E.—s

50

conduct large classes at the convents, private schools, ami Y.W.C.A. rooms. Further, the University students of domestic science receive their instruction in cookery at the College, while our senior students are prepared in cookery and dressmaking for the examinations conducted under the auspices of the City and Guilds of London Institute. Last year fifteen students passed these examinations in one or other of the subjects mentioned. The attendance at the engineering course and at the trade courses generally was seriously affected by the war, but it shoald be added that the smaller number of students in these classes tended to more efficient work. Under the guidance of the new instructor the engineering course was remodelled on lines beneficial to students of the theoretical and experimental classes, and it is anticipated that equally satisfactory results will follow the appointment of the instructor of practical electrical and mechanical engineering. The work of the other classes does not call for any special reference, but it should be noted that a new class was formed for pattern-cutting for bootmakers, and also that the class for commercial law was again opened after having been closed for several years. The continued success of the evening classes is in a large measure due to the energy and enthusiasm of the teachers. For trade classes and commercial subjects it is sometimes found necessary to employ instructors without previous teaching experience, and, although these are not all equally gifted with controlling-power, there is no question that all are actuated by the highest motives —to work in the interests of the students. During the year three instructors having joined the Forces for active service, resigned their positions on the staff. Large numbers of the College students and ex-students are also at the front. Angus Marshall Director. Extract from the Report of the Managers of the Oamaru Technical School. The Managers beg to report that the work of the school has gone on very successfully during the year notwithstanding the general disturbance caused by the war. The attendance at the continuation and commercial classes was fully maintained, while the dressmaking, millinery, and wool-classing classes were well supported. The Managers deplore the scarcity of male apprentice students; this, however, cannot be helped, the trades and crafts operating in this town being so few in number. Until there is an increase no improvement can be looked for. Notwithstanding this, the total attendance at the school was in excess of the previous enrolment. The thanks of the Managers are tendered to those who contributed to the support of the classes and to the Press for valued assistance. q_ h Church Chairman. Extract krom the Report of the Managers of the Milton Technical Classes. During the year successful classes in wool-classing were held at Milburu and Moneymore under the direction of the Otago Education Board's instructor. Each class Had a roll of seventeen. The attendance at both classes was excellent, the former averaging 95 and the latter 97 per cent. The Managers are pleased to note the practical form of support given by the Tokomairiro Farmers' Club to this branch of education in having conducted in connection with their annual summer show a wool-classing competition confined to pupils of the technical classes. Over thirty pupils competed, and the judge expressed himself as highly pleased with the classing done. The painting class ran for two quarters, with a roll of eleven each quarter. The possible attendance was registered. A class for copper and pewter work was successfully carried through, with a roll of eleven. The attendance averaged 90 per cent. The balance-sheet shows a small gain on the working of the classes for the year. j £>_ Laino, Secretary. Extract from the Report of the Professor in Charge, Home-science Department, University of Otago. Considerable progress has been made during the period from March to December, 1915. Studholme House was opened on the 7th March, 1915, so that it has run for one full session. In spite of the increase of the price of nearly ail foods during the year, 1 have a satisfactorybalance to report. We charge the very moderate sum of £1 per week to all students, and we have not increased this charge in spitie of the increase in price: of all commodities, including coal, cleaning-materials, kitclien utensils, crockery, ic. Another still more satisfactory fact is that there have been no cases of illness at the hostel, with the exception of one case of measles, which was contracted by a student on her journey down to Dunedin at the beginning of the session. There is a considerable increase in the number of students this year. The hostel is full to overflowing, and I have had to make arrangements for eleven students to have bedrooms outside, though most of them come tro us for meals, and share the common room, the library, and all the advantages of the common life of Studholme House. During 1915 twenty-seven students were studying for either the degree or the diploma in home science. This year at least thirty-five will take one of the full courses, and this does not include students who take single courses of work. Eight students completed their work last year. Five have qualified for the degree and three for the diploma. All have obtained satisfactory and well-paid work, and, indeed, it would have been possible to put more students into posts had any more been qualified. I am receiving excellent reports of the work being done by the majority of those students who begaiu to teach last year. Miss Jean Robertson (diploma) has been appointed at the Wellington Girls' College as assistant at a salary of £160; Miss A. Aitken (degree), as science mistress at New Plymouth High School (salary, £180); Miss E. Cornish (diploma), domestic-science mistress at Wanganui Girls' College (salary, £150, resident). Miss Lesbia K. Wilson (degree) is working under the Wellington Education Board, and teaching science and cookefc'y in several district high schools (salary, £160). Miss G. Armstrong (diploma) is organizing needlework, laundry-work, cookery, and science classes at Masterton Teohnicai Sfchool (salary, £150). Miss C. S. White (diploma)