TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 304, 3 January 1902, Page 2

TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE.

By Telegraph—Press Association. New Plymouth, last night. The nineteenth annual meeting of the Educational Institute commenced here to-day. Mr W. H. Clark, 8.A., Southland, President, was in the chair, and about forty delegates were present from all parts of the colony. The Mayor, Mr Dockerill, welcomed the delegates in a suitable address, and the President then introduced the Hon. R. Caldwell, of South Australia, who congratulated the Council on its good work in the cause of education. A resolution of congratulation on the occasion of King Edward’s accession to the throne was passed, the National Anthem being sung with enthusiasm.

A vote of thanks was passed to the Premier and Minister of Education for the interest taken by them in securing the passage of the Teachers’ Salaries Bill. A congratutory resolution was passed to the Hon. W. C. Walker, on the occasion of his receiving the Boyal recognition for many services rendered. A resolution expressing the Council’s appreciation of the gallantry and devotion to the country displayed by the members of the teaching profession who have served in South Africa was carried unanimously. At the Teachers’ Institute afternoon session a resolution of regret was passed at the death of the late Mr George Grant, and of condolence with the widow. A Committee was appointed to consider accounts in connection with the Wanganui case. There was some discussion on the powers of the Council to deal with matters affecting the constitution of the Institute. A motion that it was desirable to accord district institutes greater freedom of action than they at present enjoy was considered at great length in Committee, and eventually lost. A resolution that tickets of membership should be countersigned by secretaries of district institutes, and hold good throughout the colony, was also lost. A resolution that as from the Ist January, 1903, only elected members of New Zealand Educational Institute be eligible for election to the executive (excepting exofficio members) was carried by 23 to 11. At the evening session a telegram conveying good wishes was read from the Minister of Education, and acknowledged. It was resolved that in connection with any Appeal Court case it be made a condition that if the facts brought out at the trial of the case lead to a breakdown, and such facts have been wilfully withheld from the Institute the teacher in question be called upon to pay costs, and that a teacher be required to agree t« this before a case is taken up. Mr T. H. Giles’ notice of motion was brought forward, providing several changes in the dates, and that the secretary of the district shall send within seven days to the secretary of the New Zealand Education Institute the name of any person I elected. This was carried, after discussion. The Council affirmed the desirableness of establishing a fund for the relief of old and infirm teachers, and assisting orphan children of teachers, and a committee was set up to bring down a report. The Council resolved that inspectors should be placed under the Department of Education. A further resolution that inspectors be periodically removed from one district to another was withdrawn. After some discussion the Council resolved that it was desirable that- a code of instructions be issued by the Department I for the guidance of inspectors, as done in | England. At nine p.m. the Council ad joqrned until to-morrow,