BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 196, 25 January 1875, Page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Saturday, January 23, The usual meeting of the Board was held on Saturday last. Present:—Messrs J. Inglis (chairman), Duncan, Knight, and Tosswill. EAST CHRISTCHURCH. The chairman said that he had Jrecently had an interview with the chairman of the East Christchurch school committee, in which the chairman informed him (Mr Inglis) that they had no funds at their disposal for the purpose of making additions to (he Bingsland school. Even when the Gloucester street school was completed, the Bingsland school would be far too small to accommodate the scholars, which would come to it. He (Mr In fiis) pointed out that St Luke’s school had been opened as a distiict school, but Mr Williams informed him that this was no relief to the Binisland school, as only four children from Bingsland attended St Luke’s. He (Mr Inglis) informed the chairman of committee what steps would be taken to obtain an estimate of the nnmber of the children in the Bingsland district, and that if the additions were found to be really necessary, an amount might be placed on the estimates for that purpose. The appointments of Miss Perry and Miss Langbridge lothe Bingsland school had been sanctioned by the chairman of the Board. LINCOLN. A letter was read from the chairman of the local committee, requesting that a rate of 7d in the £ should be struck for the purpose of meeting the one-sixth required in connection with the new school building. It was resolved that the request be granted, and a rate struck to produce £l5O. GERMAN BAY. A letter was read from the local committee, forwarding certain suggestions for alterations in the specifications of tenders for the erection of the school and master’s house. It was agreed to adopt the suggestions contained in the letter. SOUTHBRIDGE. A letter was read from the chairman of the local committee forwarding estimates for repairs to the schoolmaster’s house, amounting to £47 ss. The Board resolved to approve of the estimate as forwarded ; the committee to call for tenders for the work. KOWAI BUSH. A letter was read from the local committee, informing the Board that they had resolved to erect an open shed 22ft long for the clergyman’s horse, and others visiting the school, and asking for a grant in aid. The secretary was instructed to reply that the Board could not accede to any expenditure of money in this direction. TIMARU. A letter was read from the head master, enclosing plans of school furniture required. The Board agreed to sanction the purchase of the furniture as per plan. PAPANUI, A deputation, comprising Mfii’S G, Harper, Fret stone, and Kruse, attende I the Board, to ask them to sanction the appointment of a male pupil teacher, as the necessity had now arisen for this being done, from the fact that a large increase had taken place in the attendance. The deputation also requested the Board to sanction increase of the salary of Miss Derret to the maximum salary of £6O per annum. The deputation also mentioned the question of fencing the plantations, and also the enlargement of the school porches. With regard to the two latter items the chairman of the Board stated that these matters would have to stand over, as it was under the consideration of the Government; regarding the appointment of a pupil teacher, the Board, seeing that the school had now full staff, declined to make the appointment as requested, but the secretary was directed to point out that they could get some pupil teachers by parting with a portion of their adult staff. BROOKSIDB. A letter was read from the local committee, forwarding plans of proposed additions to the school buildings; also asking for the sanction of the Board to the appointment of two pupil teachers. The Board agreed to sanction the appointment, as requested. Respecting the plan, the secretary was instructed to inform the committee that the Board could not agree with it, and suggesting certain alterations, TEACHING OF SWIMMING. The following letter from Mr L. B. Nathan, was read. “ Christchurch, 21st January. “ Sir, —The account published in ths morning’s papersjof the said accident that occurred on the Sumner bar yesterday, arouses attention to the advisability of encouraging the youth of this place to learn the art of swimming. I think this a matter coming well within the province of your Board to deal with, and believe it would not be difficult to impart the theory in school, and would suggest to the Board the practicability of establishing a *• pool ” or reservoir in town where the practice may be taught and encouraged. “ On referring to the account of the accident above referred to, it will be seen that while the three swimmers of the party were

saved, two out of the three drowned were presumably non-swimmers. “ I have, &c., “ L. E. Nathan.” The clerk was instructed to write, thanking Mr Nathan for his letter, KILLINCHY. A letter was read from Mr D, Murray, assigning a cause for the absence of Mrs Murray from the examination. Mr Heetell reported in favor of Mrs Murray being excused from coming up for examination. The Board agreed to allow of Mrs Murray’s absence. DRILL INSTRUCTOR’S REPORT. The usual report from the drill instructor was handed iu and read. He reported that in many cases the apparatus sadly needed painting as a preservative. He also pointed out the necessity for the establishment of drill classes under his supervision, for the instruction pf pupil teachers. The Board agreed with the suggestions contained in the report of the drill instructor. TIMARU. A letter was read from the chairman of the local committee, requesting the continuance of the engagement of Mr A. Mahon as one of the masters of the school. The letter further pointed out that the present number in attendance was 627 with anticipated increase, so that the full staff of teachers would be engaged. The Board decided to sanction the continuance of Mr Mahon’s temporary appointment to allow time for the committee to replace him with two pupil teachers. GERALDINE. ' A letter was read from the local committee, requesting the Board to retain the windows in the additions to the school, as represented in the architect’s plan. It was decided that the previous action of the Board should be adhered to. If more light was necessary the Board would consider the question. WEST CHRISTCHURCH; A letter was read enclosing accounts to the amount of £272; also requesting the Board to bold over £IOO as a fine on Messrs England Bros for non-completion of contract. A letter was read from Messrs England Bros on the same subject. It was decided in respect to the £IOO kept back, that the Board sees no reason to interfere with the action of the committee in the matter, .The accounts in connection with the building were referred to the chairman. I The Board then adjourned.