17

E.—s

It has not been possible for us to arrange special classes for returned soldiers, but several have attended the ordinary classes, with satisfactory results in some cases. lam convinced that, in most subjects, it would be better to arrange for separate classes for these men. At the same time the' numbers coining forward in each subject at present do not warrant the formation of special classes. In the engineering workshops, in the day classes, some of these men have done very good work; but the shop is at present overcrowded, both day and evening, with tools as well as with pupils, and it is impossible to give the students the best conditions. The buildings have been kept in good order throughout the year. The equipment has been added to where necessary, though much more is required in every branch of the work.. It is not possible, however, to use much more in our present quarters. The thanks of the school are due to the Wellington City Corporation, New Zealand Institute of Architects, and New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, who contributed £300, £1.0, and £10 respectively to the funds of the school during the year; to Mr. J. Marchbanks for prize for competition among engineering students in the annual class examinations; and to the Master Plumbers' Association for three medals for competition among the plumbing students. W. S. La Trobe, Director. Extract prom the Report of the Director op the Petone Technical School. Although many students have gone to the war, the year 1917 must rank as one of the most successful in the history of the school. In the commercial classes there has been a further increase in the number of students in attendance, and during the year three teachers have been engaged in teaching shorthand and typewriting. Excellent progress has been made by many of the pupils in these classes. The roll number of the book-keeping and business-training class shows a marked increase. Many of the students have done very good work. The English, arithmetic, and mathematic classes are larger than in former years, and a very high standard of .work has been attained by pupils attending evening classes. This is partly accounted for by the excellent type of students attending these classes, who are aiming at acquiring an education that will enable them to fill the higher positions in life. The instrumental-drawing class has done very good work, and is fitting in. well with the carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and steam classes. In all these classes there has been a distinct advance, and much credit is due to the teachers who have worked together so well. The steam class is gradually progressing, and I feel confident that it will supply a much-needed want to the pupils of the district. I regret to say that there has not been very much advance made in the domestic classes. The dressmaking class continued during the year, but I am not in the position to say that the attendance was at all satisfactory. For years past these classes have not been altogether successful, but they are so important that we should persevere with them. The ambulance class has been most successful, and the large attendance shows what a keen interest is taken in the subject. The class had a roll number of forty-six. Wool-classing still continues to be a very popular class, and information with, regard to it is being asked for from all parts of New Zealand. There is no doubt that we have an excellent opportunity in Petone for carrying on such a class. A class was started for ladies during the latter part of the year. Most of the ladies have taken great interest in the work, and some, no doubt, will become competent woolclassers. The class established for the boys of the secondary department of the District High School has also been very successful. The fact that all the pupils started at the same time enabled the instructor to carry on the work under more favourable circumstances. The generosity of the Managers in this matter enabled the lads to obtain some knowledge of a very important subject. The plumbing class has continued to do very good work. This class has been very fortunate in its teacher. Two classes for electricitjr were conducted for senior and junior students respecWith the addition to the class equipment of a small gas or oil engine and a dynamo, the value of the instruction would be greatly enhanced. The physical-science class has been continued during the year, most of the pupils taking the subject for the Public Service Junior Examination or the Matriculation Examination. The following donations were received during the year : Petone Working-men's Club, £15 155.; Petone Borough Council, £30; Gear Meat Company, £25; Wellington Woollen Company, £5; Lower Hutt Borough Council, £20; Upper Hutt Town Board, £6 ss. Id.; Mr. Baldwin, £2 Is. 9d.; Upper Hutt Technical Committee, £6 7s. 9d. At Lower Hutt classes were carried on most successfully, the attendance throughout being greater than that for the two previous years during which the classes have been in operation. A movement in the direction of providing funds for the purchase of a site and for the erection of rooms for instruction in woodwork, cookery, and possibly science gives promise of a great advance in technical education at this centre. Jas H Lynskey Director , Extract from the Report op the Managers op the Masterton Technical School. The total number of individual students in attendance during the year was 423—187 males and 236 females —a decided increase on the attendance of any previous year. Of the 142 free-place pupils who were admitted, fifty-two were males and ninety females; 109 were holders of junior free places and thirty-one of senior free places, while two soldiers were admitted under the Government's regulations. Thirty-eight classes met weekly throughout the session as follows : English and arithmetic (two classes), 105 students; book-keeping (two classes) 99 ; accounting (one class), 35 ; general knowledge two classes), 29; typewriting and Pitman's shorthand (two classes), 61; typewriting and Gregg's

3—E. 5.