EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13453, 1 June 1907, Page 5

EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

INTER-IMPEEIAL CO-OPERA-

TION.

THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS.

By Telegraph.-—Press Association— London, May 30. At the Imperial Education Conference yesterday the discussion as to the advisableness of closer co-opera-tion throughout the Empire was concluded. | The decisions come to were in the direction of the mutual recognition of certificates, and the mutual admission to courses of study at the universities, technical schools, and agricultural [colleges. Mr. Butcher thought that the whole matter must be worked out by arrangement. Sir Philip Jones (Sydney) thought that other universities might imitate Sydney's liberal concessions to the undergraduates of other universities. Mr. Adam son (Melbourne) suggested the formation of a union of the great boys' schools of the Empire. The old boys' association or the League of the Empire would be a suitable organising centre. Mr. Tate (Victoria.) addressing the training of teachers section, said that though immense good arose from teachers being in close association with the university, it was necessary to sound a note of warninga distinguished university career was not a substitute for the power to teach. Victoria's experience proved that a preliminary period as a junior assistant before the training college course was necessary. Mr. Williams (Director of Education for South Australia) addressed the nature study section, and outlined the South Australian system. ' (Received May 31, 9.19 p.m.) London, May 31. - At the Education Conference yesterday the relation of the universities and the Empire were discussed. Lord Curzon, writing to apologise for his absence, said that there could be no greater mistake than to treat the universities in the colonies and other component parts of the Empire with aloofness. The supreme merit of the conference was that the fact of its being held presupposed equality of interest and identity -of purpose.

■ Mr. Balfour delivered an important speech. He dwelt on the preposterous importance the universities attached to examinations. He regarded the post-graduate course as the highest and most valuable work of the universities. He hoped that a mutual arrangement would be come to by the universities of the Empire, not only to stimulate post-graduate research, but to' encourage its prosecution by members travelling throughout the Empire, and thus bringing about a close community of interest in matters of the highest intellect, j

Ultimately the Conference resolved that it was desirable that a committee, representing the universities, be formed to investigate the possibility of exchange of information relating to courses and* standards among the universities of the Empire. ' •

' Sir Gilbert Parker hinted that if a bureau of information were established he would 'be able to obtain a certain amount of money for its support.

Sir Philip Jones (Sydney) said'a bureau for disseminating information would bring about a much-need-ed interchange of students.

.The objects of the' League of the Empire mentioned by Mr. Adamson are to 'further friendly and educational intercourse between schools and other educational institutions of the Empire, and to bring about a large co-operation between the different classes, as also between the different countries of the Empire.