E.—l4

NEW PLYMOUTH. Thursday, 6th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. in the Borough Council Chambers. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.8., Mr. P. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was also present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Statements were received from Miss Kate Baldwin and eleven other assistant mistresses of North Canterbury; Messrs. H. B. Lusk, B.A. (representing graduates and undergraduates of Auckland), E. J. Darby (representing second and third assistant masters), A. Mathews, W. Bannerman, J. L. Scott, D. O'Donoghue, 8.A., and B. Cronm. The secretary placed before the Commission Exhibits Nos. 66 to 70. It was decided that a return be obtained from each Board of the schools with an average attendance of 500 and upwards, showing the head-teachers and assistants, with the classes taught by them. Evidence was given by Messrs. D. McAllum (Chairman, Taranaki Education Board), G. W. Potts (representing the Taranaki Educational Institute), and W. E. Spencer, M.A., B.Sc. (Inspector of Schools, Taranaki District). The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. until 10 a.m. next day.

Friday, 7th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.E., Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr.* T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was also present. The minutes of the previous day were read and confirmed. Statements were received from Messrs. T. W. Leys, F. P. Burton, 8.A., and K. Williamson. Evidence was given by Messrs. P. S. Whitcombe (secretary, Taranaki Education Board), H. Alls worth (member of the Taranaki Education Board), and H. Dempsey (representing the Taranaki Educational Institute). A vote of thanks was passed to the Board, its officers, and witnesses; also to the Borough Council for the use of room for meetings. The Chairman expressed, on behalf of the Commissioners, appreciation of the attention paid by the Press to the proceedings of the Commission. The Commission adjourned at 1 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Monday, the 10th June, at Wanganui.

WANGANUI. Monday, 10th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. in the office of the Education Board. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.8., Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.E., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was also present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. C. Brown, secretary of the College Street School Committee, Palmerston North, forwarded a resolution in favour of maintaining the present status of assistants. The secretary placed before the Commission Exhibits Nos. 71 to 73. Evidence was given by Messrs. G. S. Bridge (Chairman, Wanganui Education Board) and Dr. J. Smyth (Chief Inspector of Schools, Wanganui District). The Chairman interrupted the evidence to announce the sudden death of the wife of the Chairman of the Board (who had given evidence in the morning). A letter of condolence from the Commission was forwarded to Mr. Bridge. Mr. Weston moved, and Mr. Luke seconded, That, as a mark of respect and condolence, the Commission adjourn until next morning at 9 a.m. The motion was carried unanimously, all the members recording their votes standing. The Commission adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 9 a.m. next day.

Tuesday, 11th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.E., Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was also present. The minutes of the previous day were read and confirmed. A statement was received from Mr. D. L. Smart. The secretary placed before the Commission Exhibit No. 74. The evidence of Dr. Smyth was continued. Evidence was also given by Messrs. A. A. Browne (secretary, Wanganui Education Board), J. Aitken, B.A. (representing the Wanganui Educational Institute), J. K. Law (representing the Wanganui Educational Institute), G. Grant (representing the teachers of the Palmerston North district), and H. Espiner (representing the country schools of the Palmerston North district). A vote of thanks was passed to the Board, its officers, and witnesses. The Commission adjourned at 5.15 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Thursday, the 13th June, at Napier.

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