E.—s

4

The number of recognised technical and continuation classes in operation during the year was 1,505, as against 1,392 last year. The classes were divided as follows :—

It will be noticed that " special" classes— i.e., classes under an Education Board or the Board of Governors of a secondary school as controlling authority—were the most numerous and the most widely distributed. " Associated" classes— i.e., classes conducted by managers representing the controlling authority, local and other contributing bodies—though held at a much smaller number of centres, had an average attendance of 17*3 per class, as against 14 in the case of " special" classes. The number of " associated " -classes continues to increase, indicating the interest that is being taken in technical education by local bodies, industrial associations, and other similar organizations. " College " classes were carried on in connection with one only of the University colleges—namely, Canterbury College, Christchurch. The following are some particulars relating to technical classes in operation during 1908 :— The number of places at which recognised technical classes were held was .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. 122 The number of recognised classes was .. .. .. .. .. 1,505 The average attendance at all classes was .. .. .. .. 21,518 The capitation on attendances was .. .. .. .. £17,601 2s. 7d. The rate of capitation per unit of average attendance was .. .. 16s. 4d.

TABLE I1.—Average Attendance at and Capitation on Classes for certain Subjects.

Considerable attention is being given to mechanical and electrical engineering, and to lead- and wood-working— i.e., to subjects related to important industries and trades. It is gratifying to note that the schools are doing a good deal to provide opportunities for instruction for those engaged in these pursuits. Satisfactory progress is being made in connection with instruction in pure and applied art. In most of the larger centres special attention is being given to the application of art to industries. Specially qualified instructors have in some cases been imported, and, although the classes for applied art are generally speaking at present somewhat small, there is little doubt that the instruction in art has been considerably strengthened by the increased attention now being given to art crafts.

am icr oi lean ires. uml ler o lasses. .verage lance. Classes. Diasses. " Special" classes... " Associated " classes " College" classes 1907. 88 17 1 1908. 98 23 1 1907. 791 487 114 1908. 854 520 131 1907. 10,917 8,674 1,276 r c 1908. 11,016 9,002 1,500 •

Subjects of Instruction. Average Attendance. Capitation. engineering .. jead- and wood-working 'ure and applied art Experimental and natural science )ressmaking, cookery, &c. Commercial subjects Subjects of general education Vool-classing 1,658 1,897 4,355 2,079 3,278 5,549 2,601 101 £ s. d. 1,425 8 9 1,810 9 7 4,494 15 7 1,174 3 4 2,563 13 8 4,198 5 6 1,844 11 2 89 15 0 Totals 21,518 17,601 2 7