NSW ZEALAND EDUCATIONAL. INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7222, 10 January 1885, Page 6

NSW ZEALAND EDUCATIONAL. INSTITUTE.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. A Meeting of the Council was held prior to the morning session yesterday, for the election of officers for She ensuing year. It resulted in the election of Mr. Fitzgerald, of Dunedin Normal High School as President; the re-election of Mr. White, of Dunedin, as Secretary; and Mr. Thomson, of Napier, Treasurer. A letter was read from Mr. Neil Heath, late of the Girls' High School, who had been appointed one of the Auckland delegates, but who had been compelled to resign owing to his removal to the Napier High School, expressing his sympathy with the objects of the meetings, and regretting that he was unable to attend . the , meetings. It was agreed _ that the ' President and Secretary should arrange for printing a record of the proceedings of the Institute and Council. On the lotion of Mr. White, it was agreed to appoint a deputation to wait on the Premier either on the way South or at Dunedin. Mr. Flavell seconded the motion. It was also agreed that a central committee should be formed in Wellington, and corresponding committees in the other centres, to aid the Government in carrying out the Educational Department of the Industrial Exhibition. Mr. Thomson, in a neat speech, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Worthington for the able and impartial manner in which he had performed the duties of President of this Council.—Mr. Hogben seconded the resolution, paying a high compliment to Mr. Worthington for his assiduity and zeal. Carried by acclamation. Mr. Bailey proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. White, the Secretary, for his services as Secretary. This was also carried by acclamation. The President briefly returned thanks for the kindly expressions used by the proposer and seconder of the vote of thanks to himself, and declared the meeting of the Council closed; MORNING SESSION. The morning session commenced at halfpast ten, Mr. Worthington (President) in the chair. Amongst tnose present were Professors Brown, Thomas, and Aldis, and Rev. Dr. Jiidd, Registrar of the University College, and a good general attendance. SCHOLARSHIPS. Mr. C. F. Bourne, head-master of the Auckland College ahd Grammar School, opened the debate on this subject. He apologised for the imperfect manner in which he would have to treat this important subject. He Was conscious of being an unready speaker, and would have liked to take time to prepare his paper, but circumstances had been too strong for him, and he had no time to prepare anything but the resolutions, which he would begin by reading, and then say what he could in support of them. He was sorry to say that there was a long string of them, but, as was laid by a celebrated preacher in regard to his sermon, he had not time to make them shorter. - (Laughter.) The resolutions were these :—"1. That the existing arrangements as to district scholarships should give place to one uniform, or approximately uniform, system for the whole colony; *2. That the system should be such as to bring the scholars into secondary schools at an age at which a secondary course can be commenced under favourable conditions, and to enable the best of them to oontinue their attendance at those schools until they have had time to qualify themselves for the competition for University Scholarships. 3. That a satis factory system might be developed from the following outlines :—Scholarships to be of two kinds, junior and senior. For the former, candidates to be under 13 years of age : the subjects of examination to be confined to those taught in the primary schools : the period covered to be 2 years. For the latter, candidates to -be' under 15 years of age, /secondary subjects to hold a prominent place in the examinations : the period covered to be three years. The emoluments of senior scholars to be considerably more substantial than those of junior scholars. Special provision to be made for scholars obliged to reside away from home All scholarships to be open to all comers. 4. That in the event of the Legislature establishing technical schools, provision should be made for scholarships tenable at those schools." With regard to his first resolution he noticed, in going through the papers of business forwarded from the various educational districts, that there was a great desire for uniformity, and the want of uniformity was felt generally in all the educa-tion-departments. He quoted from the requests on the business paper from Wellington, Kelson, Otago, aDd other places. To demonstrate this want of uniformity, it was not necessary to go through the regulations of all the districts, but he would take two to show the anomalies that existed, namely,. North Canterbury and their own district, Auckland. In North Canterbury there were five classes with maximum limits of agell, 12, 13, 14, and 15 years Respectively. Classes A, B, and C, the subjects of examination were those taught in the primary schools. In D section ana in E the subjects were secondary, and carried scholarships tenable for two years, and worth £40 a year. Jfh Auckland there was only one class of scholarships, and no limit as to age. There was a limit until two years ago, but it was so high—l 7 years—that it amounted to nothing, and an attempt was made to get it lowered, but the result was that it was altogether abolished. The subjects of examination were entirely or almost primary. The value of the scholarships was£3o for those living at, and £40 for those obliged to remain away from home, besides being allowed exemption from fees. Also at the Girls' High School and at the Grammar School, all six of those holding certificates were admitted free. No greater contrast could exist than between the two districts of North Canterbury and Auckland. They should look for uniformity of principle, but there was none here. North Canterbury went on the principle of getting the pupils into the schools as soon as they could and keeping them there as long as they could, but in Auckland the principle seemed to be to keep them out as long as they could, and then admit them for only three years. This was the most flagrant instance of discrepancies, but there were others not so great. Iu Otago there were two classes ol scholaships, the junior and the senior, and that was not discordant with the North Canterbury system, although the latter were subdivided, while Otago made one rough and ready division of junior and senior. Bis second resolution stated the principles which should be observed in devising alterations. He did not think 16, 17, or 18 a suitable age to commence a secondary course. Scholars ought to enter under conditions where they could make the best use of the secondary school, and to keep them out later was not good for the boys or fair for the school. When they came to the secondary school well grounded in English, but knowing nothing of Latin, they created a v difficulty. They could not be put into the lower forms, that would be unfair both to them and to the younger pupils, and they could not be put into the classes to which they properly belonged. When these scholarship boys first came they commenced slowly, naturally finding the difficulty of entering on new languages. Boys of 14 or 15 found almost greater difficulty than those of 12, but after a while they got a grip, and went along too fast for the other boys, wanting to make the most of the time at their disposal. What, he asked, were the teaohers to do with them. However, if it was desirable to maintain this system, the secondary schools might be asked to conform, but hejdid not think it was. Getting the scholars so late, it was impossible to get them fit for the junior University scholarships, and he thought it only proper that boys from the primary schools should be able to go in for those scholarships, and that those of limited means should be placed in a postion equal to that of those whose means were greater. He did not think these scholarships were devised to give money prizes to boys for past work, or to prevent them from going into occupations, but to give the boys who started in the common schools an opportunity of making their way into the University, and so into professions, and if so they must have them long enough to send them up prepared. He did not think it desirable that all should be sent up to the University, or that pressure should be put on boys to take to literary professions or pursuits. In all countries, especially in New Zealand, they wanted men to take off their coats and work, but they should make it possible for all to go to the University if they desired it and were really fit. He did not believe in mere top-dressing. He often got boys brought to him for a year to finish, but that was no use, Secondary education, if anything,

must be a long business. The first two resolutions were theoretic, the third was more practical. It was an outline only, as he did not think it suitable for an Institute like this to propound a cut-and-dried scheme but only to make suggestions ; therefore, he put this as an outline. Mr. Bourne dwelt at some length on the proposals embodied in this resolution. He concluded by asking the kind indulgence of the meeting for bis disjointed remarks, and thanked them for their attention. (Cheers.)

Mr. Mackay said he agreed with a great deal of what had fallen from Mr. Bourne, but there were several points in which he did not agree with him, and he publicly stated the obligation! the secondary schools were under to the boys coming to them from the primary schools. They had been models of industry and good conduct, and exercised a wholesome influence all through the schools, and they could point to Education Board boys now holding high and respectable positions. He took it that it was their business to train children for the University, and asked did they fulfil that purpose ? So far as his experience went, they are not the proper link. They came to them with intelligence fairly developed, and better able to go through the first year in Latiu work well, and then went on in the second year to Caesar and equations. They were sound enough •to matriculate, or to pass the Civil Service examination, but not the material to send for scholarships in the limited time of two years. ,The scholarships might so be extended for three years. He did not agree with Mr. Bourne that there should be two classes of scholarships. He thought they obtained quite as much good by remaining at the primary schools until they passed the 6th .Standard. His idea was that there should be one scholarship open to boys under 15, who had passed the 6th Standard. His impression was that they began to teach Latin before the boys were fit to receive it. tie should now move, "That the Education Board scholarships be open to all boys and girls not over 15 years of age, who have attended primary schools for two years, and passed the 6th Standard, scholarships tenable for three years, subject to good conduct and passing an annual examination of a fixed standard."

The Rev. Mr. Flavell seconded Mr. Bourne's resolution, and Mr. Murray seconded Mr. Mackay's amendment. Mr. ; vlason epoke in support of Mr. Mackay's amendment.

Mr. Fkarnley corroborated the statement of Mr. Mackay, that the scholars who came to them from the primary schools were their brightest ornaments. They were handicapped in Latin, but not so much in mathematics. He agreed with Mr. Bourne as to the necessity lor uniformity, for Boards were continually tinkering with the regulations. The papers should be set by the central Depart' ment, so as to secure uniformity. In Victoria the masters were allowed to teach Latin, Euclid, and algebra, for one hour out of five, making a charge, and if that could be carried out here it would be satisfactory,: but if not, he should like to have the boys at 15. But he should support Mr. Mackay's amendment if he added, " that the boys should have a grounding in Latin, Euclid, and Algebra." Mr. Mackay said ho could not accept that, believing that the intention was that these scholarships should be open to all. Mr. Me Arthur said he was glad to hear Mr. Bourne -say - that he looked to the scholarship pupils for junior .University scholarships... Another remark he made was, that they had not learnt their Latin Grammar, but on referring to Mr. Bourne's last report,' he stated that they learnt it very rapidly, and the result of the examination showed that the scholarship boys appeared at the top of the list. Out of the first five boys they had for scholarship boys in the lower fifth and lower fourth form, and claiming one (Williamson) who only lost his scholarship by not writing Vere Poster, they had the whole five at the top in the Latin examination. He objected to junior • and senior scholarships, and agreed with' Mr. Mackay in that respect. It would not be at all wise to let a f grammar school step in and say they would take this away, from them. Then as to the age. No reason had been given by either Mr. Bourne, Mr. Mackay, or Mr. Fearnley for the age for admission, tie had fixed on fourteen. An average child could pass the Ist Standard at eight years, and' pass the others year after year, and adding on another year the age of fourteen would select the best scholarships out of the primary schools from the highest standards, and this would meet the objections of Mr. Mackay on the one side, and those of Mr. Bourne on the other. Mr. Bourne said that Auckland had not obtained junior University scholarships. He was not responsible for that, not being long enough here ; but how was it that tlae boys of the upper : class attending the secondary school had never succeeded in obtaining a junior scholarship ? Mr. Bourne here referred to his (Mr. McArthur's) own selection of young boys.and he was glad to hear that it was a wise selection, but it was not an easy matter, and caused a great deal of groping in the dark. He agreed with Mr. Bourne that the scholarship should be open to all comers. With reference to the Grammar School having no endowment for scholarships, he asked what better purpose could an endowment be put aside for than for scholarships. He was pleased with .what Mr. Mackay and Mr. Feamley had said, paying such a tribute to the boys who went up from the primary schools, and their testimony that the boys were not only clever, but that their schools were proud of' them must be most satisfacfactory and pleasing to those engaged in primary education. As to boys learning Latin at an early age, their own Professor of Classics told him that at the age of 14 he was unable to learn a Latin lesson which he had not been taught, and he was called a fool. Whether he was so now he (Mr. : McArthur) left it to the meeting to judge. i (Laughter.) At all events, he would be a j bold man who would say so now.

Mr. Hogben said they were met, not as teachers of primary schools or of secondary schools, but as persons engaged in the teaching profession, to endeavour to advance the cause of education. On the one band the primary teachers would have to make some Belf-saorifice by letting the boys go earlier than at present, and for the secondary schools to make some self-sacrifice by re-arranging their order, and the only question was finding out where the line should be drawn. In North Canterbury all candidates came primarily from primary schools, for those who went for the higher classes, D and E, from the secondary school, must originally have come from the primary school. He < coincided with Mr. Bourne rather than with Mr. Mackay. As to giving a reason for fixing an age, it was not easy to give a definite reason for one's experience, and no person could be prepared for a junior University scholarship in three years ; certainly not in less than four. He considered that there should be two classes of scholarships, for the reason that when the scholars came to them first, it waß a sort of experiment. They ought to be able to leave off either at the primary school, the secondary school, or the University, and he should vote in favour of two scholarships, and hoped the time would never come when the papers should be set by the Central Department. Mr. Coates supported Mr. Bourne's views, but suggested that Mr. Bourne should substitute 14 for 13 as the age for admission to the secondary schools. Mr. Bourne declined to make the alteration. Mr. White expressed his entire approval of the whole of the resolutions brought down by Mr. Bourne. It was the system they carried out in Dunedin, and which they had found to work admirably. After the 6th Standard was passed they should go to the higher school. He also spoke in favour of the junior and senior divisions, tie was surprised to learn the absurd system they had in Auckland with no limit in regard to age, and his advice was to the Auckland Institute to take these resolutions in their hands, and form a deputation to the Board and ask that they should be adopted. Mr. Thomson disagreed with Mr. White's remarks, and supported Mr. Mackay's amendment. Mr. Thistle, in supporting the adoption of the age limit as 13, urged that, in order to prepare for the University at 18 years of age, it was quite necessary to enter the secondary school at 13. He supported the double system of scholarships, and the age of 13 being the limit. The Chairman, before putting. the amendment, assured the meeting that there was no jealousy existing in the minds of the teachers about the boys going to the secondary schools, but the contrary. He thought, however, that the age suggested by Mr. McArthur—that of 14would be preferable to 13. Mr. Bourne replied to the remarks of Messrs. McArthur, Maokay, Mason, Fearnley, and Hogben, and, in referring to the system of examination, he consHered it nothing less than a publio scandal at in Auckland the names of the xaminera were concealedc

The two first resolutions proposed by Mr. Bourne were then put and carried on the voices. Mr. Mackay's amendment to the third of the resolutions was then put, Mr, Mackay withdrawing the words, "and who have passed the 6th Standard." A division was taken: Ayes, 13 ; noes, 15. It was then decided, as the voting was so close, to take the vote by roll, those in favour of the amendment writing "aye," and the name of their district, and vice versd, and the result was : Ayes, 15; noes, 15 ; and the Chairman gave his casting vote against the amendment, and in favour of Mr. Bourne's resolution. Mr. Bourne's motion was then put, and declared carried. No. 4 resolution was struck out, and the three resolutions as a whole were then carried. AFTERNOON SITTING. The afternoon meeting was held at two p.m. The first business was to confirm the minutes. There was a dispute as to the correctness or otherwise of the vote on the Rev. Mr. Flavell's motion on the previous day. Mr. Flavell opposed the passing of the minutes. This was opposed, and Mr. White insisted on his own correctness. A vote being taken, those present voted, and the majority being in favour of the correctness of the minutes, they were adopted. SECONDARY SCHOJLS. Mr. Mackay moved, "That this Institute is of' opinion that an examining syndicate, appointed by the Senate of the New Zealand University, to conduct the examination of secondary schools on the lines of the Examining . Syndicates of Oxford and Cambridge, would tend to promote the interests of secondary education, and respectfully memorialise the University Senate to take into its consideration at its next meeting the feasibility of such a scheme." He thought they had at present too many examinations,. The expense of an examination for a secondary school could not be less than £100. He spoke at some length in support of his motion. Mr. Fearnley seconded the resolution. Professor Aldis said the parallel between Oxford and Cambridge, and that of New Zealand was not so' great as they seemed to think. They had not here the number of under-graduates, and the professors would have to undertake the work if it was done, and he asked whether they could have the examiners to fulfil the demand. Mr. Wood said while agreeing with the motion he opposed it unless "the lines of the Oxford and Cambridge examination syndicate" were struck out. Mr. Mackay accepted the amendment, and made an explanation. Mr. Hogben also spoke. The motion was carried on the voices, teachers' pension fond. The Chairman said it was his intention to have brought forward a motion regarding a teachers' pension fund, but he thought it was desirable that this should be relegated to the next meeting at Dunedin, and in the meantime it would be considered by the Council, as the details were lengthy, and it would be brought forward at next meeting. SCHOLARSHIPS. Mr. Murray brought forward a motion that the age of 14 be substituted for 13 in the age for scholarship admission to the secondary school. He insisted on hit! right to do so, as au amendment to Mr. Bourne's motion, as the latter had not been put to the meeting as a substantive motion. After some discussion his right was admitted, and the amendment having been seconded by Mr. Webber, it was put to the meeting and lost, and Mr. Bourne's motion was carried. SCHOOL EXAMINATION. Mr. Hogben introduced this subject, and moved, " That periodical conferences of the Inspectors should be held." This was seconded by Mr. McArhtuk, and several members having spoken to it, the motion was put and carried. Mr. Hogben then moved, "That Inspectors be placed under the Central Department." • Mr. Grant seconded the motion. It was supported by Mr. Mackay, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Fearnley, and others, and carried. education 1 boards. Mr. Mackay asked leave to withdraw the motion, "That teachers in each education district be allowed to elect one member of the Education Board." It was one on whioh he did riot feel very strongly. Leave was granted. THE RESOLUTIONS. Mr. White moved that the resolutions passed at this meeting of the Institute be forwarded to the Minister of Education, and the various Education .boards, and that it be left to the officers to arrange a deputation to wait on the Hon. Mr. Stout to draw his attention to the importance of the subjects discussed. The motion was agreed to. v THANKS. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. Worthington, President, to Mr. White, Secretary, and the Press, after which the Chairman declared the meeting closed. BANQUET TO THE SOUTHERN DELEGATES. In the evening the Southern delegates attending the meeting of the New Zealand ' Educational Institute were entertained at a banquet given by the members of the Auckland branch at Robson's Commercial Dining Rooms, and a suitable and representative number of guests were present to meet them on the occasion, to do honour to them and honour to the work in which they are engaged. It wan a matter for regret that Mr. W. S. Fitzgerald, head-master of the Dunedin Normal School, and Mr. W. Milne, of the same city, both of whom had taken an active and leading part in the proceedings of the Institute meetings, had found it necessary to leave prior to the banquet, and their absence was referred to more than once, but all the other delegates were present, and a large number of prominent citizens. The dinner was one highly creditable to Mr. Robson's establishment, the menu being well arranged and admirably served. Mr. 8. Luke (Chairman of the Auckland Board of Education) J resided, supported on his right by Mr. ustice Gillies, Mr. Mackay (M.A., Wellington College), Mr. J. M. Clark, and Mr, McArthur (Principal of the Training College), 1 and on the left by Mr. T. Peacock (M.H.R.), Mr. C. F. Bourne (head-master Auckland College and Grammar School). The vice-chair was occupied by .Sir G. M. O'Rorke (M.H.R., Chairman of the Board of Grammar School Governor!*, aud of the University College Council), supported on the right by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, Mr. D. White (Otago, Secretary of the Institute), and on the left by the Rev. Dr. Kidd (Registrar of the Auckland University College), Dr. Murray-Moore, and the Rev. T. Flavell (Christchurch). Amongst the other guests present were Mr. H. H. Lusk, Mr. Tomlinson (Grammar School), Rev. D. Bruce, Mr. W. Gorrie, Captain Mahon, Mr. Sloman (head master Girls High School), Mr. Ponsonby Peacocke and Mr, Fidler (Inspectors under the Board of Education), and several others, besides members of the Institute, In all, 55 gentlemen were seated at the tables in the large dining-room. After the viands had been disposed of, the more serious business of dealing with a lengthy toast list was brought forward. The toasts of " The Queen and Royal Family" and that of " His Excellenoy the Governor" were appropriately proposed by the Chairman, who then proposed the toast of "The New Zealand Parliament." Mr. T. Peacock, in the absence of Mr. F. J. Moss, responded, and said no people could be more interested in the question of national education than the members of the Assembly. This was manifested by the disfavour with which the Colonial Treasurer's proposal to take away the 5s grant was received by the members, and the satisfaction expressed when he withdrew from that position. He had great pleasure in responding to the toast. The Vice-chairman proposed the toast of the Boards of Education. He referred to the great importance of the education department on the future of the colony, as when the colony grew older their statesmen and instructors must come from those now being educated. He was thankful when he received the invitation to be present this evening, and had read with pleasure the proceedings of their meetings this week. The oldest men in the colony had assembled to reveal to them the arcana of education, and the Educational Institute was closely associated with the Boards, whose health he now proposed. Mr. S. Luke, Chairman of the Auckland Board of Education, responded. He might only Bay that they might have shortcomings, but they did their best, and worked harmoniously with the teachers. They looked on teachers as occupying high offices. They had a great deal to do, but they tried to do it thoroughly and well, and the Board tried to help them as far as lay in their power.

He was glad ,to see so many Southern members up here, and considered their presence, and the meeting just held, would give an impetus to the cause of education. Without further remark, he would thank them for the manner in which the toast had been proposed and responded to. The Chairman said he had,, to propose now a toast, whioh was not on the programme, but which they would all receive with pleasure. It was " The Health of His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies." What he had done in the cause of education recently, and the gifts made to the cause in the Gillies and Sinclair Scholarships, they were no doubt all aware of, but they might not be so well acquainted with what he had don« years ago, when he was Superintendent of the province of Auckland. " When be (Mr. Luke) came to him then about the Otahuhu school, he was courteously and civilly received, and all that was then-possible was done. He had great pleasure in proposing the toast. (Cheers.) Mr. Justice Gillies said that had he thought he should be thus pillowed before the the Educational Institute,' he doubted if he should have accepted the invitation, and as he observed that this was an interpolated toast it would be bad s taste on his part to inflict a speech on them. • All he could say was that he took a deep interest in primary education, and one of his proudest remembrances was that when Superintendent, when associated • with • the late Dr. Nicholson and." Mr. - Hugh Lusk, and Mr. Swanson, who out of his own pooket provided the cost of procuring works on the education systems of England and America for comparison— was, he said, his proudest remembrance that they got the Education Act of 1872 passed.' (Cheers.)- It was the first which laid down the principles of free, secular, and compulsory education —(cheers) —and he trusted that these principles would be maintained as the foundation of the system. He hoped no sectarian feeling would be allowed to interfere with it. It was free so that the poorest could have its advantages ; secular, so that it was not for a portion only, but for all, and being free, all were compelled to be educated as the cheapest way of preventing crime. (Cheers.) He should say no more, but thank them for having proposed and drunk the toast of his health. (Cheers.) The toagtofthe " New Zealand University" was proposed by the Chairman, and responded by the Rev, D. Bruce. The toast of " Secondary Schools " was proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr. 0. F. Bourne (Auckland), and Mr. J. Mackay (Wellington). The Vice-chairman proposed the "Training Colleges," aud Mr. McArtbuk responded, and the toast of the " Primary Sohools," proposed by the Vice-Chaibman, was responded to by Mr. E. M. C. Harrison.

Mr. Peacock; (M.H.R.) proposed "The Educational Institute of New Zealand." One thing that struck him on seeing so many seated at the table, engaged in the education of the youth of the colony, waR the immense influence which they exercised, although they might not be able to trace its ramifications. Few things were more calculated to improve the efficiency of the teaching system than those periodical meetings in centres of population. Opinions from such a body must have great weight with Boards of Education, with the Government, and with the Legislature. He was sure they would all join him in wishing hearty prosperity to the institution, coupled with the name of Mr. Worthington. (Cheers.) Mr. Wohthington said, in thanking them for the high honour done to him, he would not say that he did not deserve it, for he had done his best, and the office which he had held for some time involved a great amount of anxiety and trouble, but that he valued as nought as compared with the able services rendered and the sympathy experienced in the conduct of the meetings 'during the present week. The Institute had only been formed two or three years. He was present two years ago at Christchurch, when the meeting was presided over by Dr. Macdonald, of Dunedin, and getting his encouragement they went forward. He would not now occupy bis present position only that the state of Dr. Macdonald's health prevented him from taking it. They did not meet in any spirit of pride, but as experts who claimed to be able to give Boards and Departments assistance on this question of education, which they knew they could give. They felt it their duty to put before those bodies the relations in which they stood to them. He thanked them for the distinguished manner in which his name was mentioned, and was sure his successor, Mr. Fitzgerald, would do more than he had done in upholding the honour of the New Zealand Educational Institute. (Cheers.)

The toast of "The Inspectors of Schools " was proposed by Mr. H. H. l ust, and responded to by Mr. Ponsonby Pkacock ; that of the " Retiring Officers" was proposed by Mr. Fkarnley, of Nelson, and responded to by the Secretary, Mr. D. White, M.A., Otago. The "Officers of the Institute" was proposed by Mr. George Hogben, M.A., North Canterbury, and responded to by Mr. A. B. Thomson, Napier. The c Visitors'' was proposed by Mr. Bailey, and responded to by the Rev. T. FlaVkll. Christchurch, and the toast of the "Auckland Branch" was propose J. by the Rev.'T. Flavell, and responded to by the Rev. R. Coates. The Press" was proposed by Mr. Worthington and duly "acknowledged. Several songs were sung at intervals during the evening, and the gathering was throughou ta cordial and successful one.