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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 46

Report of the Educational institute of Stage, 1881-2

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Report of the Educational institute of Stage, 1881-2.

The Committee of Management of the Institute present the following report of the transactions of the past year.

The various recommendations of the Annual Conference were fully considered, and such measures taken as were considered necessary to give effect to the views of the Institute.

Interim Report on the Standards.

The Interim Report of the Conference was adopted by your Committee. The report, a copy of which was sent to the Inspector-General, contained the following representations:—(1.) That whilst some of the appended notes were worthy of approval, others were opposed to the spirit of the original paragraphs of the Syllabus. (2.) That the Regulations stated that serious failure in two subjects shall be considered a failure in the Standard, whereas the Notes, Section 8, limited the number to serious failure in one subject. (3.) The hope was again expressed that, in the event of there being any modification of the existing Regulations, the suggestions of the Instituto would receive favourable consideration.

Resolution defining "Fair Attendance."

This resolution referred to the instructions issued by the Inspectors, and represented that these should be amended so as to allow teachers to withhold from the Standard examination all pupils who had not made a fixed number of attendances during the school year. It was considered by your Committee that, as the Regulations were issued by the Education Board, application should be made to that body asking for a more precise definition of "fair attendance." The resolution was forwarded to the Education Board. The reply stated that the Board had not the power to make the alteration suggested.

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Resolution regarding Standard Questions.

A communication was sent to the Minister of Education concerning specimen questions of the various Standards. In reply your Committee were informed—"It was deemed better to issue Notes on the Standards than to prepare specimen questions. Such Notes were published, and the first paragraph of the Note on page 18 indicates in part the reasons for not sending out specimen questions."

Affiliation with Canterbury.

Your Committee gave considerable attention to the matter of affiliation with the Canterbury teachers. The result is so far very successful and encouraging. The Teachers in the neighbouring Province have formed Institutes at Timaru, Ashburton, Leeston, and Christchurch. Lengthy correspondence ensued between your Committee and the above Associations relative to a permanent basis of union between the two Provinces. It was thought expedient to postpone further negotiations until the annual Conference. A deputation of Canterbury teachers has been nominated to attend the annual meeting for the purpose of fully discussing the whole subject. In connection with this matter your Committee have to state that inquiries have been received from all parts of the Colony in regard to the working of the Institute, with the view of establishing similar organisations.

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.

Finance.

The following is the Treasurer's Report, showing a balance in hand of £30 19s.:—

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RECEIPTS. 1881. June 18.—To Balance ... ... £12 5 8 " Lawrence Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 1 14 4 " Balclutha Branch, additional subscription ... ... 0 14 0 July 9. "Oamaru Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 7 6 0 1882. April 24. "Balclutha Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 2 16 0 May 18. "Dunedin Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 5 5 0 " Lawrence Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 2 13 4 " Milton Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 4 3 0 19. "Invercargill Branch, two-thirds subscription ... ... 3 18 0 £40 15 4 EXPENDITURE. 1881. June 18. By Secretary's account for Stationery £3 17 0 Aug. 1. "Coulls & Culling, printing ... 1 9 1 Otago Daily Times, printing ... 1 3 0 Dec. 18. "Star, printing ... ... 0 18 6 1882. May 19. "Secretary—Stationery, Postages, &c. 2 8 9 27. "Balance in hand ... ... 30 19 0 £40 15 4

Balance Sheet.

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Your Committee propose a reduction and a re-adjustment of the annual subscription as follows:—That rules 6 and 8 be amended; that 5s. per annum per member be paid to the Institute by the Branches, and that pupil-teachers and Normal School students be admitted to membership on the annual payment of 2s. 6d. Further, that Branches be permitted to fix any additional sum above the amount transmitted to the Institute, for local expenses.

Programme of Proceedings of Conference.

Copies of the programme of proceedings will be sent to members and teachers. In addition to the ordinary business thus provided for, members are invited to bring up for discussion such other matters as may appear to them worthy of consideration. Similar privileges to those of last year will be conceded to Teachers in the matter of railway passes. Your Committee have to thank the Education Board for sending out circulars to School Committees suggesting that the schools be closed in order that Teachers may attend the Conference. The thanks of the Institute are due to Mr. Pryde for the interest he has manifested in the success of the Annual Meeting.

D. White

, Secretary.

W. J. Moore

, Treasurer. Dunedin,

Vignette