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apprenticed was told by his foreman, that he was very pleased to find he had been
taught to handle his tools in such a workmanlike manner.
This, itself, is testimony in favour of the system adopted, and as long as we
produce similar results we can conscientiously say we are doing good work.
PLUMBING.
Instructor : WORKSHOP PRACTICE—Mr. C. H. QUELCH.
Instructor : DRAWING AND LECTURES—Mr. W. FIRTH.
The full scheme of our work in plumbing aims at providing progressive instruction
of a theoretical and practical nature ; first by workshop practice, secondly by drawing
and lectures bearing on the every day work of the plumber, and thirdly by practice
in calculations and problems so necessary to him, by attending the workshop lectures
in mensuration and mechanics. Not only can many of the students draw and afterwards
execute a piece of good work but the}* are able to compute the cubic capacity of
cisterns of given size as well as the pressure such a body of water produces. It is
gratifying to know that several students, who have gone through our course of instruction
in plumbing, are now in business for themselves as mastermen.
The excellent character of the work of the practical class is maintained as shewn
by several students gaining honours, and one a Bronze Medal in the examinations of the •
City and Guilds of London Institute. The attendance at the drawing and lecture class
is still not good. It is to be deplored that plumbers are somewhat apathetic in acquiring
the knowledge so useful in their craft.
DRESSMAKING.
Instructress : Mrs. L. MONROE.
The high state of efficiency in this class is most successfully maintained ; the Lady
Examiners have again expressed their high appreciation of the work done, both in the
careful needlework, and the fit of the bodices made by the students.
The attendance has not been as uniformly good as could be wished, but this is to
be accounted for by many of the girls objecting to the dismal walk round the side of
the New Tabernacle at the first half of the session, and since the removal to brighter
premises, the numbers have not increased.
There is no doubt that at the more commodious premises of Aske's school, when a
complete course of instruction is provided in all branches of domestic economy, to include
with dressmaking, cookery, housewifery and laundry work, there will be a great
influx of students.
SUMMARY.
In perusing the foregoing reports, it will be readily seen that the past year has
been most successful not only in the increased numbers attending these classes, but
also in the very marked improvement of those who have attended.