EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

Otago Witness, Issue 3278, 10 January 1917, Page 25

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, January 3. The thirty-fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute was opened to-day, Mr W. Eudey (Dunedin) presiding. After the delegates had been welcomed by the Mayor, Ur Anderson (Director of Education) delivered an interesting address, reviewing the position of education in the dominion. Ho urged that moral as well as mental and physical development should receive more attention in primary schools; that the various forms of secondary education should be under some form of single control; and that there should be between the secondary schools and the university a much closer bond than at present exists. The need for a compulsory system of education for children who leave school at the age of 14 was stressed at the New Zealand Educational Institute meeting, and a remit was adopted urging the Minister to inaugurate some scheme as stfon as possible. A lengthy discussion took place on the question of the abolition of Education Boards, and the following remit was carried:—"That the institute regrets Parliament's action in establishing nine education districts, thus minimising the possibilities of reform TO our educational system. The institute strongly urges the Government to abolish the present education districts and place the control of education under a National Board of Education."

Other remits adopted urged the allowance of 12 square feet floor space per child in schools; provision for uniform regulations on the question of sick leave for teachers; and that the department be asked to establish consolidated schools in suitabta places, with a view to demonstrating their efficiency and economical working. A further remit adopted read: '"That a code of instructions be issued to inspectors from the department ''as to the interpretation of the syllabus." January 4. The Education Conference to-day passed motions that no class should contain more than 40 pupils, and that appointments of teachers should be made by the Education Department.

The conference adopted the following ad ditional remits and recommendations:

"That, with regard to grading, in order to remove certain numerous cases of anomalies, it is urgently necessary to construct a scale of salaries based on efficiency and service, and not as at present on average attendance, the institute to take the initial steps and submit a scale to the authorities." " That the Education Act be so amended as to empower teachers in each education district to elect a member to represent them on the education board of that district."

'"That the amendment of clause 2 o 4 the regulations relating to the reduction of staffs of schools through falling attendance is far too drastic, and should be immediately revoked or amended."

A further resolution pointed out the dangers to be feared from putting into force the powers possessed by the Minister to reduce staffs, which would mean that things would be reduced to a state of chaos. If there were teachers available to fill up the gaps they should have them; if not, then they should devise means and en-deavour..-to proceed as at present. January 5. At the Conference of the Pklucational Institute to-day tho election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr L. T. Deberry; vice-president, Mr A. N. Burns; secretary, Mr 11. A. Parkinson; treasurer, Mr E. W. Just; non-official members of executive—North Island: Mr R. L. M'lllroy: South Island: Miss M'Kenzie. After some discussion a resolution was adopted recording the institute's approval of the action of the Canterbury Education Board in refusing to lodge appeals for teachers against military service.