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Local Boards.

The householders in each district are to meet once a year, to elect the School Committee for superintending the schools in the district.

Their special powers are to select masters from persons holding a certificate from the Central Board, and subject to the sanction of the Inspector to prescribe the general course of instruction in the schools.

Central Board.

The Central Board is formed of representatives of the Local Boards, with whom is associated one member of the Executive, appointed by the Superintendent; each of the Local Boards deputing one person as a member of the Central Board.

The powers of the Central Board are—

1st. To constitute new districts, or alter the boundaries of existing districts.

2nd. To distribute the funds available for education.

3rd. To appoint teachers where any Local Board may neglect to do so.

4th. To appoint teachers to schools not included within an educational district.

5th. To grant certificates of competency, provided the candidate is of good moral character.

6th. To make by-laws, subject to the approval of the Superintendent.

Religious Instruction.

Religious instruction must be free from all controversial character, and is to be imparted at such hours, that any parents objecting to it may be able to withdraw their children from the school at the time it is given.

Education Amendment Act.

The Education Amendment Act alters the original Act in the following particulars:—

1st. There is a relaxation of the provisions relating to the levying of the rate.

(a.) Instead of a rate being levied on every householder throughout the whole province, it is only levied on those resident within some proclaimed district.

(b.) Instead of the additional rate of five shillings being made payable on account of every child, it is only payable on children residing within three miles of some school established under the Act.

2nd. As to the mode of collecting the rate:—

The Superintendent is substituted for the Board as the person to fix the time and place of payment, and to appoint the person charged with the duty of collecting the rate. The Board may claim from any person not paying his rate the maximum of two pounds, and the proof that this is in excess of the sum due is to rest with the person sued.

3rd. As to the constitution of the Central Board:

(a.) The local committee of any district may cancel the election of its representative in the Central Board.

(b.) The exact day on which the existence of one Board is to cease and the Board of the ensuing year is to enter on its duties, is prescribed, being the first Thursday in July in each year, when the old Board delivers over to its successor all books, papers, accounts, and balances of money in its possession.

(c.) The Central Board is incorporated, and may hold property, and may lease it for any term not exceeding fourteen years.

4th. As to the establishment of separate schools:

Ratepayers in any district, contributing in rates fifty pounds, may establish a separate school under the following conditions:—

(a.) They must have appointed a committee of five persons for the management of the proposed school.

(b.) They must have provided a schoolroom approved by the Board.

They will then receive from the Central Board a sum equal to the rates paid by the applicants, less the expenses of collection.

The object of the second Education Amendment Act is to provide for the constitution of Local Boards where the ratepayers have neglected to elect one, in which case the Superintendent may appoint them.

IV.—OTAGO.

Legislative Enactment.

The Education Ordinance was passed in the year 1862, repealing the former Ordinance of 1856.

Central Board.

The Central Board consists of the Superintendent and his Executive Council, together with the Speaker of the Provincial Council.

The ordinary meetings of the Board take place only twice in the year, but special meetings may be called by the Secretary when he shall see occasion to do so, or when requested by the Superintendent or any two members.

The powers of the Board are:—

(a.) To exercise a general superintendence over the public schools of the province.

(b.) To promote the establishment of school districts.

(c.) To define the limits of new districts, and those of districts already constituted.

(d.) To administer the funds appropriated by the Provincial Council for educational purposes.

(e.) To authorize the employment of assistant teachers.

(f.) To authorize the employment of pupil teachers in any school.

Educational Districts.

Educational districts are constituted on a memorial being presented from any considerable portion of the inhabitants of any locality, praying that such locality be made an educational district.

On receiving such a memorial, the Board may, if circumstances require it, initiate proceedings by...