LITTLE RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 582, 10 February 1882, Page 2

LITTLE RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

This committee met at the schoolroom on Monday evening, 6th inst. Present— Messrs W. Coop (chairman), W. Greenland, S. Harris, YV. G. Joblin, and J. Reynolds. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the following correspondence was considered :—From the Board of Education, acknowledging , receipt of committee's resolution relating to trees and fencing, of the 16th ult., stating that the same would be considered at the next meeting of the Board. Also a further letter, having reference to water supply, and containing suggestions in relation thereto, and advising that the sum of £16 18s 3d, being the salaries of master and mistress, had been placed to the credit of the committee. From Mr G. Booth, consenting to be nominated for the Board of Education, From the master, stating that certain articles were needed for the pupils—a box of card-boani letters, a box of colors, a portable school globe, some slates and pencils, also exercise books. For these articles the chairman was authorised to give an order. The master also complained that he was without water at the old schoolhouse, where he resides, stating that the well had been dry for six weeks. Upon this some conversation ensued, and it was finally resolved that no considerable cost should be incurred, as there was water near by, but that if for a few shillings anything effective could be done, the committee would agree to it. and Mr G. W. Joblin was requested to take the matter in hand. The masier in his letter referred to the very irregular attendance of the children. Often not more than half the number on the books found their way to school. Mr G. W. Joblin thought it was quite time that a remedy was found for such a state of things. It was injurious to all parties—to the master, to the school committee, to the children, and to the place. They would again be having the inspector here, and his visit would be followed by another discreditable report. He was prepared to move that the compulsory clauses of the Education Ordinance should be enforced, and that the aid of the police should be sought foi that purpose, The Chairman thought it was their only resource for securing a better attendance, but as parents and children were now busy harvesting the grass seed, he thought notice of the intention should be given. Mr W. Greenland was of the chairman's opinion. The requirements of the Ordinance were by no means oppressive, and were designed for the children's good, and aa a fair attendance could not be obtained without resort to the compulsory clause, that step must be taken. Mr Jobliti would agree to notice being given, and moved—" That the compulsory clause of the Education Ordinance be enforced after March 31, and that the secretary notify this determination to the parents." Seconded by Mr Reynolds and carried. Mr Greenland was of opinion that some steps should be taken in relation to the new house to be built for the master. The distance from the master's house to the school was two miles, and this was too far, especially in bad weather. The winter would i.c upon them after a bit, and then matters would be worse. He would therefore luovt! —" That the Board of Education be written to, asking what steps had been taken towards erecting the master's house, as the winter is coming' on andi i house is urgently required, and ought,

possible, to be completed before the bad weather sets in." After some conversation on the subject, the resolution was seconded by Mr Joblin and carried. Reference was made to the suggestion of Mr Allan, that all donation received for promoting the children's treat and sports should be paid into the bank and appear among the incidental expenses. Somo difference of opinion prevailed, and the subject was deferred for further consideration when Mr Oiphert would be present. Accounts from Times and Press for advertising for master, amounting to £1 6s each, wore ordered to be paid, and the meeting terminated.