Annual Report of the Balclutha Branch.

I bag to submit the Third Annual Report of the Balclutha Branch of the Educational Institute of Otago.

The Office-bearers for the past year have been—Mr. John Porteous, President; Mr. George Steven, Representative on the General Committee of Management; Mr. Alexauder Grigor, Librarian; and Mr. James M'Neur, Secretary and Treasurer. The number of members on the roll is sixteen; three have removed to other districts, but their places have been filled by new members.

We have only had five meetings during the year, but these have been well attended; fourteen members being present at the last one.

The Branch did not meet from May till October, as most of the members were engaged in attendance on the Science Lectures in Dunedin.

The papers read were, an address by the President on "The reading of the Bible in Schools, and the moral influence of the Teacher," "The Latin Literature of the Augustine Age," by Mr. Malcolm; and "The Report of the Commission on Higher Education," by Mr. Waddell. The ordinary business of the Branch included, resolutions in favour of "The reading of the Bible in Schools," and "The diversion of the Synod's funds to the founding of Scholarships or Lectureships, in connection with the University of Otago;" and an expression of regret at a resolution of the Education Board regarding leave of absence to Teachers during sickness.

A few weeks ago Mr. Malcolm was appointed Rector of the Christchurch Normal School, and this Branch gave a complimentary dinner to that gentleman on the occasion of his leaving the district. Our invitation was heartily responded to by members of the several Branch Associations, and representatives from a number of the District? page 11 School Committees; all united warmly in the expression of appreciation of the valuable and earnest services of Mr. Malcolm in the cause of Education.

James M'neur, Sec.