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MINUTES OF PKOCEEDINGS.

WELLINGTON. Friday. 31st May, 1912. , The Commission met at 11 a.m. in the Parliamentary Library Building. Present: Mr. M. Cohen (in the chair), Messrs. W. Davidson, J. R. Kirk, F. Pirani, J. C. Thomson, and T. U. Wells. Mr. H. Poland was unavoidably absent. The Honourable the Minister of Education extended a welcome to the Commissioners. The Chairman thanked the Minister for his welcome, and stated that probably an extension of time in which to report would be asked for. The Inspector-General of Schools (Mr. G. Hogben) was present as representative of the Education Department. The Commission was read by the Secretary. Resolved : (a) That the proceedings of the Commission be open to the Press and public ; (b) that a sub-committee be set up to report as to the witnesses who should be asked to attend to give evidence ; (c) that the evidence of witnesses be taken on oath or by affirmation. The Inspector-General of Schools gave evidence. The Commission rose at 5.15 p.m.

Saturday, Ist June, 1912. The Commission resumed at 10 a.m., there being present Messrs. Cohen (Chairman), Davidson Kirk, Thomson, and Wells. Messrs. Pirani and Poland were absent on leave. It was decided to make representations to the Hon. the Minister of Education for leave to visit the following towns, in addition to those named in the order of reference—viz., New Plymouth. Wanganui, Napier, Blenheim, Nelson, Greymouth, Hokitika, Timaru, and Invercargill. The Inspector-General of Schools continued his evidence. The Commission rose at 11.20 a.m.

AUCKLAND. Tuesday, 4th June, 1912. The Commission met at the offices of the Auckland Education Board at 10.45 a.m., all the Com missioners being present. The Secretary of the Board, in the absence of the Chairman, who was engaged elsewhere", welcomed the Commission to Auckland, and placed the Board-room and offices at the disposal of the Commission. The Inspector-General continued his evidence, and Mr. E. C. Mulgan, Chief Inspector of Schools in the Auckland District, was examined at length, the Commission adjourning at 5.25 p.m.

Wednesday, sth June, 1912. The Commission resumed at 9.30 a.m., all the Commissioners being present. Mr. Mulgan continued his evidence, and the following witnesses were examined : Messrs. R. Campbell and N. R. McKenzie, together with Misses E. Simpson and M. S. Newman, on behalf of the Auckland District Educational Institute ; Mr. F. H. Brown (president of the Auckland Assistant Masters' Association). The Commission rose at 6 p.m.

Thursday, 6th June, 1912. The Commission resumed at 9.30 a.m., all the Commissioners being present. Evidence was given by Mr. H. D. J. Mahon, on behalf of the assistant masters of the Auckland Grammar School; by Bishop Cleary, on behalf of the Roman Catholic diocese of Auckland ; by Mr. FT. A. E. Miln.es, Principal of the Auckland Training College ; by Mr. W. O. Lamb president of the Auckland Country Teachers' Association ; by Mr. P. G. Andrew, secretary of the Poverty Bay School Committees' Association ; and by Mr. R. E. Rudman, Principal of the Thames High School. .Written statements were received from Messrs. C. C. Howard, T. Vivian, and A H Vile, and jointly from representatives of various School Committees in the Thames district. The Commission rose at 6 p.m.

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