EAST CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 407, 1 October 1875, Page 3

EAST CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this committee was held last Thursday, in St John’s vestry. Present—Rev W, J, Habens (chairman), Rev H. C. M. Watson, Messrs Packer, Mitchell, Thomson, Kirk, Jameson, and Wheeler.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The chairman reported that in accordance with instructions at last meeting, he had written to the Minister of Education respecting the master’s house at the Gloucester street school. A reply had been received stating that the Government intended to erect a new house for the head master, the cottage at present occupied by Mrs Houghton being used as a caretaker’s house. The smaller cottage would be sold by auction. He might say that the cottage sold by auction was the one the committee wished retained, The removal of Mr Woodford to Avonside had been carried out, and a letter was read from Mr Hill, respecting the steps taken by him. Respecting an application from Mrs Pepperell, now Long, for remission of rates, the Minister of Education had said that the recommendation of the committee respecting the remission of rates would meet with every attention. It was therefore competent for the committee to make any recommendation on this matter they thought fit. The Rev H. C. M. Watson moved —“ That the rates due by Mrs Pepperell, now Long, be recommended to the Minister for Education for remission.” Mr Mitchell seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The chairman brought under the notice of the committee the necessity of appointing a chairman for the meeting for election of members of committee, and returning officer. The matter, after some discussion, was left in the hands of the chairman to arrange with the Minister for Education. Respecting the tenant Murphy at Bingsland, the secretary reported jthat a month’s notice had been given to him. The chairman stated that be had received a letter from the Minister of Education, stating that Kimbell and Go’s tender for £560 for furniture at the Gloucester street school might be accepted by the committee. The sub-committee for Bingsland he might say had recommended that Murphy’s cottage should be painted and then let. The matter of the cottage being let was allowed to stand over. Respecting the fencing of the Gloucester street school grounds, erection of lavatories, &c, plans from the architect were laid before the committee. After a lengthened discussion it was resolved that the chairman and sub-com-mittee confer with Mr Mountfort, and afterwards with the Minister of Education, with power to call for tenders for the work if authorised. The chairman read the draft annual report for submission to the meeting of ratepayers to take place on October 12th, which was adopted as read. The chairman read a letter from the Minister of Education, authorising the committee to expend the sum of £BO for fencing at South town belt school. Mr Mitchell, as one of the sub-committee, reported that tenders for the work had been called for. It was resolved that the tenders be referred to the sub-committee, they being authorised to accept one of the lowest tenders. The chairman said there was a matter of importance connected with the organisation 1 of the Gloucester street school. He had

spoken to Miss Holton about it, who bad said that if they could not give her a good infant mistress they would do the work with pupil teachers. Miss Bolton had written to him, urging strongly the appointment of Mrs Hill, as conducing greatly to the efficiency of the school. He (the chairman) felt that they could not do better than engage Mrs Hill, particularly after the high eulogiura passed upon her by Miss Colton. Mrs Hill was willing to take the appointment, and he hoped they would agree to sanction her as third mistress. Mr Kirk said that he would, after Miss Bolton’s letter, move—“ That Mrs Hill be appointed as third mistress at Gloucester street school, having special charge of the infant department.” Mr Jameson seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The chairman announced that Mr LougLrey had accepted the head-mastership of the Gloucester street school. After the transaction of some further routine business, the committee adjourned.