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MINUTES OIF PEOCBEDINGS.

WELLINGTON. Monday, 22nd April, 1901. The Commission met at 2 p.m. in the office of the Education Board. Present : Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.8., Mr. P. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. The secretary (Mr. A. J. Morton, 8.A.) and the reporter (Mr. G. F. McGirr) were also in attendance. The secretary read the commission. It was resolved, That the proceedings be open to the Press. It was decided that each education district of the colony should be visited by the Commission. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., Secretary for Education and Inspector-General of Schools, attended, and stated that he had been directed by the Minister of Education to provide any information required, and,-.if the Commission agreed, to attend the meetings and examine witnesses. The Chairman said that Mr. Hogben's presence and assistance would be very welcome to all the Commissioners. Evidence was given by Mr. Hogben, who laid before the Commission a scheme of staffs and salaries (Exhibit No. 2) prepared by him. It was resolved, That the Hon. the Minister of Education be requested to have this scheme distributed among teachers and the members of Boards and School Committees. The Commission adjourned at 3.20 p.m. until 10 a.m. next day.

Tuesday, 23rd April, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.8., Mr. P. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. It was decided to proceed to Blenheim on the 25th April, and then to visit the remaining centres of education districts of the South Island. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., continued his evidence, and laid before the Commission Exhibits Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. At the close of his evidence-in-chief the Commissioners expressed their appreciation of the valuable information furnished by Mr. Hogben. It was decided that the date of meeting be notified by advertisement in each centre visited. A discussion, introduced by Mr. Mackenzie, took place as to the scope of the Commissioners' investigation, with special reference to the high schools. It was decided to consider only questions referred to in the Commission. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. until 10 a.m. next day.

Wednesday, 24th April, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.8., Mr. P. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.8.; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. „ Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was examined by Commissioners, and put in Exhibit No. 9. The Commission adjourned at 12 noon till 10 a.m. the next day.

Thursday, 25th April, 1901. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.B. (in the chair), Mr. P. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.8., Mr. M. Gilfedder, M.H.B. ; Mr. T. S. Weston, Mr. S. Luke, Mr. H. Hill, 8.A., Mr. J. Smith, Mr. W. Davidson, and Mr. B. D. Stewart. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Weston was granted leave of absence from the 27th April until the Commission met in Christchurch. He stated that his absence was occasioned by important public and private business. Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., was further examined, and placed before the Commission Exhibit No. 10. The Commission adjourned at 11.30 a.m. until 10 a.m. on the 27th April, at Blenheim, iii—E. 14,

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