2 Technical Instruction in Belfast : 



With regard to the efficiency of the work of the students it was 

 stated that during the past three years a marked increase had been 

 observed in power of application, in regularity of attendance, and 

 in the interest shown in study ; but that comparing the students 

 of the present with those of three years ago, no perceptible 

 improvement was noticeable in regard to the educational pre- 

 paredness of students taking up science and technical studies. 



The evening preparatory classes conducted by the Library and 

 Technical Instruction Committee in the Branch Schools are 

 attended by an earnest body of students, and quite a number of 

 these young people are coming forward to the higher departments 

 in order to study science, technology, or art. The imperfection 

 of training makes itself markedly felt, and to this may be traced 

 a distinct percentage of that falling off in attendance which occurs 

 as the session progresses, more especially in the elementary 

 classes. 



Teaching Staff. 



A factor which has contributed in a marked degree to the 

 development and uplifting of the Institute's work was the ap- 

 pointment of responsible Heads of Departments. The plan had 

 been followed that as the Institute progressed, and as a Depart- 

 ment could fully employ a head teacher, to make the appointment. 

 In this way the chief positions in art, in chemistry, in physics, 

 and in mathematics have been filled ; and quite recently a Head 

 of the Textile Department and a Head of the Mechanical 

 Engineering Department have been appointed. The Department 

 of Naval Architecture is not yet provided for ; but in view of the 

 immense local importance of the shipbuilding industry it is hoped 

 that the development of the Naval Architecture section of the 

 Institute's work will soon be on so satisfactory a scale as to 

 warrant the appointment of an expert teacher for this section 

 also. 



The next point touched upon was the Trade Preparatory 

 Day School, intended for boys who have passed through the 

 curriculum of a national school, and who are intended to enter 



