EAST CHRISTCHURCH SHCOOL COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 430, 29 October 1875, Page 2

EAST CHRISTCHURCH SHCOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the above committee was held on Thursday in the vestry of Trinity Church. Present—The Rev W. J. Habens (chairman), and Messrs Jameson, Kirk, J. S. Williams, Bray, and Thomson. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, The chairman said he was sorry to have to ask leave of absence for Mr Yeel, who was exceedingly unwell. Leave was granted. A letter was read from the Provincial Solicitor, saying that the plan of the fence proposed to be erected at the main school was not a fence within the meaning of the Ordinance, and consequently it would be useless to serve notices on the owners of land adjoining. It was resolved that a deputation, consisting of Messrs Bray and Jameson, wait upon the owners of the adjoining properties, and see if they will contribute a portion of the expense towards the erection of the fence. A letter was read from the Minister of Education, saying that if a caretaker could be obtained for £65 a year for the Normal school, one should also be got for the main school for that salary, and if house and fuel were given he considered a reduction should be mase on that amount. The Minister

sanctioned payments of accounts by the committee out of funds in hand, a quarterly account of same (not incidental expenses) to be rendered to the department, when a voucher for the amount would be paid to the credit of the committee. The chairman also read a letter from the Minister of Education, covering an opinion from the Provincial Solicitor, in reply to his question, saying that clause 43 of the Ordinance would have to be read with clause 46, and the children between five and six years oid would have to pay the fees to be imposed under section 46, in addition to the forty shillings imposed by clause 43, The Minister had allowed the acceptance of Messrs Wood and Connal's tender for painting, and had also made arrangements to sanction the expenditure for matters requiring attention at the South town belt school. He (the chairman) had written to the Commissioner of Police respecting the characters visiting the porches of the Bast Christchurch school as requested by the committee, and had received a satisfactory reply. The Minister had also approved the temporary arrangements made for pupil teachers at the Music Hall and Bingsland schools.

It was resolved—" That the builder of the main school be written to, stating that his contract time bad been exceeded, and that the whole of the work must be completed in one week from date of letter.” The sub-committee appointed had conferred on the plan submitted for the drainage of the Gloucester street school site. Mr Habens then explained the result arrived at, which was approved by the committee. It was resolved—“ That Mr Mountfort’s plan and suggestions for levelling and draining Gloucester street school site, with estimate, be approved, and that they be submitted to the Minister of Education for his permission to call for tenders.” Seventy-one applications received for the post of caretaker at the main school, {the salaries ranging from £26 to j6IOO, were considered, the chairman stating that as the Minister of Education would not approve of the £65 a year with house and fuel, he had to fall back on the alternative of calling for tenders for the office. Ultimately ten names were selected from among the number of applicants, and referred to a sub-committee to see those selected, and recommend one for appointment. The chairman was authorised to complete the appointment, on the recommendation made by the committee. It was resolved that if the chairman can make satisfactory arrangements for carrying on the Music Hall School, without the assistance of Mr Sylvester, he be released from his duties, in accordance with his request, to fill another appointment. A plan submitted by Mr Hill for a gallery and fittings for the infanta’ department at the Gloucester street School, was approved ; and the chairman was authorised to confer with Mr Mountfort, and submit the plan to the Minister of Education for his approval. The chairman reported he had received a letter from Mr Loughrey, saying he would positively leave Melbourne on the 16th November. He (the chairman) desired to lay on the table quarterly returns of school attendance received from the Education department, A number of .accounts wtre passed for payment. At the request of the committee Mr Bray consented, with Mr Jameson, to prepare a report of the best means of levelling and draining the Bingsland school site ; and on other matters requiring attention at that school. The question of opening the main school was considered, and after some remarks it was resolved —“ That it is desirable that the school shall be opened with an entertainment, and that the chairman confer with Mr "Wynn Williams as to the details, that gentleman to be requested to attend at the next meeting held to consider them with the committee.” Further consideration of Mr Duncan’s letter on the advisableness of opening a side school at Phillip’s town was adjourned until the opening of the main school had taken place. A letter was read from Mrs Hill, accepting the appointment of third mistress at the Gloucester street school. The question of the organisation of the Bingsland school was further adjourned.