EDUCATION BOARDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1559, 15 September 1905, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARDS.

XFea PresN AwwciatiaH.) Wellington, yesterday. The Inspector-General explained provisions of the amending Bill now [ before Parliament. He pointed out that if it was admitted to be necessary to classify teachers it would also be necessary to classify schools. The question of inspection was one which required consideration. To say that “ efficiency ” should be a mark for determining whether or hot there should be an increase of salary was something he would be loth to do, and bn thought it would not bring about real justice. It seemed to him the best way was that put forward in the Bill. Salary was fixed within the “grade,” and in no case was the salary named less than itiwas before there was any capitation increment. The payment would have to be according to the size ot the school, and the staff could be adjusted to the average attendance, which would be necessary in determining the size of the school. As to the matter of the employment of teachers in the back blocks the question was how much wa3 going to be paid for the education of a child, and that was a question of policy which he could not discuss. Mr Gray, with the consent of the Conference, withdrew his motion pro tem.

Mr McDonald . (Wellington) moved “That in the opinion of this Conference a separate fund should be created for the rebuilding of worn-out school buildings.” These buildings, he said, were no longer lit for practical use. At present the Government did not allow School Boards anything for school buildings over thirty-six years of age which might be destroyed by fire. Mr Westall seconded the motion, and remarked that the Department now voted the School Boards £2852 in respect of old school buildings. Mr McDonald, with consent, altered his motion to read “ That in the opinion of this Conference the Department should create a separate fund for the purpose of rebuilding worn-out] school buildings.” This was rejected by 16 to 6. Mr McDonald moved that in view of the, rapidly increasing land values of the colony this Conference recommends Government to secure land,for sites for new schools in all districts where new schools are likely to be required. This was negatived on the voices. Rev. Dr Barclay (South Canterbury), and Mr Howell (South Canterbury) seconded, that when the average attendance has reached any figures from thirty-five to forty. (both inclusive), maintained for six months consecutively, Boards to be authorised (if deemed expedient) to introduce into the staff a pupil teacher or assistant; the Board subsequently, when justified by attendance, to adjust the staff to the Department’s scale of staff salaries. This was negatived on the voices. Later.—The Education Conference proceeded with the disoueßion of Clause 16 of the Education Act Amendment Bill, whioh provided for the manner in which boards shall consult eommitteos on appointments. Mr McDonald (Wellington) said that under the present system appointments WOKO made and consultations held aifco£wards. Voices: No. Mr McDonald: Well,it is so in Wellington. , , . Mr V. E. Rioe said be was glad to see that the method of malting appointments was to be defined by the Bill. _ Twenty daye for consideration of applications was, however, be thought, too IODg. Mr Hogben said in some cases in remote districts it might take as much as ten days for applications to reach committees. Mr A. Bell (Bouth Canterbury) said the question of time was really tho objection to the clause. After the resignation of a teaohor another one could not be appointed for at least two months. ■ Mr John Bell (Southland) considered committees should have the original testimonials of applicants when considering applications, not merely the list of the same supplied by the board secretary. . Mr F. Pirani moved to add a new subsection as follows: “In case of transfers or exohange of teaohers the deoision of tho board shall be final.” The motion was lost. Mr Pirani said that by rejecting the motion the conference had aoted unwisely. It was the prinoipal reoommendation in the report of the committee set up to consider the Bill. . Certain verbal alterations were made in the clause as it stands iu the Bill. < Mr J. Grimmond (Westlandl moved a new clause for insertion in the Bill, that the oost of elections under this act shall be provided specially by the Education Dopartment or Government. The motion was lost. ■Mr Pirani submitted the report of the committee appointed to consider Mr Stay’s rqotioo of the previous day, and that portion of tho Education Act Amendment Bill dealing with the teachers’ report. Inter elia he said : '* While recognising many merits of the proposed schedule the committee is of opinion that it is desirable that special provision should bo made for the recognition of effioienoy and length of service apart from promotion from school to sohool; although it is believed this could be done without increasing the cost to State by desorimiDg|ting between the salaries paid iu the same position to teaohers of different* attainments and abilities,” It was decided that the salaries of bead and roll teaohers in grade 4,5, and 6 should be equalised. • It was decided that capitation payment {or teohnical olaßßeC be for first year students in any subject, 8d; for second year Btudents, 6d ; for the third year students, 9d: and for fourth and each »ac«eedios yew etudeota la pee hour.