E.—l

71

bringing the hand more in unison with, the mind and the eye, tends to redress the undue literary tendency of our educational system. Further, it would give boys a higher opinion of the value of manual work, and a less inclination to seek clerical occupation. These classes cannot, however, be conducted without assistance from either the Department of Education or the Board. A contribution of 10s. in the pound upon the cost of material, or fees received, would enable large numbers to be dealt with. It is to be regretted that, owing to the want of funds, the services of a well-qualified instructor in cookery, from the Leeds School of Cookery, having experience in the management of school classes, could not be secured upon her arrival in the colony Fikst-gbade Dbawing Bxamination. —In this examination the following were the results The total number of papers issued was 6,115, and the number worked, 5,477 Subdivision of papers Freehand, 1,830 —861 passed, 969 failed, geometry 1,799 —1,328 passed, 471 failed, scale, 1,220—641 passed, 579 failed, model, 628—366 passed, 262 failed t0ta1—5,467 papers, 3,196 passed, 2,281 failed. Of these papers, 622 were taken by schools not under the Wellington Board, and 303 passes were recorded. Number of papers excellent, 432 , number of papers good, 529, individual candidates, 3,587 , individual passes, 2,439 , schools presenting candidates, 102. Increase upon 1893 Papers worked, 580 , papers passed, 91, individual candidates, 402 , individual passes, 109 , schools presenting candidates, 11. In the freehand papers proportion was again one of the main causes of failure, and a large number showed want of appreciation of the character of the copy About three hundred candidates ought never to have been presented. The geometrical papers show high efficiency, and fully sustain the decision of the Board to have all geometry taught in the Fourth Standard. The scale papers give evidence of weakness in a most important point—viz., the construction of the scale. The model papers show decided improvement. In future examinations, more strict compliance with the regulations for conducting the examinations will in all cases be required. Applications were made from twenty-six schools outside the Wellington District. The schools were from the Dunedin, Greymouth, Westland, Marlborough, Nelson, and Wanganui Districts. Several Wellington schools not under the control of the Education Board presented candidates for examination. Undoubtedly this examination has done more towards developing a sound basis for technical education than any other primary work. The results speak for themselves in the following return showing the number of passes recorded since the examination was started In 1884, 80 passes , in 1890, 1,966 passes , in 1894, 3,196 passes total, 1884 to 1894, 15,532 passes. The number of full first-grade certificates (embracing passes in four subjects) issued up to date is 701. Scholaeships.—The work done by the sixty-two scholars holding drawing scholarships has been of a very satisfactory character and has proved of value to a large number of boys entering the various trades and professions. Over a hundred and sixty competed for the vacancies occurring. Instruction to teachers and pupil-teachers has been continued as usual during the year The classes have made better progress this year especially so in the case of those holding the full second-grade certificate, who have continued their more advanced studies in light and shade and colour In the junior classes, greater punctuality is still to be desired, especially in connection with the geometry and perspective class. The correspondence class is considerably extending its usefulness. South Kensington Examinations. —Six teachers were successful in the Kensington examinations of the third or higher grade, and two in the examination in elementary light and shade from the cast. lam glad to report that a number of teachers are now presenting themselves for examination under the Science and Art Department in many of the science subjects contained in the syllabus. Local Examinations.—Four teachers were successful in the third or higher grade, and twelve have completed their second-grade certificates in accordance with the requirements of the Board. Technical School. —Number of Students First Second Third Fourth Day classes — Quarter. Quarter. Quarter. Quarter. Drawing and painting (whole-day students) 11 13 19 17 Drawing and painting (half-day students) 22 28 26 23 Geometry and perspective 7 7 7 7 Secondary-school scholars 49 47 48 Primary-school scholars 62 58 52 50 Teachers and pupil-teachers 117 115 118 117 Wood-carving. 3 8 Evening classes— Architectural and building construction 20 19 20 22 Mechanical drawing .. ..16 30 30 27 Drawing 80 79 75 86 Life class 3 5 6 6 Practical plumbing 26 35 31 Theory of plumbing 23 51 38 19 Wood-carving, carpentry, and modelling .. 9 12 Totals 361 480 485 473 The following occupations are represented amongst the students of the evening classes engineers, 30, watchmaker, 1, fitter, 1 blacksmiths, 5, joiners, 6, carpenters, 8, carriage-