STATEMENT No. 5.-COST PER PUPIL FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1906. NOTE.-Under Vote No. 252, page 32, Estimates 1906, an expenditure of $3,700.13, chargeable to Maintenance, was made under the special heading of "Repairs to Building, Furniture, etc.' These repairs were formerly charged to Capital Account for Public Buildings, and do not enter into above account, which is intended to be a comparative statement of the ordinary maintenance of the Institution. APPENDIX L. THE LAKE PLACID CONFERENCE ON HOME ECONOMICS, ITS AIM AND INFLUENCE. WITH A BRIEF Note of the WORK IN ONTARIO, BY ADELAIDE HOODLESS. In September, 1899, the trustees of the Lake Placid Club-influenced by the president, Mr. Melville Dewey, and his wife, both intensely interested in educational matters-believing that the time was ripe for some united action on the part of those most interested in household economics, sent out invitations to a conference on this most important sociological prob lem, to be held in their club house, Sept. 19-25. It was thought that great benefit would be derived from the organization and co-operation of those who were qualified by experience, training, and enthusiasm to direct public opinion on this important phase of education. While the worth of the subject had been recognized, the treatment had not always been wise or productive of the best results. Care was taken that only those who could contribute reliable assistance should be invited to take part in the conference. Ten representative workers attended the first conference. As the purpose of the conference is to work through existing agencies, little attention was given to such matters as a constitution, by-laws, etc. As a recognition of the valuable services rendered, not only as a writer, but as an active worker in the cause of home science, Mrs. Ellen H. Richards, Professor of Sanitary Chemistry, Mass. Institute of Technology, Boston, was chosen as chairman. The great success and far reaching influence of these conferences is due largely to the tact, scientific knowledge, and enthusiasm of the chairman. The first matter to receive the attention of the members was a title for the general subject. In order that it should find a logical place in the college and university course it was to be considered a distinct section of the general subject of economics. Domestic science, as understood, could never expect to be recognized as a part of the university curriculum. Therefore, the term Home Economics was taken as a general term, with subdivisions as follows:-Domestic Economy for elementary schools, Domestic Science for high schools, and Home Economics for the college and university. The next subject to claim attention was the preparation of young women for leadership. It was recommended that the attention of colleges and universities should be directed to the trend of the college curriculum away from the home; that they should recognize the important relation of home economics to the individual home, and the possibility of a new profession commanding desirable compensation. A discussion of the topics which should be discussed at these conferences occupied considerable time. Committees were apointed to report on courses of study for public and high schools, the training of teachers, college and university work, and bibliography. At the second conference, held in July, 3-7, 1900, the attendance was increased to thirty. In extending a welcome to the members of the conference and an invitation to hold future meetings at the club, Mr. Dewey said, "Every great movement has been started by a few earnest people; a score of the right ones will do more effective work than a great mass meeting. This is a distinctly sociologic age, and home economics is coming to the front as a part of sociology. More is needed than text-books; inspiration as well as information must be given." |