Branch Associations.

Your Committee have had under review during the year suggestions from the Branch Associations. By far the most important was a communication from the Southland Branch bearing on the method of payment of Teachers throughout the Colony. This and the report of your Committee thereon will be laid before the Conference.

Your Committee are pleased to slate that the Southland Branch has determined to remain in connection with the Institute. Letters have been received respecting the formation of a branch at Tapanui, which give promise, that ere long an association will be established in that district. The branch reports show that there has been more work done in this than in any previous year. Your Committee hope that measures will be taken to maintain the interest thus evinced, as the success of the Institute depends largely upon the support given by the Branch Associations.