January 4th, 1900, 7.30 P.M.

The Council resumed, the President in the chair.

Minutes.—The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Council in Committee—The Council was resolved into Committee to consider the report of the Constitution Committee.

On resuming the amended Constitution was presented, and on the motion of Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Gill, was adopted.

Vote of Thanks.—On the motion of Mr. Jeffery, seconded by Mr. Ryder, it was resolved, "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded by the Council to the Constitution Committee for its labours."

Distribution of Constitution.—On the motion of Mr. G. Grant, seconded by Mr. Gibbs, it was resolved, "That the Executive arrange to supply to all teachers eligible for membership a copy of the institute Constitution as adopted, together with a circular setting forth the advantages of membership."

Model District Constitution.—On the motion of Mr. Eudey, seconded by Mr. Davidson, it was resolved, "That a model constitution for district institutes, and regulations for the administration of the Legal Assistance Fund, be drawn up by April 30th; that it be sent to the district institutes for suggestions; that it be then put into shape and submitted to the Institute's solicitors; that a copy be sent to the district institutes for consideration before being finally adopted at the annual meeting in 1901; and that Mr. Stewart be authorised to draw up the said constitution and regulations.

Next Meeting of the Council.—On the motion of Mr. Parkinson, seconded by Mr. Gill, it was resolved, 44 That the Council meet in Wellington on January 2nd, 1901."

Election of President.—On the motion of Mr. Eudey, seconded by Mr. Davidson, it was resolved, "That Mr. W. T. Grundy be the President for the next year."

Mr. Grundy returned thanks for the honour bestowed on him.

Address to the Secretary.—Speeches appreciative of the services of Mr. Grundy as Secretary were made by Mr. Johnson (the retiring President), Mr Stewart, and Mr. Davidson, and Mr. Newton, Secretary of the Testimonial Committee, read the following address:—

Dear Sir,—On behalf of the various Branches of this Institute, we have great pleasure in taking advantage of this opportunity of conveying to you the heartiest thanks of the members for the great and valuable services rendered by you, as its Secretary, during the past eight years.

That the steady growth and increased influence of the Institute is very largely due to your efforts is no mere platitude.

While we may refer more especially to your arduous labours iu connection with the Court of Appeal Act and its amendment, and the movement for freedom of classification, it is beyond doubt that your personal influence has been of the greatest value to the Institute, and has helped to secure for the teachers of New Zealand most of the benefits granted by the Legislature.

To show that the members of the N.Z. Educational Institute in some degree appreciate these earnest and self-denying efforts, we are directed to ask your page 22 acceptance of the accompanying silver salver and serviette rings, also of a purse of sovereigns, with the contents of which we trust you will purchase some additional memento of your long official connection with the Council and its Executive.

Mr. Grundy feelingly returned thanks.

Printing of Address.—On the motion of Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Hughes, it was resolved, "That the Secretary be authorised to have the address suitably engrossed on parchment, and hand the same to Mr. Grundy."

Election of Treasurer.—On the motion of Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Eudey, it was resolved, "That Mr. Hughes, B.A., be re-elected Treasurer."

Mr. Hughes returned thanks.

Election of Secretary.—On the motion of Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Macdonald, it was resolved, "That Mr. T. H. Gill, M.A., be elected Secretary."

Mr. Gill returned thanks.

Executive.—Messrs. Stewart, Davidson and Watson were duly nominated and elected as members of the Executive.

Adjournment of Council.—The Council then adjourned.