AGENCY DEPARTMENT.-AFFILIATION OF SCHOOLS. ANY school in which an education embracing Bible teaching is supplied to the children of the industrial classes, without distinction of sect or party, and without the use of catechism, creed, or formulary, may be affiliated with the British and Foreign School Society on payment of an annual subscription of one guinea (or upwards). The benefits to be derived from such affiliation are (1) Assistance in case of a change of teacher or any temporary or permanent demand for extra teaching power. (2) A grant of books at the opening of a new school, and a deduction of five per cent. from the catalogued (reduced) prices of books and school materials purchased at the Depository. (3) An annual visit of an agent of the Society, and any further service which may be possible in the way of visitation, public examinations, advice, &c. (4) Copies of the annual report of the Society, and the quarterly Educational Record. REMOVAL OF TEACHERS. Mr. Ainsworth, Cornholme to Newcastle (Staff). Mr. Cann, Mumbles to Sheffield. Mr. Cooke to Welshpool. Mr. D. Edwards, Aberystwith to Solva. Mr. Hildred, Andover to Crawley. Mr. D. Jones to Saron. Mr. I. Lewis, Welshpool to Rhyl. Mr. D. O. Morgan, Trevine to Cross Inn, Mr. T. Perkins, Llechryd to Porth. Miss Howe to Dover (Durham Hill). Miss Livermore, Bradford-on-Avon to Haverfordwest. Miss Lloyd, Neath to Porth. Miss Randall to Woodford. Miss H. C. Smith to Greenwich (Presb. School). METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS. We regret to say that Mr. Saunders' illness during the last month has prevented much that was to have been done in London. PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS. Great grief will be felt at the loss of Mr. Salter, who was run over by a train at Peterborough on Tuesday, September 6th, on his way from an examination at Lynn to a conference with a school committee at Nottingham, and died on Thursday, the 15th. He was buried at the Peterborough Cemetery on the following Monday. CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT.-Over.-The eighteenth anniversary of the above school was quite successful-the recitations, Scripture, and mental arithmetic attracting general admiration. A large company of friends sat down to the tea, which was followed by the annual meeting of subscribers and friends, the chair being occupied by Bateman Brown, Esq., of Hunt ingdon. The report read by the chairman stated that "last year's balance due to treasurer had been contributed by friends, and that the funds now are in a prosperous condition, while in point of number the school has so rapidly increased under the management of the new master, Mr. George Hicks, that at the present time the number in actual attendance far exceeds that of any previous year since its foundation, and the school is full." Cordial thanks were presented to the chairman, and to Mrs. Marshall, for the loan of the barn. The barn, with a large triumphal arch at the entrance, was profusely decorated with flowers by the lady friends of the school, assisted by the school children. LIVERPOOL DISTRICT.-Chester.-On the 27th of August the cornerstone of the new British schools was laid by the Hon. Norman Grosvenor, M.P., on behalf of his cousin, the Marquis of Westminster, whom indisposition prevented from being present. The schools will consist of two stories, and will furnish accommodation for 500 children-boys, girls, and infants. In the course of an historical statement made by the Rev. J. H. Montgomery were the following remarks: "When these schools were commenced and the building first contemplated there was no expectation, indeed no thought, of any general educational measure being so soon introduced into the Legislature; and that which has just received the royal assent excludes from its operation all existing voluntary schools, providing simply for the increase of their present annual grant from the Privy Council. In one important respect the present movement is in harmony with, and carries out the spirit of the Government measure, which expressly encourages the development of voluntary efforts for supplying present educational deficiencies. In an important sense also it promotes the interests of our heavily taxed citizens, by supplying considerable additional school accommodation which might, in some form or other, have had to be provided out of local rates. It is believed that little, if any, will now be required in Chester when these schools. are completed, and the contemplated extension of some existing schools is carried out. It must further be considered that the supply of school accommodation had not previously been by any means commensurate with the increase of population in the borough during the last fifteen years. "The managers of the British school still feel, as they have always felt, that there is ample room and even necessity for the schools which they have established, without interfering with, as they originated in no mere antagonism to, existing educational establishments; whilst they still feel strongly that, side by side with so many denominational schools, there may run its career of usefulness, and even of honourable rivalry, one that alike in its principles and practice is entirely undenominational, yet at the same time religious in its influences and teachings-uniting in the same studies children of all sects; sowing seeds of harmony, charity, and goodwill, that in after life may promote amongst them that unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' which is the great object of the gospel, especially in its chief commandments of love to God and love to men.' NORTHAMPTON.-During the past year, states the annual report for 1869, "the working of the school has been to the satisfaction of the committee, and the number of children in attendance shows a further increase. There are inscribed on the books of the school, boys, 341; girls, 165; infants, 232 total, 738. The present ordinary attendance is, boys, 255; girls, 110; infants, 180: total, 545. The committee have the satisfaction of inviting the subscribers to assist in formally opening the new schools and classes at the close of the present annual meeting. The scheme for making this important addition to the school was initiated and liberally promoted by the treasurer,-to whom the school has, for many years past, been continuously indebted. The Government approved of the enlargement, and contributed a grant of £278 13s. ld. Further donations are still needed to discharge all the liabilities connected with the building and fittings. The cost of the new premises, by which accommodation is provided for 400 infants, will be about £800. The committee are certain that the new rooms will be a great boon, especially to the large population which is rapidly gathering in the immediate neighbourhood of the schools. The committee congratulate the supporters of the British Schools that they have now a very complete suite of rooms, equal to the training of 1,000 children, and they have little doubt that the education and discipline will be such, that without any compulsory measures the average attendance, as well as the number on the books, will go on steadily increasing. The subscribers to the British schools who have advocated and contributed towards the maintenance of institutions for the education of the children of their poorer neighbours, will be interested in learning what is the demand, and what is the machinery, for providing elementary education in Northampton." Here follow statistics. "Your committee rejoice in the fact that the principles of the British and Foreign School Society are rapidly gaining favour with all classes throughout the country. As regards the manner in which undenomina. tional religious teaching has been given in our own schools, the committee have never heard that the instruction given has failed to direct the children to the highest principles as the proper rule of conduct, or that in any way offence has been given to the particular denominational views of any parent. In November last inquiry was made as to the attendance of the British school children at Sunday schools, and the committee were very pleased to find that of boys 96 per cent., girls 95, infants 98, received religious instruction on Sundays.' PLYMOUTH DISTRICT.-At a meeting of schoolmasters held at the Plymouth Public Free School, on Saturday, August 19th, an association was formed for the development of mutual fellowship among teachers, and for the advancement of their general interests. The association is intended to embrace the Acting Certificated Elementary School Teachers in the Parliamentary divisions of South Devon and East Cornwall. TUNBRIDGE WELLS DISTRICT.-Mr. J. A. Carter's certificate has been raised "two steps," viz., from 2nd degree 1st division, to 1st degree 2nd division. WALES.-Mr. Williams, during the six months ending on the 31st day of August, has been engaged in promoting education on the scriptural and unsectarian principles of the British and Foreign School Society in the counties of Anglesea, Brecon, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgo mery, and Pembroke. He paid 154 visits to 140 towns and villages. He has inspected 120 schools, conducted 18 public examinations, addressed 12 public meetings, and held 19 conferences with friends of liberal education. He attended also one teachers' meeting. New schools have been established at Pwll and Saron in the county of Caermarthen. New schoolrooms have been provided for the schools at Conwil Elvet and Llwynhendy in Caermarthenshire, for Goytrey in Monmouthshire, and Reynoldston in Pembrokeshire. New schoolrooms are building at Gwemoyle, Llan-Mawddog, Llwynpia, Rhoatryfan, Soar, Treherbert, and Ystrad Rhondda. Since midsummer Mr. Williams has been ably assisted in his work by Mr. Joseph Owen, of Rhyl, an account of whose proceedings will appear in the next number of the Record. CRICKHOWELL.-A public examination of this thriving school took place on Wednesday, the 1st day of June, in the presence of a large and interested audience. The children assembled at three o'clock, and were examined in the usual subjects. It was evident that they had been trained with care and ability. The examination being over, the children and a number of their friends partook of tea, at the expense of the committee. In the evening there was a meeting for recitations, songs, dialogues, and short addresses, which passed off very pleasantly. The committee and the master appear to discharge their respective duties in a faithful manner, and have been successful in their labours. GOYTREY.-A.public examination of this school was held on Thursday, the 16th day of June, in the new schoolroom, which is in every respect a model. The children assembled at two o'clock, and were sub jected to an examination in the presence of an appreciative audience, and acquitted themselves in a highly creditable manner. After the ordeal the scholars partook of a substantial tea, which they evidently enjoyed. evening there was a concert, which drew together a crowded audience, and passed off well. It is gratifying and encouraging that the unwearied and disinterested labours of Colonel Byrde and others are productive of so much good, and so highly appreciated, in this hitherto somewhat neglected district. Mr. Williams attended to conduct the examination. BODRINGALLT.-The annual public examination of this numerously attended and efficiently conducted school took place on Wednesday, the 22nd of June, in the schoolroom. The children were treated to tea in the afternoon by their friends, and a stirring sight it was to see so many little ones enjoying themselves. In the evening they were subjected to a rather searching examination, and went through the ordeal admirably. Some of the elder ones answered unusually difficult questions, which called forth bursts of applause from the audience. This school appears to be improving one year after another, especially since it has removed into new buildings, and reflects very favourably upon the ability and industry of Mr. and Mrs. Rees. PORTH.-These schools underwent a public examination on the evening of Friday, the 1st of July. Having walked in procession through the place, and partaken of tea in the schoolrooms, the children assembled at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, and were examined on the subjects usually taught in British schools, in the presence of a large audience, who appeared much delighted with the evening's proceedings. Both the answers and the behaviour of the children were in every way satisfactory, and reflect credit on all connected with them. Mr. and Mrs. Oke, who had conducted these schools for several years, were about to leave to take charge of Treorky School, and they carry with them the best wishes of the children, the parents, and the managers. Their places have been supplied by experienced persons, and it is hoped the change will not prove disadvantageous to the schools. BEAUFORT.-This school underwent a public examination on Thursday evening, the 28th of July, in the schoolroom. The children's knowledge was tested in reading, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography, and the Scriptures. In these subjects their performances gave satisfaction. Their singing was considerably above the average. It is hoped that Mr. Lewis will succeed in raising this school to a more efficient state than he found it in. A few short addresses and votes of thanks brought the proceedings of a pleasantly spent evening to a close. There was a fair attendance of friends and parents. NARBERTH.-The fourth quarterly meeting of the Pembrokeshire and West Caermarthenshire Association of Teachers was held on Saturday, the 27th day of August, at Narberth. Mr. Mesheck Burt, master of Narberth British School, read an excellent paper on the "Moral office" of the teacher, which was followed by a discussion of the subject, characterized by ability and earnestness. An interesting and exciting feature of this meeting was an account, given by Mr. Williams of Llanelly, of the chief provisions of the Education Bill, and their bearing upon our schools. `At the next meeting of the association, to be held at Haverfordwest, in the month of November, Mr. Pearce, of Saundersfoot British School, will read a paper upon the New Education Act of 1870, to be followed by a discussion. A large attendance will be expected, as the teachers appear to manifest a lively interest in the new scheme. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON It appears, from the Report presented to Parliament, that the number of schools, i. e., of departments under separate head teachers in Great Britain receiving annual grants in the year ending 31st August, 1869, was 16,427; of scholars present on the day of inspection, 1,593,330; of certificated teachers, 13,977; of assistants, 1,245; and of pupil-teachers, 15,016;-being an increase in the number of schools of 947; of scholars present at the examination, 112,384; of head teachers, of 687; and of |