11

E.—s

or, at most, twelve lessons, which, unless the students have had a preliminary training, as is the case in many instances, is considered too short if other than a somewhat superficial knowledge of this important branch of cookery is to be gained. Dressmaking and millinery classes still maintain their popularity, and the instruction given and work done appear to meet home requirements. Engineering. —lt can probably be said without exaggeration that some of the best work in our technical schools is done in the several branches of engineering and cognate subjects. The courses of instruction are fairly complete, and as far as facilities are provided, and within technical-school limits, a student can obtain a substantial foundational knowledge of his chosen profession. Should he essay to take advantage of the full course offered the demands on his time are such as considerably to diminish his opportunities for home work and private study, both of which are necessary if he is to gain the benefits of the course; but in spite of the disadvantages and the restrictions imposed by fatigue after a clay's work, the attendances at the classes and the work done prove that a large proportion of our youth engaged in the engineering trades have a strong desire for self-improvement, which should receive substantial recognition by employers. As the workshops of most of the principal schools are fairly well equipped with machine tools, it appears desirable to give attention to the equipment of elementary mechanics and engineering laboratories with the necessary testing and other machines. So far the study of this side of the principles of engineering has been hampered, but as conditions improve, and the training of our young mechanics is more thoroughly systematized, the trade element in technical-school teaching will give place to a more extensive experimental study of principles. General. —In view of the difficulties under which the instruction has been given during the past few years, it is gratifying to note that earnest and purposeful work has been done, and that the tone and discipline of the classes are maintained at a high standard. Students who have passed through our schools have under difficult and trying conditions shown initiative and inventive resources, and have abundantly proved that the training received compares favourably with that given in older countries, and, further, that the country is obtaining good value for the monetary expenditure thereon. I have, &c, The Director of Education, Wellington. E. C. Isaac, Inspector.

No. 3. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION IN THE SEVERAL EDUCATION DISTRICTS.

EXTRACTS FROM VARIOUS REPORTS.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Extract from the Report of the Diueotoh of the Auckland Technical School. Technical High School. —The total number of students in attendance at the Technical High School during the year was 587, of which 321 were boys and 266 girls. This was a decrease of eight students on the total for the previous year. The following table gives the number of students enrolled in the various departments : —

It will be noted that more than two-fifths of the students took up the business-training course. This is undoubtedly accounted for by the fact that both girls and boys are in great demand in commercial houses, the former more particularly as shorthand-typists, and the latter as bookkeepers and general clerks. Considering that such a small percentage of the students taking business training attend the High School for more than two years, it is gratifying to know that our trainees are so well thought of by the business firms; in fact, the demand is much greater than the supply.

Agriculture. Business Training. Domestic Science. Engineering. Science and Technology. Totals. loys— First year . . Second year Third year .. -iris— First year .. Second yearThird year Fourth year 40 15 6 41 21 5 97 81 22 2 40 17 4 3 23 106 64 187 100 34 137 98 26 5 Totals (il 269 64 23 170 587