3

E.—lβ

On the motion of Mr. Pirani, Messrs. Westall, Spencer, Fleming, Neill, Lane, Borrie, Rice, and the mover were appointed a committee to consider Mr. Gray's motion, and that portion of the Minister's Bill dealing with teachers' salaries. On the motion of Mr. Westall, it was resolved, That this Conference will proceed at its opening to-morrow to discuss the Education Act Amendment Bill. On the motion of Mr. Grimmorid, it was resolved, That, as the demands of the Auditor-General in connection with the form of balance-sheet supplied to Education Boards are not in accordance with the existing regulations, the Education Department be requested to endeavour to arrive at an understanding with the Audit Department, so that in future the requirements of the AuditorGeneral may be such as can be accurately and readily complied with. On the motion of Mr. Thomson, it was agreed that the Chairman, Mr. Morton, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Grimmond, Mr. Lane, and Mr. Smith should wait on the Auditor in reference to the matter of his requirements. Mr. McDonald moved, That, in the opinion of this Conference, the Department should create a separate fund for the purpose of rebuilding worn-out schools The Inspector-General explained the position in regard to the allowance for buildings. Mr. McDonald's motion was negatived. On the motion of Mr. Allan, it was resolved to ask the Department to supply all State-school teachers with the annual reports and leaflets issued by the Agricultural Department. Remits Nos. 5 and 6 from the Wellington Board were allowed to stand over. It was agreed that the discussion on a motion moved by Mr. Buddo and seconded by Mr. Thomson, having regard to grants for schools in newly settled districts, should be adjourned. On the motion of Mr. Smith, it was resolved, That the Government be asked to provide a grant for the maintenance of Board offices. The following resolution was carried on the motion of Mr. McDonald: " That, in the opinion of this Conference, the time has arrived for the abolition of the use of slates in the public schools of the colony, and the introduction of the use of paper in lieu thereof." Mr. McDonald moved, That, in view of the rapidly increasing land-values of the colony, this Conference recommends the Government to secure land for sites for new schools in all districts where new schools are likely to ultimately be required. The motion was lost. The Rev. Mr. Barclay moved, That when the average attendance has reached any figure from 35 to 40 (both inclusive), maintained for six months consecutively, the Boards be authorised (if deemed expedient) to introduce into the staff a pupil-teacher or assistant, the Board subsequently (when justified by the attendance) to adjust the staff to the Department's scale of staff and salaries. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Howell, was lost. The Conference then adjourned till 10 a.m. the following day.

Thursday, 14th September, 1905. The Conference resumed at 10.30 a.m., Mr. Russell, the Chairman, presiding. There was a good attendance of delegates, and the Inspector-General of Schools and the Secretary for Education were also present, It was agreed to forward a reply to the Right Hon. the Minister of Education, thanking him for sending copies of the amending Bill, which the Conference proposed to discuss. Consideration of a report from the committee appointed to consider Mr. Gray's motion, and that portion of the Bill dealing with teachers' salaries, was held over, copies to be printed and distributed among members. The Conference went into committee to consider the amending Bill. On resuming, the Chairman reported the following resolutions carried: — Clauses 1 and 2 passed. Clause 3. The word " ten " was struck out, and the word " nine " inserted in lieu thereof. Clause 4 struck out. Clause 5 retained. Clause 6. Paragraph 1 retained, with the following addition after the word " Committees " : " on the same basis as is specified in section 31 of the principal Act —viz., one-third of the members to retire annually after the election of 1906," and with the additional proviso " that the members hold office until the election of their successors." Clause 7 struck out. Clause 8 retained. Clause 9. Subsection (1): The words "thirty-eight" struck out, and the word "forty" inserted in lieu thereof. Subsection 2: The words "twenty-second" struck out, and the words "twenty-fourth" inserted. Clause 10 retained. Clauses 11, 12, 13, and 14 retained. Clause 15. Subsection (2): Line 44, after the words "another school," the following words inserted, "or by exchange of teachers between schools." Subsection (2), (a) : The word " twenty " struck out, and the word "ten " inserted. The following struck out: "a list containing the names of all those who are applicants for appointment to a vacancy and a smaller," the words " of merit" inserted after the words "in order," and the words "stating the length of service and other qualifications of such applicants" struck out, and the following words inserted, "together with such testimonials and particulars of qualifications as are sent in by such applicants." Subsection (3): The words " and Committee may mutually agree that the Board," and the words "or any teacher," struck out. Clause 16 passed. Clauses 17 and 18 passed. Clauses 20 and 21 passed. The resolutions were adopted, and the Conference adjourned to 2.30 p.m.