Report on Amendment of Education Act.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 32, 6 February 1873, Page 2

Report on Amendment of Education Act.

Nelson, January 31, 1873. Sir, — In conformity with the instructions of the Central Board, the Committee appointed by it have considered the points as to which the Education Law now in force in this province, appears to them to require amendment. 1. By the second clause of the Amendment Act of. 1869, the appointment of teachers is vested in th** Local Committees. Your Committee are of opinion that a regular system of promotion should be established, and that the employment of the province should be organised into a service The Committee are strongly of opinion that the more important appointments should not be filled up by persons who, whatever their education and their intellectual advantages* may be, have not given proof of their teaching power in the employment of the province, unless indeed the Inspector shall have certified that no person able and willing to accept a given appointment can be found in the service of ,the province. The very modest remuneration, which is ali that can be at present given, makes it necessary to have recourse to a system of promotion to attract promising recruits into the service and to encourage zeal and energy.

2. Your Committee would also recommend that the 37th clause of the Act of 1863 should be repealed. Experience has convinced your Committee that no religious instruction whatever can be said to be " free from all controversial character." They are however fully alive to the advisability of affording to the clergy and to other members of the various religious denominations every reasonable facility for instructing the children according to the wishes and vfews of their parents, It is accordingly recommended that the use of the schoolrooms should be granted out of school hours to any person or persons wbo may profess to be anxious to communicate such instruction, provided that due security is given for the safety of the property of the Board, and the necessary cleansing of the premises. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Frank Churchill Simmons, Appointed to report to the Committee. J. W. Barnicoat, Esq., Chairman Central Board of Education.