REEFTON SCHOOL OF MINES

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 February 1917, Page 2

REEFTON SCHOOL OF MINES

•ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the annual report of the Council of the School of Mines, which was submitted to the annual meeting last evening:— At the beginning of 1916, Mr J. F. McPadden, A.'.S.M;, obtained leave of absence from the Council to proceed on active service, and he left the directorship of th eschool in February, 1916. Mr J. H. Williamson wan appointed to the position, and classes were resumed in that month, and attached hereto is a summary of the year's work \~ STUDENTS. The'average number of students for the year was: Reefton, 10; Waiuta, 11; Grey-, mouth 15, a'nd negotiations are now in progress with a view of exteding the school's operations to Blackball, where there are fifteen or sixteen prospective students. The yearly results of the annual examinations for. School of Mines' students were high, and results show that Reefton School students obtained the highest marks New Zealand in five subjects as follows :—-Coal-mining—A. 0. Davis, Ist for New Zealand; C. J. Strongman, 2nd for New Zealand. Metal mining—G. "W. Lowes, Ist for New Zealand. Ventilation ■ —C. J. Strongman Ist in New Zealand. Assaying—J. P. Watson, Ist for New Zealand; A. P. Watson, 2nd for New Zealand. Pumping and winding—C. J. Strongman, Ist for New Zealand; G # W. Lowes, 3rd for New Zealand; D. McCorkindale, 4th; J. E. Leggoc, sth. These results speak volumes for the high standard of the mining education imparted b) ihe school and reflects great credit on the-director, Mr J. H. Williamson .. " ■ Gas-testiug-' iii coal mines demonstrations were:',held monthly at Greymouth. In the litter part of the year examinations werei. held, with the result thai se\ en,. studerTts qualified and were given certificates. Assays for the Public: During the year 81 assays were made for th,i public and ! .-determinations were made as to the commercial value of specimens submitted. ADDITIONS TO PLANT. Th" Braun sample grinder arrived during the year, and was put into operation, d .iiiio proved a valuable addition to the .school's assay room. Several new books aild periodicals were also added to the school's library. ; The: financial position of the school is displayed in the balanco-sheet., '', ' ■ 'COMMITTEE -MEETINGS.

Nine .meetings war eheld during the year, the attendances being as follows: Brett 6 Patterson 8, Moms 6, Perotti 5, Buchan' 5, Auld 5, Burley 3, Lawn 9, Lee 6, Watson 5. Another change.in staff is pending, our preset director, Mrj J- H. Williamson, having enlisted, and proceeds .to camp on .March 3th. This is a matter for regret, but he is'to be congratulated on seeing his duty dear .add his self-sacrifice at thin time is commendable. Negotiations ar<? in progress for a successor in the directorship: • •