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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 75

[introduction]

In submitting the Twentieth Annual Report to the Teachers of Otago and others interested, the Committee of Management, in pursuance of the policy adopted in last year's Report, embody in it the resolutions passed at the last Annual Meeting together with any slight explanations that may be deemed necessary. The Committee of Management also think that a resumé of the most important work done by the Committee during the year will increase the value of the Report, as a permanent record of the work of the Institute.

1. That a Committee consisting of Headmasters and those present be formed to consider the question of Schoolbooks.

Moved by Mr. D. White. See page 10.

2. That the Secretary be requested to communicate with Members of both Houses urging them to support the Teachers' Court of Appeal Act Amendment Bill.

Moved by Mr. Davidson. Action was taken as directed; and Members stated their willingness to support the Amendments desired; but it was afterwards learned, from the Secretary of the New Zealand Institute, that the Premier considered that it was not advisable to amend the Act in the direction asked for. Members will see from the Report of the Council Meeting that the Question is being kept steadily in view.

3. That the text-books on History at present in use are unsuitable either as reading books or as history books.

Brought forward by the Central-Otago Branch. See page 10.

page 6

4 That if members of the Education Board are to be elected by School committees, all committees should vote on the same day; but in the opinion of those present, the best mode of election would be a general popular vote, such as determines the election of M.H.R's.

Brought forward by the Central-Otago Branch and referred to Committee of Management. As an almost similar motion was passed last year, the Committee of Management took no action. It is generally conceded that the present method of election is open to three strong objections. (1) Committee's whether composed of five, seven, or nine members have equal voting powers. (2) Committee's representing a very small majority of parents can out-vote Committees representing a large majority. (3) Through the voting not being taken on one day, it is possible for circumstances to arise which might influence Committees to vote, not in accordance with their convictions, but rather from motives of policy.

It was not considered advisable for the Committee to take action at the time, seeing that an Act of Parliament is necessary to alter the system of election. (See Council's Report)

Page 11.

This question has been taken up by the Dunedin and Surburban School's Conference, but though strong arguments were brought against the present system, there seems no possibility of change in the immediate future. It can however again be taken up and remitted to the Educational Institute of N.Z. to take further action.

During last election to the Board the Dunedin Press very wisely abstained from publishing the votes of the individual Committees, giving only the total votes gained by each candidate.

5. That the Education Board be asked to consider the following proposal, "that no pupils be allowed in class rooms after 4 p.m.; and that the pupils doing Standard work be in no case allowed on school premises longer than 6 ½ hours, this time to include one hour for lunch."

Proposed by Mr. Jeffery. Motion lost.

6. That the Institute is in hearty sympathy with the Board's regulations re keeping-in and home lessons.

Moved by Mr Botting, and carried.

page 7

7. That the Secretary write to the other Branches of the Otago Educational Institute asking their opinion as to the advisability of the members taking more active and united interest in the election of Members of the Education Board.

Brought forward by Otago Central Branch. Referred to Committee of Management. No action taken.

8. That it is not advisable to introduce the Bible into our Public Schools.

Proposed by Mr. Jeffery.

9. That it is not advisable at this Meeting to take a vote of Teachers on the question of the introduction of the Bible into the Public Schools, nod that the Committee of Management be requested to take steps to get the opinion of the Teachers of Otago on the question.

Amendment to 8. Proposed by Mr. Davidson.

10. That it is not desirable to take a vote of the Teachers on the matter.

Amendment to 9. Proposed by Mr. McElrea.

No. 10 was finally carried.

11. That in the election of President of the New Zealand Educational Institute, the Council shall in future receive nominations from the Branches, and shall at the Annual Meeting elect one of the Nominees as President for the ensuing year.

Remitted from Council of New Zealand Educational Institute for opinion of Branch Institutes. On the motion of Mr. Peattie it was resolved to disagree with the remit.

12. Mr. Peattie brought up the question of Syllabus for Class X.

It was explained that after an interview with the Chairman of the Board and with the Inspectors, the Syllabus had been amended, and in its amended form would give the teachers reasonable freedom, as the Inspectors only required from each school a Syllabus for Class X suited to the circumstances of that school.

page 8

13. That the members of this Institute are-pleased to note that the Education Board has seen fit to appoint two of its teachers as Assistant-Inspectors; and that the Members congratulate the gentlemen so appointed.

Moved by Mr. Davidson.

14. That a hearty vote of thanks be passed to Mr. D. White, M.A., for his services as a member of the Executive representing this part of New Zealand.

Proposed by Mr. Davidson, seconded by Mr. Rennie.