E.—le

16

Dr. Anderson moved, and Mr. Ritchie seconded, "That in history, as a reading subject, biography be largely employed, and the main object observed be the creation in the minds of the children of vivid pictures of life in earlier times, with limited regard to the sequence of events, but with the introduction, wherever it may be found expedient, of great events having a more or less direct bearing on the rights at present enjoyed." —Carried. The following motions appearing on the order paper were withdrawn and referred to Mr. Spencer, Editor of the School Journal: — " That it be a recommendation to teachers to so direct their reading-lessons in social and descriptive geography as to give children vivid pictures of the life of the people in various parts of the world, and of climatic conditions in relation to animal and vegetable life, to interest them in exploits of travel, and to cultivate a sense of Imperial unity." — (Dr. Anderson.) " That in geography as a teaching subject it be a recommendation to teachers to include the following: (a) The observational and mathematical geography (or nature-study) now included in Course A; (b) an elementary knowledge of the geography of New Zealand, studied with special reference to the main physical features, the larger centres of population, the means of communication within the colony, and the productive industries of the various districts; (c) the great lines of oceanic and continental communication, as illustrated by imaginary voyages; (d) the sources of the most important New Zealand imports."— (Dr. Anderson.) The following motion was carried: " That schools in which an improved course of instruction in deep breathini* is given are meeting all requirements with regard to physical instruction." — (./. H.'Bakewell.) Staffs and Salaries. Mr. Bakewell moved, and Mr. Braik seconded, " That in the regulations for the staffing of schools the average attendance be based on the computation of the average daily attendance." — Carried. The following motions were withdrawn : — " That in the case of side schools an extra assistant be granted in lieu of a pupil-teacher as at present." —(•/. //. Bakewell.) " That in any school where the average attendance for six months is higher than the grade for which the school is staffed, the staffing be increased in accordance with the average; the same conditions to apply in the decrease of a staff in schools where the attendance shows a falling-off for a period of six months."— (Mr. Hill.) Mr. Goyen moved, and Mr. Mulgan seconded, " That the adult staff allowed by the present scale is inadequate."—Motion, after some discussion, withdrawn.. Scholarships. The following motions were withdrawn :— " (a.) That the tenure of a Junior National Scholarship be two years, with an extension of an additional year if, on the report of the principal of the school at which the scholarship is held, or of the Inspector-General of Schools, the Minister is satisfied that such extension is warranted. " (b.) That in the award and tenancy of a Junior National Scholarship it be a recommendation to the Legislature to delete the sumptuary clause which now confines such scholarships to the children of a limited class in the community. " (c.) That, with a view of bridging over the interval at present existing between the Junior and the Senior National Scholarships, a set of Intermediate National Scholarships be established, open to young people under sixteen years of age, and awarded on the results of the Civil Service Junior Examination or the Senior Free-place Examination; the tenure to be for a further maximum period of three years under similar conditions, and the qualification the attainment of a position in one or other examination entitling the candidate to a pass with credit."— (Dr. Anderson.) General. Mr. Bakewell moved, and Mr. Gill seconded, " That in the interests of education it is advisable that every Inspector of Schools shall periodically be placed in charge of a public school as headmaster." —Motion negatived. The following motion was withdrawn: "That, in order to prevent the abuse of the privilege of obtaining certificates of exemption from school attendance, every parent or guardian who desires such certificate be required to make application in writing as follows: I, A. 8., hereby make application for a certificate exempting C. D., a child aged years and months, from attendance at a public school from to , for the following reason [or reasons]: . And I further hereby declare that the above-stated reason [or reasons] is [or are] the true and only one [or ones] for making this application.— , Parent or Guardian." —(/. B. Strong.) A motion standing in the name of Mr. Bossence, " That it-is desirable that every teacher should visit at least one other school during the sTear,"5 T ear," was carried. Resolved, That the Chairman have power to confirm the minutes. Mr. Goyen moved, and Dr. Anderson seconded, a vote of thanks to both Press representatives. —Carried. Conference adjourned finally at 12.50 p.m.