AKAROA EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 54, 1 August 1874, Page 2

AKAROA EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT.

The division of the Akaroa Educational District by proclaiming German Bay a separate district, rendered it necessary to cill upon the householders of each locality t) appoint committees from those resident within the bounds of the newly defined districts. In pursuance with an advertisement inserted by the Board of Education, and instructions forwarded by his Honor the Superintendent, public meetings were hold on Wednesday evening at the school-house. Akaroa, and at Mr Dawber’s residence, German Bay. The former meeting was very well attended, and was presided over by Mr MacGregor, who having read the advertisement convening the meeting, and the warrant of the Superintendent, and having further stated the objects of the meeting, called upon those present to propose candidates to serve on the new committee.

Mr Justyn Aylmer, R.M , proposed Mr S, Fife, and said he hoped the meeting would not be too hasty in appointing any persons that might be proposed. Ho trusted before they finally decided to whom they would entrust the care of the education of their children, that they would be careful to inquire into the fitness of the persons proposed as committeemen.

Mr Meech seconded Mr Fife’s nomination, and expressed himself strongly in favor of the religious education of the children. Mr S. Watkins asked the chairman how a new committee would be affected by the nonauditing of the accounts. He thought a great deal of inconvenience and confusion would ensue if the accounts were passed over to a new committee without being audited. The Chairman stated that the difficulty had been mentioned to him in the course of the day, and he had telegraphed to the Board on the subject. The following was the answer :—“ Statement of accounts not necessary.” Mr Meech proposed the names of the old committee, which was seconded by Mr Billings. Mr Nalder proposed the Rev Mr Douglass. The Rev W. H, Cooper said he had great pleasure in seconding Mr Douglass’s nomination. He was very glad indeed to see so many present at the meeting, as it showed showed the interest that was taken in the district in the matter of education. It was especially gratifying to see so many young men present, particularly those who had lately entered into the matrimonial state, and to whom the education of their future fami lies seemed a matter of importance. He cordially endorsed the remarks Mr Aylmer had made; and he was glad to find that a gentleman of his standing and ability had given them the benefit of his experience. As to the matter of religious instruction, what he would impress on the meeting was the necessity of carrying out of the regulations of the Education Ordinance if they wished their children brought up in the faith of their fathers. It would be no injury to him personally if the committee refused him permission to give the Church of England children instruction, nor would it be any benefit to him if they gave the permission, as it would only increase his work. But, and he would now speak, not in his position as a clergyman, but as an inhabitant of a district that he had made his home, and would probably live in for years, he could not but feel that if a committee were appointed who would refuse to carry out the provisions of the Ordinance, the responsibility of bringing up a f uture generation without religious principles would rest upon the electors, and the retribution that would follow would be an increase of crime, sorrow and shame to parents, and disgrace to the community. [Applause.] Mr Garwood said that as an auditor he must refuse to act again if the old committee were not re-appointed, as many complications in the accounts would be sure to follow the appointment of a new chairman and the transfer of unaudited accounts.

After some further discussion it was agreed that the old committee be re-elected, and four vacancies, caused by death, removal to another district, and vacancies from nonattendance at meetings, be filled up. The following committee was then elected on a show of hands :—The Rev Mr Douglas*, Messrs M'Gregor, H. Bridge, Billings, R. Noonan, Westenra, Sims. Meech, and Bruce.

Messrs Garwood and S. Watkins were then re-elected as auditors. A vote of thanks to the chairman was then passed. At German Bay, the meeting having been informed by Mr Dawber of the object for which it was convened, the following committee was declared duly elected on a show of hands Messrs E. Chappcl, T. Sunkeld, E. W. Morey, A, Jones, Geo. Odell, B. Mora, E. Harrington, E. Lelievre, and R. Dawber. Messrs Inman and Hammond were appointed auditors. A meeting of the committee was held immediately after its election, and Mr R. Dawber was appointed chairman.