Papers: (1) Mr Stables-"School masters' Associations;" (2) Mr Drain—"Edu cation ;" (3) Mr Ander on—" Arithmetic ;" (4) Mr Rix— "Reading." The new clpsuficatton, syllabus of examina tion, standards, &c, weie considered, but nothing definite was arrived at, as the members were of opinion that these subjects would meet with the attention they demand at the annual Conference. The Treasurer reports the receipts for the year to have been L6 l9s 6d, and expenditure L 6 9i, leaving a balance of 10a 6d. Though the work of the year has not been quite so extensive as that of the previous one, yet from the interest shown by members in the Institute, we may safely say that a successful eeseion has been passed. Langley Pope, Secretary. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BALCLUTHA BRANCH. The last report of this Branch of the Insti tute was presented in March, 1878, since which time there have' been h>;ld six meetings of the Association, with an average attendance of eight members. At these meetings wo have always had subjects of discussion affecting our professional wcrk. Paper* of great interest have been read by the Rev. William Banneimaa on the " Last Annual Report of the Education Board," and by Mr George Stevens, on the " New Regula tions for the ' Examination, Classification, and. Certification of Teacher 3." These regulations, together with those defining the standards of education, have been the theme of vaiious keen discussions at our meetings. t The regulation of the Education Board with regard to the payment of salaries on the Fcale ,'of average attendance, has bad a prejudicial ' effect on. the general interests of the profes sional staff throughout the Clutha district. With the exception of the two largest schools, the incomes have been reduced. ' We have 16 members on the roll of the Asso ciation. ... The receipts from' subscriptions nave been L 7 19s. L4 lls has been remitted to the geoe ral treasurer as twe-thirds subscriptions, and LI 16s for reports ; 10s 9d has been paid for postage and incidental expenses, and the bal ance in hand is LI 10s 9d. James M'Neur, Secretary. HEPOBT OF THE WAITAKI BRANCH. > The Waitaki Branch of the Educational Institute of Otßgo was constituted for the year 1878, at its monthly meeting in April. The following office-bearers were then elected:— President, Mr A. 