THE SCHOOLS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12145, 12 November 1908, Page 3

THE SCHOOLS.

Under this head come the widerango of. exhibits, stored in the big-building, and representing the work of the public schools, art and technical schools, high schools, etc., and it is not too much to say that the display affords a splendid object lesson as to tho facilities which the young New Zealander has placed at his disposal for the acquisition of useful knowledge. It should bo added, too, that the, quality of tho workmanship revealed in -every one of the sections: demonstrates tho ability of at least some young New Zealanders to make tho most [of tbeir opportunities. The display made by t"he students of tho Wanganuf Technical School is entirely admirable, and serves to illustrate the important part which that institution plays in devolping the artistic and industrial talents of those -who are wise enough to avail themselves of its generous usefulness. The range of exhibits includes paintings in oils, and watu* colours, art and technical drawings (architectural and mechanical), .plumbers' work, carpenters' and .ioiners' work, signwriting, graining and marbling, leather embossing, mortal work in coppor and pewter, engineering and carving. Tho work shown in every section is of a high standard. The carving exhibits, of which there are a large variety, and particularly attractive, and competent, judges did not hesitato to express the opinion that many, of tho specimens would hoUl their own in any show in the world. The talent displayed .in what may be described n-s tho utility sections is equally creditable, and cr-rtainly no more convincing testimony to the'scope? and usefulness of the engineering department of the. school could be wished than is to b<* seen in tho specimens of work already nccomplishod by the pupils. Mr A. Varnev and. his staff, as well as the individual exhibitors who are- represented in the various ■classes, have every loason t-> hi- gratified with the success achieved by tho school. It is to be honed, too,, that the very fine display rondo by the school will have tho effort of still further impressing the public with the value of the institution, and of attracting a largo number of new pupils to its classes. . . While tho ouality and vane v or tho work that is shown is such as to justify tho fullest rj'-ai'-e, tlwre. is. however, a senae in which th^ admirable exhibition is disappointing, and that is in, so far a« the meagre response to inviting opportunity is concerned. Considering tho share of prominence.- gjven to nature study in tho public school syllabus, much more might have been expected from our State schools in tho diirfcrkts extending from Wellington t"> Taranaki, who had the opportunity of competing.

What ir. on show we strongly recommend to visitors for inspection, when, possibly, the'thought will occur of how parents might with advantage combine with school teachers in arousing a more competitive sj>irit amongst children under their mutual control, with resultant advantage to scholars and credit to the schools. The "faculty of design," which may be defined as imagination committed to graphic delineation, is peculiarly absent from the exhibition, mosb vf those classes embracing such r.ot being represented. It is somewhat singular that no "school garden plan, should have conio in, when "school gardens" are in such vogue. Of some special interest, amongst tho exhibits may bo mentioned:

Class 2 (Technical), Study of Head from Life.—Second prize. This is boldly worked in monotint on dark-toned paper with lights, chalked with wh to freely and touchilv.

The winning exhibit in class 3 (Drawing Light and Shade from Cast or Antique), is a sheet of good details, bold and bright, showing strong work with good finish. In class 4 the first prize is a sombre subject of skull bones, etc., treated in sombre monotone, but good strong work; patiently finished. The second prize is a brightly painted floral panel. In class 6 (Poster Design), the only exhibit is a boT3 treatment of human figuro as herald carrying a banner, the harmony being orange and bl-ie. In class 7 (Modelling), the fist and second exhibits are distinctly gcod, being from tho same head differently posed. The work shows most promising points, and bold handling. In class 8, out of 10 sheets entered only four competed. Of the non-competitive some specially good drawings are those of "Design feu- a Post Office," which is shown, on one sheet in bold perspective. Class 11, carpenters' and joiners' amateur work, is well represented, showing most creditable jointing and neat finish in the staircase work. The doors and eashe3 show taste in tinted glass, as well as neat construction. The leather embossing shows handsome designing and sound work, as does also the metal work. The cabinet workers is seen to advantage in amateur wood work. Of the wood-carving it may be said that all the woi'k shown is good, bearirg marks of design judiciously applied to objects of utility. The first prize for carving in high relief is" an exquisite panel of conventional work. The second prize has a realistic treatment of grape vine leaves and fruit.

Under the head of "Wanganui Technical School" exhibits not in-competi-tion,' are a series of very fine still-life studies in oil colours.

It may be suggested that some confusion to the public would H be avoided could the exhibits from public school and Technical snhool, etc., be kept distinct in being displayed.