I.—2a.

6

[H. D. BEDFORD.

not much left for me to add. The matter is so important that Ido not think we ought to consider the amount to be given by the State. The more it expends the better for the colony, and Ido not think the State can spend too much in this direction. Any one who has studied the question at all will realise that the work, from a moral and health.point of view, is of the utmost importance; and Mr. Allen has given the testimony of many men in the city who are interested in educational work to show how good the preparation is in these kindergarten schools for the primary schools. This work is extending very rapidly. These kindergartens are being established in all parts of America, and I have here a few figures showing their growth : " In every centre branches are established, reaching from New York to the heart of Mexico, from Frisco to Texas. In every place it seems a loving, growing work. Take Brooklyn alone : Five years ago there were thirteen kindergartens; to-day there are 110. In Saginaw (Michigan) there are five kindergartens, besides private kindergartens—lso children receiving the benefit of the work. There is also an excellent training-school in session five afternoons a week, where a course of study for students is complete and thorough. The Fort Worth (Texas) kindergarten reports 150 children enrolled in its two schools. The Executive Board of Wisconsin State Federation of Women's Club held a conference with the heads of standing committees to make a special effort to establish five kindergartens in all towns and cities in the States where kindergartens do not exist at present. This work will be carried on by the women's clubs in each locality. So successful has the kindergarten work been in Pittsburg and Alleghany that, whereas ten years ago only eleven ladies were present at its inauguration, to-day its members and auxiliary circles number five hundred. And how do they manage all this ? By bringing conviction and real loving zeal into the work." There is a similar growth in all civilised parts of the world. Ido not think I need add anything further to what Mr. Allen has said. 32. Mr. Bennet.] You did not give us the age of the children taught in America?—lt is the same as it is here. 33. Mr. W. Fraser.] You referred to a certain number of schools besides private schools. Are they not all private, the same as in Dunedin, or are they State schools ?—Some of these private schools make a charge. 34. And the others ? —The others are State schools. As Mr. Allen pointed out, in New South Wales the State is subsidising them. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,425 copies), £3 15s.

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