generator, a 10 h.p. electric motor, a switchboard and connections and a line of shafting, all in the Pneumatics Laboratory; a quieting-screen, weighting-tanks, and an excellent theodolite. RoBT j m% U j mt _ G PTOl6eMor iv Charge. Extract from the Report of the Director ok the School of Art. The number of individual students in attendance during the three terms were—First term, 379; second term, 404; third term, 391. The exhibition of students' work was held during February. The exhibits were arranged in the various rooms in the school, and during the week the exhibition was open a large number visited the school. The Press gave several reports on the advancement of the work of the school. The exhibition is now looked upon by the public of Christchurch as one of the important art events of the year. In connection with the Arts and Crafts Exhibition held at the Art Gallery, the school exhibited a collection- of art-craft work, including jewellery and enamelling, silversmith's work, wood-carving, embroidery and lace. A first-class diploma was awarded to the school for its combined exhibit. Drawing and Painting Department. —lnstruction was given in drawing and painting from life, still life, and landscape. Life classes were held twice daily during the session. The landscape classes have grown to such an extent that it was found necessary to establish three classes weekly, each of which had an average attendance of twenty students. Landscape forms a most important part of the work of the school, and it would seem that a complete course extending over the full week will be necessary. Artistic Crafts Department. —Sound work has been done in this department during the year. All the day students attended the full course, which comprised the study of plant and other natural forms, the principles of ornament, applied design, modelling design, and one or more of the following crafts : Jewellery, enamelling, silversmithing, carving, stained glass, tooled leather, embroidery and lace. During the year life classes for modelling have been held, and creditable work executed. The evening trade modelling classes have been well attended. The signwriting class has done good work. Towards the end of the year the Master Painters' Associa(ion and the Painters' Union of Canterbury decided to transfer the painters' classes from the Christchurch Technical College to the School of Art because of the advantages offered at the latter institution for the study of colour, drawing, and design. A five-years course of study has been drawn up, including both the study of art and the practical side of the trade. The masters have agreed to allow apprentices to attend day classes. The course will come into operation during 1916. With the support of the trade there is every prospect, of the course proving as successful as the course in architecture has proved since the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects made the classes at the School of Art compulsory for apprentices in the architectural profession. Architectural Department. —Excellent work has been done in this department since the diploma course was established, in 1914. The full oourse extends over three years, part of which is taken at the School of Engineering. During the year a course of lectures on the history of architecture was given. A committee of the Institute of Architects examined the studies and awarded the certificates in connection with the diploma course. Teachers' classes were held on Saturday mornings and on Monday evenings, (he subjects of instruction being free drawing, instrumental drawing, blackboard drawing, mass drawing, modelling, and craftwork. A. special class was held at the request of the Kindergarten Association for drawing and illustration in connection with kindergarten teaching. Members of the school staff conducted classes in drawing ami colour-work at the Training College for teachers, also classes in drawing and woodwork at the Boys' High School, during the year. In connection with the National Competition amongst schools of art in Great Britain, this school was again successful iv obtaining several commends for work', comprising drawing and painting from life and still life. The usual local examinations were held at the end of the year. Two scholarships, valued at £25, and eleven scholarships carrying free tuition, were awarded to students of the day and evening classes. The Students' Association has continued its good work throughout the year. Monthly meetings have been held, all of which have tended to improve the social side of the school. The number of teaching appointments obtained by students during the year has again been most satisfactory. These include—lnstructor in drawing and painting from life, " Elam " School of Art, Auckland; instructor in artistic craftwork, School of Art, Dunedin; art teacher, Ashburton Technical School; teacher of drawing, Auckland Gilds' High School; teacher of drawing, St. Margaret's College, Christchurch; teacher of drawing, Miss Sanders's Girls' School, Christchurch. It was a keen disappointment after years of careful'management to find that the Government were unable to subsidize the balance of £1,200 acquired by the school for the much-needed additions to the building. It is distinctly encouraging to hear that the Board have decided to spend the balance in carrying out a modified scheme of alterations and additions to the building, and that the work will be put in hand before the commencement of next session.