THE EXHIBITION. EDUCATIONAL.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 1170, 9 December 1896, Page 5

THE EXHIBITION. EDUCATIONAL.

TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND SCHOOL OF DESIGN. The good work that Mr. A. D. Riley, Director of the School of Design and Technical School under the "Wellington Education Board, has been and is doing among the children and teachers of the public schools and our artisans in various classes, is amply illustrated by the hoard's exhibit, which, as we have said on a previous occasion, is the finest in the building. From time to tiino it has been our privilege to chronicle successes of Mr. Riley'a pupils in tho art examinations at Some, where their work has not only won the highest commendation, but has even in nome instances been speuially selected by the experts for the national competition. tlow it is that such success has attended his efforts is made patent in this exhibit by illustrating the thorough grounding, in the elementary principles which the students undergo. And it must be remembered that Mr. Riley's system is as much, if not more, the practical than the oruamentaL His aim is to teach so that what is learnt may be of use to the student in after life if need be. Needless to say, as Mr. Riley, aided by Miss Richardson, arranged the exhibit, it is itself in the first sense suggestive of the order and method, completeness, and neatness which mark his mode of instruction. Starting from the beginning of things, we first view the Elementary or First Grade work in connection with the primary schools, which is the basis on which the system of technical instruction rests. Here we have six slates showing the work of the First Standard scholars in freehand, and which illustrate the difference in style of treatment which obtained when the work Was done by the aid of drawn crossed lines to guide the scholar. Next there are examples cut out in paper by the elementary scholars, all neat work, and other samples of freehand and flat tinting. Then scale drawing from actual objects, showing considerable skill and ability; a frame of drawings from common objects, all these showing free and bold work. An interesting feature is the five frames of first grade examination work, including the paper set at the September examination of this year in freehand, model, scale, and geometry, the four subjects in which the primary scholar must obtain a full certificate to enable him to compete for the primary drawing scholarship in connection, with the' Technical School. Advancing a stage, we have a frame of elementary design for borders, corner pieces, and other decorative work ; and next the elementary clay modelling, all by the primary scholars holding the 'scholarships alluded to above. During the past year this subject and elementary manual instruction in wood were greatly encouraged, and will be more fully extended during the forthcoming year, tlje object being to give the scholars something to counterbalance the mere literary work of the schools. Next we have some Seventh Standard work in perspective, and so pass on to the second grade work, for which the pupil teachers, the teachers, *nd 'the elementary art students present themselves for tuition. It includes examples of freehand, model, geometry, and perspective, and represents the intermediate stage. The third grade work brings us to the work of the students of the Technical School in geometrical drawing and perspective, including projection shadows and reflections, the outline from the cast, and more advanced light and shade from the cast and objects. These subjects are the groundwork of the Technical School course, nnd to the excellent way in which the work is done is attributable the Success of that school in the competitions in England. Then we come to more advanced clay modelling, one board showing historical styles of treatment, and two boards illustrating incised work in clay applicable to decorative treatment. It is to be regretted that more advanced clay modelling is not shown-, such as that exhibited by the school at the last Academy of Fine Arts Exhibition in this city. Two frames of details of the human figure from the antique are very clever specimens of v work, as are also two, drawings of tho Venus of Milo, and two sepia drawings of ornament from the cast. In mechanical drawing nine specimens are shown, being class work by the students engaged in the local foundries. These are not Buch work as is Ordinarily done in an Art School, inasmuch as the principles of the various parts of the machines are fully explained,- and sections drawn up of the parts. The series includes a triple expansion marine engine, a 20 h.p. and an 18 h.p. engine. Probably the best" examples submitted, however, are the building, construction, and architectural sections, of which there are nine in number, showing details of roofs, windows, staircases, ie, and one set of designs for brick villas, all displaying considerable taste in arrangement. It is notable that in these two sections the Technical School has made a marked advance in the last two years, the work being founded on more practical lines, and: being of great value to the young apprentices to the various trades. In Sketches and Designs we have ten frames shown, illustrative of objects from still-life, fronK Nature, landscapes, and in blark and white for illustration purposes, and one frame of '* time " sketches (2i hours). These are an absolute proof of the solidity of the instruction given, in that they have been done aw;ay from the school and the instructor's supervision. In Designs" the work is as good, consisting of the historical styles of ornament, designs for plaques, tiles, borders, calendars, wall papers, &c, and many of these were selected by the English Science and Art Department for national competition, and have had medals and prizes awarded them. Special attention may be called lo a stfries of five frames of illustrations for nurseiy rhymes, the words of which are by a resident of this city, Mr. Didsbury. They are a continuation of a number already executed, and wnich it is hoped eventually to publish. In still-life and sketching from nature there are various groups, of more or less excellent merit, in water-colour and in oils. The word-carving is the most attractive feature of this exhibit, and shows the great progress made in this branch. There is also one carving in marble, a very fine bit of work, and probably the first attempt of the kind in the colony. Finally we have a display of the work done in the practical plumbing section, in which the City Council has lent valuable assistance. Its importance, from a sanitary point of view, cannot be over-estimated, as here the city plumbers obtain the principles upon which to effectively practise their trade, to the ultimate good of the community. The specimens of work shown are excellent in every wayV and demonstrate the thoroughness of the instruction. The whole exhibit is, in fact, a grand objectlesson that visitors will be the better for ■•tudying, and it is worth noting that so popular is the Technical School that it now has on its roll 600 students. PRIMARY BCHO6LS AND KINDERGARTEN. Next to the exhibit of the School of Design, &c, is that illustrative of the instruction, other than book work, in the earlier standards at the public schools and in the infant schools. An hour or fo may be profitably spent in this section, and wo venture to say that the specimens of the handiwork of the juveniles of our time will bo a revelation to many. So long as their children are learning their letters, and to read and write, and do simple arithmetic,

few people bother themselves very much about the things outside the acquirement ol that knowledge which the little people are doing at the schools. Hence the public utility of an exhibit of this kind, which teaches the lesson ths£ our education system recognises that the very young brain must have relief from strain of book work in ways which at the same time are educating other faculties. For instance, we are shown here the apparatus which pleasantly instils into the juvenile mind the first principles ol , science in several of its forms. Then there are specimens of the writing as done in the school exercise books, and the map drawing and colouring, the manner in which elementary physiology is taught, a number of the new school books, and many othei things of interest. But it is in thi Work as turned out by the children that the solidity of the instruction is demonstrated. It is all neat, firm, and free, evidently done with the confidence that comes of careful and skilful grounding. Even the sewing by the little girls is shown in practical form in the shape of doll's and small clothing generally, luadi by them, and we have a lady's word for it that it is all very good indeed. But the kindergarten^specimens, the work of the infant scholars, are the most interesting of all. Mrs. Francis, of the Mount Cook lufant School,* is the able exponent of this system of instruction. It is astonishing what the little brains have conceived, and the little fingers executed. With pink-coloured strips of paper, and cardboard, little wooden sticks, and pieces of cork and wire. Here, for example, are different sized models of cottages, liere an old-fashioned coach, and other vehicles, even lo what looks like the old velocipede ; again an enclosure, with little fuzzy chickens made of wool in it ; then, plaited designs in, coloured strips of paper, geometrical figures of the same, or in wire and bits of cork — all this teaching the child constructiveness, invention, form, and colour. Drawings from the object in its earliest lessons are also shown, and fancy wool work over printed designs and figures. It is the excellence of it all that charms when the tender age of the manipulators is considered, and the thought that in this way, it may be, are being developed the seeds of the innate talent which may blossom out in the future into the artistic and the useful of which the colony may have oause to be proud. There is an idea that many children are sent to these State infant schools too young. We fancy an inspection of the kindergarten exhibit will help to dispel that impression. For the children must thoroughly enjoy making these queer and attractive little goods, and they are better doing this for a portion of the day than running wild in the streets. It is a good work the State is doing, and one of its effects at least ought to be, so far as New Zealand is concerned, that it shall not be a reproach with us as time goes on that our wants ara " made in Germany." Last evening's concert by the Convent pupils proved to be most enjoyable. Not only did it include a thoroughly good class of music, very efficiently interpreted, but it had also the merit of only lasting an hour and a quarter, thus enabling its hearers to spend the remaining three-quarters of an hour during which the building is open an night in an -inspection of the exhibits. The concert opened with a well-played pianoforte duet, the " Tarantelle " by Raff. After this both solo and chorus singing was excellent, every vocal item, indeed, being redemanded. Where all were so efficient we do not intend to single out anyone for special mention. Visitors to the Exhibition will hdpe' to" have yet another opportunity of hearing these clever and well - instructed young ladies. ' For the repetition this evening of the fancy dancing entertainment by Miss Beere's pupils seats are in great, demand. Earl) 1 ' attendance for unreserved seats is therefore imperative. The sight of little people heartily enjoying themselves is one of the most pleasant that a healthy-minded adult can- experience/ arid such a sight was to be Seen yesterday afternoon at the Exhibition, where the St. Mary's Orphanage little ones were being entertained by- the Executive's kindness. The lantern pictures and accompanying stories by Mr. Seager were as good to these voting people as a first-class operatic performance to an adult, and they appreciated them thoroughly. But when Punch and Judy came on the scene, and Mr. Bushby exerted himself to the utmost to please, then the fun was fast and furious, and it was a treat to hear the little folk laugh. It was good news for them when Mr. Seager, on behalf of the Executive, gave them another invitation for a future date. As is usual on the Wednesday halfholiday, there was a numerous attendance at the Exhibition this afternoon. The playing of Minifies Band in the building greatly added to the visitors' enjoyment, while on the sports' ground there were the ropewalking and acrobatic feats, &c, which we shall allude to in detail to-morrow. The police on duty in the Exhibition' have received special orders as to keeping the .doorways clear at the concert -hall entertainments. Attention is directed to a notice to cyclists in our advertising columns' With reference to- the trophies to be awarded on the 19th inst., entries for the sports that day closing next Saturday. To-morrow evening a great musical treat will be available in the shape of Madame 1 Cope's specially-prepared concert. The programme is replete with attractive features, as will be seen by reference to our Exhibition advertising space, but a special attraction may be noted in the "Toy Symphony," in which Madame Cope will herself conduct, and the music and instruments for- which she has had sent to her from Home. The instruments include 2 bells, 2 rattles, 2 triangles, 2 trumpets, 1 drum, . 1 cuckoo, 1 quail, 1 nightingale, piano, violoncello, and double bass; Mr. Tallis Trimnell will preside at the organ for the occasion. All the lady performed will wear white and scarlet, and the gentlemen white and scarlet " buttonholes," jso that the scene will 1 be striking, and for a conclud'tag item Costa's " God Save the Queen," whi(& is not much heard here, will be performed.^ To-morrow the inmates of the Benavolen.t Home and of the Home for the Aged Needy will, upou the invitation of the Executive, be entertained at the Exhibition, ,and everything will be done to make the visit an, enjoyable one. A very large number of entries have been received fbr the olocution and singing contests to take place in connection with the Exhibition' in a week or so. The contests are sure to be a great attraction.