E.—ld

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

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

No. 1. The President, Christchurch Industrial Association, to the Hon. the Minister of Education. Sir, — Industrial Association, Christchurch, 24th June, 1881. I have the honour to inform you that this association has had its attention directed to the desirability of some provision being made for technical education, particularly in its application to those engaged in learning trades, &c. A sub-committee was recently appointed to take the matter into consideration, and I have now the honour to hand you a copy of their report. They recom--mend the establishment of a Science and Art Department for the colony, on the basis of the system pursued in England, and that the proposed classes should be in connection with the existn ing Government schools, where all the machinery required for the proper supervision of examina* tions already exists. The Committee venture to bring this matter under your notice, believing that it is of great im' portance that technical education should be developed and encouraged in every possible way, and •that the scheme suggested will not involve any great expense. Trusting that the subject may receive your favourable consideration, I have, &c, Eobert Allan, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. President.

Enclosure in No. 1. Beport of Committee of Cheistohueoh Industrial Association. The Committee appointed to consider a Science and Art scheme for this colony, have the honour to report as follows : — 1. The formation of a Government Science and Art scheme in New Zealand is eminently desirable. 2. Such scheme should be in close connection with existing Government schools, and should make provision for evening classes of both sexes. 3. The science subjects to be taught should be : (a) Theoretical and practical mechanics, (b) physics, (c) chemistry, (d) biology, and (c) geology. 4. After the establishment of the scheme, and so soon as circumstances would warrant, there should be an expansion of each subject, 5. Existing school-buildings should be utilised. 6. The several Education Boards and School District Committees should undertake local management. 7. Fees should be required from all pupils attending any class or classes. 8. Pecuniary aid should be given by the Government, upon the basis of results. 9. State medals and other awards should be given on examination. 10. Teachers should be chosen (1) from amongst Government teachers or other persons, subject in all cases to examination in the special subject or subjects to be undertaken; (2) from professorial staffs ; (3) from specialists. 11. Examination papers should be set (1) by Professors, or (2) by specialists. 12. Examinations should be conducted under the immediate supervision of members of Education Boards or of School Committees. In connection with the Art Department, the following recommendations are made :— 1. Schools of art, where in existence, should be placed .in connection with the State science and art scheme. I—E. Id.