790 PROCEEDINGS OP SECTION J. 



In these official meetings you will have noticed that veiy few 

 resolutions were passed, but there was a great deal of very interesting 

 discussion which led to no resolutions, as there was not the complete 

 unanimity desired. 



I was particularly struck by two things at these meetings : Firsts 

 the eagerness shown by the colonial representatives to pass a great 

 many (often ambiguously worded) resolutions, and the contrasted 

 caution of the British representatives which made them reject the 

 majority of the proposals; also the extreme value of an able and 

 tactful chairman, Mr. Butcher, M.P., who occupied the chair at these 

 meetings, and frequently interposed to reconcile differences, explaining 

 that there was no essential disagreement in the proposals moved by 

 the two differing members; and his sei-vices were often of the utmost 

 value in helping the colonials to reconstruct carelessly worded resolu- 

 tions so that they might be accepted by the more cautious home 

 members. 



The following resolutions were also passed by the sections : — 

 Nature Study Section — " As Nature study gives that wide know- 

 ledge of the world and its products which is required throughout life, it 

 should be inculcated at all stages of sound general education, and this 

 section recommends its earnest encouragement in the home, in the 

 school, and in the outside world. Furthermore, this section trusts 

 that the education authorities of the Empire will endeavour to extend 

 and encourage knowledge self-gained from original observation as a 

 vitalising factor in the progress t-o full intellectual efficiency." 



"That the supply of teachers acquainted with true methods of 

 Nature study being the greatest present requirement, special efforts 

 be made to provide facilities for the proper preparation for the work 

 of students and teachers in training." 



Museum Section — " That the formation of school collections 

 illustrative of science or art is a valuable aid to education." 



" That when school collections are made to illustrate natural 

 history or other branches of knowledge, arrangements for the 

 exchange of such collections between various parts of the Empire will 

 assist the objects for which the League is instituted." 



"That teachers and others should discourage the making of such 

 collections as might tend to the extermination of rare plants or 

 animals, and should assist in preserving such objects by fostering a 

 knowledge and love of Nature." 



" That this conference I'ecognises the value of arrangements for 

 the circulation of museum objects, as organised at the Victoria and' 

 Albert Museum, South Kensington, and at the Dublin Museum of 

 Science and Art, at Sheffield Museum, and elsewhere; and warmly 

 advocates an extension and development of the system." 



" That this conference recommends the organisation of a per- 

 manent collection of objects specially interesting and useful to those 

 engaged in educational work, in connection with one of the great 

 museums in London. That such a collection should include tj^ical 

 school museums and the outlines of a local educational museum." 



University Section — "That it is desirable that a committee repre- 

 senting universities should be formed to investigate the question 

 whether it is possible to facilitate the exchange of information as to 



