THK LACK OF CEP:ATITE SPIRIT. 805 



classes are taken at the same time — usually the first lesson in the 

 morning— twice per week. As the ordinaiy school lessons occupy 

 cnly three-quarters of an hour, the special religious teachers confine 

 their lessons within the same limits. It is not uncommon to meet 

 two, and even three, clergymen arriving at a Public school at the same 

 time in the morning to take their classes. Their intercourse with 

 the teachers is of the most • friendly character, and in these meetings 

 ministers of different denominations are brought into kindly com- 

 nmnion with one another. No friction of any kind takes place, the 

 very opposite is the case. This special work is often taken at great 

 personal inconvenience, but a reward is felt in the good done to the 

 children. The visits are stimulating to the pupils, helpful to the 

 teachers in theii' great work of character-building, and gratifying to 

 the parents. Nor is the general religious instruction given by the 

 teachers fruitless. The high moral tone in the Pubhc schools 

 generally is widely recognised, and increasing interest is manifested 

 both by teachers and ministers of the gospel in the religious educa- 

 tion of the children. 



The list of national schools numbered only four at the close 

 of 1819; at the end of 1907 there were 3,131 schools in operation 

 under the Department of Public Instruction. For the December 

 quarter of that vear there were 209,229 scholars enrolled — Church 

 of England, 109,306; Roman Catholic, 31,436; Methodist, 28,954; 

 Presbyterians, 2-4,4:53, and other denominations, 15,080. There were 

 5,745 teachers of all ranks in the service; and 46,473 visits were 

 paid to the schools by clergymen (or recognised substitutes), to give 

 special religious instmction — viz., Church of England, 25,661 visits; 

 Roman CathoHcs, 1,100; Methodists, 7,654; Presbyterians, 7,292; 

 and other denominations, 4,766. 



14.— SECOXDARY TEACHING AND THE STATE. 



Bu P. F. ROWLAXI). M.A.. Grammar Schooh TownsvUlc. 



15.- AIMS AND DIFFICULTIES OF THK RDUCATION OF GIRLS. 

 Sy Miss HELEN WHITE. M.A.. Grammar School, J'psnnch. 



16.— SOIEyilFlC TEACHING OF TEMPERANCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



By Rev. J. WILLIAMS, Brishane. 



17.- THE LACK OF CREATIVE SPIRIT. 



By F. BENNETT. >fate SchooL Marijhoroiujh West. 



