3

E.—B,

have a marked effect upon the future musical progress of the colony, as it is only possible by correct and methodical methods in this respect to lay the foundation of a musical education that will prove of any lasting benefit." There were eighty-eight candidates examined in their respective grades, of whom seventy-five passed. Exempted Students.—During the year examinations for exempted students have been held at Nelson, Wanganui, and Timaru, the numbers attending being 11, 9, and 3 respectively. School op Engineering and Technical Science. The Professor in charge reported as follows : — "Attendance. —One hundred and six students attended lectures, the total number of hour attendances being 483. Eleven of these students have matriculated, and are taking the full University course. This course is undoubtedly a hard one, and beyond the requirements and attainments of a great majority of the students. It would appear to be advantageous to supplement this course by one of a character somewhat similar to that in vogue here before the granting of the degree B.Sc. by the University. Again, the smallness of the proportion of extra students who take lectures in applied mechanics and similar subjects appears to point to more elementary instruction in these subjects being necessary if it is desired that the department shall occupy, as it practically now does, the twofold position of an engineering college and an evening technical school. If this be so, what is required is—(1) the University course; (2) a college certificate course ; (3) a more elementary evening course. To carry out the latter portion of this scheme an addition to the teaching staff may be required, but it must be recognised that the necessity for such an addition arises from no increase in the number of students. "Electrical Engineering. —l venture to again bring under the notice of the Board the fact that the teaching of applied electricity cannot be omitted from a modern system of engineering instruction. So generally is this now recognised that in not one of the twenty universities, engineering colleges, and technical schools which I visited during the past year is this subject not given special prominence. It has already been pointed out that the maximum cost of such a department to the College would not exceed £225 per annum ; in all probability it would be less. Further, I am confident that if these suggestions with regard to the engineering department can be carried out the attendance will have increased to at least two hundred within the next five years." Girls' High School. There has been no change on the teaching staff during the year, except that Major U. V. Eichards, drill-instructor for the school, obtained leave of absence for the second term and part of the third term to pay a visit to England. During his absence the drill classes were satisfactorily conducted by one of the staff of the Defence Department. The health of the pupils has been excellent throughout the year. The roll-number for the third term was 124. Altogether thirty-five scholars held scholarships or exhibitions, which at least covered their school fees, sixteen holding scholarships or exhibitions from the Board of Governors, sixteen scholarships from the North Canterbury Board of Education, one a scholarship from the South Canterbury Board of Education, one the Canterbury Caledonian Society's scholarship, and one received free education from the Board of Governors. The school did well at all the December public examinations. One pupil gained a Junior University scholarship (9th scholar), and also a Gammack scholarship. Two other pupils who entered for this examination matriculated in the credit list. Three took the medical preliminary examination, and all passed ; eleven the matriculation, and ten passed. Board of Education Senior scholarships were won by three pupils.' Two pupils entered for the Senior Civil Service examination, and both passed. Five pupils entered the South Kensington Freehand Certificate examination, and obtained first-class certificates. Improvements have been made to the buildings during the year by inserting additional ventilators in the walls of one of the class-rooms, and adding extra deep sash-boards to several of the windows. These alterations have been found very satisfactory, and the ventilation and heating of the whole school is now very good. Boys' High School. The number of boys at the school for the last term of 1899 was 225. During the second term of the year the headmaster was absent owing to illness, and was finally obliged to ask for leave of absence for a year, which was granted from the Ist September, 1899. Mr. B. K. S. Lawrence, 8.A., the senior assistant master, was appointed acting headmaster during Mr. Bevan-Brown's absence. Mr. J. Harkness, M.A., assisted in the school for the first half of the second term until the appointment of Mr. F. B. Sykes, 8.A., Cambridge, as temporary master for the remainder of Mr. Bevan-Brown's absence. Mr. Sykes resigned at the end of the year in order to join the Second New Zealand Contingent for the Transvaal. The drill-instructor, Major U. Y. Eichards, was also granted six months' leave of absence, and the drill was carried on by one of the staff of the Defence Department. During the year all the inside walls of the original part of the school buildings were cleaned and distempered. The various departments of the school progressed satisfactorily. The honours gained during the year were as follows : Of four boys who entered, one gained a Junior University scholarship, being fourth on the list; one came third on the list, but, being too young, is unable to hold the scholarship; one passed with credit, and the other boy matriculated. An old boy was third on the credit list. Of fourteen boys who entered for matriculation ten passed. Two passed the medical preliminary. Three won Senior Scholarships granted by the Board of Education. Of old boys, one gained the Murchison Memorial scholarship, open to graduates of Edinburgh and London.