1.—13 a.

52

(.. D. iiRAIKi

151. Does it not control mainly primary education and district high schools, and in some instances technical schools ? Does it control all the secondary schools ? —-No, not all the secondary schools. 152. If the Minister wants to know about some question that arises as between the primary and district high schools and the secondary schools or the University, would it not be desirable for him to have the opportunity to appoint some body to give him that advice ?—We will assume that the Department has taken over control of the inspectorate ; if the Minister wants information—tin biassed information, and, I hope, intelligent information, and given with insight—l should say that to refer the matter to an Inspector would be as convenient and expeditious a way of doing it as any other. 153. Do you think that simply referring the matter to an Inspector would of itself satisfy the public mind ?—Not referring it to one Inspector—certainly not the one Inspector in a district; but now you are to have a number of districts with Senior Inspectors, and perhaps a Chief Inspector. 1 should say, simply refer the matter to a number of Inspectors—say, three or four Inspectors. They are expert men. 154. It conies to this :it is merely a difference as to who is to give the advice locally. You suggest the Inspectors, and we suggest a Board, which will have an Inspector on it ? —Yes. 155. About relieving teachers : do you understand that in the Bill provision is made for relieving teachers ? —Apart from the general grant, there has always been a certain allowance for relieving teachers. 156. If the Department were to give unlimited power to Education Boards to spend all the money they liked on relieving teachers, should we not be involved probably in very- heavy expenditure ? I should say that that would not be an impossible proposition. 157. I want to ask you the same with regard to the transfer of teachers : should we not be involved in pretty heavy expenditure if we gave you the money and said, " Spend what you like on the transfer of teachers " ?—Yes ; I admit that. 158. What suggestion have you to make to us to limit the expense s—l should say that the money should be spent under strict conditions and strict limitations. 159. Is not that what is provided in the Bill as regards relieving teachers ! —[No answer.] j 160. With regard to clause 75 of the Bill, you suggest regulations ?—We suggest that it should be done under strict regulations. 161. If we have in the Bill provision for such regulations, do you think we have got all that is required ? —I think so.

James; Mitchell examined. (No. 22.) 1. The Cluiirman.] What is your position ?—I am Chairman of the Otago Education Board. 2. Do you wish to make a statement to the Committee ?—Yes. The Otago Education Board lias in part considered the new Education Bill now before Parliament, and submits for the consideration of the Minister and of the Education Committee certain suggestions. It ts proposed to consider further aspects of the question, and thereafter to advise as to the conclusions arrived at. In the meantime the Board desires that the following points should be considered before the Bill is returned to the House : Council of Education : That if the General Council is to be set up, its constitution should be .somewhat altered in the following directions—(a) by giving Education Boards more adequate representation; (b) by reducing the representation of the Department; (c) by providing for the election of the Chairman by the Council itself. District Councils : This Board sees no reason for the setting-up of the District Councils, the existence of which would, in its opinion, to more likely to lead to friction than to harmonious working. Education districts : The Board is strongly of opinion that the severance of the Clutha County from the Otago District is inimical to the best interests of education in tiiat county, and contrary to the wishes of the people; further, that education in that county can be better administered from Dunedin than from any other centre. Constitution of Boards: In the opinion of the Board the alteration in the method of election of members representing urban areas is a retrograde step, and, would tend to destroy the interest now taken by School Committees in their schools. Election of School Committees : The principle or oral nomination at the householders' meetings should be restored, at all events in the case of school districts outside urban areas or boroughs. As the Bill stands it would lead to largely increased failure to elect. Establishment of public schools! &c. (section 51) : The Board, being familiar with the local conditions, is better able than the Council possibly could be to determine the practicability of conveying children to school, and to decide as to the necessity for opening or closing schools. It is recommended, therefore, that all reference to the Council in section 51 of the Bill be struck out. Staffs of public schools (Sixth Schedule): The Board expresses disappointment with the proposed new scale of staffs of schools, more particularly as it affects the large schools, Grade Vla and upwards. It is pointed out that, so far as Grade VIIc is concerned, an actual reduction in the staff is proposed. Inspectors of Schools : The Board is satisfied that the transference of the Inspectors to the control of the central Department will not be in the best interests of education, and that it is essential if they are to continue to be the advisers of the Board they should be officers of the Board, and available for the investigation of special matters upon which the Board desires information. Further findings by Otago Education Board: The Education Board, at its meeting last night, decided to forward to the Minister of Education and the Chairman of the Education Committee of the House the following additional findings of the Board with respect to the new Education Bill: Staff of district high schools :In the opinion of the Board, any principle adopted to fix the numerical strength of the staff of a secondary school should also be made applicable to the secondary department of a district high school. Conveyance of children : The Board points out that, while under section 51 of the Bill it is made obligatory upon Boards to provide for the