EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2095, 1 June 1907, Page 2

EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

RECOGNITION. OF CERTIFICATES.

United Press Association —Copyright LONDON, May 80.

The Education Conference finished discussion on tho advisability of closer co-operation in recognition of certificates admitting to courses of study at universities, technical schools and agricultural ■ colleges. Mr. Batcbor thought tho whole matter must bo worked out by arrangement. Sir Philip Jones (Sydney) thought the other universities might imitate Sydney’s liberal concessions to tho undergraduates of other universities.

UNION OF BOYS’ SCHOOLS,

LONDON, May 30.

At tho education conference, Mr. Adamson (Melbourne) suggested tho formation of a union of tho great boys’ schools of the Emuiro, through Old Boys’ Associations. Tho League of t'lio Empire would bo a suitable organisation to centre the movement. Mr. Tate (Victoria), addressing tho training teachers’ section, said lie thought immense good would arise from teachers being in close association with the university. It was necessary to sound a note of warning that a distinguished university career was not a substitute for power to teach. Victorian experience proved that a preliminary period as junior assistant was important before a training college course. Mr. Williams, director of education at Ade-

laide, addressed the nature study section, and outlined the South Australian system.

POST GRADUATE COURSE

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART,

Received May 31, 9.19 p.m. LONDON, May 31

The Education Conference discussed the Universities and the Empire. Lord Curzon apologising for his absence, wrote: —There could be no greater mistake than to treat the Universities of the colonies and other component parts of the Empire with aloofness. The Conference’s supreme merit is that it pre-supposes equality of interest and identity of purpose. The Hon. Arthur Balfour delivered an important speech, dwelling on the preposterous importance of universities attached to examinations. He regarded the post graduate course as the highest and most valuable wotk of universities. He hoped that a mutual arrangement between the universities and the Empire would not only stimulate post graduate research but encourage its prosecution by members travelling throughout the Empire, bringing about close community of interest in matters of highest intellect. Ultimately the Conference resolved that it was desirable that a committee, especially of universities, be formed to investigate the possibility of exchange of information among .universities of the Empire relating to courses and standard. Sir G. Parker hinted that if .a bureau of information was established they would be able to obtain a certain amount of money for support. Sir Philip Jones said bureau information would bring the much-needed interchange.