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Mr. W. H. Baker, B.Sc, Director of the Thames School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mince Department, Wellington. Sir,— Thames, 18th April, 1911. I have the honour to report on the work of the Thames School of Mines for the year ended 31st December, 1910. The attendance is again slightly better than that of the previous year, chiefly due to the engineering subjects —drawing and electricity. The small amount of bullion now being derived from this field, and the uncertainty of an immediate revival, have placed mining in a subordinate position ; but any development in the deeper levels will have an immediate effect upon the mining industry and the school. Considering this depressed state, the attendance is very satisfactory. At the annual examinations 27 students presented themselves, and obtained 8 first-clasa, 14 secondclass, and 6 third-class certificates. In the practical examinations 10 ( papers were presented, of secured passes. One student, H. Cropp, has qualified for the Customs bullion-assayers certificate.^ The President's prize, donated by the Hon. James McGowan, M.L.C., was awarded to H. Cropp. A special prize for electricity was awarded to T. Causeley. The results of the Saturday science class show lower marks than usual, on account of the attendance being now restricted to primary-school pupils ; whereas in previous years the candidates were all secondary-school students. Three candidates sat for the mine-managers examinations, and first- and secondclass gold-mine certificates. The experimental plant has required various alterations, but is now in running-order, though improvements will have to be made to the elevators to get satisfactory work. I have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of various samples donated to the museum. During the year 210 assays were made for the public, including those done free of charge for prospectors. During the year the school has lost the services of Mr. A. J. Newman, drawing instructor, and Mr. H. Dodson, electrical instructor. Both these gentlemen performed their duties in a most satisfactory manner, and their departure is a distinct loss to the school. Mr. William Craig has been appointed temporarily as drawing instructor, and is carrying out the work satisfactorily. I wish to express my appreciation of the work done by the staff, and my thanks for the interest and support of the Council in furthering the advance of the school. 1 have, &c, W. H. Bakee, Director.

Mr. G. L. Hercus, Director of the Westport School of Mines, to the Undee-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Westport, 27th March, 1911. to present the following[report on the work done at the Westport School of Mines for the year 1910 : — Attendance. —The total number of individual students was 29, with an average class attendance of 16. Examinations.—ln the annual examinations three students sat in four subjects. Owing to the fact that most of the students reside at the mines, it is very difficult to get them to sit at these examinations. During the year one student sat for and obtained his underviewer's certificate, and two obtained deputies' certificates under the Coal-mines Act. During the year 174 gold-assays and 11 coal-assays were made for the public, and 10 samples of mine-air were analysed for the Inspector of Mines, besides which numerous mineral determinations were made (free) for various prospectors. The mineral collection donated by the Mines Department has been fully classified and cased in the school museum. I have, &c, 6. L. Hercus, Director.

ANNEXUKE D. REPORTS OF WATER-RACE MANAGERS. Mr. James Rochi'okd, Manager of Waimea-Kumara Water-races, to the Under-Sechetary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sib,— Kumara, 29th April, 1911. I have the honour to present my report on the working of the Waimea-Kumara waterraces for the financial year ended 31st March. 1911. Waimea Race. The cash received from this race for the year ended 31st March, 1911, was £847 7s. 3d., and the expenditure on gauging, maintenance, and repairs amounted to £588 Bs. Id., showing a credit balance of £258 19s. 2d. on the year's transactions. The average number of miners supplied with water from the race during the year was 3133, a decrease of 3"G6 as compared with the previous year; and the approximate quantity of gold obtained by them was 1,784 oz., having a value of £G,957 12s. The sales of water for the year amounted to £854 Bs. Bd., or £87 19s. 2d. less than the previous year.