STUDENTS’ WORK

Southland Times, Issue 22498, 7 December 1934, Page 4

STUDENTS’ WORK

TECHNICAL COLLEGE ANNUAL EXHIBITION AN ARTISTIC DISPLAY Last evening the. exhibition of students’ work held annually by the Southland Technical College, was officially opened by his Worship the Mayor (Mr John Miller), who briefly addressed a large number of visitors. His Worship and the Mayoress were introduced to the gathering by the chairman of the board (Mr J. H. Reed). When the ceremony was completed an interesting hour was spent in inspecting the exhibits, which are numerous and represent every branch of the school’s activity. This morning an opportunity will be given for the pupils of the local primary schools to make a visit, and the exhibition will be open to the general public from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to-day and to-morrow. Afternoon tea. at a small cost, will be served by students of the Home Science Department, in the domestic wing. Public Interest. During recent years an encouraging interest has been taken in the exhibition by the people, of Invercargill, and indeed of the whole of Southland. Many have expressed pleasure, and even surprise, at the variety and the quality of the work produced by the students of the college, and an increasing number make their visit, to the display an annual event to which they look forward with interest. The standard attained by this year’s students is by no means lower than that reached in the past, sb that the visitor is assured of a pleasant afternoon or evening spent in the various departments of the college. Parents and others interested in the display, as an illustration of the education and development of young people will be impressed with the scope of the work covered, and with the practical training pupils are receiving for any occupation they may take up later. It is to be remembered that while, general subjects such as English, arithmetic, history and geography cannot have a very prominent place in such a display as this, they have an adequate part in the school curriculum, so that the education received is cultural as well as utilitarian. Arrangement of Exhibits. In order to show more clearly the scope of the syllabus in each course, this year samples of the work done in every subject by the students in a particular course is arranged together, so that while inspecting the Domestic Department the visitor, will see not only examples of the cookery and needlework done by domestic pupils, but also some of the work done in science, bookkeeping, art, and general subjects. This arrangement is planned to show that the whole school receives benefit from each of the various departments; the valuable training in creative work and in appreciation given by the Art Department, for example, is not confined to tjie pupils of any one course, but is correlated with the education received in the commercial, the domestic, the trades and the agriculture departments. In each department there are shown very neat, accurate charts which indicate the proportion of time spent by the pupils of each course on each subject in the syllabus; these in themselves are a creditable exhibit, being the work of boys in the first year trades class. COMMERCIAL COURSE. In room A, near the Tay street entrance, is the principal display of work relating to the commercial course. In accordance with the scheme mentioned above the visitor sees samples of needlework and art, as well as a few historical and geographical charts which are the work of the commercial students. Chief interest in this room, however, will be taken in the exhibits of purely commercial work which will doubtless attract possible employers. Examples are shown of commercial tvning as well as attractive “decorative” typing used in headings and in designs. In direct correlation with the Art Department is the composition of some letter-heads and invoice forms which have been carried out by means of a stylus and Gestetner duplicator. Some pages of shorthand are on display, while a large section given to the various branches of book-keeping, displays a knowledge of up-to-date methods in accountancy. Examples of work showing the study made of commercial correspondence are also on view. Another important exhibit of the Commercial Department is to be seen in the hall, where students are actually at work in an office. DEMONSTRATIONS GIVEN. As in previous exhibitions of work the hall will prove the centre of attraction. Here are seen at work students from all courses demonstrating the principles learned in classroom, workshop and laboratory. The very pleasing decorative work designed and made by students in the Art Department, is of a distinctly Egyptian flavour. The girls of the domestic science course demonstrate in a practical way that they receive a very fine training in the domestic arts of cookery and needlework. Veneering. The general routine of work with veneer is being demonstrated by a group of boys. Some give a general account of the work, while others are cutting and fitting the veneers to the design, taping the design, and laying or glueing the veneer on the groundwork. Examples of finished work will be seen in the trades and art crafts sections of the exhibition. Nearby the members of the chemistry section show how stains on wood caused by casein glue are bleached on by the use of oxalic acid. Buildings in Concrete. A very picturesque display is that which provides a diorama of modern concrete building. Here the building and art students have co-operated to show very artistically the ~ modern tendencies in this type of structural activity. There are included approximate scale models of a sanatorium at Los Angeles; a small house in Surrey, England; a sun balcony house in Czechoslovakia; “Rudder Bar,” the house of Mrs Victor Bruce at Hanwell Aerodrome, and of a skate blade bridge on the River Rhine. Milk Testing. In keeping with Southland’s reputation for high grade butter and cheese is the agricultural students’ demonstration of milk testing for butterfat content by the Babcock and Gerber methods. Commercial Work. Students of the commercial course working under office conditions are showing their skill in typing from shorthand notes, typing envelopes, and stamping them per medium of a stamping machine, filing correspondence, duplicating, and cutting stencils for duplicators. Commercial Art. As in other years, the Commercial Art Department will prove a source of interest to all for here students ably demonstrate the various forms, of commercial and applied arts such as letter j

and sign writing, printing from lino blocks, and handwork in leather, metal and other* materials. AGRICULTURAL COURSE. The agricultural course is shown in its various branches. In the botany section are included collections of grasses and weeds, examples of plant propagation, trees grown in the school nursery and plant experiments. Farm studies are provided in the form of mounted pictures. An additional stock study shows graphically the prices ruling for various farm animals over the last three months. Wool-classing features sample fleeces, Bradford counts and wool samples of different breeds. The woodwork and metalwork included in ‘ the agricultural course are represented by such useful articles as wheelbarrows, gates, stepladders and moulds for concrete posts. Farm bookkeeping examples show how this work is adapted to the future needs of the young farmer. ARTS AND CRAFTS DEPARTMENT On mounting the stairs the visitor is suddenly confronted with a brightly coloured map of large dimensions, the work of a first year commercial class showing Southland and adjacent areas of Otago. This is not primarily a work of art, but is intended to show the areas from which the Southland Technical College draws its pupils by railway, by bus,- by steamer, by horse and by foot It certainly brings home to one the wide appeal that a school of this type makes to the youth of this part of the South Island. To Anau-Milford Sound Relief Model. A wealth of interesting material is on display in the rooms set apart for the art and craft work. Undoubtedly the cynosure of all eyes will be the relief model of the proposed motor road via the Eglinton Valley to Milford Sound which shows the difficulties facing the engineers in giving free and easy access to one of the finest scenic areas in 'the world. The very rugged nature of this alpine area is realistically depicted and visitors will see for themselves how the proposed road rises to a heighj of 3000 ft. at the tunnel that will penetrate the barrier formed by the Homer Saddle and then descends steeply through the Cleddau Valley to the bush-clad shores of Milford Sound. This exhibit will undoubtedly make a wide appeal to all classes of visitors especially to motorists, trampers and alpinists, while those unable to travel will be just as interested for they gain a very practical conception of the scenic wonders at the back door of Southland., The construction of this model was made possible through the courtesy oi Mr Christi*, the Government Surveyor who at the moment is engaged in survey work in this area and who made available the results of his recent survey. The model is made to the scale of 440yds. to Ift. on the horizontal plane, and 800 ft. to lin. in the vertical plane. In the background is a coloured map showing the entire Te Anau—Manapouri—Milford section of Southland’s scenic area, while artistic photographs illustrative of the area modelled, adorn the walls. The whole is set off by a frontal arch decorated with the necessary paraphernalia required at present to negotiate this difficult country, such as skis, ice axes and crampons which were lent by Mr B. Challis, of Invercargill. Designs and Posters. Apart from the exhibit just described there is a wealth of material in pencil and colour to delight the eye of even the least artistic. There are freehand drawings from nature, geometrical designs in colour, lettering, show-cards tickets and posters all showing a delightful freshness of treatment and skill in execution. Something new as far as the school art work is concerned, is the small display of etching, the work of an evening class instituted this year. There are a dozen prints from copper plates from original drawings, in several cases of local subjects. Plaster Casts and Paintings in Oils. A display of heads and figures from life modelled in clay and cast in plaster, as well as paintings in oils from life will make an appeal to the artistic instinct of all visitors, as will the “House” casket which is carved in oak and beautifully ornamented with silver and the house colours. The Evening School Sketch Club displays the homework of students brought in anonymously once a month for criticism. Each student illustrates a set subject in his or her own way, and for the best set of works for the year a club prize is awarded. The work includes oils, water colours, pen and pencil drawing, landscapes figure studies, still life studies and imaginative compositions. Art and Woodwork. A section of the Art and Woodwork Department has been allotted to cabinet-making and the application of art in the workshop is worthily exemplified by the pieces of woodwork here displayed. An elaborate cabinet which is entirely veneered with beautiful timbers, is the striking feature of this stand, and clearly demonstrates whai may be achieved by perseverance. The silver handles, the work of two senior building boys, have put an elegant finish to the design. A refectory table, the work of a third year student, is able to hold its ground in select company, not only on account of its sturdy legs, but also for the good proportion and workmanship. There is a small but select display of art craft work which is artistic but eminently useful, including embossed leather handbags and a chair-back baskets, craft metal work and samples of book-binding. Theatrical Properties. In another section of the Art Department there is on display an interesting collection of theatrical proper-ties which have been designed and made in the college for use in concerts and dramatic performances given from time to time This includes quaint costumes, complete in many cases with striking headgear (the gorgeous crown of a Chinese prince will certainly attract attention); stage properties which have been made from “scrap” materials from different departments, and amongst which are a Chinese “stage” chair, the instruments of a Chinese orchestra, and some very fierce looking weapons. Here also are some hideous masks, which have been made of papier-mache, moulded on clay models. Another interesting exhibit used in a recent entertainment is “the Crimson Coconut,” revealing the ingenious electrical mechanism by which the “crimson” effect was produced on the stage. To complete this section, original posters which were made to advertise the entertainments, and photographs which were taken by the Camera Club to form a record of the performances will prove interesting and entertaining to all.

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT. The Domestic Department is always a popular section of the exhibition, and will repay a leisurely visit. In the school kitchen are displayed many toothsome delicacies, among which the visitor will probably notice particularly several Christmas cakes, decorated in tasteful and original designs; a Christmas pudding; some white and some brown yeast leaves, for the art of breadmaking is not quite lost; smaller nut and fruit loaves, jars of preserved fruit, a variety of meat-shapes, daintily decorated sweets, as well as a good collection of scones, biscuits, cakes and savouries. It is well to remember that varied as this display is, it of necessity represents only a small part of the year’s work in cookery; indeed almost

all of the exhibits are the work of the last four days; also the choice of suitable examples has been limited by the fact that only certain types of food look attractive when cold, so that soups, stews, joints, souffles, most vegetables, most breakfast dishes, most savouries, and many sweets have had to be omitted. The preparation of food to be served hot is, of course, an important part of the course in cookery, as is also the planning of menus which provide a balanced diet. • Science in the Domestic Arts. The course in home science, especially in senior classes, aims at showing the practical application of science tc the treatment of food and textiles. The most interesting part of the home science exhibit will doubtless be the experiments carried out by senior pupils; these are planned to detect the presence of various foods in certain substances, and to show the effect of different laundry solutions on textiles The study of the fundamental scientific processes involved in the familiar methods of the housewife is obviously of the greatest interest and profit to girls taking this course. The rooms devoted to needlework and dressmaking provide, as always an attractive, colourful display, which requires some time to be inspected adequately. The work of pupils in their first year is shown apart from that of the seniors, and in this section can be found many useful and well-made articles of clothing—frocks, children’s clothing as well as knitted garments, and many small articles such as tea-cosies, supper-cloths, toilet sets, handkerchiefs, sachets, etc., which show the use of various decorative stitches as •well as care in design and in choice of colour. The composition of decorative designs and the blending of colours is an important part of the course in needlecraft. In connection with their dressmaking the pupils are taught to draft paper-patterns, examples of which can be seen amongst their work. High Degree of Skill. The work of the senior pupils, though similar in type, naturally shows a higher degree of skill both in design and in execution, and some of the work in this section is of a very high standard indeed. This year the attention of the senior pupils has been turned to house planning and interior decoration; they have drawn plans, which are on display, of homes which will suit the needs and the income of the average family. The decoration of these homes has also been considered, especially so far as it can be carried out by needlecraft. Exhibits which will certainly prove interesting are chairs neatly and comfortably upholstered by the girls, a set of bedroom soft furnishings, including curtains, bedspread, toilet-set, firescreen and cushion; supper-cloths showing eyelet work and other forms of embroidery, pictures and cushions in tapestry-work, and many other tasteful articles which add to the comfort and beauty of a home. In addition, samples are shown on which are worked examples of different stitches, of types of quilting, and of processes such as darning, binding, and making buttonholes. The wearing apparel displayed here is well designed and well made, including pretty, serviceable garments of every kind; the visitor will notice summer coats, sports’ blazers, frocks and dressing-gowns, some of the last with attractive quilted trimming. Examples of the construction of patterns by draping, as well as drafting, are an interesting feature of the dressmaking section, and show how thorough is the tuition given. Trades Course. The work displayed is the product of the Engineering and Building Departments and once again demonstrates the practical nature of the draining given. The co-ordination of instruction in woodwork and metal-work is shown by the display of cabinets with veneered doors and of folding tables and seats. The second and third year students have produced work characterized by utility, accuracy and attention to finish. There are engineers’ tools such as gauges, plumb bobs, squares, complete emery wheel stands, and saw spindles complete with bearings, brazed copper joints and fire irons. In addition there is a nibbling machine for cutting designs in sheet metal. It is designed to be driven by an electric motor and makes 700 strokes a minute. Perhaps pride of place in public interest will be given to an exhibit by an ex-pupil. This is a diver’s helmet, boots and air pump, the crank shaft for the latter being made from a dredge link. The maker constructed the whole outfit in a small workshop at his home in his spare time, and the only training in engineering that he has received has been that obtained at the college. Chemistry. The aim of the chemistry section is to show the actual work done by the first year trades classes in a year’s course of industrial chemistry. The experiments have all been performed either by the pupils or. as demonstrations—the diagrams and written accounts are copies from the laboratory notebooks. The experiments are intended to show chiefly the chemical principles underlying modem industrial processes, and, although on a very much smaller scale and neglecting to some extent the economic considerations (e.g. cost of materials, plants, fuel, etc.) which have to be studied by industrialists, they do illustrate very clearly what actually takes place in the industry. A close connection with the engineering subjects has been maintained. The exhibits reveal the manufacture and importance to industry of gases, such as oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, coal gas, water gas; of acids, such as sulphuric acids (which is made in considerable quantities in New Zealand for making superphosphates fertilizer), nitric acid, hydrochloric acid. Other experiments are intended to demonstrate the principles of smelting in preparing metal from their ores, besides the extremely important study of alloys and their resistance to corrosion under different conditions. Processes of distillation, very important in the petrol industry as well as in purifying water, of electrolysis, a modern method of making oxygen, hydrogen of great purity, used as well in electroplating and making caustic soda, are also included in the work, besides smaller experiments of more scientific interest. Woodwork. The woodwork in Room N is a fine collection of furniture worked in red pine and beech, the result of the efforts of second and third year boys. There are included a gate-legged table, curb, dinner-waggon, writing-desk footstool, pedestal, duchess, box ottoman, bed ends, and breakfast trays. In this section there is also featured a complete set of the homework drawings of a second year student. Evening School Woodwork. Here the instructor is to be congratulated on an interesting display among which are some excellent pieces of work. Bedroom suites are outstanding and represent ambitious undertakings for apprentices attending evening classes for two and a half hours a week, but it is obvious that their evenings have been very profitably employed. Plumbing. The plumbing exhibits are entirely the work of evening class students, all apprentices to the trade. The class has been a keen one and has made full use of the facilities provided for training. The exhibits consist of pipe-bending joint-wiping, lead work of different descriptions, some of it being embossed and of other samples of plumbing work i required in. the average home. i

Electrical Department. In addition to the school’s general electric equipment there is featured a train controlled by means of a light worked in conjunction with a photoelectric cell; a magnetic engine operated on the solenoid principle; an Xray coil which throws vivid sparks a distance of about nine inches; and an electric fountain. In the general lighting of the exhibition is seen the result of the activities of the students of the electrical department. Typical Display of Year’s Work. The whole exhibition lias been planned and arranged to show typical results of the training given in the school; the pupils have not worked primarily for exhibition purposes, but the display arises naturally from the work done from day to day. The suitable arrangement of the exhibits, in itself a big undertaking, has been done very largely by the pupils, and it will be generally admitted that the result is neat and artistic.