EDUCATION BOARD.

Evening Star, Issue 3496, 7 May 1874, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

An adjourned meeting of the Board whs held yesterday; preseat, his Honor the Superintendent, Mr Turnbull, Dr Webster, and Mr Sperrey (secretary)..

A letter was read from the Board of Examiners to the effect that it appeared to them that the meaning of regulation 4, for the acquisition of scholarships, laid upon the education Board the obligation to confer a scholarship upon the best of, such candidates as should obtaiu 70 per cent of the obtainable marks, but also to leave the Board free to grant scholarships to such as had not gained that amount of marks —provided that the knowledge of the various subjects, displayed by the latter appeared satisfactory to the examiners. The examiners had already expressed their opinion that Mark Stilling and Isabella Hi slop, as well as W. D. Milne, had shown such proficiency as amply to entitle them to the reward offered, and they had not regarded, in drafting the papers, the gaining 70 per cent, of the whole marks as a condition necessary to the-scholai ships beiug awarded. Indeed, ti<ey felt strongly that in a competition for so valuable a prize, such a limitation, if it did exist, would be anything but judicious, lu conclusion, the examiners saw no reason to regret having adopted and given effect to their views of their duty in the matter, which were as follows : -Tnat the scholarship for aud Grammar School boys be awarded to Frank Stilling; that for High and Grammar school girls to Isabella J. Hislop; aud that for the District School boys to W. D. Milne Mso, that David Steven, W. Armstrong, and 1 r. Jeffcoat receive a free education A lengthened discussion ensued, his Honor asking whether it would be advisable to re duce the pe pontage ojE marks, so that those who were highest could be considered as entitled to a scholarship. Milne was the onfy one who had gained the minimum number o. ; marks. Uu the whple, he thought it would ; be better to stick to the text of, the regulations, and grant them only to those who had j gained the 70 per cent, “ J

Mr Turn bo’ll thought that was the only decision that could be come to—what object would there be in fixing a minimum otherwise?

It was resolved that it was expedient that the regulations be strictly adhered to, and. that as only one boy had exceeded the minimum number of marks it, was only possible io grant one scholarship. Also, that the recommendation of the examiners with regard to free education be held, over for further consideration.

Mr Diack introduced a little girl and two boys—pupilg a t his Phonetic chool—who read, forwards and backwards, extracts from a newspaper, which Mr Diack had written out in shorthand.

The members of the Board were greatly pleased with the ability of the children, and it was intimated to Mr Diack that the subject would receive attention.