The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOV. 20, 1906.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1937, 20 November 1906, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOV. 20, 1906.

Mit Dartox raised a big question at the moetiDg of tho Education Board last week—so big that tho members of the Board did not exhibit any undue hasto to enter into tho discussion of it. Tho motion was “ that in the opinion of this Board it is advisable that the inspection of schools bo undertaken by tho Department.” In support of this motion Mr Darton made a vigorous speech in which the main reason for the proposed change appeared to be that the local Inspector had move than a fair share of work to do in comparison with other Inspectors j out as that point was dealt with by another motion authorising tho appointmonc of au Assistant Inspector, there was not a great deal left in tho arguments of the mover to induco his fellow members to follow his leal in the direction of centralisation. Since then, however, the Napier Telegraph has taken up Mr Darton’s cause, and has spread itself out to find reasous for the change which it approves with optimistic expectancy in regard to tho ultimate result. But, as in Mr Darton’s case, the reasons given for the change are not convincing, nor are they of such a nature as to require the proposed expedient to bring about the results desired. It is claimed, for iustance, that the centralisation of control in the inspection of the schools of tho colony would briDg into vogue a uniform set of school books; but surely there is another and a simpler way of attaining that desirable end than the handing over of the control of school inspection by each Education Board in the colony to the central office. At any rate the question is not in reality for the various Boards to decide, although, no doubt, their opinions upon it would be worth having. It is a question of colonial policy, and since the year 187 G, when tho centralisation idea obtained concrete shape in the aboli tion of the provinces, there has b on no public indication that any furtner centralisation of departmental control would be favored in the smallest degreo Indeed, having tasted its baneful effects in many ways, public feeling has many times manifested itself in the opposite direction, and it would probably have been urged with stronger force were it not for the gigantic amount of work necesGary to comply with the public ideals of the best system of working the business of the colony. More than once it was seriously mentioned in Parliament (on

the last occasion by Sir Maurice O’Rorke, if our memory is to be relied on), but other questions have overshadowed it, and so it remains. But whilo decentralisation of our public services may not become the leading question of tho day for a very long time to come, there is not a doubt that further centralisation of any one of them would gain no favor, and the further curtailing ol tho already limited powers of Education Boards in favor of more contralised control would be ono of the least favored proposals of any that could be advanced in that direction- That being so, it seems havdly necessary to discuss the point further; yet it must bo admitted that in tho discussion of the matter that has

followed Mr Dai ton’s motioa so in <5 points have beer, mentioned in tbo working of tlio Education Act that need alteration, and although the remedy proposed by him of shifting the control of inspection to the central olficG is not the proper one, stilt a remedy is required and ought to be found. The most urgent of these is

the want of uniformity in the school standards in tho several education

districts ; but the levelling-up of these could bo done by Ministerial regulation, and would not require any alter-, ation of the Act which would be necessary to give effect to Mr Darion’s proposal. There is, in fact, not an item mentioned in support of that posal either by tho ruovor or his supporter, the Telegraph, that could not bo bettor served in another way, and for that reason it is just as well that the Beard treated the matter in the way it did. The Telegraph argues that tho question affects the promotion of teachers, and that under centralisation they could secure moro rapid and certain advancement fromrne grade to another; but tho logic of tho argument is not too apparent, seeing that the requirements for obtaining a certificate of any grade are practically tho same all over tho colony, and the only

practicd difference lies in the degree of fastidiousness exercised by the Inspector who supervises the teacher’s work, and the same objections would hold good in any event unless it is

suggostod that unrtor tlio coutralisod system tlioro should bo ono examining oifioor and ono only, which is impracticable, therefore it is not quite accurate to say that “ toachors iu Hawke’s Bay and rovorty flay are handicapped in their promotion " under tlio present system any more tliun they may bo under the proposed ono, or that “ under a system of Departmental and uniform inspection, and therefore of uniform examinations, this objection would bo removed." Unconvincing us these ate, tlio statement that “ boys and girls in this district are hoavily handicapped for employment in tlio public service ” is overt moro far fetched, for wo liuvo yot to loam that tlio Inspectors in any education district are the framers of tlio Civil Service examination papers, and unless that is alleged wo fail to soo wlxat justification there is for tho stacomont last quoted. Altogether tho oaso made out for centralisation of inspection control is oxtromoly weak, and searcoly justifies tho optimistic assertion that “ wo may confidently expect to soo that view come to tho front ’’ except iu tho disI tondod vision of its two and only I advocates.

Me Loydon, eoaoh-buildor, advertises for u bodymulsor or improver, Tbo ordinary meeting of tho Bo.ougb Oouooil tuk -s place to night. A tpeoial ini oung of tun Gisborne Tent of Lleobubitos will bo bold as 8 o’clock io* morrow ovuuirig, to welcome a district visitor.

To-day in tho last discount day for Gas Company's aooaunls. Mr T . G. Liwlcss, land and rotate ugouli, oflors for salo cheap a farm of 860 acres in Wuimata Valloy. All particulars ooay bo obtuinod at bis ofiioe. Tbo owner of a bluok pony mare, branded O on rump, is notifiod that tbo aoirnal can bo obtained at Mr VV. Gaudin’s place on payment of cost of advertising. Tho pony followed a buggy from along tbo ooast road ; it would not be driven off, and followed into tbo paddock, where it has boon growing sleek and contented, Mr J. Crabtroo (of Sydney), who came to New Zealand under engagement by the Exhibition Commissioners to tiug at the Exhibition, and Miss Amy Murphy (of Duuedio), who sang soprano parts in the opening ode, are to pay a visit to Gisborne and givo one or moie conoort3 if satisfactory terms can bo atranged. If tbis (otunately should happen, Gisborne people may expect a rare musioal tieas, Tho more Mr Crabtree sings at the Exhibition tbo tnoro popular ho bcoomos. A grand ooooert aad drama will be held on Tuesday, December 18ib, in liis Majesty’s Theatre. The entertainment is to be given by the pupils of Si Dominio’d Convent sohools, and a yery pleasant evening can be anticipated. Too programme for the Gisborne RsoiDg Club’s summer meeiiug is published this morniog. Ia nearly every raoe there has been an increase on the pnzs money given at the corresponding meeting last year. The increases rangs from £5 to £ls. Tbo dates of the fixture are 7th and Bth February.

A great clearing sale io announced at Mr J. Simpson’d bakery, special bargains being offorod in bisouils and oonfeciijnery, cakes and pastry, and tho childon uro to join in the privileges offered by Mr W. S. Dustin, as lollies are to bo said at half, price.

. .Tho monument which ia to commemorase the holding of the firet Curiesiaa service in Now Zealand, whioh ocouned when tho Rev. Bamuel Maraden, British odopiain, of Parramatta, preached io the Maoris ut RaDgihuua, Bay of Islands, on Chiisimas Day, 1814, is now in course of construction, aud will probably bo unveiled in March next. Tho monument will tabs the shape of a Celtic cross, ovor 2016 high, and will form a conspicuous laudmark to vessels entoriog and leuving tho bay. The material is hard sione from the Malmosbury quatrios, Victoria. Kiri Ropana, or Itobio, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court yestorday with usiug obscene language at Whatatutu ou Saturday, November 3rd. Constable Doyle proved tho offonce, which was oommitled ia a public road, about 30 persons being present. His Worship finod the native £1 aid 17s oosts, or four days’ hard labor, Seven days were allowed Rooin to find tho money.

A considerable crowd gathered to hoar cho cases in ths Mag.s .rate's Court yesterday. No particularly startling evidence was adduced, but one or two witnesses gave evidence of nailing from the Emerald lile. ‘'Was h-s rational?’’ asked Mr Stock. "No, bo was quite sober,” replied tbo witnoss. 11 Did hu get down from the o »rt unassisted ?’ “No, he got down on nis own accord,” was tao reply. A mirage (says the Christchurch Press) seen from Empire bridge in the North Canterbury district, about 10 o’clock in tho morning, tho other day, revealed an

uncommon sight, namely, a full view

on tho western sky of the range which includes Mount Cook, Besides that peak there were visible in tho mirage Mount Scfton, and beyond Mount Tasman and others, Tho phenomenon did not last long and tho highest Alps appeared to bo illuminated by tho sunlight. As the snow fields and bold peaks disappeared, the clouds reappeared in tho near distance When Mr Lang, who is a candidate for the Manukau scat, was defeated for Waikato at tho last clcctiononeofliis opponent’s supporters remarked to an old Scotchman, “ Well, Lang’s out of tho House at last,” whereupon came the response, “ So lio is, but no for lang.” And it looks as if the old Scotchman’s prophecy was going to be fulfilled,—Now Zealand Herald.

Last night in the Baptist Tabernacle the Rev. D. Parry gave an interesting and entertaining delineation of Dickens’ story of the “ Old Curiosity Shop.” His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and in introducing the lecturer, expressed his great regret that there was not a larger attendance. Mr Parry dealt with his subject in a manner that at once told his audience that he was a thorough master, of not only the " Old Curiosity Shop,” but of all that this celebrated author has written, He delineated in a life-like way the various characters of the story, and with great regard to the conceptions of the author, he pourtrayed in excellent manner many little scones which gave tho key to the character of the individuals. Mr Parry’s effort, which was entirely from memory, without note or reference, was really splendid, and those j who had the privilege of hearing him last night, expressed the hope that he would

not be deterred by the small attendance, but repeat the lecture at some future date. ! There was a large attendance at the i meeting of the Gisborne Co-operative Building Society last night, the Chairman of Directors (Mr L. T. Byrnes) presiding. The first business was the sale of .1800 in No. 1 issue. This was disposed of for £'29 per AIUO. Then a ballot for £3OO in No. I issue was taken, Messrs Blair and C. Piessc being appointed scrutineers. The successful group was No, 48, in which J.

H. Colcbournc held £2OO and Mrs James East .tIUO. In both cases instructions had been given to sell again, so that the sum will later on bo submitted for offers, There being an appropriation of £SOO to dispose of by sale in No. 2 issue, spirited bidding took place, there being about half a dozen eager to purchase The price ran up to £-10, at which £BOO was taken. The next scries of bids ran up to .£BB, at which figure £IOO was accepted. For the final £IOO there were only two bidders, the amount being disposed of for £2B.