COMMISSION ON EDUCATION.

West Coast Times, 21 June 1912, Page 4

COMMISSION ON EDUCATION.

SITTING AT INVERCARGILL [p)£R PRESS ASSOCIATION.- COPYRIGHT. INVERCARGILL, Juno 20. The Commission on Education sat here to-day, all the members being present. J Crosby Smith, representative of the Southland Education Board, gave evidence that he did not think that further power could be wisely given to Education Boards, while all their money was being derived from tho Consolidated revenue. Ho advocated a conveyance allowance to allow for the centralisation of schools and the substitution of nature study for sonic of the subjects in tho syllabus. A number of teachers and the Southland Board’s Inspector (Mr. Henry) were hoard, and all were more or less in favour of tho adoption of some scheme of centralisation. One teacher expressed tho view that the present syllabus enjoined methods of teaching and proscribed matter that could reasonably he proscribed only under ideal conditions, which did not obtain. Representatives of tho Educational Institute gave evidence touching on tho promotion scheme propounded by tho Institute, and two teachers expressed opinion hat there would ho no objection to (the importation of male teachers in moderate numbers. Advice received states that tho Prime Minister has extended the Commission's term until July 25th, when their report is due.