NEW ZEALAND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9131, 13 August 1888, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

AUCKLAND BRANCH.

The Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute held their ordinary meeting at the Training College on Saturday afternoon. There was a large attendance. Mr. R. D. Stuart presided.

New Members. following new members were elected :— Mrs. Woodward, Misses Robb, Picken % and B. Picken, and Messrs. Chapman and Chambers.

Notices of Motion.—Mr. Scott t gave notice to move at next meeting : " 1. That it is the opinion of this Institute that in laying out village settlements and Government townships endowments should be set aside for primary education. 2. That it is the opinion of this Institute that arrangements should be made whereby the certificates issued by the Education Department in this and the neighbouring colonies may have a standard relative value in each of the colonies." The Charges of Immorality.l he Chairman read a statement which he had drawn out at the request of the committee in reference to the recent charges made at Wellington of immorality in the Auckland schools. The committee considered the charges vague and indefinite, and entirely unworthy of credence, and claimed that to the best of their belief no case <>f immorality had ever occurred in the Auckland schools, and that it would be impossible for such a state of things to exist without coming under the notice of the teachers. The best thanks of the committee were due to Mr. Goldie for his prompt action in defence of the Auckland schools. It was decided to take no further notice of the matter. Conference of Teachers.—The following recommendations, submitted by a committee, were adapted: — "1. That a conference of teachers be held during the Michaelmas holidays to consider matters affecting the educational welfare of this colony. "2. That the following questions be discussed at that conference : (a) The question of technical instruction in its relation to primary schools, (b) Is it desirable that free night schools be maintained by Boards of Education? (<•) Whether standard examinations are doing good or harm to education in this colony ? (d) The present system of granting teachers' certificates." " 3. That a circular be drawn up inviting all teachers to the conference, and requesting that if they have any question which they wish discussed, they will forward notice of such question to the secretary, Mr. Purdie, Nelson-street School, on or before September 7, 1888." Mr. Scott explained that the committee deemed such a conference desirable, as a misconception seemed to exist in the public mind as to the actual work done in primary schools, and, furthermore, that teachers should have an opportunity of enlightening the general public upon the utility of the various subjects. Such a conference would also tend greatly to foster the usefulness of the branch.