The New Zealand Educational Institute.

Manawatu Herald, 19 January 1893, Page 2

The New Zealand Educational Institute.

A deputation from the New Zealand Educational Institute waited upon the Minister for Education on Monday mnrning, the members present being Messrs C. Watson, (pre sident), Cowles (president-elect), H. Worfchington (treasurer), and W. Grundy (secretary). The deputation brought before the notice of the Minister a variety of questions affecting the interests of the Institute, which, with the Minister's replies, were as follows : - 1. That the inspection and examination of primary and' secondary schools should be under the control of the Department of Education ; that a code of instructions should be issued to inspectors, and that there should be uniform standard examinations. The President pointed out that many of the inspectors them selves were anxious for this change as well as the teachers ; that a great saving of time would be effected, as inspectors now spend nearly two months in preparing examination cards, whereas if they were under the Central Department only one set need be prepared instead of 10 as at present. He further pointed out that inspectors also had to interpret the syllabus, and that it would be much more satisfactory if the interpretation came from the Central Department. -The Minister for Education, in reply, said that inspectors should be changed from district to district, and not remain in one district for many years. He would also see that a circular was sent to the various boards with reference to instituting a conference of inspectors, but he could not promise that it should be brought under the control of the Central Department. He pointed out that inspectors were not absolutely despotic interpreters of the syllabus, and that teachers had the right of appeal to the department, which right had been taken advantage of in several cases. 2. That the working average should be the basis for capitation. — The Minister said he had opposed the change to the strict average mode of computation in 1887, and he still objected to it, but as the Treasury was now borrowing no money, he did not think the extra expense could bej incurred just yet. He admitted that teachers of smaller schools suffered some hardship, but he re marked that teachers of larger school* were very little affected. 3. That the compulsory clauses of the Act need revision, so that the duty of enforcing them should be with the police, and so that the number of times may be increased. — The Minister replied that he had a Bill prepared, which he hoped to pass into a law next session. If passed he thought it would improve the attendance.

4. That the transfer of funds fronS^p the maintenance to the building accounts is improper. — The minister replied that boards were very often driven to this course, .but he expressed the opinion that they should not do so unless absolutely compelled. He pointed out that it was not in his power to prevent them from doing siOi 5. That a Court of Appeal for teachers ought to be established.— The Minister recommended tile Institute to apply to the various boards to establish Courts of Appeal. 6. That there should be a uniform scale of salaries for the Colony. — The Hon. Mr Reeves said the Act gave the boards the power of fixing their own salaries, and he did not think this power could be very well taken away from them. ■ 7. That by amalgamating boards savings could be effected. — The Minister said that some of the smaller boards would either have to amalgamate or else make an appeal to Parliament for more funds. 8. That examinations for D and E certificates should be by numbers. — The Minister replied that he would talk over this question with Inspector-General ; he (Mr Reeves) was inclined to give the proposal a trial. 9. That the Minister's attention be drawn to the fact that, boards have a tendency to confine appointments to teachers of their own districts. — The Minister did not agree with the members of the Institute on this question. He thought that teachers who had lived for many years in one district had a right to expect promotion in that district before teachers from outside districts. 10. That it is desirable to make some provision for aged and infirm teachers. — The Minister said he would place this matter before tha Colonial Treasurer, who had the matter at heart. 11. That freedom of classification is desirable. — The Hon. Mr Reeves said that under the present circumstances he did not think that freedom of classification wa3 desirable. 12. Syllabus : Drawing should be a class subject ; geometry is 'excessive ; Geography of Standard IV is excessive : that grouping in drawing for Standards IV, V and VI should be allowed ; model drawing is very difficult in large classes.— The Minister promised to discuss these questions with the Inspector General. and to let the Institute know the result.— The deputation then withdrew.—N.Z. Times.