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The Chairman read a letter from Mr. C. Cathie, forwarding samples of Chambers' Beaders and copy-books. Mr. Petrie moved, in connection with the question of the examination of schools, — 3. That the success of a teacher's work be estimated by the percentage of the total passes in pass-subjects gained by his pupils, together with the percentage of marks gained for proficiency in class-subjects. 4. That the success of pupils at the annual examinations be estimated by the number of passsubjects in which they have succeeded in passing. 5. That, for the purpose of section 90 of " The Education Act, 1877," passing the standard shall mean passing in reading, writing, arithmetic, composition, and one other subject. 6. That the Inspector's examination report on a school set forth the percentage of passes in pass-subjects, the percentage of marks for class-subjects, and a brief opinion on the accuracy, intelligence, and neatness of the work, and on the order and attention, together with any comments on special subjects he may think it desirable to make. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, which was put by the Chairman and declared not carried. Besolved, That the Conference have the same power of afterwards amending any scheme which may be provisionally adopted as is secured in Parliament after the second reading of a Bill. Mr. Wood proposed the adoption of the following scheme : — 1. The abolition of the pass-system in Standards 1., 11., and 111. : the form of the examination and the report to be similar to those at present required for the preparatory classes. 2. The retention of the pass- and class-systems in Standards IV., V., and VI., with some modification in the direction of reducing the number of subjects in the pass group by the exclusion of geography and drawing. 3. The assessing of the value of the work in additional subjects by means of general terms— fair, good, improved, &c.—instead of in numbers. Seconded by Mr. Spencer. Mr. Airey moved, and Mr. Goyen seconded, That, for purposes of discussion, Mr. Wood's motion-be-amended by the omission of Standard 111. in clause 1, and the insertion of Standard 111. in clause 2, of his proposal. Amendment carried. Mr. Hill then moved, and Mr. Dickenson seconded, as an amendment to Mr. Wood's amended scheme, That the pass-system be retained, but that the number of standards be reduced from six to three, the individual examination of pupils being held at intervals of two years; in each alternate year the pupils to be examined as a class as to methods, character of instruction, and general progress, and that the general efficiency of the school be estimated on this dual system of examination. The Chairman asked for a division on the principle of Mr. Hill's amendment, and declared it not affirmed. Mr. Lee then moved, as an amendment to Mr. Wood's motion, That in Standards 111. and V. head-teachers shall classify, such classification to be open to revision by the Inspector. Mr. Petrie seconded the amendment pro forma. The Chairman declared the amendment not carried. Mr. Murray moved, as an amendment, That Standards IV. and VI. be fixed as standards for individual pass. The amendment, not being seconded, lapsed. The Chairman then asked for a division on the principle of the first part of Mr. Wood's proposal as amended, and declared it affirmed. The Chairman here announced that Mr. Hodgson was under the necessity of leaving for Nelson, and expressed regret that the Conference should lose the benefit of his attendance. The Conference then adjourned till 2.30 p.m. Conference resumed. Mr. Petrie moved, and Mr. Lee seconded, That the efficiency of the instruction in classes S3 to S6 be estimated not by the number of standard passes, but by a percentage of passes ascertained by dividing the passes in subjects gained by the pupils examined by the total of passes in subjects attainable in these classes, and multiplying the result by 100. Motion not carried. Mr. Wood moved the adoption of the second part (clause 2) of his proposal. Mr. Goyen seconded the motion. Dr. Anderson moved as an amendment, That grammar be added to the subjects exempted from the pass-examination, and that drawing be added to the pass group. Seconded by Mr. Bindon, and carried. Mr. Wood's proposal, as amended, then stood as follows : 2. The retention of pass- and classsystems in Standards 111., IV., V., and VI., with some modification in the direction of reducing the number of subjects in the pass group by the exclusion of grammar and geography. The proposal, as amended, was then carried. Mr. Wood moved, and Mr. Taylor seconded, the adoption of clause 3 of Mr. Wood's proposal— the clause relating to the assessment of value of work in additional subjects. Motion carried. Mr. Murray moved, That the work of the senior preparatory class should be prescribed by regulation. Mr. Betrie seconded the motion pro forma. Motion not carried. Mr. Lee moved, That the examination in Class S7 referred to in the departmental examination report (Form No. 22) be defined. Seconded by Mr. Petrie pro formd. Motion not carried. Mr. Bindon moved, and Mr. Crowe seconded, That the class-subjects be divided into optional and compulsory. Optional—singing, science, and history ; compulsory—grammar, object-lessons, and geography. Matter deferred.