BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 938, 9 May 1883, Page 2

BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Committee took place last evening, the following members being present :-- Messrs J. Orr (chairman), Su Hill, W. Sparrow, J. Sealy, G. Andrews, and B. Reddin, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A memo, was read from the Education Board stating that the resignations of James and Eva Henderson were accepted, with the understanding that they finish their term of service and that their salaries cease until their re-appointment elsewhere. —It was stated that the Henderson’s had left the school, and that the Board’s wishes would be carried out. A letter from the Board was read stating that the Board declined to contribute anything towards the funds of the Western Fire Brigade. He the fence round the gymnasium, the Board dees not see its way to comply with the request unless some special reason is given. The tenders for the verandah asked for were so high that it was determined not to carry out the work at present. On the motion of Mr St Hill, seconded by Mr Sparrow, it was resolved—“ That a letter bo written to the Board urging the necessity and importance of the erection of the verandah without further delay, and that the reply forwarded on the subject is unsatisfactory.” It was also carried on the motion of Mr St Hill, seconded by Mr Sealy—“ That a letter be written to the Board drawing attention to the cost of the gymnasium during the last year, and that the Oommittee’s object in asking for a fence is to protect and preserve the Board’s property.” REFORM OP EDUCATION ACT. Mr W. J. Steward, M.H.R, for Wairaate, forwarded a circular stating that he intended to bring a Bill before Parliament during the next session for the purpose of amending the present mode of electing School Committees and Education Boards. He submitted a number of questions which he asked the Committee to consider and send answers.—Mr Reddin proposed, and the Chairman seconded—- “ That a special meeting be hold on Thursday week for the purpose of discussing the matter.” An amendment to the effect that the communication be considered now was negatived, and -the motion declared carried. master’s report.

The following report was read and approved of Gentlemen, — I beg to submit my report for the past month. The average attendance for the past four weeks was, respectively—--361.7, 314.6, 370, and 104.2. The number at present on roll is 489. Ido not think it necessary to furnish you with a list of the irregular attenders this month, owing to the number of severe days we have had lately. The school was opened every day during the past week, but owing to the small numbers present, and the uncomfortable condition of those who came, the Chairman sanctioned the closing of the school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, immediately after roll call, the numbers present being 105.i1 and 33 respectively, on those days. Miss Eva and Master James Henderson, were released from duty on Friday, 27th ult., when each received from the pupils of the school a token of respect and aftection. They were succeeded on the following Monday by Miss Isabella Williamson and Miss Edith Empson, who are giving entire satisfaction I should be glad if there could be arrangement made, regarding the appointment of pupil teachers, by which those who have passed a certain standard, and have shown aptitude for teaching, and whose conduct and deportment are satislactory, may be judged according to their merits. The attendance when the weather is fine, continues to be regular, and the majority of those who are occasionally absent, are kept away through causes over which they have no control. THE CLOSING OF THE SCHOOL. Mr Andrews moved, and Mr St. Hill seconded —“That the Chairman’s action in closing the schools during wet weather be confirmed. ” —Carried. PUPIL TSACHBES. Mr St. Hill moved—“ That the master be instructed to intimate to parents who may be desirous that their children should be brought up as teachers to give notice of the fact to the master of such desire." Speaking to the motion, he said that while many children might be high in the school they might not be fitted to teach, and he held that the master should be allowed to use his discretion in the direction he indicated.

After a conversational discussion, the motion was seconded by Mr Sealy and carried. SWIMMING BATH, A report re the cost of forming a swimming bath was received from Messrs Fooks and Son. The Committee considered the matter carefully, and finally passed the following resolution :—“That the Secretary write to the Hoard, asking for the necessary funds, stating that the present is a favorable time for undertaking the work, and that the importance of the school warrants a swimming bath being provided for the children.” ACCOUNTS. A number of accounts were passed for payment. VISITING COMMITTEE, Mr Sealy reported, on behalf of the Visiting Committee, that the school had been visited during the month, and certain small repairs were needed. Mr St. Hill was authorised to see to the matter. FIRING. On the motion of Mr St. Hill, the Chairman was empowered to call for and accept tenders for the supply of 15 t.ms of coal and 8 cords of wood. The meeting then separated.