SCHOOL STANDARD REGULATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 17

SCHOOL STANDARD REGULATIONS.

Wellington, June 19.

The new standard regulations for schools, which are to come into force on July 1, have now received the - approval of the Cabinet. Most of the changes which have been made are on the lines recommended by the recent conference of inspectors. Pass examinations for Standards I and II are in future to be conducted by the teachers of the several schools, examination in the rest of the standards being left in the hands of the inspectors as before. The use of percentages to indicate the results of examinations is to be abandoned, the new regulations in this respect agreeing with the regulations in force from 1878 to 1887. In Standard IV, grammar, which was a pass subject, is made a class subject, and geography, which was a class subject, is made a pass subject, the most difficult par t of geography being transferred to Standard V. Composition for Standard IV is more precisely defined. Part of Standard IV, geometrical drawing, is transferred to Standard V. Solid geometry remains in Standard VI, but as an alternative and not as a compulsory subject. The knowledge of simple geometrical terms, formerly prescribed for Standard 111, has been reinstated. The teaching of geometrical drawing to girls is not ia future to be compulsory. The pass for arithmetic has been lightened by removing mental arithmetic to the position of a class subject. Stress is laid upon the comprehension of language and reading lessons, and the requirements of an elementary knowledge of social economy in Standard VI is emphasised. The decisions of the inspectors vrith regard to the tests to be applied to arithmetic and spelling has been for the most part accepted.

The commissioner of police has received a cablegram confirming the news of the arrest of Bailey, the New Zealand absconder, in Dubbo, (N.S.W.), with £900 in his possession. Bailey was a stockdrover and dealer, and in April last suddenly disappeared after disposing in Palmer* ston North and Hawke's Bay of a mob of cattle belonging, it is alleged, to small settlers in and around Taranaki district. A constable will be eeut immediately to bring accused back. ,