TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 26 March 1930, Page 2

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

DIRECTOR'S ANNUAL REPORT

MEETING OF BOARD OF MANAGERS At the monthly meeting of the Nelson Technical School there were present: Messrs VV. McConchie (chairman), W. Willmott, and 11. Hurst (employers), J. N. Easdale, and W. B. Thomson (employees), F. W. 0. Smith (Education Board), G. P. Russell (City Council), and J. Brough (Waimea County Council). The acting-director's monthly report stated that the weekly attendance at the various classes was as follows: —English and Arithmetic 136, Engineering 295, Art and Art Crafts 94, Art Needlework 13, Woodwork 68, Telegraphy 29, Commercial 246, Dressmaking 70, Millinery 16, Cooking 38, Plumbing 30. Total, 1035. The work of the school has been satisfactory during the month, both the instructors and the students displaying a keenness in their work which is gratifying. The attendance has been well maintaind and a good number of new students have been enrolled. Hop picking and apple picking have as usual been the cause of some absentees, a few have left, having obtained appointments. Tho class in Magnetism and Electricity which apparently did not appeal to the Telegraphy students, has been changed to an extra class in Telegraphy witli the Instructor in that subject in charge. (Mr A. H. Buchanan.)

ANNUAL REPORT The Acting-Director, Mr T. D. Milne, submitted the annual report as follows: I have the honour to present to you the following annual report upon the work and progress of the Technical School for the session 1929. Manual Classes.—Classes in cookery and woodwork were held at Nelson and Wakefield centres under Miss W. L. Shanks and W. G. Tiller respectively. On the whole the classes were well and regularly attended and satisfactory work was accomplished. The number of pupils from the Public Schools attending for instruction were as follows for the Nelson centre :

The following attended the Wakefield centre: —

Technical Instruction.—Classes to the number of 64 were conducted in Technical subjects. The subjects were as follows:—Art and Art Crafts 7, English and Arithmetic 7, Dressmaking 7, Cookery 2, Invalid Cookery 1. Telegraphy 1, Commercial 10, Engineering 20, Millinery 2, Art Needlework 1, Woodwork 3, Plumbing 3. The number of individual puplis enrolled during the year was 444, made up as follows:—Junior Free Place Students 147, Senior Free Place Students 96, other students 201.

The total hour attendances in different subjects for the sessions 1928 and 1929 were :

Art and Art Crafts.—These classes were very well attended, the evening classes in particular attracting good numbers. The work done was of a high standard and reflected much credit on the instructors and students, as was well shown at the annual exhibition. Commercial Classes.—The usual high standard of efficiency both in discipline and results was well maintained, due largely to the fine organising ability and thoroughness of the Instructress. Although the display at the Exhibition is perhaps not so interesting to the general public, as that of some departments, yet, I feel sure that those qualified to judge would appreciate the nigh standard of the work shown.

Engineering Classes.—ln the Department we had a large influx of students, due no doubt to the fact that students are beginning to realise the importance of the training boys receive in this department. The day class was so large that it was found necessary to procure the services of an additional instructor, which we applied for and had appointed to take up his duties in July last. Till then and thereafter splendid work was done by the students, the work shewn at the Exhibition being ample testimony of the high standard to which the boys are taught, and which comprised models and engines of commercial value and splendid workmanship. The results of the Technological Examination for which three entered and all passed, speaks highly of the training given. Cabinet Making Class for Amateurs (Evening).—As in previous years this class continues to prove attractive, and some very fine work was done, samples of which were on view at the Annual Exhibition. A day class under this heading, which is "mainly attended by day boys from the engineering class and a few from the Commercial department, was also carried on throughout the year, and the work done was very creditable to the young students and their energetic instructor.

Domestic Science Classes.—The classes in dressmaking, millinery and art needlework were consistently well attended and much good work was done and a keen interest displayed. The day class in cookery was very well attended and shows a marked increase on the previous year. It seems a pity that so little interest is taken in this important branch of our work by older students. During the year three courses of invalid cookery was conducted for the benefit of the nurses at the Public Hospital. Telegraphy.—This class is specially conducted for the boys of the Post and Telegraph Department, and fair attendance and interest was maintained throughout the year. Plumbing.—Thia attendance at this class throughout the year was fair, being very much the same as the previous year. The workshop is fairly well equipped and during the year a lead burning plant has been installed, which enables the instructors to demonstrate modern methods. At the examinations for Plumber's Certificates three of the students from this class were successful, which proves that the training received is up to the necessai'y standard. The interest shown by the Apprenticeship Committee in this class is .very

gratifying and' encouraging, and T feel sure that if the other branches of trade, would follow the example of the plumbers, great assistance would be rendered to assist us in reaching those who require technical instruction. Staff Changes.—The only staff change which occurred was the appointment of Mr T. D. Milne as an additional engineering instructor. Mr Milne took up his duties in the beginning of July and greatly relieved Mr Elliott from the heavy strain of 100 big classes. Thanks.—Thanks are due to the Nelson City Council and to the Waimea County Council for their contributions to the funds of the School, also to Mrs E. A. Bush and the members of her orchestra, who contributed so much to making the exhibition' a success. I have also to thank the office'and the teaching staff for their loyalty. * The annual exhibition of students' work was held on Friday and Saturday, 20th and 21st December, 1929. It was formally opened by His Worship the Mayor, W. J. Moffatt, Esq., and was well attended and most successful.

> GENERAL BUSINESS It was moved by Mr Easdale, seconded by Mr Willmot and carried, that the acting Director be authorised to have necessary improvements carried out in the engineering workshop. On the motion of Messrs Thomson and Easdale a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Charles Webley for allowing the students to listen-in to Commander Byrd's address. Tho application of Miss Greig, commercial instructor, for additional requirements was acceded to on the motion of Messrs Hurst and Brough.

A letter was received from the secretary of the Plumbers' Apprenticeship Committee acknowledging the receipt of examination papers.

A circular was received from the Hon. Minister of Defence regarding technical students attending drill. Mr Russell moved his notice Of motion to rescind all resolutions passed by the board authorising any committee to interfere with the work .of any instructors. It was seconded by Mr Brough. After a discussion the chairman put the motion, the voting being, for 2, against 5, and was thus declared lost.

Woodwork. Cookery Central School ... 99 72 Hampden Street ... 51 63 Auckland Point ... 59 67 Tahunanui and Stoke 25 29 Richmond 27 25 Special 21 13 Total 282 269

Woodwork. Cooker} Brightwater, Spring Grove, Hope and Ranzau Wakefield, Foxhill and Wai-iti ..- ... 29 21 26 30 Total 50 56

1928 1929 Art and Art Crafts 10,124 11,129* Engineering 15,651 22,877 English and Arith. 10,932 12,732 Commercial 20,075 19,342* Dressmaking . 9,563' 9,322* Millinery 2,452 2,807* Art Needlework ... 2,267 1,800 Cookery 2,384 3,612* Woodwork 3,566 5,302* Telegraphy 850 797* Plumbing 2,289 2,265 Electrical Wiring 315 Total 84,068 91,988*