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Annual Report of the Balclutha Branch.

Office-Bearers, 1882-83.

President: Mr. John Nicholson.

Secretary: Mr. Adam Miller, B.A.

Librarian: Mr. A. Gregor.

We beg to submit the Sixth Annual Report of the Balclutha Branch of the Educational Institute.

During the past year the membership of this Branch has slightly increased. Three members have removed from the district, while seven names have been added to the roll. Up to date, 9 members have paid their subscriptions, the amount of which comes to £3 7s 6d; while our annual expenditure amounts to 9s 8d.

The Branch has met five times during the year, but we regret to state that the attendance has not been so large as in former years. Papers have been read on the following subjects: "Knowledge is power" by Mr. Renton; "The average age at which a child should be presented for the 1st Standard" by Mr. Nicholson; and "The relation of Inspectors of Schools to the Education Department." by Mr Waddell; and various subjects of educational interest have been discussed at our meetings. The following is an extract from the minutes:—"It was agreed unanimously, on the motion of Mr Waddell, that the following motion be proposed at the Annual Meeting of the Institute, 'That the General Committee of Management be instructed to take all lawful means, by petitioning the House of Representatives or otherwise, to have Inspectors of Schools placed under the immediate control of the Education Department.'"