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Mr. W. Gibson, 8.E.. Director of the Karangahake School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,- Karangahake, sth March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report upon the work of the Karangahake School of Mines for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. The attendance at the main school showed the number of students to be as follows : First term, 31 ; second term, 29 ; third term, 26. The class-attendance was 53 for eight classes, 59 for nine classes, and 51 for nine classes in the successive terms. This shows an average of nearly two classes per student. The attendance of students, with one or two exceptions, was very regular. The regular students showed up most prominently in the annual examinations. Annual Examinations. —The students of this school did very satisfactory work, as is shown by the certificates gained, which are sixteen first-class, six second-class, and four third-class. The school topped the list in senior practical chemistry, junior dry assaying, senior wet assaying, junior wet assaying, surveying, junior mathematics, and drawing. In the practical examinations the results obtained were: three passed in bullion assaying, one in senior dry assaying, one in junior dry assaying, one in senior wet assaying. Two students, Messrs. G. Hyde and F. Small, are entitled to receive H.M. Customs certificates for bullion assaying. The Presidents (Mr. K. M. Barrance) prize was won by Mr. G. Hyde, with the highest aggregate in three classes, and the Council's two prizes for the highest aggregate in two classes were won by Messrs. John Shore and A. McLean. The total number of gold and silver assays put through during the year was 127, of which four were done free of charge for prospectors. In conclusion, I have to thank the members of the Council for their unremitting interest in the school's welfare, and their efforts to make it attractive to students. I have also to thank Messrs. B. C. Hurdsfield, A.M.8., Assistant Director, and H. C. Tempest, electrical instructor, for the zeal and ability they have displayed in their work. I have, &c, W. Gibson, Director.

Mr. W. F. Worley, Director of the Nelson School of Mines, to the Under-Secrbtary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,— Nelson, 15th March, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on the Nelson School of Mines for the year ended the 81st December, 1911. Blowpipe Analysis Class. —Fourteen boys joined this class in the beginning of the year. The class met thirty-six times, and the average attendance was II"). Most of the boys were quite new to the work, but made good progress, as a result of good attendance and a keen interest in the work. An examination for proficiency in elementary blowpipe analysis was held in December. No boy is allowed to sit for this examination unless he has had a two years' course of training. Edward Blechynden was able to satisfy this condition, and passed the examination with credit. Assaying. —During the year fifteen assays were made for prospectors and the public. This number, though small, is considerably higher than for the previous fear, and is indicative of more interest in prospecting. Popular Lectures. —Seven of these were given during the winter months—three in Nelson City, one at Spring Grove, one at Wakefield, one at Wai-iti, and one at Lower Moutere. The subjects were earthquakes, volcanoes, and the mining industry of New Zealand. The latter was repeated five times, and was well received on each occasion. As in previous years, bare travelling-expenses ' was the only charge made for these lectures. Geology. —A paper on the Flax Moor, Kaka Ridge, dealing with the igneous rocks of Brook Street, was published in the May issue of the " Nelsonian." A ropy of this paper is enclosed with this report. 1 have, &c, W. F. Worley, Director.

Mr. J. F. McPadden, Director of the Reefton School of Mines, to the Under-Secretary, Mines Department, Wellington. Sir,- Reefton, 29th April, 1912. I have the honour to present my report on t!he work of the Reefton School of Mines for the year ended the 31st December, 1911. Attendance. —The average number of students during 1911 was 33, with a class attendance of 61. Examinations. —Ten students sat for the annual Government examinations held in December, and obtained five first-class, six second-class, and four third-class passes. At the examination for Government certificates held in March last, five students sat —four for battery-superintendents' certificates, and one for first-class mine-manager's certificate. Waiuta School. —ln August last classes were commenced at Waiuta, instruction being given every Friday afternoon and evening. The attendance at this school averaged fourteen during 1912. Assays. —During the year 260 assays were made, forty-five of which were made free of charge to prospectors. Library. —Books to the value of £10 were added during the year. General. —Thanks to the efforts of an energetic Council and Secretary, the sum of £51 was raised locally. This amount is being spent in purchase of books and general repairs to the school. I have to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of various minerals from Messrs. F. Shepard (Coromandel), T. 0. Bishop, A. Sutherland, P. Callan, and G. Gofton. I have, &c, .1. F. McPadden, Director.