THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 1271, 12 February 1910, Page 3

THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

[United Pfess Association.] Wellington, Feb. 11. The Education Conference to-day resolved that the avenue to secondary education should be quite free and unrestricted, the eligibility therefore to be dependent on a primary school leaving certificate, awarded on the joint representation of the headmasters and inspectors of the schools. ' The Education Conference adopted a motion favouring the extension of the school age to. fifteen, and that all boys and girls not receiving full time in secondary instruction or technical schools beyond that age should attend continuation classes till they reach the age of seventeen. An interesting discussion took place on the work of the Stratford District High School, which gave practical attention to dairying and allied subjects. The Inspector-General said he hoped' they would see other and similar schools following on these lines. Mr Alexander, the director of the Lincoln Agricultural College, drew attention to the lack. of knowledge possessed hy some students of English and tho weakness in mathematics. He favoured continuation classes in agriculiujre. After a discussion on the scholarships, Mr Holmes, of Hawke's Bay, moved— That all Junior National and Education Board Scholarships be abolished, but sufficient travelling expenses and boarding allowances be made to pupils attending secondary schools at a distance or are obliged to live away from home. The abolition of the scholarships named was agreed to by 29 votes to 17, and the rest of the motion was carried on the voices.