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grammar. Prizes were awarded:-Class I. boys, 41.; Class II. 9 boys, 37.; Class III. 4 boys, 17.; Class IV. 9 boys, books stamped with the mitre ; Class III. 6 boys, no prize.

In the junior division, to which boys of ten years of age were admitted, 43 were examined from these geography and grammar were not required. Of these 18 received money-prizes of small amount; 11 received books; 1 was disqualified; 13 were not thought worthy of any prize.

The distribution of prizes took place 7th of June, in the presence of many persons interested in the work, as well as of the scholars, and some of the parents. Lord Lyttelton, Rev. T. L. Claughton, and other members of the Diocesan Board, took part in the proceedings of the day. There is good ground for believing-as witnessed by the Rev. A. H. Woodgate-that the hope of obtaining these valuable and honourable prizes has already had the effect of inducing parents to prolong the attendance of their children at school.....

Training College.-The number of students now in residence is twenty-five; less than in the previous year, in consequence of the number sent out at Christmas, and partly from a new regulation of Committee of Council, which throws back students which would have come up last Christmas, to next Christmas; the object being to raise the age of students in training colleges, and not to send them out so soon-an arrangement which will ultimately work well. To promote this object the Board has resolved that the Principal of the Diocesan Training College be at liberty to apply for a grant, not exceeding 201. in any one year, towards the maintenance of students especially recommended by him for a third year's course, on condition that no one student receive more than 15%,"

A list of twenty-three schools is given in the Report, with the names of the Masters appointed to them from the Training College.

A list of the students who were placed in the Class Lists of the Committee of Council on Education is also appended.

The Report further states, that the Training College is in need of funds, more particularly to cover the deficiencies of the first three years.

In closing the Report, the Board appeal for a larger measure of support, and observe:

"For the future, whatever may be done by the Legislature, the work of this Society will still remain a work of continually increasing moment, to cherish, as the instrument of the Church, the religious and vitalising element in education, to watch against the danger of an exclusive secularity-the tendency to neglect, in the desire of progressing in earthly wisdom, that higher knowledge which, by the operation of God's Holy Spirit, purifies the heart, influences the morals, and sublimates the character, making its possessor wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

West Cornwall Local Board.
HARVEST MEETING OF TEACHERS.

Truro, August 14th, 1855. REV. AND DEAR SIR,-The first harvest meeting of teachers of Church Schools, convened by the West Cornwall Local Board of Education, and held in the Central School, Truro, was brought to a close on Saturday evening last. I beg now to furnish your Board with some account of our proceedings during the week.

The teachers assembled on the morning of Monday the 16th instant, and at two o'clock commenced work, the amount of time at our disposal being very limited; this was also the case with the number of subjects of instruction. The programme appended will show the hours of work and the amount of time devoted to each subject. In all the lectures the school was constantly kept in view, each subject being dealt with with especial reference to the mode of teaching it, and to the proper division and subdivision of it.

On Thursday a general conversation on school matters was held (the first in the county of Cornwall), presided over by the Rev. W. W. Harvey, Rural Dean, and attended by many of the clergy of the neighbourhood, who took a very active part in the proceedings. The meeting was much indebted to the Rev. Professor Browne and the Rev. J. Punnett, for their valuable assistance in the solution of the difficulties brought under notice-eighteen in number, and, with two exceptions, previously propounded by the teachers present-and the very practical character of which affords indisputable evidence that the propounders are in earnest in the work in which they are engaged.

At the close the Rev. Professor Browne addressed the teachers present, urging the

importance of enforcing precept by example, and of making religion the basis of all instruction; and warning them of the dangerous tendencies of a system of mere intellectual training, without a commensurate training of the heart and elevation of the standard of moral excellence.

The result of this day was in the highest degree satisfactory to the teachers assembled, who will return to their schools with a much increased knowledge as to the different modes of meeting the many difficulties which they encounter almost daily in their school work.

Saturday morning from 10.30 was spent in the construction of a time-table, and the consideration of many points connected with the efficient working of a school. The following subjects occupied a prominent position:

Home Lessons: how they might be made of most service to the scholars, and at the same time materially assist the working of the subjects taught in school.

Text-Books for the preparation of lessons were recommended from the catalogue of very useful books for that purpose published by the National Society.

The preservation of Silence in school, with special reference to devout behaviour at the hours of prayer.

The influence of the Teacher on the conduct of the scholars in the school and in the playground.

The preservation of Cleanliness.

We are all much indebted to the Rev. W. W. Harvey, for the use of St. Mary's Church daily for service; also to the Rev. T. S. Livius, for his unremitting attention to the business of the week, and particularly for an address delivered at the close of our work, the earnestness and affectionate tone of which produced an effect on the minds and, I think, the hearts of all present which will not soon be effaced. The teachers present (16 males and 19 females) entered into and bore the hard week's work with the greatest good-will; for which, and their ready disposition to conform in all respects to the regulations for the conduct of the meeting, I have to return them my very sincere thanks. We separated, regretting for the most part-I may certainly say for myself and several, whose regrets were audibly expressed-that our very pleasant meeting. had come to a close.

The arrangements for boarding all who desired to avail themselves of the common table were admirably made, the small charge for which, 1s. per diem, removed all difficulty of a pecuniary nature to the teachers. Eight mistresses were lodged in the Training Institution.

In conclusion, Rev. Sir, I have to express the deep sense entertained by all attending this meeting of the kindness and solicitude for their comfort shown by you, and for your presence during the whole of each of the six days of our meeting.

Trusting this may be but the commencement of a series of annual gatherings of the teachers of West Cornwall for mutual improvement, I have the honour, &c.

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EDWARD D. JONES,

National Society's Organising Master.

Hon. Secretaries to the West Cornwall

Local Board of Education.

Diocese of Lichfield,
ARCHDEACONRY OF DERBY.

The following, condensed from the columns of the Derbyshire Courier, together with the "Summary of Conversation" which follows, relates to a conference on Church Education, held at Chesterfield on the 2d, 3d, and 4th of August :

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According to announcement, a series of meetings has been held in Chesterfield upon the important subject of Church Education. On Thursday afternoon a body of clergy and teachers met at half-past two, the Rev. H. J. Ellison, and afterwards the Ven. Archdeacon Hill, being in the chair; the subject discussed was the best method of organising a school of sixty children, especially with reference to the arrangement of fittings, the classification of pupils, the construction of a suitable time-table, and the means to be employed for fostering reverence, quietness, and respectfulness. The discussion was commenced by Mr. Flint, late Organising Master of the National Society, now Assistant-Inspector, with the Rural Deans in the Archdeaconry of Derby. On the evening of the same day there was a lecture by Mr. Flint On the Church teacher in and out of school.' On Friday morning at ten there was a larger meeting, when the Bishop of the Diocese, the Archdeacon of Derby, the Rural Deans and other clergy were present. There was a very interesting discussion On the best modes of conducting the religious teaching and training of school-children.' In the afternoon, at two, practical illustration

of teaching in the Victoria Schools. The teaching of the classes was conducted by Mr. Flint. Last evening, at seven, there was to be a tea-party at Whitelands Lecture Rooms; and at the final meeting on Saturday, subjects will be discussed proposed by the body of teachers.

The general objects of these Meetings are to interest the laity in the great work of Church education, and to elicit among the clergy and teachers such information as may be put into practice in their various fields of labour. As far as Chesterfield is concerned, it is an experiment; but it is hoped that each year the benefits and interest of such Meetings will become more widely known, and that some measure of the success will be obtained that has attended similar meetings at Lichfield."

Summary of Conversation on Educational Matters.

On Thursday, at two p.m., the business of the meeting was commenced by prayer; after which followed a discussion "On the arrangement of fittings in schoolrooms." The majority of those present seemed to think that arrangement best which enabled teachers not only to avail themselves of the aid of a group of parallel desks; but also to arrange their classes in the usual way on the floor. Remarks were made upon the height of class-forms, and several named fifteen inches as the best for the higher classes. The necessity for attending to the comfortable position of children when receiving instruction was urged as one means of securing their attention. The subject of classification next occupied the attention of the meeting. Most of those present appeared to think that reading should be made the basis of classification; though it was stated that there were various opinions on this subject. The question then followed, whether there should be an entirely new classification of the children for arithmetic, or not. On this point the meeting seemed divided; some advocating the plan, others objecting; the reasons pro and con were stated at length. The construction of a time-table for four classes was taken next into consideration. The question was mooted, whether it is advisable to close the work of the school each day with religious instruction; and on this subject there seemed to be a difference of opinion: the majority present thought that the children would be too weary to derive much benefit from it. All appeared to think that certainly the first lesson in the day should be of a religious character. It was agreed that every class in the school ought to receive at least one lesson in the day from the teacher, in addition to the religious teaching; and that the two first classes should, of course, receive the greater part of the teacher's personal assistance. A discussion arose as to the benefit a pupil would be likely to receive from the practice of writing out from memory the lesson learnt at home the previous evening, instead of simply repeating it. On this point there was a difference of opinion, but more spoke in favour of the plan than against it. Much w as said in praise of the system of so alternating the quiet and noisy lessons at one time, that there might never be too much noise in the schoolroom. The question was then raised, as to how far it was desirable to curtail the number of subjects proposed to be taught in schools where the children leave altogether at the age of ten or eleven.

On Thursday evening, at eight p.m., a paper was read, which gave rise to some remarks on a suggestion which it contained as to the establishment of Dame schools in country parishes where infant schools could not be had, or where an infant school was at an inconvenient distance from certain parts of the parish. Some very valuable remarks were then made upon the means to be employed for promoting respectfulness on the part of the children attending national schools. It was said, that a teacher should exact from them some token of respect on entering the schoolroom, or meeting them in the street, not for his own sake, but for theirs; also that they should invariably stand up once, by way of recognition, whenever a visitor came into the room, or, in a large school, whenever he approaches their class.

On Friday, at ten a.m., the Lord Bishop of the diocese took the chair, and the meeting was considerably augmented by the attendance of the Rural Deans of the Archdeaconry. The subject discussed was "The religious and moral training of children in Church schools." It was divided thus for greater facility of discussion: 1. Early training; 2. Religious teaching in national schools, and its application in the formation of habits; 3. How far the school and teacher may be made effectual in connection with home influence; 4. Keeping up a connection with those who have left school; 5. The duties of the pastor in connection with the school; and 6. Confirmation as a means of influencing those who have entered on the duties of life.

Under the first of these heads it was remarked, that habits are formed in childhood, and from an earlier period than many are apt to suppose; hence the value of infant schools, and especially dame schools, as the latter are smaller and more likely to bring the trainer into closer contact with her children. Where dame schools already exist, and the teacher is a woman of "piety and good sense," as well as a member of the

Church, it would not, perhaps, be desirable to set up a new dame school. That a small sum of money added to that which the dame was already receiving from her scholars, and a supply of easy reading-books, hymn-books, and the like, would make the school a Church school; and as such it might be made most effectual in fostering habits of obedience, reverence, cleanliness and order, and as a feeder to the national school. Under the head of "Religious teaching in national schools," &c., it was remarked, that in giving such instruction the teacher should be reverent, not flippant in manner; that he should continually draw moral lessons from the facts of Scripture history, not treat religious instruction as an ordinary lesson, but by all means in his power make the children feel that it was the chief teaching given in the school. That the teacher should not attempt too much at a time; should teach his pupils private prayers, or prayers to be said at home, also hymns, and the most striking texts of Scripture relating to faith and practice, as food for the mind to feed on in sickness, suffering, or sorrow, or when under temptation. Under the head of home influence, it was said that a teacher should visit the parents of his pupils, that by so doing he might interest them in the progress of their children, and at the same time get a little walking exercise and health-an object of great moment to himself. Towards keeping up a connection with former scholars, it was suggested that they might be invited to share in the festivities of the school anniversary, that books of an attractive and healthy kind might be lent to them to counteract the evils of bad literature; and that by employing them as Sunday-school teachers, much might be done towards attaching them to the Church. Under the last head, it was remarked that the co-operation of the clergyman was highly essential to the success of the school. He can do almost infinite good by opening the daily work of the school with prayer, by assisting the master or mistress in the religious instruction, and by bringing the school prominently before the parents in his parochial visits.

In the evening of Friday there was a tea-party, and some animated conversation on school-matters. It was not so well attended as had been expected, from various causes. On the last day of the meeting, the Ven. Archdeacon Hill took the chair. The subjects discussed were those proposed by the teachers themselves, as: 1. The best means of promoting punctuality of attendance; 2. The best way to manage infants, in a school which is partly mixed and partly infant, and in which there is not a mistress to assist; 3. The best and cheapest text-books and school-books. Under the first of these heads, it was remarked that much good might be done if the teacher were to call on the parents and speak to them on the subject; also by sending them every month a report of punctuality, attendance, progress, and behaviour, signed by the clergyman (printed forms of this kind, to be filled up by the teacher, are to be had at the National Society's Depository). The plan was mentioned of not allowing "late-comers" to write on any morning or afternoon in which they were not punctual; also the common one of "keeping in" those who are late. With reference to the second head, the plan was suggested of forming a simple gallery of low benches* at the far end of the room, on which the little ones might be placed under charge of a monitress, who should be paid a small sum for her services, and receive tuition after school-time. It was suggested also, that a thick stuff curtain might stretch halfway across the room, to partially separate the infant department from the other. Such children, it was said, ought, however, to be in a dame school. Under the third head, various text-books were named on Scripture, catechism, Liturgy, history, grammar, geography, arithmetic, and algebra.

On Friday afternoon, practical illustrations of teaching were given for a short time in the Victoria schools, and a discussion followed "On the method of giving a readinglesson to an upper class, and on the use of the black-board in teaching geography."

The meeting owes much to the Rev. Prebendary Ellison, Inspectional Secretary in the Archdeaconry of Derby, who arranged its routine; to the Rev. W. Fry of Leicester, to whose zealous and successful efforts in educational matters the country owes so much, and who came from a distance to be present; and to the Rev F. Calder, the head-master of the Chesterfield Grammar School. It is almost needless to allude to the well-known interest in Church Education shown by the Bishop of the diocese, and the Ven. Archdeacon Hill.

It is hoped that, in course of time, these meetings will become very popular, and that they will do much good by enlisting the sympathies of the laity in the work of education. To the teachers they may become of great advantage, by giving them an increased interest in each other's labours, and making the experience of all benefit each one. The clergy too, by attending such meetings, are enabled to exchange much valuable information on one of the most important parts of the parochial system. JOHN FLINT, Assistant Diocesan Inspector.

* A mattress in an infant school is a very useful article of furniture, as little children become very sleepy in the long afternoons, and want to lie down.

Meeting of Principals.

THE following is a copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Committee of Council on Education, containing the resolutions agreed to at the meeting of Principals and Chaplains of Training Colleges held at Whitelands on July 6th, with their Lordships' reply:

National Society's Office, Sanctuary, Westminster,
July 25th, 1855.

SIR,—I am desired by the Principals and Chaplains of Church of England Training Colleges, under the inspection of her Majesty's Privy Council, a meeting of whom was held in London on the 6th instant, to convey to their Lordships the expression of their opinion on the following matters.

1. They beg to suggest, in the case of an ordinary pupil (not a Queen's Scholar) in a Training School who in the examination at the close of his first year's training shall have gained a place in the Class List, and who leaves the Training Institution to take charge of a school before the end of his second year, that such a student should be visited with the same penalty which now attaches to a Queen's Scholar who has acted in a similar way, and that he should forfeit the benefit arising from his place in the Class List. Some such provision would, as it seems to them, materially tend to secure a uniform period of training for two years, of the advantage of which the Principals and Chaplains are fully sensible.

2. They are also of opinion, that it would be very desirable that any teacher, who has obtained a certificate or a place in the Class List, and who wishes to improve that certificate, should be entitled to a Queen's Scholarship at any Training College, in order that he may enter such college for one year's training, taking his place among the second-year pupils. Such an extension of the benefits of Queen's Scholarships seems in accordance with the views already expressed by their Lordships, and would, in the opinion of the Principals and Chaplains, tend to promote a wholesome spirit of emulation and improvement among teachers already in charge of schools.

3. They further desire me to express their opinion, that the payments made by their Lordships to the Training Schools on account of Queen's Scholars ought to be uniform. It seems to them that the rate of payment now made on account of Queen's Scholars of the first class ought to be allowed on behalf of all Queen's Scholars; such a payment will barely reimburse the Training School for expense of maintenance actually incurred, independently of all cost of tuition. And inasmuch as, so far as regards payments, the Committee of Council on Education stand in loco parentis to the Queen's Scholar, it does not seem unreasonable to look for an annual allowance from their Lordships sufficient to cover the cost of maintenance.

The opinions of the Principals and Chaplains on the three foregoing matters apply equally to Male and Female Training Schools.

4. I am desired by the Principals of the Training Schools for Masters to state, that they have found the use of Blackstone's Commentaries in their respective institutions, in several respects, seriously inconvenient. All that can be fairly required from students upon the subjects of which Blackstone treats seems to be comprehended under the words "Constitutional History," included in the scheme put forth by the Rev. Canon Moseley. And, so far as grammar is concerned, there are other books in common use in Training Schools which would answer the purpose better than Blackstone's Commentaries. I have the honour, &c. JOHN G. LONSDALE.

The Secretary, Committee of Council on Education.

Committee of Council on Education, Privy Council Office,
Downing Street, 4th August 1855.

REV. SIR,-In reply to your letter of the 25th ult., transmitting certain resolutions adopted at a meeting in London on the 6th ult of the Principals and Chaplains of Church of England Training Colleges under inspection, I am directed by the Lord President to state, that the Committee of Council is at all times happy to have an opportunity of considering such an expression of opinion on the part of those by whom the practical work of education is conducted.

Adverting to the several points in the order in which they are enumerated in your letter, I am instructed to inform you that,

1. Their Lordships understand the proposal to be based upon Minutes 1851-2 (vol. i. pp. 112-15), and Minutes 1854-5, p. 29.

The proposal, as worded, goes to the extent of making it impossible (at least in the case of a pupil-teacher) to obtain any certificate whatever at the end of one year's residence in a Training College.

My Lords are not sure whether this is the exact meaning of the proposal; but if it be so, they must at once state that the rule which is laid down at p. 28 of this year's

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