LYTTELTON BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 551, 24 March 1876, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Correspondence was read— From the Provincial Architect in re infant school plans. From the Minister for Education, sane* tioning appointment of Miss Milsom as pupH teacher of the 2nd year, and in reply to committee’s letter of 15th inst, stating that with regard to the plans for infant school it would be unnecessary for the Provincial Architect to complete original plans, as his sketch plans since made provided as much accommodation and were less expensive. The sketch plans could be completed ready for tendering, but as the Provincial Solicitor had advised that the site must be vested in the Superintendent, legislation would be required, and no further steps could be taken until after the next session of the General Assembly, The chairman reported that after receiving the letter, he and Mr P. Cunningham had waited on the Minister for Education re infant school, and the result of the interview was that should the Provincial Executive apr rove of the erection of the infant school that tenders should be called, to be in by the 28th inst. School to be erected on land already vested in Superintendent, or on land last given by the Borough Council. The committee approved of the action taken by the chairman and Mr Cunningham in the matter, and it was resolved that if tenders were permitted to be called for, a meeting shoull be held on the 28th at 7.30 p.m. to consider them. From the trustees of the Wesleyan School, complaining of the broken window e, dirty state of the floor, &c. From Mr W. L. Edge, head master, stating in reference to the letter from the trustees of Wesleyan school, that it was customary for those gentlemen to let the schoolroom to Good Templars and other bodies, and that these people were in the habit of leaving the schoolroom in a filthy state, giving the teachers great trouble to rea’range the building before it was possible to commence

school on the following morning. Further stating that the infant school in its present position was a source of great trouble, as owing to its distance from the main school it was impossible to exercise proper supervision, and asking if it were possible that a part of the drill shed could be utilised for the little ones. A properly trained infant mistress was much wanted ; most of the ignorance and stupidity in the upper classes could be easily traced to defective early training. In justice to the late denominational school teachers, he admitted that the worst examples of the above had gained their experience in private schools. The teachers who went up to last examination had been classified as assistants of the first and second class, and were anxious to know their present position in the school re retention of services and salaries. They were now really useful and in no case had served more than two years as pupil teachers. He requested the committee to get 500 or 1000 absentee notes printed, as there was great irregularity of attendance, and no doubt many children absented themselves without the knowledge of their parents. He called attention to the fact that the head mistress, Miss Stout, was receiving a lower salary than any lady occupying a similar position in the province. The average attendance for week ending March 17th was 461, the numbers of children on the books at the same date being 611. Owing to continued ill health, he requested leave of absence for a few days. In reference to the letter from the Wesleyan school trustees, it was resolved to inform them that the dirty state of the Wesleyan schoolroom of which they complained was occasioned by night meetings there, and that the broken windows would be repaired. It was resolved to have 1000 absentee notes printed. The secretary was instructed to write to the Minister for Education, asking positions of the different mistresses who have been pupil teachers, and passed at the last examination as assistants of the first and second class.

Resolved—■“ That an extract from Mr Edge’s letter be sent to the Minister for Education in reference to Miss Stout’s salary, recommending it for his favorable consideration.”

A fortnight’s leave of absence was granted to Mr Edge.