, 1866-04-24

~ III ouCn q LICNouIC HOulu ldbLCt uofOCdtO
the adoption of some such plan for dividing the
Scholars into classes, as would reduce the num-
her under instruction at one time within proper
limits, while it would secure to them all con-
tinuous instruction on some portion of each day
in the week, Saturday and Sunday excepted
and are Of opinion that, in comparison with
such a measure, the erection Of additional
Scho0l-houses, however desirable this may be-
come at some future day, is at present Of minor
Importance.
". On the vexed question of the merits or
dement's Of the Phonetical System, the Com
mission will not enter-this having been
already sufficiently discussed elsewhere. They
only now direct the attention of the Govern
ment to the fact of it's non-adoption, and con-
sequent virtual rejection, as inapplicable to the
English Language, in all countries where that
Language prevails.
On these premises then, the Commission
take leave, most urgently and respectfully, to
offer the following recommendation for imme-
date adOptiOn-viz =
/. That at the expiration of every fortnight
a report be sent by the respective Teach
erS to the Police Masters of the several
districts, of all children who shall have
been absent from School three times, or
%oftener, without any satisfactory excuse
alledged, during the fortnight preceding,
and that it shall be the duty of the res
pective Police Masters to summon the
Parents, or Guardians, of such children
before them, on the earliest convenient
day in the week ensuing, when investiga-
ton shall be held, and such fines inflicted
as may be according to the existing law
At the same time the Commission would
suggest that sucn measures as may be
deemed expedient, be adopted by the Gov
eminent, to enforce the compulsory sys-
TEN of attendance with equal rigor in the
Towns
II. That the term Of attendance at the every
day Schools be prolonged, in all cases,
one year longer than now and, in the
case of such children as may then be re-
ported, by the Teachers, as not having
made sufficient progress to leave School
with advantage, an additional term of six
months, or one year, be allowed, at the
option Of the Parents provided always,
that the Saturday School be abolished.
III. That some plan be ad0pted-the more
simple and practicable the bettcr-lor the
division of the children, according to their
ages and requirements, into such classes
as may reduce the number under |inStruc-
ton at one session within more manageable
limits and which oay, at the same time,
secure the most important object of afford
ing them all continuous instruction on
some portion Of each day of the week
Saturday and Sunday excepted. And
". That the Government adopt, with as little
delay as possible, either by the exercise
Of their own power, or by communication,
and joint action with the Morayian Au-
thorities in Europe, as may be necessary,
such measures as may be requisite for the
Adjustment Of the Phonetical system Of
Teaching now used in our Schools.
Before concluding the Commission feel it
their duty to call the attention of the Govern
ment to the fact that the correctness Of the
statistical Reports of the Superintendent has
been repeatedly called in question by the Pc
lice Master at West End-and to recommend
that steps be taken to compare the Lists of the
Superintendent, with those Of the different
Police districts, in order that any errors: on
either side, may be corrected-such correction
being of course necessary for a knowledge of
the true status of the Schools.
While regretting the delay that has already
taken place in the much needed improvement
Of our Schools, the Commission are yet fully
convinced of the deep interest taken by the
Government in the cause of education; they
therefore most respectfully and hopefully take
leave to submit these important suggestions to
Your Excellency's favorable consideration
trusting that, with the blessing of Divine Prov
ldence on our conscientious endeav0rS, far
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