27

E.—s

. Agricultural Chemistry. —Thirteen boys of the advanced class, during the same two quarters, made quantitative analyses of two kinds of superphosphates, of Maiden Island and Peruvian guano, and of two specimens of bone-meal. Examination was specially made for the determination of moisture, organic matter, phosphate of lime, carbonate of lime, sand, and insoluble matter.

Income: To Government subsidy, £9 16s. lid. Expenditure: By spirit-lamps, crucibles, patterns for workshop, 125.; tools, £1 19s. 10d.; blowpipe, £1 18s.; chemicals, £5 7s. 6d : total, £9 17s. 4d. W. Mooee.

WAIWEBA MANUAL AND TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION. Eepoet, 1897. In submitting a report of the above association for the year 1897 it may be stated that classes had been held for a short session during the previous year, and thus the way was prepared for work of a more extended and comprehensive nature. At a public meeting held on the 22nd May, 1897, this association was formed, and the Committee authorised to canvass the district and make all necessary arrangements for the carrying on of classes. Meeting with every encouragement, the following classes were ultimately started : Painting—twelve pupils ; book-keeping—sixteen pupils ; general education, English, and mathematics—eighteen pupils. The classes met once a week, and with forty-six pupils on the roll the average attendance secured of 39|- is considered very satisfactory, seeing that many had to ride distances of from three to seven miles. The pupils, excepting some in the painting class, were all beyond school age, most of them having passed the public-school standards, but on leaving school had neglected further study. Eealising, however, from experience the value of education, they were glad to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the classes for improvement in that direction. The very regular attendance shows sufficiently the interest taken in the work. The well-posted books give evidence of evenings well spent at home, which, but for the classes, might have been spent in less profitable pursuits. This, together with the exemplary conduct of the pupils, greatly encouraged the instructors, and at a large public meeting held at the close of the session, not only the Committee, but all who saw them, were highly satisfied with the specimens of the work exhibited. The Committee also arranged with Dr. Anderson, of Clinton, to deliver a course of ambulance lectures. These were delivered fortnightly to a class of forty-two members, and were very highly appreciated by all. A fee of ss. was charged for each class, including the ambulance class. In cases where pupils attended two classes only a half-fee was charged for the second class. The session closed in September, excepting the painting class, which continued for a second quarter, ending on the 21st December, for which a fee of 10s. was charged. The thanks of the association are due to the School Committee, who willingly granted the use of both rooms of the school, providing firing, lighting, and cleaning, and making only a small charge, sufficient to cover the bare cost of the same. 21st March, 1898.

Balance-sheet, 22nd May, 1897, to 10th March, 1898. Beceipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Class fees .. .. .. .. 23 15 0 By Allowances to instructors .. .. 27 0 0 Capitation .. .. .. .. 11 6 4 Bent of school .. .. .. 115 0 Contributions .. .. .. 1 12 6 Stationery .. .. .. ..050 Books to classes .. .. .. 315 9 Sundry for classes .. .. .. 0 4 4 Books for classes .. .. .. 3 18 8 Balance .. .. .. ..767 £40 9 7 £40 9 7 Chas. Eoseveaee, Chairman. 21st March, 1898. M. G. Tait, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

WAKEPA TECHNICAL CLASSES ASSOCIATION. Eepoet foe 1897. Toiro, Clutha, 22nd February, 1898. The association was formed in May, 1897, for the purpose of providing for the youth of the district a means by which considerable improvement might be made in their education. The Committee records its gratification at the success of the undertaking, as about ninety names were enrolled for the different classes. The following notes show the classes and a short report of the work done: Ambulance—This class was largely attended, and considerable interest shown in the work. The large amount of information gained will be of practical benefit to all concerned. Violin and organ-—These classes have done as well as can be expected; they are now running their third quarter. Dressmaking (ten pupils)—-The instructor reports as follows : " I have pleasure to report that the pupils attending the dressmaking class under my tuition made very satisfactory progress in the various branches of dressmaking during the term. They were all very attentive, and seemed to appreciate the opportunity afforded them of attending this class." Bookkeeping (fifteen pupils)— The instructor reports very favourably on the work done. He says, " The pupils showed considerable aptitude in their work " ; and he was " i jnsiderably impressed by the perseverance of some of the pupils." The work done only included single-entry, which was considered the simplest and most useful to a farming community. Should the class go on next session it is intended to take up a particular