TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 379, 3 May 1910, Page 8

TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

A general meeting of the above In-' ; stitute was held at Stratford on Saturday. Mr. Dempsey (president) presided over one of the largest meetings yet held at Stratford. Apologies were received from Mrs. Dowling, Messrs. Sand- j ford, Pope, and Bary. i Correspondence was received from the' Chief Inspector, signifying approval of the proposed geography scheme, and from a member calling attention to the disadvantages of free school books. I An interesting discussion took place' on the free books question, all agreeing that the practice is very insanitary, that very little benefit is derived, that it was not asked for, and that the grant would be much better spent on such books as drawing, copy, and exercise books. Again, the free books cannot be taken home, and it is essential that pupils must <lO a certain amount of work at home. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Stratford, seconded oy Mr. Tvrer, that this Institute is of opinion that the Department's method of providing free books is unsatisfactory, that the .department be asked to substitute a grant towards perishable books, such as drawing and copy books, and that the present School Journal he enlarged, so that it may be acceptable as a supplementary reader. Mr. Johnson moved the adoption of the geography scheme submitted bv the executive. This will be circulated among members of the Institute. A discussion took place on the new classification scheme proposed by the Education Board, but it was agreed to wait till it has been tried' for some time before expressing any opinion on it. Re Saturday Classes.—lt was resolved that the members of this Institute resent the remarks made bv the Board's Chief Inspector when referring to attendance of teachers at Saturday classes. The opinion of this Institute is that , weak, junior, and inexperienced teachers should be compelled to avail themselves of the instruction imparted at these classes, but that the aetendance of mature teachers should not be expected unless to qualifv themselves to impart instruction in new subjects which are to be introduced into' the school syllabus. Mr Johnson moved that the Minister be asked to, have the regulation dealing Avith the substitution of an assistant for two pupil toncliers reintroduced as soon as possible. Seconded by Mr Tyrer and carried. The composition scheme submitted bv Mrs. Dowling an.l Mr. Johnson was referred to the Executive. _ Five new members were elected, bringing the membership up to ]