172 BEPORT— 1888. 



'We agree tL at the present special preference of English above the 

 other class subjects sliould be removed from the Code. 



' We agree that higher elementary schools are a useful (we would 

 rather say a necessary) addition to our school machinery for primary 

 education. . . . That where such schools cannot be founded, higher 

 classes for children who have passed the seventh standard should be 

 attached to an ordinary elementary school. 



' We dissent from the recommendations of onr colleagues as to the 

 management of technical schools when established. . . . We would 

 say . . . that these schools, which should be the crown and development 

 of elementary education, should be in touch and close sympathy through 

 their management with our elementary school system. 



' In reference to the subject of technical and scientific instruction, we 

 draw an important distinction between technical instruction or instruction 

 which is designed with special reference to, and as a preliminary training 

 for, the commercial or industrial occupations of life, and manual instruc- 

 tion regai'ded as a training of the hand and eye so as to bring them under 

 the control of the brain and will, as a general preparation for the future 

 career in life, whatever it may be. 



' Bearing in mind the age of children in elementary schools, it may be 

 a question whether technical instruction, as we have defined it, should be 

 commenced any earlier than the sixth standard. But we are of opinion 

 that, after the children have left the infant school, transitional methods 

 should be adopted, which will develop their activity and train their powers 

 by drawing in ail cases, and by such other means as, for instance, 

 modelling, or the collection and mounting of botanical specimens. 



' This training would, on the one hand, be advantageous as naturally 

 leading up to technical instruction, and, on the other hand, far from 

 interfering with the more literary studies, the latter would, we believe, 

 benefit considerably by the variety and relief which would thus be 

 introduced. 



* We recommend that the examination of the scientific teaching given 

 in our elementary schools should be mainly oral, especially up to and 

 including the present fifth standard. If science is to be well taught, 

 care should be taken that where the ordinary teachers are not qualified, 

 specially trained teachers should be employed. 



'Higher grade schools should be encouraged which will prepare 

 scholars for advanced technical and commercial instruction. 



' Technical teaching in the school cannot replace the practical teaching, 

 which is best learnt in the woi'kshop. 



' In ordinary elementary schools good teaching of drawing and of 

 elementary science are the best, and in the lower classes the only fitting 

 preparation for the work of the technical school, and these subjects should 

 be generally taught. 



' Technical instruction should cover commercial and agricultural as 

 •«vell as industrial instruction.' 



