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I.—lB

Communication from Mb. George, of Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the reply of the Education Department to the communication of Mr. George, of Auckland, forwarded to the Chairman, together with Mr. George's communication, should be printed, and that copies of both documents be forwarded to the members of the Committee. 20th November, 1903.

Nos. 523, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, and 811.—Petitions of Walter Eeid and Others, T. H.Bryant and Others, T. Latta and Another, J. C. Johnson and Others, F. Box and Others, G. Ballard and Others, and J. T. Skelton and Others. Petitioners pray that " The Public-school Teachers' Salaries Act, 1901," be so amended as to provide for the employment of one pupil-teacher in country schools with an average attendance of thirty to forty, subject to the approval of the local Board of Education. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in respect to these petitions. 17th November, 1903.

National Scholarships Bill. The Education Committee, to whom was referred for consideration the National Scholarships Bill, have directed me to report that they have duly considered the said Bill, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended, the amendments being shown in the copy annexed hereto. 18th November, 1903.

Nos. 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, 799, and 800.—Petitions of James Kenworthy and 12 Others, J. G. Browne and 31 Others, H. J. Turner and 18 Others, E. J. E. Methzenthin and 16 Others, G. Smith and 8 Others, H. Couper and 38 Others, and J. T. Ward. Petitioners, all of the School District of Wanganui, pray for the adoption of such legislation as will place the election of members of Education Boards on the basis of popular representation. The Education Committee, to whom the hereinabove-mentioned petitions were referred for consideration, have directed me to report that they have no recommendation to make in respect of the same. 20th November, 1903.

Final Eeport. I am directed to report that the Education Committee held their final meeting for the session this day, and desire to announce that, although they have dealt with several subjects referred to them, and have submitted reports thereon, there are still others which require investigation. I am also directed to express the Committee's appreciation of the assistance afforded by Mr. Hogben. M.A., Secretary for Education and Inspector-General of Schools, in its deliberations. 20th November, 1903. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £i ss.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4. Price 6d.]