TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIV, Issue 138, 7 December 1907, Page 3

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

-* DIRECTOR'S REPORT. .NEED ( FOR A NEW SITE. The Technical Education Board met last evening. Mr. J. P. Luke presided, and there were also present Messrs. J. G. W. Aitken, M.P., D. M'Lnren, D. Robertson. W. Alhm, and T. Cm--michael. The chairman welcomed Mi* Aitken as v meiiiber of the board, referring to his zealous work in the interests of education. The director (Mr. La, Trobe) presented his annual report, which showed that the past year had been one of i-.teady progress and development of Ihc work of the school.. All classes showed som? improvement in the quality of their work, nnd many showed considerable improvement in "numbers. The- action of the board in abolishing Ihe system of ' payment by refunded fees had tended to unify the work, and to render moro elastic many of the school courses. There had been a steady growth in the number of free pupils in the evening classes. The staff was now very strong,' and would probably be y^t stronger next year. Every member had worked well and successfully to forward the interests of the school during the year. The art classes generally had been reorganised and placed on the best footing possible in the present quarters. The work of reorganising evening classes in mechanics and electrical engineering had been continued, but with sonib considerable difficulties on account of lack of proper class ruom and laboratory facilities. Classes in general science, mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, electricity, and magnetism were doing better work than heretofore, largely through the presence of students holding free places, and proparing for senior civil service and other examinations. Day classes for technic.nl scholars had again been well attended, had done very, satisfactory work, and had largely contributed to tho financial soundness of the school. Classes connected with building trades had bcpn very w-cll attended, numbers in tho building construction oJn&s having been much larger thiin usual. Classes in domestic economy had beon very promising, and should command a large success in the- future. Signs wore not wanting to show that with suitable buildings and grorncls 'and adequate equipment the school would foon become an iissincd success. The average quarterly number of attendances \\as4obl —a lccoul lor the school if not for the Dominion. ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION. Tlu director's report inrluded sectional rpports from instrurtois, anrl ;ilso mntnined leferencc to the- imperntno need for additional accommodation .mil apparatus — the Inttcr especially for the clay dasfcOb. Tho classes in building construction were seriously hampered

for want of room. The day cla.«s students hud suffered from children's complaints, and this had affected the attendance. Students who had left the school wore tavourably reported upon, the progress and conduct. ,being uniformly good. The income from f?es was, £1471; capitation, £507 l J; grants and donations, £290 ; subsidies, £315 ; making with, other items a, sum of £7448. Expenditure included salaries, £5771; material, £737; coal and lighting, £237; examinations, £117; with other items in all £7302, leaving n balance of £147. The balance from 1906 was £1253. Sums due and owing had yet to be taken into account, but the expenses in 1907 had been largely imreased by repairs and alterations," which will not be so large in 1908. The estimated receipts for 1908 were £7470, and expenditure £7450. The director adds: "The school is now in a better* position than ever before for doing good work, and I have no doubt that this ■will have a direct and beneficial effect on the numbers attending the school, and therefore on the income derived." The school had also put up an excellent, sports record for the year, excelling in football, rricket, and tennis ; but the need for fcuitable recreation grounds was most keenly felt. The director suggested exchanging tho present, site for one in a central position, but with sufficient grounds, preferably in or in the vicinity of tho Basin Reserve, should this space at. any time be available. Mount View, Mount Cook, and Kent-terrace reserve were also suggested. The present, site was too valuable for other purposes, and too worthless for school purposes for any length of time. A suitable site must have room for recreation grounds, and also for the natural growth of tho school itself. On the motion of Mr. M'Laren, the full consideration and discussion of the report was deferred till next meeting. Tho distribution of prizes was fixed for 17th inst.