E.^l

72

builders, 2, cabinetmakers, 2 plumbers, 48 printers, 2, wood-turner 1 dressmaker, 1 , engraver, 1, clerks, 11 , photographers, 2 painters, 2 architects' assistants, 2 , draughtsmen, 3 , surveyor, 1, bookseller, 1 , art teacher, 1 lithographer 1, messenger, 1 bricklayers, 3, bookbinder, 1 opal-worker 1 dentist, 1 wood-carver, 1 teachers, 19 scholars, 17, Civil Service, 4; pattern-makers, 2 , sign-writers, 2 monumental masons, 2 brass-founders, 2 , coppersmith, 1, drainlayer, 1, brass-finisher 1, office boy 1 , water inspector 1 , solicitor, 1 , stone mason, 1; journalist, 1; students, 7 ironmonger, 1, draper, 1 storeman, 1 law clerk, 1. electrician, 1, builder, 1. Glasses. Drawing and Painting.—The Committee this year appointed Mr Madden, of Christchurch, as examiner The works examined were in all cases time studies worked under special supervisors. In his report he states : " Taking all the works submitted for examination together, the school must be highly congratulated upon the work of the year The high standard reached by many of the students in their advanced work I think is mainly owing to the great care and thorough grounding that the school gives, as shown in the excellence of the elementary work. The temptation to pass over this early work and push students on to the production of pretty-coloured pictures is too often yielded to in art schools, with the result that the students never learn to draw—the first and most necessary study in all art work. A glance at the advanced work done in the school, the firmness and precision of touch, and total absence of that niggling minuteness too often mistaken for finish, or misty indecision, which is so sure a sign of inability to draw, should be ample reward for the year spent on the drudgery of early work." Mr Maddens remarks are fully borne out by the exceptional results of the South Kensington examination, full information of which is given under "Examinations." The sketch-club competitions, the objects of which are originality, composition, and the strengthening of the memory, have been continued throughout the year, and also drawing from memory of work in hand. Both these sections have done much to help the development of sound work. All classes in this section have worked earnestly during the year Machine Construction and Drawing.—Mr Anderson, C.E., the examiner, in his report, states that " The answers given by the first year's students were very creditable, and their knowledge of the principles involved in the questions submitted to them were equally so. The improvement shown by the second-year's students over those of the first is very marked, showing that good progress has been made. I have examined the drawings upon which the students have been engaged during the year, which I consider creditable alike to both students and their instructor Mr Welsby, a number of the drawings being equal to those turned out by professional draughtsmen. I am thoroughly convinced that the tuition is such that it cannot fail to be of incalculable benefit to apprentices learning mechanical trades, if they wish to attain to the highest positions in their profession. Those who do not avail themselves of the opportunity offered by your school, or secure tuition of a like nature elsewhere, must eventually be left behind." I am glad to report that the students generally in this and other trades classes are now acting more in accordance with my desire that they should go through a course of practical geometry and model drawing. As I have said previously, these subjects are of the highest importance to every one concerned, and will go largely towards advancing a workman, and making labour what it should be—" skilled work." I regret that owing to the want of funds our stock of models has not been increased. Architectural Drawing and Building Construction.—Mr. Clere, F.E.1.8-.A. who examines the work of this class, notes a further advance in the quality of the drawings submitted. Mr Clere finds that Mr McKay who has instructed the building construction section since the early part of the year has fully maintained the high standard instituted by Mr Campbell. lam glad to report improvement in the numbers of this class upon last year Wellington College and Girls' High School. —Classes have been continued at both institutions during the year and satisfactory progress made. Scholars at either school holding primary-drawing scholarships are entitled to join these classes for the period of their scholarships. Plumbing Classes, Theory and Practice.—These classes were commenced during the year to enable the plumbers of Wellington to comply with the new sanitary by-laws, which requires all plumbers to hold a certificate in the theory and practice of their trade before the 31st March, 1895. The City Council have aided the Board by providing a workship 50ft. by 20ft., and furnishing the same with benches, gasfitting, and sundry permanent requirements, thus enabling the classes to be held. The Council further undertakes to refund any deficiency that may occur in connection with the working of these two classes, the Board having no funds other than fees received. Mr J Campbell, the instructor in charge of the building-construction work, undertook the theory work, and Mr Mack was appointed to the charge of the practical work. Large numbers have availed themselves of the opportunities offered, and very successful results have been obtained, the majority of the candidates passing very successfully in the City and Guilds of London and the local examinations. There is not the slightest doubt that great good will result from these classes. Mr Mack, the instructor in practical work, gave a demonstration in joint-wiping at the opening of the workshop, which was very largely attended. Wood-carving, Carpentry and Modelling.—Classes in these subjects were established in August under Mr W H. Barrett, and are likely to prove very successful. As all the class-rooms are fully occupied, a portion of the lecture hall was set aside, but it will be a great advantage when a workshop can be built. Excellent work has already been produced by the members of the class. The subjects of instruction are Sculpture from the clay to the finish in marble, waste moulding, piece moulding in plaster of Paris, marble and stone carving for ornamental work on buildings, &c. , wood carving in gothic and classical style for church work, cabinet work, and general purposes ; practical masonry in hard or soft stone , plasterers' modelling for plaster of Paris or cement work carving in cement before it is hard set for building purposes , bricklayers' setting and carving