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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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