E.—l2.

REPORT UPON STATE EDUCATION.

Roman Catholic Opinion of State Schools. (b) That it would be infinitely preferable to have a few simple subjects taught thoroughly; and (c) That education should not be compulsory, 1 but left to parental discretion.

There are more items of information given in the general tabular summary contained in this report; but no attempt is made to give full data, especially as the publications herewith are exhaustive. 3

1 Note also opinion of Rev. D. J. Stewart, M.A., a Senior Inspector in England, as expressed before the 8.E.G., 1886—viz., that compulsion is unjustifiable ; and he doubts its efficacy. See espec. 2554, 2696, 2736. For comments on Inspector Stewart's evidence, see " Journal of Ed.," 1 Oct., 18G6, p. 407. 2See— (a) " Manuale di Legislazione Scliolastica Vigente ovvero Baccolta di Leggi, Regolamenti, Oircolari e Programmi Sulla Publica Instruzione," Roma, vol. 1, 1880 ; vol. 2, 1883 ;

(b) R.C, espec vol. 1, pp. 27, 47, 400, 383-392, 507, and 511; vol. 3, answers 4, 303-321; (c) Hipp., containing a history and details ; and note budget at end of vol. ; (d) Pec. ; (e) "Schools and Universities on tho Continent," by M. Arnold ; (/) " School Life in the Apennines," Journal of Ed., 1 Oct, 1880, p. 412 ; and (g) Report of the Commissioner of Education for tho U.S.A., 1835, for 1883-84, p. 227.

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