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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, AND APPENDIX. (JAMES G. WILSON, CHAIRMAN.)

Brought up on 2nd, 14th, and 15th December, 1887, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 2nd Day oe November, 1887. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, with power to call for persons and papers, to inquire (1) if tho present large expenditure on education can be reduced without unduly impairing the efficiency of the present system, or closing of tho country schools ; (2) in what direction (if any) any reduction should take place ; (3) whether State aid can be given to denominational schools in large centres of population without injury to the State system of education; (&) is it advisable that Bible-1-eading shall be introduced into State schools ? also to inquire into (5) the Native schools, their management and cost; and (6) generally into the working of the education system. The Committee to report thereon within a month; and to consist of Hon. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Allen, Mr. Beetham, Mr. Loughrey, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Barron, Mr. Walker, Dr. Fitchett, and the mover. Three to be the quorum." —(Messrs. Wilson, Seddon, and Blake.)

REPORTS. No. 190. —Report on the Petition of Archdeacon Govett and Others. Petitionees pray that the New Plymouth High School may be put under a separate Board of Governors, in common with the great majority of the high schools in the colony. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government; and the Committee recommends that all high schools be placed on the same footing. 2nd December, 1887.

Report on Petitions relative to Bible-reading in Schools. A numbee of petitions in favour of Bible-reading in schools having been referred to the Education Committee, , I have the honour to report that, the subject-matter of the petitions having been disposed of for the present session, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd December, 1887.

Report on Petitions relating to State Aid towards Denominational Schools. Sevebal petitions from Roman Catholics and others, asking for State aid towards denominational schools, having been referred to the Committee for report, I have tho honour to report that, as the question is at present under the consideration of Parliament, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th December, 1887.

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