Annual Report of the Southland Branch.

In submitting the Second Annual Report of this Branch of the Otago Educational Institute, I have to state, regarding the membership, that it has been augmented by the addition of three members since last annual meeting.

Five meetings of the Branch have been held during the year—three general, one adjourned, and one special. The average attendance of members at these meetings stands at nine.

Owing to a continual press of matters relating to the ordinary business of the Association, but little has been done in the direction of producing and reading papers on pertinent subjects by members—the only paper placed before the Branch being one on the "Synthetical Method of Teaching Geography," by J. G. Smith, Esq., Long Bush.

That the Association has done substantial work in the interest of Education, may be inferred from the nature of the subjects dealt with at the meetings. The following outline will convey a fairly accurate conception of what has been done in this connection:—(1) What should be the character of the relation existing between the Association and the Otago Educational Institute? (2) whether absent members should be allowed, under certain restrictions, to vote in important decisions on the condition of a written expression of opinion on the subject in consideration; (3) the co-operation of the teachers in the Lake District; (4) circulation of productions on educational questions; (5) representation on the Committee of the Educational Institute; (6) the formation of a library; (7) the Inspector-General's syllabus; (8) the school books best adapted to the requirements and the circumstances of the schools of the distrrict.

The funds of the Association are in a not unsatisfactory condition, there being a small balance in favour. At the same time there are two small items of outstanding liabilities.

To conclude, there is occasion to remark that a considerable number of the members have manifested great interest in the successful management of the Association. At the same time, many of the teachers have not yet connected themselves with an Institution which, contemplates, not only the general interests of education, but also the individual well-being of the teacher. The Branch cherishes the hope that during the ensuing year there will be a considerable accession to its membership, and keen interest exhibited in its conduct.

James Orr, Hon. Sec.