C.—3.

Twice during the year this class was taken out for field-work. Once to the Dun Mountain, where specimens of iron, copper, and chrome were collected for subsequent treatment, and once to the Lea Valley for the study of stratified deposits and the work done by rivers. Chemistry One student —a lady preparing for an examination in dispensing—took a preliminary course of twelve lessons in elementary chemistry. The instruction given was both theoretical and practical, and, as far as possible, intimately interwoven. The subjects taken up were few in number, but a good foundation was laid upon which future instruction will be built. This student intends to continue her studies in this subject for about two years, when she will present herself for examination. Assaying. In all twenty-seven assays were made for the public. These comprised twenty-two assays for gold ; three samples of coal; one sample of copper-ore which was assayed for copper and gold ; and one sample of argentiferous galena which was assayed for gold, silver, and lead. With the exception of the coals, all the foregoing were of poor quality, and not likely to be of any commercial value. Several of the assays for gold were made on Parapara ironstone, which only yielded traces of gold. A white crystalline substance sent from the Owen Junction by Mr. Win proved upon analysis to be native epsomite. Mr. Win reported that those who found this substance were made ill by drinking tea made from water near where it was got. No wonder! For many years past I have had to work in a wretchedly small laboratory, and the amount of work I could undertake has been considerably curtailed thereby. Now, at my own expense, its capacity has been more than doubled, and if my health will permit, I hope to increase the amount of work hitherto done here. REEFTON SCHOOL OF MINES. The Director, Mr. J. Henderson, reports as follows : — I have the honour to submit the following report for the year 1904 : — Classes were started in the middle of March and maintained regularly throughout the year. The attendance has been up to the average, although (considering the importance of the district) rather disappointing. During the first term the number of students on the roll was 37, with an average attendance of 24-6. For the second term the figures were respectively 47 and 263 ; for the third term 43 and 21. Besides the usual classes in chemistry, metallurgy, assaying, mining, drawing, and surveying, I attempted to start one in geology, but the encouragement was so small that the class was abandoned. At the annual December examinations for schools of mines, students obtained six firsts, one second, and four thirds. I understand that six students intend to sit for the examination for mine-managers', and three for battery-superintendents', certificates. During the year seventy-six assays for gold and silver were made for the public ; eleven analyses (more or less complete) of minerals and alloys ; six complete analyses of mine-air ; and also gold was extracted from one large and seven small parcels of ore, &c. Fortnightly meetings of the Mining Students' Association were held throughout the winter, and several interesting original papers read. Some seventeen pounds' worth of books on mining, metallurgical, and science subjects were purchased and added to the library of this institution. Besides this, standard periodicals on mining, &c, were taken. In conclusion, I have to thank the committee for their support, and more especially the secretary. WESTPORT SCHOOL OF MINES. The Director, Mr. Sidney Fry, reports as under : — I have the honour to furnish herein the report on the Westport Sshool of Mines for the past year. The same classes have been held as in the previous year—viz., chemistry (theoretical and practical), assaying, mineralogy, and mine and land surveying, though I regret to say that the average attendance is slightly lower that than for the previous year. It is as follows : Theoretical and practical chemistry, 8-7 ; mineralogy, 84 ; surveying, 4-8 ; and assaying, 75. In addition to carrying on these classes the Director has visited Denniston once every week and taught the following subjects, with average attendance as follows : Mining, 3-5 ; mathematics, 1 ; steam and steam-engines, 25. The steam class has now been discontinued for lack of attendance, and a class in mechanical drawing held instead. At the end of the year we held the examinations in school-of-mines subjects as is done by the other schools, the results being fairly satisfactory, considering that the majority of our students are boys of from twelve to fifteen years of age. The President's gold medal, presented by Mr. James Bradley, President of the School Council, for the student gaining the highest aggregate marks was won by Master James Milligan, of Denniston, with the total of 211 marks for three subjects, while the silver medal for juniors was taken by Master Walter Hallahan, of Westport. One of our students, Mr. Will Gowans sat at examination at Reefton last year for a first-class collierymanager's certificate, and was successful|in passing. Mr. Alex. Marshall, of Denniston, another student, has also passed at the examinations heldflast January. Some considerable number of assays and analyses have been done during the year, comprising twenty-one of coal, thirty-five for gold, and eighteen for metals other than gold, as well as a number of

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