EDUCATIONAL WAITERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 66

EDUCATIONAL WAITERS.

CHRISTCHURCH, August 14. Speaking to a reporter to-day, the Hon. G. Fowlds said that bo was- making ar-ran^-enients to hold an important educational conference at tl-e- beginning of next year. The school inspectors heJd a conference every fourth y-ear, and a big conference would take place a few days before the inspectors met together. De finite arrangements have not been made yet in regard to the personnel of the conference, but besides inspectors it is probable that teachers will be present to represent the different branches of school work, euch as secondary, primary, and technical. The University Colleges will probably also be represented, and they wili 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 of instruction to children in the higher standards, and other questions of the hour will be dealt with.

Touching on the Hon. C. C. Bowen's suggestion that the time has come when each University College in New Zealand should have separate control, Mr Fowlds said iliat he did not think 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 ie adopted, however, he thinks that the New Zealand University will conduct its own examinations instead of sending the 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 Otekaike, near Oamaru. Large number., of applications for admission to the school are received It is overtaxed now. and steps are being taken to supply more accommodation.