EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9284, 11 February 1889, Page 6

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

The ordinary meeting of ■ the Auckland Educational Institute was held on Saturday afternoon last at the Wellesley-street School, Mr. R. D. Stewart being in the chair. About a dozen members were present. Votes of Thanks. —On the motion of Mr. Cronin, seconded by Mr. Percival, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Francis and Mr. Adams, and also to Mrs. Harden for their kindness in consenting to act as delegates for the Auckland branch ot the Institute. Mrs. Harden returned thanks on behalf of herself and her colleagues.

Alteration in the Act.Mr. Stewart brought up the matter of obtaining united action of the various branches of the New Zealand Educational Institute, in the event of any amendments in the Education Act being brought before Parliament. Mr. Worthington explained that the matter had been dealt with by the Council at Wellington, who had appointed a committee to watch during the progress of educational debates in Parliament, for the purpose of controverting, through the Press or otherwise, any misstatement that may be made. And, in a deputation to the Minister of Education, Mr. 1 isher had promised.to furnish to the secretary of the Council copies of proposed alterations in the Act.

Scientific Apparatus.—The President also referred to the heavy duty which was now being charged on scientific apparatus for the use of schools. He had been informed that Professors Brown and Thomas had written to the Commissioner of Customs at Wellington, asking him to allow such apparatus to come in free of duty. He (the president) had also written to the Commissioner of Customs as follows:—"I have the honour to bring to your notice the fact that the levying of duty on scientific apparatus discourages the teaching of experimental science in our public schools. Many teachers in this provincial district are out of their own pockets providing the cost of such apparatus for their schools; and I respectfully submit that, in its own interest, the State might well forego the comparatively small amount of duty derived from this source. I am informed that apparatus for the use of University Colleges is admitted free. Why should not the public schools be treated in the same manner? Such apparatus is not manufactured in the colony, so that no injury would be done to any class. Trussing you will give this matter your careful consideration, I have, &c., R. D. Stewart, President of the Auckland Branch of the Educational Institute." The action of the president was approved.

Proceedings of the Council.—Mrs. Harden read a paper giving some account of the proceedings of the Council of the Institute at Wellington, and received a vote of thanks for it.