c.-s

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constitutes a record, but the average number of classes attended by each student showe a slight decrease. The classes in electrical engineering were specially well patronized during the year. Examinations. —At the annual schools of mines examinations conducted by the Mines Department during December, 1910, 30 students presented themselves for the written papers, and 12 for the practical tests. The resul r sare exceedinglyjsatisfactory, 29 first-class, 17 second-class, and 4 third-class certificates being obtained, and only 3 papers failing to serurejeertificatus. In addition, 13 passes were recorded in the practical examinations, and 2 students (S. Clark and J. M. Corbett) qualified for thp bullion-assayers' certificate issued by the Department of Trade ttnd Customs, The gold medal presented by the president (Mr. T. Oilmour) for the highest aggregate in any four subjects was this year won by J. M. Corbett. Mr. J. Livcsey's gold medal for mining subjects was won by H. Langdon, who obtained 6j,nrst,-class'passes*and 1 second-class. The gold medal presented by Mr. M. F. Haszard for surveying was won by J. Thomson. A number of other prizes, consisting of valuable text-books, have been donated by the Engine-drivers' Association and the School of Mines Council, as in previous years. Government Certificates. —At the examinations for Government certificates, held in April, 1910, 2 students of this school (G. A. C. Ulrich and R. Broad) gained certificates in the first-class metal-mine managers' examination, and 3 (H. A de Lautour. W. L. Dutton, and L. Moore) obtained partial passes. One student (E. J. Scoble) obtained a partial pass in the fust-class coal-mine managers' examination. In the examination for battery-superintendents i student (N. Carless) was successful, and 2 (P. S. Ritchie and T. Andrews) obtained partial passes. During the current year more students, viz., Messrs. H. Langdon, L. 0. Moore, H. A. de Lautour, and W. S. Dutton passed the Government examination and obtained first-class certificates of competency as managers under the Mining Act. and one student, Mr. T. T. Andrews, passed and obtained the battery-superintend-ent's certificate. Altogether 32 students of thisjschool have obtained certificates as first-class metalmine managers, 2 as first-class coal-mine managers, 40 as battery-superintendents, and 19 as assayers of bullion under the Customs Department. In addition, a number of second-class certificates, enginedrivers' certificates, &c, have been obtained. General. —l have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of specimens for the museum from Messrs. R. E. Williams, W. Morrison, P. G. Morgan, and others, and of a parcel of volumes of Knowledge from Mr. H. B. Devereux. I desire also to take this opportunity of recording my appreciation of the ability and enthusiasm displayed by the other members of the staff, and of the unfailing cooperation and assistance of the Council and secretary. I have, &c, A. H. V. Morgan, Director.

Mr. F. W. Reid, Director of the Karangahake School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir, — Karangahake, Ist April, 1911. I have the honour to present my report upon the work of the Karangahake School of Mines and of the branch school at Waikino for the year ended 31st December, 1910. Attendance. —The average number of students in attendance for the three terms of the year wae 47-6, with an average class 89. There were nine classes in operation at Karangahake and six at Waikino. Examinations. —At the annual examinations held in December, 14 candidates presented themselves at Karangahake. Eleven passes were obtained in the practical and 27 in the written examinations, the latter being distributed in the three grades as follows: First class, 12; second class, 10; third class, 5. At Waikino 9 students sat for examinaton, the results being : practical work, 4 passes ; written examinations, 3 first-class, 1 second-class, and 3 third-class passes. Karangahake headed the list in six of the subjects of examination, and Waikino was equal with Waihi for top place in one subject. The following students completed the examinations entitling them to H.M. Customs certificate for bullion-assaying, viz. : T. R. Hogg, H. T. Harman, and W. J. Mayberry. Prizes. —A prize presented by. Mr. D. M. Deane (ex-President of Council) was awarded to G. Hyde, and one presented by Mr. W. Wilson (President of Council) to F. Smale. Scholarships. —The Council of the School of Mines is now offering two scholarships annually, open for competition to boys attending the public schools of the district. At the examination held in December for the purpose of awarding these scholarships, 9 candidates presented themselves, the successful ones being A. Connelly and R. Morrison. Equipment. —Additions to the Waikino school, completed early in the year, greatly facilitated the work in practical chemistry and wet assaying. An assay-balance and other apparatus were purchased during the year. Additional electrical apparatus is now on order, and will serve to remove a disability under which the classes in electricity have been labouring. Several standard volumes have been added to the library. Assays. —During the year 67 assays were made for prospectors and others. Conclusion. —I desire to express my appreciation of the conscientious work done by the membere of the teaching staff, and of the unfailing interest and support of the Council of the school. I have, &c, F. W. Reid, Director.