E.—ll

4

There was rather a tendency to write very fully, instead of being concise, and sometimes to answer more than was asked for. Dr. W. P. Evans, examiner in chemistry, reported that the work of the first-year students was very weak, and judging by examination results only three seemed sufficiently advanced to start a higher course. The work of the second-year students was, on the whole, quite satisfactory. In practical work nearly all did fairly well, while some did very well indeed. Dr. Arthur Dendy, examiner in natural science, reported that, of the ten first-year students who presented themselves for examination, two passed in all the papers, four passed in botany, eight in entomology, six in physiography, and four in practical botany. In the second year, five out of the thirteen students who presented themselves for examination passed in all the papers, and two were doubtful; six passed in botany, nine in entomology, and thirteen in practical botany. Mr. A. Dudley Dobson, examiner in applied mathematics, reported that in written subjects the first-year students acquitted themselves very creditably. The second-year students did not do nearly so well, the bookkeeping in particular being very defective ; in plotting and mechanics also the questions were very poorly answered. In field-work both sections did very good, intelligent work, especially in chain surveying, but it was considered that more attention should be given to the plotting. The farm-books are neatly kept. Mr. J. A. Gilruth, examiner in veterinary science, reported that the first-year students' knowledge was much below the average of previous years. In the second year, however, the previous high standard had been well maintained. Mr. T. H. Evans, examiner in reaping and stooking, reported that the twelve students who took part in the reaping and stooking examination did their work in a very pleasing manner, showing that the ground-work in that particular branch of practical farming had been well instilled into them. Mr. D. Buddo, examiner in threshing, reported that he found attention to duties and smartness a strong feature of the instruction given. The system of giving each student a knowledge of every duty about the threshing-machine was a very commendable one, and the replies to questions put to the students showed that sound elementary instruction had been given. Mr. J. Deans, examiner of shearing, reported that the work was well done in most cases, and in some the shearing was first-class. In several instances the sheep, although heavy, were handled well. The fleece-rolling in most cases was good, but few of the students appeared to have much idea about skirting the fleece. This important matter should have more attention paid to it in the future. Mr. J. Barnett, examiner in milking and butter- and cheese-making, reported that the cows appeared to be treated kindly—an important matter—and on the whole the milking was good, but one student was failed for not milking his cow clean, as good cows were soon spoilt if not milked clean. Everything about the dairy was very clean, and the students showed a good general knowledge of butter- and cheese-making. Mr. John Watson, examiner in blacksmithing and carpenter's work, reported that, generally speaking, and with few exceptions, he was highly satisfied with the work done. He considered that the students had such a knowledge of horse-shoeing and carpentry as would prove useful in enabling them to do such work on their own farms, should the necessity arise, or in understanding intelligently when such work was done satisfactorily by others. Mr. T. B. Howson, examiner in ploughing, horse-grooming, hedging and ditching, reported that the grooming was creditably done, and the ploughing, as a whole, was better than he expected to see, although the ploughs were not in proper working order. The hedging and ditching was, with one small exception, done well, and in good time, and would pass as a well-finished contract on any farm. J. Bayne, Director. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,575 copies), £2 Us. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo. Price 3d.]