AKAROA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 59, 9 February 1877, Page 2

AKAROA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Committee was held in the schoolroom on Tuesday last. Present—Messrs JPenlington (Chairman), Rodrigues, Checkley, Noonan, DalgJish Bruce, and Allott. inspector's report The following report was read :— Akakoa School. (Examined November 16, 1876.) On roll, 131 ; present, 110 ; average last quarter, 93 ; last week, 101. A new set of maps is, wanted, those in use are mostly old editions, and nearly worn out. The dicipline and order have improved. The organisation is defective as to classification, the work not being well adapted to the capacity of the scholars, and the requirements of the standard programme. The progress is tolerably fair, although, many of the scholars showed to a disadvantage from being classed above their ability. The general low standard is remarkable, nearly three fourths of those examined were of the infant grades, standard 1 and 0. This is partly owing to the deplorably irregular attendance of many scholars hindering their progress. Summary of standards passed, VI. V. IV. 111. 11. I. 0. Total 0 1 2 18 14 23 52 110. The report was veiy unfavourably commented upon by several members, and was considered anything but satisfactory evidence of the progress made since htbt report. Mr. Noonan considered that the report was sufficiently explicit to satisfy Mr. Wykesmith without going further into tlie matter, and he hoped that the reporter of the Akakoa Mail would cause tiie report to be published in full in the next issue. Mr. Dalglish said that he Avas anxious that the Committee should afford every assistance to Mr. Nicholls, but he was of opinion that gentleman had undertaken the charge of a larger number of pupils than he really could do justice to. The inspector's report clearly shows that the highest progress was made in Miss Thomas's classes. He said that Mr. Nichoils had assumed charge of these classes, and alloted lower ones to Miss Thomas, which he considered unfair. As the higher classes had done well in her hands, he maintained they should not be withdrawn from her. The Chairman said that the organization of the school should be left entirely to the discretion of the master, and suggested that the matter should be allowed to stand over.

CORRESPONDENCE. From Gγ. Eamsay, resigning his appointment as pupil teacher. From W. J. Habens, Secretary Board Education, informing the Committee that Mr. Nicholl's appointment as teacher cannot be confirmed without certificates produced ; but the Chairman of the Board authorises the opening of the school under Mr. Nicholls as a very temporary arrangement pending the issue of certificate. From Mr. A. Nicholls, asking the Committee to supply hat pegs and repair water cans, also, requesting to be furnished with information as to subjects a teacher is required to pass in. The pegs were ordered to be supplied. Mr. Checkley proposed—" That Master Ramsay's resignation be accepted." The motion was seconded by Mr. Noonan and carried. From G. Penlington, asking for an increase in pay for cleaning school, as the work had increased since the addition of the girls room. Mr. Noonas proposed—" That 4s per week be paid in future." The motion was seconded by Mr. Eodrigues and carried. APPOINTMENT PUPIL TEACHER. * The Chairman said that he had a conversation with Mr. Wykesmith as to the most suitable boy he could recommend in the school as pupil-teacher. He (Mr. Wykesmith) recommended B. Missen or T. Newton, and the master has now both those boys on trial. Messrs Dalglish and Noonan considered that both boys were too young. The Chairman contended that if a pupil in the school was competent, it - would be advisable to give him the appointment. The matter was allowed to stand over till the master made his report. PAYMENTS. The following accounts were passed for payment:—T. B. Chad wick, 8s; Fress, 16s; Times, 16s; H. (x. Watkins, 4s. Miss Brace's account for travelling expenses, amounting to £3 10s, attending examination, was ordered to be forwarded to the Board of Education, with a recommendation to be paid. The Committee then adjourned. .