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(iv) Payments to Mother-Teachers A very great disability is suffered by the woman who must teach her own children with correspondence lessons. It is almost impossible for her to obtain assistance in the actual teaching work; this is a matter which she must supervise herself. In some cases it might be possible for her to obtain some assistance with the housework while she is doing this teaching, but in most cases it will really amount to overtime work, as she will have to do both the housework and the teaching, and this results in very long hours for her. We consider that it is reasonable to take this into consideration, and recommend therefore that a payment be made to mothers in rural districts who have to teach their own children, provided that correspondence lessons are progressively and satisfactorily returned from these children to the Correspondence School. Payment should be made for the teaching of children between five years and twelve years at the rate of 30s. per term week per child, with a maximum limit for any one mother of £2 per week. (v) Car Registrations In many remote areas, in place of a bus being used to transport children to school, various parents take it in turn to use their own cars to take the children there. In such cases each of the cars used must be specially registered and insured for the purpose, the cost falling on the community being very much greater than if a school bus were provided. While realizing the difficulties involved, and not wishing any action to be taken which would result in the children being exposed to danger while being conveyed to school, we are of the opinion that consideration could be given to making one registration and insurance cover the position, whichever one of the private cars is used. (vi) Consolidation of Country Schools We support the principle of the consolidation of country schools, and consider that in the interests of the back country in general it should be done as expeditiously as possible. Where a referendum is held on the principle of consolidation, votes should be accorded only to parents of pupils. Consolidation should be proceeded with when there is a favourable majority, and it should not be held up because of one or two dissentients. We have had evidence before the Commission that in one area the consolidation of schools was held up by one man's vote, and that man was a bachelor. (vii) Boarding-allowances At the present time these allowances are paid at the rate of 10s. a week. It has been shown to us, however, that this does not nearly cover the costs involved. In the course of her evidence at Christchurch, Mrs. D. McLeod stated: — From the various prospectuses I have taken the fees for boarding schools, and I present here those of the Timaru Boys' High School, which I think you will agree is fairly representative. I find that a boy cannot be sent to school for less than £7O 10s. per year. This is made up as follows : £ s. d. Boarding fees : 3 terms at £3O .. .. .. .. .. 90 0 0 Less boarding allowance: 2s. per school day, say three terms of thirteen weeks at 10s. per week .. .. .. .. 19 10 0 Total .. .. .. ■ • .. .. £7O 10 0