The article deals with the circumstances concerning the origin of the vocational school in Metlika, its development and the difficulties the school had to face during its existence (1890-1941). Based on archival material, the author reconstructed the efforts of Metlika's trade co-operative committee to preserve the old trade rights concerning vocational schools, and the struggle of the Metlika vocational school teachers to put into force new, legitimate school ohligations and regulations.