E.—s

20

As several of the students of the accountancy class signified their intention of studying for the University examination in accountancy, a special class for that purpose was inaugurated, the twelve students who joined this class doing excellent work, eight taking the examination. The evening book-keeping class, which had an average attendance of thirty-four throughout the year—four over the number allowed by the Department under one. teacher —will probably have to be divided up next year. A feature of the work of the 1919 session was I he acquiring and equipping of the new engineering workshop in Dixon Street, close by the present school buildings. The building, which was erected for the purpose of a gymnasium, is large and airy, and, with the addition of a few windows and skylights, is eminently suited for both day and evening classes in engineering. Included in the equipment of the workshop are —One 10 horse-power Crossley gas-engine, dynamo with fittings for electric light, three power lathes, one back-geared drill, one emery grinder, one power hack-saw, brazing and blacksmith's forge and fittings, eighteen vices, bench tools, and equipment. The building is lighted by electricity generated within the workshop. The classes commenced at the beginning of the third term with an enrolment of thirty-six students, in two classes, each class taking one evening theory in the class-room and one evening workshop practice. At the close of the term the instructors reported excellent progress in both classes. During the term a motor-driver's class was formed, and the eleven students who enrolled received useful instruction in the mechanism and management of motor vehicles. Examinations were held in all subjects at the end of the session, and first- and second-class certificates awarded to students obtaining 75 per cent, and 60 per cent, of marks respectively. Forty-eight second-year junior-free-place pupils were specially examined in their various subjects with a view to their being recommended for senior free places, and on the result of the examinations, combined with their attendance, progress, and diligence, forty pupils have been selected for such promotion, subject to confirmation by the Department. In the shorthand classes two pupils entered for Pitman's speed certificate and eight for the Gregg's certificate. An examination of the Standard VI proficiency class was conducted by the Department's Inspector, and eight pupils were awarded certificates of proficiency. As a result of the examination in wool-classing, two students obtained full wool-classer's certificates, two gained second-year certificates, and seven were awarded first-year certificates. In January, 1920, the Plumbers' Board of Examiners conducted its examination in plumbing, Masterton being a centre, when eight students of the plumbing class sat for the practical, examination, and four for the theory. The Board desires to place on record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the school by Mr. Leslie, the late Director, during his period of office, and the excellent progress the school has made under his capable management. The statement of receipts and expenditure shows the receipts from all sources (including a credit balance of £182 4s. lOd. at the beginning of the year, and £350 withdrawn from fixed deposit) to have been £2,949 17s. 9d. Of this amount £1,113 3s. 6d. was received from the Department in capitation, and £550 in subsidies on voluntary contributions, £205 15s. 6d. in class fees, and £375 in voluntary contributions. The disbursements amounted to £2,729 9d. 6d.. the principal items of expenditure being —Salaries, £1,285 10s. 2d.; furniture, fittings, and apparatus, £922 15s. 3d.; material for class use. £96 16s. Bd.; lighting and heating, £70 Bs. lOd. : caretaker, £63 4s. 2d.; repairs, £51 12s. Bd. In October the sum of £500 was placed at fixed deposit for the year in the Bank of New South Wales. The year ended with a credit balance in current account of £212 Bs. 3d. The Board again desires to acknowledge the financial assistance rendered to the school by the Trust Lands Trust and the Borough Council, their contributions being £300 and £25 respectively; also to the Masterton Press and officers of the Department for their unfailing courtesy and co-operation; To take full advantage of the fairly large sum of money expended in the equipment of the engineering workshop, as well as to keep abreast of the educational needs of this growing town and district, the Managers recognize that an extension of the present school building is imperative in the near future, and with this end in view negotiations are on foot to acquire the corner site adjacent to the school on which to erect a completely equipped set of rooms adapted to the present needs and future requirements. Most of the rooms in the building are overcrowded. The artroom had to be subdivided, and is now used as two class-rooms, in addition to its legitimate use for art subjects. The wool-classing has been conducted in the plumbing workshop, this arrangement militating considerably against the smooth working and efficiency of both classes. It is proposed to partition off a portion of lite engineering-room for the wool classes. A fully equipped science-room is also required to comply with necessary regulations, and to enable students to receive tuition in the natural and physical science subjects required for their examinations. J. M. CoitAPINE, Chairman. D. Grant, Director. NELSON DISTRICT. Extract .from the Report of the Director of the Nelson Technical School. The number of students enrolled during the year was 394. Of these, eighty-one were junior free pupils, fifty-two were senior free pupils, twenty-two were returned soldiers, and there were 239 other students. The number of classes conducted was sixty-five. The commercial classes still attract large numbers, and most of them were quite full. Of the students who sat for outside examinations in commercial subjects, the majority were successful in passing. The domestic classes show a slight falling-off, but some very good work was done. The art needlework class was well attended. The art and art-craft classes showed a slightly increased attendance as compared with the previous year. The outdoor sketching class, although small, did some very good work, and promises well for the future. The engineering classes held during the day were well and regularly attended, and good work was done. The evening class in this branch was also well attended. The instructor has been handicapped by the necessity of having two or more classes going on simultaneously. The equipment has not yet been completed, the ever-rising prices of machinery being an important factor in causing the delay. The woodwork and cabinetmaking classes have done good work,