GREY EDUCATION BOARD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 May 1901, Page 4

GREY EDUCATION BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held last night, all members present.

Tlie hon. Treasurer reported the building account to be in credit £496, and ordinary account £152 2s, against which there was considerable liability. In regard to Cobden School, Mr. Kettle said some temporary arrangements should bo made to allow the Cobden children to receive education, pending the erection of the school. Mr. Kerr moved that the Chairman and Mr. Kettle be authorised to see if arrangements could be made to allow the Cobden children be taught in Greymouth school for the time being. Mr. Marshall seconded, supported by other members and carried. Mr. Smithers, chairman of the Kokiri School Committee, attended, wishing to supply the Board with information. The Chairman said the question had been dealt with, and he declined to hear anything in regard to the matter.

Mr. Petrie said it was scant courtesy to a gentleman who had come down to treat him in such a manner, and he protasted against it.

Mr. Kettle took a like opinion. Surely the Board should hear him. The C&airman said notice of motion to rescind a previous motion must first be given.

Mr. Marshall supported the hearing but others members disapproved. Ultimately it was agreed to hear Mr. Smithers after further further business was transacted, a motion to give him a hearing at ones being negatived. Mossrs Petrio, Kettle and Marshall voting for motion. From A. Wisdom'and 14 others, protesting against the manner in which the Cobden School Committee was elected. Eesolved on the motion of Mr. Kettle that a copy of petition be sent to the chairman of meeting for report.

From John Meyer and others, Kokiri, on subject of election of Kokiri committee electioia and asking that it be upset. The Chairman thought this was a case that required no further consideration the chairman of the meeting declared that the election wa3 improper. Mr Kerr favoured anew election being taken and ho moved accordingly. The Chairman seconded the resolution. Mr Pctrio thought before such, a resolution was carried the Board should hear both sides. Mr Smithcrs who claimed to be chairman of the now committee and •who was a member of the old committee was present and should be heard. Mr Kettle strongly supported this contention, pointing out that it would be unfair to decide the matter without hearing both sides. The Board had just adopted this course in regard to Cobden dispute. The Chairman could not see how they could hear an unauthorised person on the question. So far as they knew, Mr Smithers was not chairman.

Mr White was with the Chairman in his contention. Mr Marshall thought it would under all circumstances be better to have a new election. At the same time he favored hearing Mr Smithers first. Mr Plynn said the Chairman did not give the names, and, therefore, there was no election. Mr Kerr's resolution was then carried, Messrs Petrie and Kettle voting " No," owing to the Board declining to hear the other side of the question. Prom Education Department stating that Minister cannot make special grant for Cobden school. The Medical Officer of the District condemned the building as unsafe and demanded that it be closed.

Mr Kerr said the Education Depart- ' ment was not doing its duty in the matter and he moved that a further letter be sent to the Department and if necessary that the Premier be communicated with. Mr Kettle seconded and stated that

-Messrs Kerr, Petrie and himself had '/'•interviewed the Premier in regard to the "' matter. Supported by Messrs Flynn, Marshall and Byrne and carried unanimously. Messrs Poulter and Williams waited upon the Board and asked that the erection of Cobden School be pushed on as rapidly as possible. The Chairman said everything possible was being done, the contractor was being pushed, and other arrangements were being made to enable the children to be taught in the Grey School. Letter from Education Department forwarding grant of £149 for technical education, Received. From same stating that it was proposed to have a telegram read to all school children when the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in New Zealand, and asking the Board to make the necessary arrangements. Agreed to. From Ahaura committee, rescinding former resolution and recommending Mr De Berry as head Teacher. Mr Kettle moved that recommendation

, be given effect to. Seconded by Mr Flynn. * Mr Kerr was surprised at the action of the Board in this matter. The former committee had selected another teacher and some members of the Board had telegraphed to the Inspector of the Board whore Mr Hill resided to get his opinion upon the subject with object of using it, Mr Petrie said he had taken an active part in endeavousing to get Mr De Berry appointed, as in duty bound being one of their own teachers, but he knew nothing of the telegram sent until the Secretary put the document in his hands. Mr Byrne took exception to Mr Kerr's insinuation. It was right that such information should be obtained. He had

information supplied to him conseguen upon what he had been told.

Mr White said it was necessary that such information be obtained, and he was in favor of always obtaining it. Mr Marshall was pleased that the local

applicant had received the appointment. The committee was unanimous in its selection. Mr M'Oarthy was now satisfied with the result, although at last meeting he opposed the postponement,

Besolution put and carried. From Chairman of Ngahere Committee asking that Miss O'Brien be appointed probationer.

The Chairman said he had temporally appointed Miss O'Brien, tending the decision of the Board. Mr'Kettle moved that the action of the Chairman be approved of, but hoped the Board would adhere to its regulations in future. The matter should now be referred to the Inspector and Teacher for xheir recommendation. Mr Kerr read a letter stating that Miss Dempaeyhad the better right having been used as probationer.

The letter caused surprise and Mr Kerr was asked to give a copy to the Inspector. From John Hinnigan, asking 'to be allowed to take care of Maori Gully school fences^etc.

Resolved on motion of Mr. Petrie that application be. granted. From Greymouth Committee, asking for a further month's leave of absence for Miss Batchelor, and alsoasking that Miss Byrne be retained until tne end of the yea.?

Mr. Petrie moved that the application be granted. Miss Batchelor was one of the Board's best teachers, whose health had broken down in the service of the Board.

Seconded by Mr. White and carried. From Cobden Committee, asking for six weeks' leave of absence for Mr. Bromley.—Granted. From Miss Bercsford, No Town, asking for a transfer. • Mr. M'Carthy moved that Miss Bercsford be offered the school at Te Kinga, which was the only vacancy at present. From D. D. Anderson accepting Ked Jacks school. Received. From Teachers' Institute, Wellington, re payment of teachers and employment of pupil teachers. Eesolved on the motion of. Mr Petrie seconded by Mr Byrne that the payment through committees has acted well in the past and the Board sees no reason for the alteration.

From Miss Erickson. To Kinga, resigning her position as teacher. Accepted with regret. From Dinah Johnston, Te Kinga, Julia Penrose and Ethel Dcmpscy, Ngahere, asking to be appointed probationers. The Chairman was authorised to make temporary arrangements for teacher at Te Kinga or No Town as the case might be.

Owing to Dobson and Westbrook failing to appoint a committee, Monday, the 27th instant, was appointed as the day for a new election, as also for Kokiri. The Chairman suggested that the Grey truant officer, if the Grey Committee was agreeable, be instructed to pay a visit to Taylorville and Brunner to inquire into the attendance, the Board being willing to bear the expense. Given effect to.