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sum each year of approximately £5,000 will be required to make the scheme actuarially sound, assuming the number of teachers joining each year to remain as at present. The Education Committee have die honour to further report that it is strongly of opinion that provision should be made for an annual payment from the Consolidated Fund of £17,000 to make the scheme for both original members and new entrants actuarially sound, and that a quinquennial investigation should take place and the fund be readjusted. (Vide Appendix, 1.-14.) 14th September, 1905.

No. 401.—Petition of Hori Nia Nia and 8 Others. Petitioners pray that a schoolhouse be erected, upon the 4 acres which they will give, for the purpose of imparting instruction to their children, who are growing up without schooling. The Education Committee have the honour to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th September, 1905.

No. 275.—Petition of W. H. Grant and 62 Others. Petitioners pray that the Government will place a small sum on the estimates for the purpose of providing a horse and cart for the conveyance of the children to Seddonville (Mercury Bay) School. The Education Committee, having fully considered the matter embodied in this petition, have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the action of the Board should be sustained, and they have no further recommendation to make. 28th September, 1905.

Nos. 195, 205, 412, and 196.—Petitions of R. Gilmour and 54 Others, M. S. Pasley and 25 Others, M. K. Robinson and 51 Others, and C. F. Longton and 53 Others. All the above petitioners request that the optional age for the retirement of women teachers shall be fifty years, and not fifty-five as provided for in the Teachers' Superannuation Bill. The Education Committee have the honour to report that, the matter being embodied in the Bill at present before the House, they have no recommendation to make. 28th September, 1905.

No. 514.—Petition of M. Malcolm and 80 Others. Petitioners bring before the notice of Parliament a new system of measurement of timber, stones, &c, and urge that it is a suitable method to introduce as part of the syllabus of the public, technical, kindergarten, and other schools. The Education Committee have tbe honour to report that there is nothing in the existing syllabus to prevent the adoption of Mr. Morgan's system of mensuration, but the Committee does not recommend that it be given preference over other systems equally good. 28th September, 1905.

No. 457.—Petition of H. Yon Blarambero. Petitioner prays for recompense on account of his dismissal by the Wanganui Education Board. The Education Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, have the honour to report that they decline to investigate a dispute between the Wanganui Education Board and one of its teachers culminating in the dismissal of such teacher as far back as 1892. 3rd October, 1905.

No. 500.—Petition of Fanny Cole and 441 Others Petitioners pray that a Steward and Matron be appointed to live in the new building, and to take entire management of the home department as heretofore, at the Sumner Deaf-mute Institute. The Education Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, have the honour to report that on flic evidence tendered to the Committee the arrangements now made appear to them to be satisfactory, and therefore the Committee have no recommendation to make. 12th October, 1905.

No. 548. —Petition of A. J. Logan. Petitioner prays for substantial compensation for mental misery caused him by the reticence of the Education Department. The Education Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, have the honour to report that, having carefully considered the petition, together with a report on same from the Education Department, they have no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1905.

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