C.—3

16

Blowpipe-analysis Classes. Two classes for the study of blowpipe analysis have met weekly throughout the year. Fortyeight boys have belonged to these classes during that time, but this number proved too large for carrying on really effective work. So much individual attention is needed by boys studying this subject that a class of twelve is as large as one can manage well. The work done was similar to that of former years—namely, the qualitative testing of the most commonly occurring ores. The testing of quartz for gold by crushing and panning-off forms part of the course of instruction. Attention is also given to any other heavy residues besides the gold in the dish. Mostyn Constable, who has now been three years in the class, named, at a recent examination, nine out of ten test-substances, and was awarded a second-grade certificate. The supplying of the classes with test-substances is still a matter of considerable difficulty. Assaying. Forty-six assays and tests were made for the public during the year, but none of these call for special mention. Geology. A week was spent on that part of the mineral belt lying between the Champion Copper-mine and the Dun- Mountain. A collection of rocks was made, and these are now being gradually prepared for microscopic examination. It is hoped that in a few years some valuable information about the mineral belt will be obtained in this way. During the year a careful study of the Nelson Boulder Bank and its geological surroundings was made, with the view of determining its origin. As a result of these investigations, the opinion was arrived at that a wall of rock on edge underlies the loose surface boulders. A paper upon the subject was read before the Nelson Philosophical Society, and will be found in the " Transactions " for this year. Science Class for Teachers. A science class for teachers preparing for the D and E examinations was held for a few weeks late in the year. There were eight members in this class, and the teaching consisted chiefly of experiments to illustrate what they had already learned theoretically about chemistry and electricity. The class was started too late in the year to allow of much really effective work being done. Conclusion. My thanks are due to the Town Schools Committee for the use of the schoolroom on two afternoons a week after school-hours. Mr. Herbert Saunders, a former student at my agricultural-science class, has this year passed with credit his examination in that subject. EEEFTON SCHOOL. Mr. J. W. Lee, the Instructor, writes :— I have the honour to report on the progress of the Eeefton School of Mines since it was reopened in December, 1899, to the 31st March, 1900. Lectures were commenced on the lst December, 1899, and have been well attended throughout ; and, considering the short time which has elapsed, very satisfactory progress has been made. Twenty-seven students were enrolled during the first term (from the Ist December, 1899, to the 2nd March, 1900). At present the number of individual attending students is twenty-eight, and this number is likely to be increased during this current and future terms. The following statement shows the average attendances to date : — c . Number of Average Students. Attendance. Mining and mathematics ... ... ... ... ... 15 12 Surveying ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 12 Theoretical chemistry ... ... ... ... ... 13 10 Practical chemistry ... ... ... ... ..'. 13 10 Practical assaying ... ... ... ... ... 12 6 The instruction given in each class has been as follows: — Mining and Mathematics. —Arithmetic, comprising the simple rules, vulgar and decimal fractions; square and cube roots; timber - measurement; time-sheets; simple and compound proportion; problems; also practical questions in areas of circles, triangles, &c, and their corresponding relative volumes. More advanced former students have received special instruction in mining and its kindred subjects, viz.: Ventilation, natural and artificial; useful effects of fans, blowers, and furnaces discussed; water-gauge; splitting of air; friction; velocity of air in airways, &c.; noxious gases met with in mines—composition, detection, properties, and effects on workmen ; explosives, their composition and use, relative strengths compared, &c. Text-book : Gordon's " Mining and Engineering." Surveying. —Practical mathematics, logarithms, solution of triangles; grades and relative angles ; and plane trigonometry.