EDUCATION CONFERENCE (MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT THE), 18th to 21st JULY, 1899.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, E-01c

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1899. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION CONFERENCE (MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT THE), 18th to 21st JULY, 1899.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Conference was convened by the Wanganui Education Board, which issued the following circular:—■ Education Board, Wanganui, 13th June, 1899. We have the honour to recommend that a Conference of the Education Boards of the colony be held in Wellington during the session of Parliament, at which eaoh Board should be represented by one of its membeis and an Inspector, and that a representative of the teachers from eaoh education district should be invited to attend. Amongst other matters to be discussed we would suggest the following:— Drawing. —Suggest that it be a class subjeot. Geography. —Suggest that it be a olaas subjeot for Standards 111. to VI. Grammar.— Suggest that it be a pass subject for Standards 111. to VI. Reading-books.— Whether it would not be advisable to have only two reading books for the colony. Keading-books to contain at least six lessons on physical and economic effects of the use of alcohol. Reading unprepared passage from some book not so difficult as the book prescribed for standards. Two reading-books at least to bo used for Standards 1., 11., 111. Effects of use of alcohol on body and mind to be included in soience for Standards IV., V., VI., and to be a class subject. Elements of book-keeping to be inoluded in writing for Standards IV., V., VI. Revision of syllabus of arithmetic. —With a view of avoiding, as far as possible, differences in the several education districts, it is proposed to define distinctly the requirements in all standards. Grading Schools.— Wβ suggest that all schools require pass subjects. Larger schcols should have more class subjects, or additional subjects, according to size. Drill to be a class subject. G. S. Bridge, Chairman.

Tuesday, 18th July, 1899. The Conference met at the Education Board's Eoom, Wellington, at 10 a.m. Delegates Present. —Southland :• Mr. W. McAlister (Board), Mr. James Hendry (Inspector). Otago: Mr. P. Goyen (Inspector), Mr. J. Garrow (teacher). South Canterbury: Eev. George Barclay (Board), Mr. J. G. Gow (Inspector), Mr. J. A. Johnson (teacher). North Canterbury: Mr. T. S. Weston (Board), Dr. Anderson (Inspector), Mr. J. G. L. Scott (teacher). Westland: Mr. McWhirter (Board), Mr. A. J. Morton (Inspector), Mr. T. H. Gill (teacher). Grey: Mr. J. Petrie (Board), Mr. W. S. P. Fetch (Inspector), Mr. W. W. Bird (teacher). Nelson : Mr. George Talbot (Board), Mr. W. Ladley (Inspector). Marlborough: Mr. John Smith (Inspector). Wellington : Mr. J. E. Blair (Board), Mr. Eobert Lee (Inspector), Mr. W. T. Grundy (teacher). Wanganui: Mr. G. S. Bridge (Board), Mr. W. H. Vereker-Bindon (Inspector), Mr. James Aitken (teacher). Taranaki: Mr. Hector Dempsey (teacher). On the motion of Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. J. E. Blair, Chairman of the Wellington Education Board, was asked to take the position of Chairman of the Conference. Mr. Blair declined on account of press of business engagements. Mr. G. S. Bridge, of the Wanganui Board, was appointed Chairman. On the motion of Mr. Goyen, seconded by Mr. Gow, Mr. J. A. Johnson was appointed secretary. Mr. George Hogben, Inspector-General of Schools, was present (by invitation). The Chairman expressed his pleasure at seeing so many delegates present, and introduced to the meeting the Hon. the Minister of Education. The Hon. Mr. Walker addressed the Conference, welcoming the members on behalf of the Government and on behalf of the citizens of Wellington. He spoke upon several questions that would probably occupy the attention of the members.*

* See Appendix.

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Vote of Thanks. —On the motion of Mr. T. S. Weston, seconded by Rev. George Barclay, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Hon. the Minister for his address. Teachers. —Mr. James Aitken thanked the Boards for inviting the teachers to the Conference. Order of Business. —-A discussion took place in regard to the order of business. Finally it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Petrie, seconded by Mr. Fetch, " That a committee be appointed to draw up an Order Paper." The Committee consisted of six members : Rev. George Barclay and Mr. Talbot (Boards), Dr. Anderson and Mr. Goyen (Inspectors), and Messrs. Grundy and Gill (teachers). Mr. Riley, Director of the Wellington Technical School, was invited to attend the Conference. The meeting adjourned till 2 p.m.

Second Session. The Conference resumed at 2 p.m. Minutes. —The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed. Report of Committee. —Bey. George Barclay reported for the Committee appointed to draw up an Order Paper. Copies of the Order Paper were laid on the table. Correspondence. —The Chairman read a letter from the Secretary of the Southland Educational Institute, pointing out that the notice from the Wanganui Board came too late for the branch to appoint a delegate. Time Limit. —Moved by Mr. Goyen, seconded by Mr. Gill, and carried, " That twenty minutes be allowed to the proposer of any motion and ten minutes to each succeeding speaker." Capitation Grant. —Moved by Mr. T. S. Weston, and seconded by Mr. Goyen, "That the Government; be respectfully moved to increase the capitation grant by the sum of 55." The following amendment was moved by Mr. McAlister, and seconded by Mr. Smith, " That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is desirable to amend the Education Act in the following direction : (a) To abolish the present system of capitation grant; (b) to empower the Governor in Council to make regulations for fixing the capitation allowance payable to Boards throughout the colony upon the average attendance a.t each school, such allowance to be on a graduated scale, the amount per pupil in average attendance being largest in the case of the smaller schools, and becoming less as the average attendance increased." The amendment was carried by 13 to 11. Mr. McAlister's motion being now discussed as a substantive motion, Mr. Grundy moved, and Mr. Aitken seconded, " That the debate be adjourned till 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning." Carried. Mr. Grundy moved, and Mr. Gill seconded, " That a Committee of members of the Boards attending the Conference be appointed to consider the whole question and report." Carried. Deputation from New Zealand Alliance. —Mr. Aitken moved, and Mr. Talbot seconded, " That a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance be received by the Conference at 4 p.m. on Wednesday." Lost. Epidemics. —Mr. T. S. Weston moved, and Mr. Smith seconded, " That in any case when an epidemic breaks out causing a decrease in the teachers' salaries, the capitation grant from the Government should be calculated on the previous year's attendance." Carried. Time of Adjournment. —lt was resolved that the Conference sit till 5.30 p.m. and resume at 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning. Amendment of School Attendance Act. —Moved by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Aitken, and carried, " That the Government be asked to amend section 3 and section 7 of Act, as follows ":— Section 3 to read : " Subject to the provisions of the principal Act, every child between the age of seven years and the age of years is hereby required to attend some public school at least six times a week, and not less than thirty times in four consecutive weeks when the school is open nine times each week, and to make in any one week in which the school is open less than nine times a week, at least two-thirds of the possible number of attendances, morning and afternoon attendances being separately counted : Provided also that the parent of any child may apply for and receive a notice in writing-, hereinafter called ' School Exemption Certificate,' in the form or to the effect of Schedule hereto, &o." School Exemption Oebtificate XJndeb School Attendance Act. Name of school: Name of child : Age of child : Ground of exemption : Period of exemption : Date of certificate : Chairman, or two members School Committee. Section 7 : " When any child required by this Act to attend a public school has been enrolled in the register of a public school, and not having obtained a school exemption certificate, does not attend at least six times in any one week in which the school is open nine times, or fails to make at least thirty attendances in any four consecutive weeks in the course of which the school is open nine times each week, or fails to make at least two-thirds of the number of attendances in any week in the course of which the school is open less than nine times a week," &c. The Conference adjourned till 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Third Session.—Wednesday, 19th July, 1899. The Conference resumed at 10 a.m. The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed. Beportof Committee on Mr. McAlister's Motion. —Mr. McAlister reported for the committee as follows :— 1. That the limited time at the disposal of your committee renders it impossible for them to prepare such a graduated scale as the importance of this subject demands.

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2. Wβ recommend that the principle of a graduated scale be affirmed. 3. That the Conference be recommended to pass a resolution impressing upon the Government the urgent necessity existing in every district in the colony for an increased capitation allowance. 4. That in computing such capitation allowance upon the proposed graduated .scale, the annual payment to each Board be not less than £4 per pupil per annum; and that the smaller districts receive special consideration over and above the £4 capitation. The report was received. The adjourned debate on Mr. McAlister's motion was proceeded with. Mr. McAlister's motion was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. McWhirter, seconded by Mr. McAlister, the above report was carried unanimously. Election of Education Boards and of Committees. —Mr. T. S. Weston moved, and Mr. Talbot seconded, " That the Government be moved to amend the present Acts providing for the election of School Committees and Education Boards in the direction of securing more complete representation of the people." Amendment: Mr. Petrie moved, and Mr. McWhirter seconded, " That, in the opinion of this Conference, the voting for members of Boards take place on one day. That the individual vote of members of Committees be recorded instead of at present that of Committees." The amendment was carried. Mr. Lee proposed, and Mr. Grundy seconded, "That increased voting power be given to individual members of School Committees of larger schools." Lost. Individual Standard Pass. —Mr. Grundy moved, and Mr. Goyen seconded, " That, in the opinion of this Conference, the individual standard pass should be abolished." During the debate on this subject the time-limits were extended to forty minutes and twenty minutes. Proposed by Dr. Anderson, as an amendment: — " (1.) That, as an academical principle, the method of examining schools which imposes upon the Inspector the sole duty of estimating in general terms, with more or less of detail, the character of the instruction and the adequacy and suitability of the educational arrangements, as against the principle the application of which requires the Inspector to inquire into the proficiency of individual pupils, as regards either their average attainments in a standard programme or their individual attainments in separate subjects, be approved. " (2.) That the Conference, however, recognises the benefits the existing 'pass' arrangements have in the past conferred upon the country, especially as to their efficiency in checking the continuance of inferior work, where the general sense of the local community is not sufficiently elevated to place good educational results before personal considerations in various forms; and recognises, further, the difficulty under certain circumstances of making a general-estimate system equally effective. " (3.) That, in consequence, the Conference does not find itself at present in a position to recommend without limitations the general adoption of a system of examination which, while encouraging a better type of instruction under favourable circumstances, may, in a proportion of schools varying with the educational progress of the community, endanger the securities an individual system provides. " (4.) That, as a rule, the conditions favourable to the introduction of a general-estimate system«are commonly found in the large type of school, and may or may not exist in schools of the smaller type; but that, to avoid invidious distinction, the system of examination in both be ostensibly identical, and retain accordingly the outward form of the present individual pass examination, while leaving to the Inspector the option of taking, at his discretion, a greater or less share in the determination of the individual passes. "(5.) That, to carry out the purpose indicated, every head or sole teacher in a school be required, in anticipation of the Inspector's annual examination, to fill out the standard schedules with the names of their pupils, the estimates of their proficiency in the several subjects essential to promotion, and the teacher's judgment of the ' passes and failures' in the standards. " (6.) That the Inspector, at his discretion, accept the proposed promotions and confirm them, or modify the teachers' judgments, as may seem to him fit; but that he shall, notwithstanding,«so conduct his examination of the school as to enable him to express in his report, with greater or less detail, his general estimate of the subjects and classes. " (7.) That, in determining the promotions of the pupils, the following be the subjects which teacher and Inspector shall regard as forming the essential basis of promotion: (a) reading, (6) spelling and dictation, (c) writing, (d) arithmetic, (c) composition and the grammatical basis of composition. " (8.) That, in estimating the promotions, reading receive two marks—one mark for fluent reading in the ordinary class-book and one mark for unseen reading—or, in case of the lower classes, for merit in reading a"second reading-book; spelling and writing, each one mark ; arithmetic, one mark for simple mechanical exercises, and one mark for merit as shown by the ability to do 'mental' exercises, or sums requiring some process of thinking; composition (theme), one mark, and the grammatical basis of composition one mark—eight marks in all, six to count for a ' pass.' " (9.) That the above be regarded as ' pass ' subjects in the school, and be obligatory in every school. " (10.) That a second group of subjects, partly obligatory and partly optional, be regarded as subjects in which the individual proficiency of the pupil in reference to promotion may be disregarded, and that these be called class-subjects—viz.: (a) drawing, (b) geography, (c) history and social economy, (d) object-lessons and science, (c) manual occupations. " (11.) That in a single-handed school—that is. one having only one certificated teacher— drawing and geography be obligatory class-subjects, but that no other class-subjects may be taken

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in such a school, provided that, with the consent of the Board, manual occupations may be substituted for geography on condition that geographical readers be used throughout the classes concerned as supplementary reading-books. " 12. That in all other schools drawing and geography be likewise regarded as obligatory classsubjects, and that such schools take up throughout the classes one other class-subject selected from the groups, History and social economy, science and object-lessons, and manual occupations, provided, that in classes below Standard 111. object-lessons and manual occupations be both included, and that in Standards 111. to VI. a history reading-book be used as a supplementary reader in any class or classes in which history is not taken as a class-subject. " 13. That, in reference to the promotions provided for in Resolutions 7 and 8, it be regarded as no reproach to a teacher if in any one year he fails to promote more than 75 per cent, of his pupils in each of the classes Standard 111. to Standard VI., provided that the remainder give evidence of having received a fair share of attention, and have made fair progress towards the requirements for promotion." After Dr. Anderson had spoken, Mr. Scott moved the adjournment of the debate till 2.30 p.m.

The Conference resumed at 2.30 p.m. Dr. Anderson's notices of motion were laid on the table. Abolition of Standard Pass. —Mr. J. G. Lawrence Scott resumed the debate on Mr. Grundy's motion. Amendment: Mr. T. 8. Weston moved, and Eev. George Barclay seconded :— "1. That, as an academical principle, the method of examining schools which imposes upon the Inspector the sole duty of estimating in general terms, with more or less of detail, the character of the instruction and the adequacy and suitability of the educational arrangements as against the principle the application of which requires the Inspector to inquire into the proficiency of individual pupils as regards either their average attainments in a standard programme or their individual attainments in separate subjects, be approved. " 2. That the Conference, however, recognises the benefits the existing ' pass ' arrangements have in the past conferred upon the country, especially as to their efficiency in checking the con.tinuance of inferior work where the general sense of the local community is not sufficiently elevated to place good educational results before personal considerations in various forms; and recognises, further, the difficulty under certain circumstances of making a general-estimate system equally effective. " 3. That, in consequence, the Conference finds itself in a position to recommend only to a limited extent the general adoption of a system of examination which, while encouraging a better type of instruction under favourable circumstances, may in a proportion of schools, varying with the educational progress of the community, endanger the securities an individual system provides." After a lengthy debate the amendment was lost. Ayes, 10: Messrs. Anderson, Barclay, Bindon, Bridge, Fetch, Gow, Lee, McWhirter, Morton, and Weston. Noes, 16 : Messrs. Aitken, Bird, Dempsy, Garrow, Gill, Goyen, Grundy, Hendry, Johnson, Ladley, McAlister, MacGregor, Petrie, Smith, Scott, and Talbot. Amendment: Mr. Petrie moved, Mr. Aitken seconded, " That the following words be added to the motion: ' But that the right is reserved to the Inspector to examine all the pupils gf any class or of any school, if he see fit.' " Carried. The motion, as amended, was put and carried. Ayes, 23 : Messrs. Aitken, Bindon, Bird, Bridge, Dempsey, Fetch, Garrow, Gill, Gow, Goyen, Grundy, Hendry, Johnson, Ladley, McAlister, MacGregor, McWhirter, Morton, Petrie, Scott, Smith, Talbot, Weston. Noes, 3: Messrs. Anderson, Barclay, Lee. Delegate from Otago Board. —Shortly after the beginning of the afternoon debate, Hon. J. MacGregor took his place as a member of the Conference. Invitations. —(l.) A letter waa read from Major L. W. Loveday inviting the members of Conference to hear the lads belonging to the Battalion Garrison Band at practice. (2.) Mr. Eiley invited the members of Conference to go over the Technical School to-morrow afternoon. Syllabus. —Mr. Lee proposed, " That, in constructing any amended standard syllabus, the whole work of the several standards be divided into two or more sections, and that every scholar be classified in each section separately." Seconded by Mr. Garrow (pro formd). Notices of Motion. —(l.) Mr. McAlister: "That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is desirable that the department should make regulations for the uniform staffing of schools throughout the colony on the basis of the average attendance at each school, and for fixing the salaries payable to teachers throughout the colony on the same basis." (2.) Mr. Smith: "That the examination and classification of pupil-teachers throughout the colony bo undertaken by the department." (3.) Mr. Aitken: "That the Conference is prepared to receive a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance at a time to be fixed." Adjournment. —Mr. Goyen moved the adjournment of debate until 7.30 p.m.

3?oubth Session, The Conference resumed at 7.30 p.m. The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed. Mr. Lee's Motion. —On the motion of Mr. Gill, seconded by Mr. Bindon, the debate on Mr. Lee's motion was adjourned. Technical and Manual Instruction. —The motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. Weston was withdrawn by the mover, in favour of that proposed by Mr. Eiley.

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Mr. Eiley moved, " That the present syllabus be modified to such an extent as to permit of the introduction of varied occupations, manual and domestic instruction." Dr. Anderson seconded the motion. The Conference adjourned for ten minutes to examine specimens of work brought from England by Mr. Eiley, the specimens illustrating his speech. Motion was carried. On the motion of Mr. Weston, the Conference adjourned till 10 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Fifth Session. —Thuusday, 20th July, 1899. The Conference resumed at 10 a.m. The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed. Classification of Pupils. —Mr. Grundy moved, and Mr. Scott seconded, " That the principal teacher of a school shall have full discretion to arrange his pupils in different classes for different subjects according to their ability and proficiency with respect to these subjects." After some discussion in regard to the relation of Mr. Grundy's motion to Mr. Lee's, postponed from the previous session, it was decided that Mr. Lee's motion be taken first, and that Mr. Grundy's motion be taken as an amendment. Mr. Goyen continued the debate on Mr. Lee's motion. The amendment was carried by 20 to 1. Amendment: Mr. T. S. Weston moved, and Mr. Gill seconded, the following addition to Mr. Grundy's motion: " That, notwithstanding anything contained in this resolution, the pupils of a school shall still be regarded as belonging to some standard class, on the basis of the average attainments in essential subjects." A division was called for on the amendment. Ayes, 17 : Messrs. Aitken, Anderson, Barclay, Bindon, Bridge, Fetch, Gill, Gow, Hendry, Ladley, Lee, McWhirter, Morton, Petrie, Scott, Smith, Talbot. Noes, 8: Messrs. Dempsey, Garrow, Goyen, Grundy, Johnson, McAlister, MacGregor, Weston, Mr. Grundy's motion as amended was carried unanimously. Grant for Manual and Technical Instruction. —Mr. Weston moved, and Mr. Eiley seconded, " That Government be respectfully moved to increase the grant for manual and technical instruction by a sum of not less than £10,000." The Chairman proposed, and Dr. Anderson seconded, the following amendment: "That the words after ' by ' be struck out, and the following words substituted, ' materially increasing the capitation allowance under the Manual and Technical Elementary Instruction Act, and by providing funds for the erection and furnishing of the necessary class-rooms.' " Amendment carried by 19 to 1. Mr. McWhirter proposed, and Mr. McAlister seconded, the following addition to the Chairman's motion : " That, in the distribution of money devoted to the purposes of manual and technical instruction, country districts should receive special consideration by the extension of the present gradation in the captitation." The motion, as amended, was carried. Correspondence. —(1.) From Sir E~. O. Gibbes, asking for opportunity to place before the Conference the claims of the Habens Scholarship. Resolved, That an opportunity be given at the commencement of the afternoon session. (2.) From the Yerex and Jones Company, inviting the Conference to inspect their samples of school furniture, &c, and enclosing a catalogue. (3.) From the Honorary Secretary of the National Council of the Women of New Zealand, bringing before the notice of the Conference certain resolutions passed unanimously by that body. On the motion of Mr. Aitken, the letter was received. The Conference adjourned till 2.30 p.m.

Sixth Session. The Conference resumed at 2.30 p.m. The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed. New Zealand Alliance.— -Mr. Aitken asked that his motion re New Zealand Alliance be taken earlier than it appeared on the Order Paper. The Conference did not grant permission. Dr. Anderson's Proposals. —With the permission of the Conference, proposals i, 5, 6 and 13 were withdrawn, and 7, 8 and 9 were altered to read as follows : — " (7.) That in determining the promotions of the pupils from standard to standard the following be the subjects which the teacher shall regard as forming the essential basis of promotion ; (a) reading, (b) spelling and dictation, (c) writing, (d) arithmetic, (c) composition and the grammatical basis of composition. " (8.) That in estimating the pupils' claims to promotion reading receive two marks—one mark for fluent reading in the ordinary class-book and one mark for unseen reading—or, in case of the lower classes, for merit in reading a second-reading book ; spelling and writing, each one mark; arithmetic, one mark for simple mechanical exercises, and one mark for merit as shown by the ability to do ' mental' exercises, or sums requiring some process of thinking; composition (theme), one mark, and the grammatical basis of composition one mark—eight marks in all, six to justify issue of standard certificates. " (9.) That the above be regarded as the standard subjects in the school, and be obligatory in every school." («.) Dr. Anderson moved clause 7. Mr. Goyon seconded. Carried. Ayes, 12: Messrs. Anderson, Barclay Bindon, Bridge, Fetch, Gow, Hendry, McWhirter, Morton, Petrie, Smith,

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Western. Noes, 11 : Messrs. Aitken, Dempsey, Garrow, Goyen, Grundy, Johnson, Ladley, Lee, McAlister, Scott, Talbot. (b.) Dr. Anderson moved clause 8. Mr. Weston seconded. Withdrawn. (c.) Dr. Anderson moved, and Mr. Bindon seconded, section 9. Amendment: Mr. Grundy moved, and Mr. Goyen seconded, "That the above subjects be regarded as obligatory in every school." Carriod by 19 to 2. (d.) Dr. Anderson moved section 10. Seconded by Mr. Weston. Carried. (c.) Dr. Anderson moved section 11. Seconded by Mr. Bindon. Carried. (/.) Dr. Anderson moved section 12. Seconded by Mr. Weston. Carried. Proposals of the Wanganui Board. —l. The Chairman moved, " That there be only two series of reading-books for the colony." Seconded by Mr. Gill. Lost by 6to 16. Habens Memorial Fund. —Mr. Hogben, Inspector-General, brought before the Conference the question of raising funds to establish a scholarship to commemorate the life and work of the late Mr. Habens. It was suggested that the scholarship should be open to the pupil-teachers of the colony, and be sufficient in amount to meet the cost of a University course. Mr. Smith moved, and Mr. Morton seconded, " That the Conference heartily approves of the proposal suggested by the Inspector-General with regard to the establishment of a scholarship to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. William James Habens." Carried unanimously, members standing as a mark of respect to the late Mr. Habens. On the motion of Mr. Weston, the Conference adjourned till 7.30 p.m.

Seventh Session. The Conference resumed at 7.30 p.m. Minutes were read and confirmed. Proposals of the Wanganui Board. —2. The Chairman moved, " That reading unprepared passages from some reading-book not so difficult as the book prescribed for standards may be used as the Inspector's test." Mr. Goyen seconded. Carried. 3. Proposed by Mr. Bridge, and seconded by Mr. Aitken, " That reading-books contain at least six lessons on physical and economic effects of the use of alcohol." Motion lost. Ayes, 3: Messrs. Aitken, Bridge, Talbot. Noes, 19: Messrs. Anderson, Barclay, Bindon, Bird, Dempsey, Fetch, Grill, Gow, Goyen, Grundy, Hendry, Johnson, Ladley, McAlister, MacGregor, Morton, Petrie, Scott, Weston. 4. Proposed by Mr. Bridge, and seconded by Eev. G.Barclay, " That effects of use of alcohol on body and mind be included in science for Standards IV., V., and VI." Lost by sto 15. 5. Proposed by Mr. Bridge, and seconded by Mr. Bindon, " That it be a recommendation to the' Minister to prescribe the use of two reading-books for each standard, one of which should be as far as possible selected for the interest of its matter, and in Standards V. and VI. sustaining the interest throughout by continuous narrative, the second book to be chosen by the teacher, with the approval of the Board." Carried. 6. Proposed by Mr. Bridge, and seconded by Mr. Talbot, "That the elements of book-keeping be included in arithmetic for Standards IV., V., and VI.; Standard IV. to be omitted if the standard of exemption is raised to Standard V." Amendment: Proposed by Mr. Morton, and seconded by Mr. Fetch, " That familiarity with some very elementary notion of book-keeping be encouraged by the use of a cash-book for the purpose of a writing exercise in Standards V. and VI." Lost on the voices. Motion lost. Ayes, 9: Messrs. Barclay, Bridge, Fetch, Ladley, McAlister, McWhirter, Morton, Petrie, Talbot. Noes, 15 : Messrs. Aitken, Anderson, Bindon, Bird, Dempsey, Garrow, Gill, Goyen, Gow, Grundy, Hendry, Johnson, MacGregor, Scott, Weston. 7. " That drill be a class-subject, except in schools officered by one teacher." Moved by Mr. Bridge, seconded by Mr. Petrie. Carried. 8. Mr. Bridge moved, " That the department be requested to revise the syllabus for arithmetic, history, and geography." Seconded by Mr. Bindon. Carried. Notice of Motion by Dr. Anderson. —" That the attention of the Hon. the Minister of Education be called to the inequality at present existing between the two different modes by which teachers obtain a D certificate, and that he be recommended either to establish a uniform system of examination or to co-ordinate more closely the present methods of obtaining a certificate." The Chairman intimated that he would not be able to attend further meetings of the Conference. Vote of Thanks. —Dr. Anderson proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman. Seconded by Mr. Weston, and carried by acclamation. On the motion of Mr. Goyen, seconded by Mr. J. Barclay, Mr. Weston was appointed Chairman. Deputation to the Minister.— -It was moved and carried that a deputation of members wait on the Hon. the Minister of Education at 12 noon on Friday, the 21st instant. Model Rifle. —The Inspector-General exhibited to the Conference a model rifle, two thousand of which had been ordered by the department. The Conference adjourned till 9.30 on Friday, the 21st instant.

Sights Session.—Fbiday, 21s? July, 1899. The Conference resumed at 9.30 a.m. Minutes read and confirmed. , ( Correspondence. —(1.) From the Secretary Canterbury Women's Institute, containing motions passed at their meeting on the 14th July. (2.) Secretary Canterbury Children's Aid Society,

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stating that the following motion had been passed by them : " That, in the opinion of this society, it is highly desirable that the standard and age at which a child may leave school should be raised, so as to be in conformity with the Factory Acts." (3.) Telegram from Alexander Grant re secondary schools being free for Standard VI. pupils. Letters were received. Board's Delegate. —The Hon. Captain Baillie, member of Board for Marlborough, took his place at the Council table. Standard of Exemption. —Moved by Mr. Weston, and seconded by Mr. McAlister, " That the standard of exemption should be Standard V. instead of Standard IV., and that the school age be extended to fourteen years." Carried. Examination of Pupil-teachers. —Mr. Smith moved, " That the examination and classification of pupil-teachers throughout the colony be undertaken by the department." Seconded by Mr. Aitken. Lost. Ayes, 6 : Messrs. Aitken, Baillie, Fetch, Morton, Petrie, Smith; Noes, 13: Messrs. Anderson, Barclay, Garrow, Gow, Goyen, Hendry, Johnson, Ladley, Lee, McAlister, MacGregor, Talbot, Weston. Staffing Schools. —Proposed by Mr. McAlister, and seconded by Mr. Petrie, " That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is desirable to have throughout the colony a uniform system of staffing schools on the basis of the average attendance at each school, and a uniform scale of salaries payable to teachers on the same basis." Amendment: Mr. Barclay moved, and Mr. Talbot seconded, " That this question of colonializing both staff and salaries be remitted to the various Boards for consideration, to report their views to the department, within, say, three months, on the memorandum of late Wm. J. Habens, dated July, 1895,* and Mr. McAlister's notice of motion to accompany the remit; also that the various teachers' institutes be consulted, and their conclusions to be transmitted through the respective Boards." Lost. Eesolution passed. Central Schools. —Hon. J. MacGregor proposed, " That this Conference is of opinion that provision should be made for an advanced department corresponding to that provided for in the new Scotch code, and also such provision as would enable Education Boards to establish one or more central higher-grade schools in the larger towns." Seconded by Mr. Goyen. Carried unanimously.' Continuation Classes. —The Hon. J. MacGregor proposed, seconded by Mr. Eiley, "That, in the opinion of this Conference, provision should be made for the establishment of continuation classes." Carried. Adjourned till 2 o'clock.

Conference resumed at 2 o'clock. Cookery in Schools. —Mr. Weston proposed, seconded by Dr. Anderson, " That practical cookery be included in the syllabus as a branch of domestic economy, and as a counterpart of science." Carried. Mr. Weston moved, and Mr. Grundy seconded, "That the penalties received on the prosecucution of the Truant Officer employed by an Education Board shall be paid to such Board as a setoff against the expenditure incurred in such officer's salary, &c." Withdrawn. Amendment Act. —Mr. Weston moved, and Mr. Petrie seconded, "That the Education Act, or ' The Manual and Technical Elementary Instruction Act, 1895,' be amended to enable Boards of Education to make payments to independent bodies for manual and technical instruction to the pupils in the Board schools." Carried. D Certificate. —Dr. Anderson moved, and Mr. Goyen seconded, " That the attention of the Hon. the Minister of Education be called to the inequality at present existing between the two different modes by which teachers obtain a D certificate, and that he be recommended either to establish a uniform system of examination or to co-ordinate more closely the present methods of obtaining the certificate." Carried. Motion passed re drill was altered, on motion of Dr. Anderson, " That, as the Conference understands that drill has not received adequate attention in some districts, the subject should be regarded as obligatory in all schools with two or more teachers, one being a male." Carried. Entrance Examination for Pupil-teachers. —Mr. Lee moved, and Mr. McAlister seconded, " That this Conference is of opinion that an entrance examination (or its equivalent) be necessary in selecting pupil-teachers, such examination to be higher than Standard VI. pass." Carried. Ayes, 12 : "Fetch, Garrow, Goyen, Grundy, Johnson, Ladley, Lee, McAlister, Petrie, Smith, Talbot, Weston. Noes, 3 : Barclay, McWhirter, Morton. Home Lessons. —Moved by Mr. Petrie, and seconded by Mr. McAlister, "That, in the opinion of this Conference, home lessons be reduced to the lowest minimum consistent with efficiency." Carried. Fines for Truancy. —Moved by Mr. McAlister, and seconded by the Eev. George Barclay, "That, in order to secure the more effective operation of the' School Attendance Act, the fines thereunder be substantially increased, and that repeated convictions be more severely dealt with." Carried. Votes of thanks were passed with acclamation to Wanganui Board (on motion of Mr. Fetch), Minister of Education and Inspector-General (on motion of Mr. McAlister), Wellington Board (on motion of Mr. Garrow), Secretary (on motion of Mr. Grundy), The Press (on motion of the Chairman), and Mr. Eiley (on motion of Mr. Ladley).

* See Appendix,

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APPENDIX. Addbbss of Minister op Education. On being introduced by the Chairman, the Minister of Eduoation welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Government, In having the three interests represented, the Government and tho country would benefit in the decisions of the Conference. He trusted that the most important subjoots pertaining to the education system would be fully debated, and receive careful consideration, so that he should receive advice which should help him in his work in the future ; for, alter all, his was the lay mind, to be instructed by practical and expert minds in this matter. The Act had stood almost untouched since the day it was passed (1877). We of to-day should pay a tribute to the men who framed it. The Hon. Mr. Bowen, tbe Minister of the day when tha measure went through, was still with Uβ, but the system and eduoation generally had lost a sound and staunch friend when the Rev. Mr. Habens passed away. The speaker paid a high tribute to the ability of Mr. Habens, who, he said, gave up his lifo to conscientiously carry out the system. The Minister then went on to say that the reason why the Act had stayed so long untouched was, of oourse, a tribute to its excellence as a whole, and of its carrying out perfeotly the wishes and desires of the people of the colony, but still it was only natural that, after so many years' experience, there might bo some parts of the system that required alteration. He did not think that the Conference would be doing more than its duty to the people it represented if it should take up the system and see how far, by the light of experience, it was carrying out its work, and on what points amendments might bo required. He felt, at all events, that he was addressing a Conference of experts, who, probably, were more familiar with many practical difficulties of the present system than he could be as Minister. There was one point beyond all praise, and he would be sorry to see it disturbed, and that was that so much administrative power was loft to the Boards. That, he believed, was the secret of the success of the system; it was a system worked for the people by the people, but, at the same time, it had served to cover a good deal of imperfect machinery—imperfect machinery that would not have done its work so well but for the good sense of the people behind the Act. There had been a great deal of dissatisfaction as to the present machinery for the election of Boards. That was a matter, he trusted, the Conference would give its attention to, and he should be very pleased to consider any suggestions it made, as he had long been of opinion that tho election of Boards should be placed on a more satisfactory footing. He did not believe that bodies elected to do one thing should have the power to elect some one else to do another. Therefore, he had already, for two sessions, moved in the direction of giving each committeeman an individual vote, believing that the results would bo more satisfactory, and the real minds of members of school oommittees given effect to. He asked that they would consider the matter, and, if they thought it desirable that there should be amendments to the machinery, give oxpression to their views There was another question whioh was in the minds of many people— a matter of great importance—and he thought the time was ripe for bringing about a change. He referred to the question of freedom of classification. This was a matter that should receive great attention from the Conference, and enable him, as Minister, to really know what the united minds of the educational authorities were on this subject, because they must be aware that, whatever his individual opinions might be on this subjeot, he would not think it right to take the responsibility of foroing even this important change on the Boards and eduoational authorities, even though he felt strongly on the matter. He would like to feel that he was carrying with him the minds of those who had to administer the Act, and also those who were responsible for teaching. He did not think it was neoessary to go into the pros and cons of the question ; perhaps an opportunity for that might be offered after they had discussed it. He presumed that they were perfeotly aware of what freedom of classification meant, and what it would do for them if brought about. They had the advantage of the experience of the Mother-country in this matter, and although, possibly, it might be said that when the colonial Act was passed in 1877 the experience of the Mother-country as to primary public schools was not of very much value, still, today matters at Home had altered very much, and they could now, he thought, look to the experience of the past few years of England. Connected with freedom of classification there were several other subjects of very great importance. In all districts, but especially in small distriots, it would free Inspectors from the drudgery of the present inspections, and, if they were set free, they would have time at their disposal to devote to helping teachers where help was most required. They would go into the schools, not for the purpose of finding fault or drawing attention to the deficiencies of the teaching, but with the intention of helping young teaohers, and raising them by showing them how to do things in a friendly and kindly manner. He oould see a great deal of benefit for the smaller distriots by the establishment of suoh a ohange as freedom of olassifioation. There were other subjects which he approached with a different state of mind. These were subjects which must be looked upon with a great deal of caution, because they struck deeply at the system. He referred to the demands that had been pretty general in certain quarters for a colonial inspectorate and a colonial scale of salaries. There was a great deal to be said for both. Finance was, of oourse, the backbone of every administrative system, and the finance of the small districts was not strong enough to enable the local authorities to administer the Act as they would like to. If a colonial scale of salaries was adopted, the difference between districts that now existed would disappear, and they would be assured of a teaching-staff equally good, equally strong, and equally powerful for good in every district in the colony, instead of having various standards of excellence. It would not only operate in the direction of improving the system generally, but they would have a profession more highly considered by the publio, and of more undoubted exoellenoe, in whatever part of the colony it was. They must admit that the standard of excellence was not so high in some as in other parts, and this was a matter for regret. But we must not forgot that this proposal, which would strike at the financial root of the present system, would, therefore, to a certain extent, take away from the Boards that power of individual financo which they now possessed, and the enjoyment of which bad led to a great deal of the self-reliance of their past administration. The question of a colonial inspectorate was another possible amendment, which, from many points of view, should improve and strengthen the system generally. He did not so muoh refer to the quality of the present inspection ; the quality was undoubted, but would it not be better for the Inspectors, as a body, and for those whom they inspected, that they should be under departmental control, and be more frequently removed from place to plaoe ? He believed that every officer in the position of Inspector would be vory much better for a change from district to district, and he was quite sure, from the point of view of those they inspected, that this must operate very muoh to their benefit. This, however, again involved the question of the individual administration of the Boards, a subject that could only be approached with a considerable amount of difndonce. He would leave them to disouss these questions, and make whatever suggestions they might think proper. He oould only hope that this Conference, the first, he believed, at which the three powers that governed their educational world had boon brought together, would be productive of good, and that it certainly would not be the last. [New Zealand Times.]

Plan of a Colonial Scale. "Avbbage attendance" means "working average." Where "one for every hundred" or "one for every fifty" ocours it is to be understood that a remainder after division by 100 or by 50, as the case may be, is to oount for 100 or for 50, as the case may be. Sohools shall be classified according to attendance, as follows; Class 1., oxceeding 700; Glass 11., 401 to 700 ; Class 111., 251 to 400; Class IV., 151 to 250; Class V., 3G to 150 ; Class VI., not exceeding 35. " Teacher " includes principal teacher, sole teacher, assistant teacher, junior teaoher, and pupil-teaoher. In a school above Class VI. one teaoher at least must be of one sex and one teacher at least must be of the other; and, with this exoeption, this plan does not recognise any distinction between the sexes. In a school of Class VI. there shall be a sole teacher, and if the sole teacher is a man he shall pay a sewing-mistress. In Class V. the staff shall be— (c), 36 to 75, principal and one assistant; (6), 76 to 115, principal, assistant, and pupil-teacher; (a), 116 to 150, principal, assistant, and two pupil-teachers. Above Class V. there shall be in every sohool, besides the principal, one teaoher for every fifty pupils ; ana among the teachors there shall be one pupil-teacher for every hundred pupils. In Class I. there shall be four

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assistants ; in Class 11., three assistants ;in Glass 111., two assistants; in Glass IV., one assistant. And there shall be as many juniors as are required to make up the number of teachers here presoribed. The salaries shall be as follows :— Principal. — Class 1.. £400, and ss. oapitation for the exoess over 700 ; Class 11., £320, and sa. oapitation for the exoess over 400; Class 111., £260, and Bs. capitation for the excess over 250 ; Class IV., £225 and ss. oapitation for the excess over 150 ; Class V. (a), £200, fixed ; Class V. (6), £165, fixed ; Class V. (c), £140, fixod. Sole Teacher.— Class VI. (a), £130, for attendanoe 25 to 35 ; Class VI. (6), oapitation at £3 155., with £20 added, for 20 to 24; Class VI. (c), capitation at £3 15s. Assistants.— Class 1., £320, £260, £200, £150; Class 11., £260, £200, £150: Class 111., £200, £150; Glass IV., £150; Class V. (a), £130; Glass V. (b), £110 ; Glass V. (c), £90. Juniors.— £6o for one, £60 and £70 for two, £60, £70, and £80 for three ; £60, £70, £80, and £90 for four ; £100 for a fifth, and £100 for eaoh above that status. Pupil-teachers. —First year, £16; second year, £24 ; third year, £32 ; fourth year, £40. A pupil-teacher remaining after four years' service, and not promoted to be junior or assistant, will reoeive only suoh remuneration as will not make the average pay of the pupil-teaohers in the school higher than £28. Example. —Average, 839. School in Class I. Principal's salary, £434 15s. (£4OO and oapitation). Pour assistants—£32o, £260, £200, £150. Nine pupil-teachers (eight for 800, and one for 39). For 839 there must bo seventeen besides the principal; therefore there must be four juniors. On the 31st March, 1895, the working average was 109,044. Had the sohools been then organized on this scale, these would have been the results (the salaries of pupil-teachers being estimated at an average of £28): Class 1., 13 schools, 11,034 pupils; tuition cost per head, £2-328. Glass 11., 41 schools, 20,936 pupils; tuition cost per head, £2-581. Class 111., 36 schools, 11,408 pupils; tuition oost per head, £2-580. Glass IV., 63 sohools, 12,146 pupils; tuition cost per head, £2-641. Class V.(a.), 50 schools, 6,560 pupils; tuition cost per head, £2-942. Class V.(6.), 126 sohools, 11,624 pupils; tuition cost per head, £3-284. Class V.(c), 387 schools, 19,378 pupils; tuition cost per head, £4593. Class VI. (a.), 265 sohools, 7,796 pupils; tuition cost per head, £4-418. Class V 1.(6.), 154 sohools, 3,380 pupils; tuition coat per head, £4-661. Class Vl.(c), 296 schools, 4,782 pupils ; tuition cost per head, £3-750. Total, 1,431 schools, 109,044 pupils ; tuition, £3 ss. ljd. eaoh. Number of Teachers. —Principal, 716; sole, 715; assistants, 873; juniors, 265; pupil-teachers, 850: total, 3,419 (one for 31-9 pupils). Average pay of 3,419 teachers, £355,077-7 ~- 3,419 = £103 17s. Id. Capitation paid to Boards, £408,915; inspection subsidy, £4,000; cost of tuition, £355,077; available for management, inspection, and incidentals, £57,838. Wellington, July, 1895. Wμ. Jas. Habbns.

School-books.—Ciboular to Education Boards. The question of uniformity of school-books has been brought under the attention of the Minister of Education. The Minister deems it unlikely that the want of uniformity in sohool-books would often create serious iuoonvenience through removal of ohildren from one education district to another; on the other hand, he thinks that hardship might frequently be caused thereby through the removal of pupils from one sohool to another within the same education district; and he wishes to point out that this matter would be set right if every Education Board would see that the chief books, especially the Readers, were the same in all sohools under its jurisdiction. Under the regulations just issued the number of series of Readers authorised has been reducod from ten to six, but the Minister considers that there is still ample ohoice to enable Boards to suit the wants of their respective districts ; and he desires me to oall the attention of the Boards to the obligation imposed by the regulations of confining their choioe of books to those contained in the list of authorised sohool-books. I might suggest that the hardship that sometimes ensues when pupils are moved from one education distriot to another would largely disappear if Boards would adopt some suoh plan as that of buying from pupils second-hand books in good condition, the books so bought being either sold again or kept to be used as supplementary Readers when the Readers in use were changed. Geoboe Hogben, Education Department, Wellington, 4th July, 1899. Secretary for Eduoatioa. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (5,625 copies), £1110s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printor, Wellington.—lB99. Price 6d.

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