Education Board

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 70, 1 December 1887, Page 3

Education Board

The ordinary monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, November 29. Present — Messrs Carson (chair), Sanson, Ross, Bridge, Baker, Stevenß, Notman, and Bate. Notice to Teachers — In committee Mr Notman moved, that notice be given to teachers in the employ of the Board that in consequence of the proposed reduction in the education vote, it will be necessary to revise the scale of payment to them with a view to a reduction from the Ist December, and that this intimation must be taken as a formal notice to the effect ; carried. Assisting Local Industry. —Mr Baker moved, that in preparing specifications for future buildings, the architects be instructed to see that colonial hematite paint be used. As a paint, it was cheaper, and in use it was better for the buildings. He believed it was their duty to encourage local industries. —Mr Stevens seconded, provided the paint was cheaper. The motion was carried. Government Retrenchment. — The following circular was received from the larliamentary Education Committee : — The question of the working of our Educational Act is now being inquired into by a Parliamentary Committee. I should be extremely obliged if your Board would favor the Committee with its views upon the following : — (1 ) As to raising the age upon which the capitation allowance is paid; (2) as to the payment of fees for higher standards: (3) whether your Board can make any suggestions as to the more economical working of the Act : (4) If your Board can suggest any alteration which would improve the syllabus.— Mr Notman proposed, in answer to the first suggestion, that the following answer be sent : — This Board is of opinion that the present plan of paying capitation for all children between the ages ots and 15 should be maintained if. the public funds permitted, but recognising the necessity for a reduction in the educational vote consider the proposal to raise the age to 6 years as the most advisable course in all thickly populated centres. The Board however, desires to point out that in the Wanganui Educational District the greater number of their schools are situated in the country, and the proposed reduction will press very heavily on these schools. While being anxious to assist the Government in bringing about the economy necessary, they trust the expressed intention of assisting the country schools will be given effect to in a liberal sense by a differential capitation payment for town and country schools. — The motion was then put and carried.