EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 587, 16 August 1909, Page 5

EDUCATION SYSTEM.

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE TO BE HELD. STATEMENT BY HON. G. FOWLDS. (By Tolesraph.—l'rcas Association.) .' Chrlstchurch, August 15. • Speaking-to,a reporter to-day, thoHon.G. Fowlds said ' that he • was making arrangements to hold an important educational conference at the beginning of next year. The school inspectors held a. conference every fourth year, and a big conference would take place a few-days before the inspectors. met together. Definite arrangements have noi been made yet in regard to the .personnel 01 the conference, but besides the inspectors T it is probable teachers will be present to represent different branches of school work, such. as secondary, primary, and technical. The university colleges will probably also be represented, and they will be asked; to discuss the co-ordination of all branches of educational work. The programme has not been drawn up yet, but it is likely that further funds for education, extension; of hours oi instruction to children in higher standards, and other questions of the" hour will be' dealt with. ' ~:-..! Touching on the Hon. C. C. Bowen'e suggestion that the time has come when-cacli university college in New Zealand •■ should hare separate control Mr. Fowlds said, that he did not think that the time was ripe.for the scheme, but it must be adopted later on when the country showed greater growth than at present. Before it'is adopted, however, he thinks that the New Zealand University will conduct its own examinations instead of sending papers to examiners in England. '■■-■■ '.-'"' _; Mr. Fowlds speaks very enthusiastically in regard to the work that is being done for defective children at the school at/Otckaikc, near Oamaru. A larse number of applicants for admission to the school-are received. It | is overtaxed now, and steps arc being taken,: to supply more accommodation. , '