SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 567, 12 April 1876, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

PAPANDI. A meeting forelection of district committee, was held at the schoolroom, Papanui, April 10th, 1876 ; Mr George Harper, chairman of the district committee, occupied the chair. Tbe minutes of the Inst meeting of householders were read and confirmed. The following report of the proceedings of the committee for the last six months, was read—- " Your committee have to report that, since their election, October 21st, 1875, they have held ten meetings That the following works, in connection with the school, have been carried out and completed by them during their term of office during the last six months. New furniture for the old schoolroom, consisting of desks, forms, tables, and cupboards ; new range for the master's house. Additions to the school buildings, consisting of a now schoolroom 5 ift x 20ft, extension of porch to boy's entrance, new water closets and urinal, porch to master's house, furniture, desks, forms, &c, for the new building, and the varnishing and painting inside and outside of both old and new buildings. That the plantations have been weeded and the grounds attended t". That the making of a Jswimming bath has been considered, and a grant of £SO towards the cost of the same has been promised by the Provincial Government, the total cost of which will amount to not less than £l5O. That the committee are pleased to be able to be in a p'-sition to congratulate the householders of the district upon the completion of the additions to the school, and upon the satisfactory manner in which the works, including the outside accommodation, have been carried out and provided by the provincial authorities ; and they consider that the Bchool buildings, as they now exist, fully meet the requirements of the district, and will add materially to the better teaching, discipline, comfort, and health of the children than herotofore, and thiuk that no further ixpenditure will be required for some time to come. Your committee feel it neocsary to impress strongly upon the householders the great advantages which will result to the children attending the school by the making of a swimming bath and the teaching of swimmiug, and thev consider that the amount, viz, £IOO. required over and above the Government graut, ought to be readily and easily contributed by the householders, and they tiust that tbe work which has been originated by them during their term of office will be energetically carried out by their successors. An examination of the school was held by the Government Inspector in December last, and was conducted by him upou the standard system now introduced into the province, and, considering that the system has been but lately introduced into the school, the result of the examination, and the report of the inspector upon the same, was satisfactory. Your committee, however, being unable to ascertain or to test from the report sent in the respective merits of the children examined in each standard, with a view to the giving of prizes to the best scholars in each class, engaged the services of Mr Cumberworth to examine the school before the Christmas holidays, and lcquested him to conduct the examination of the different classes class by class, the result of which examination and the examiner's report upon the same were very satisfactory. The annual prizes were distributed during the Christmas holiday?, amounting in value to the sum of £7 and upwards, one-half of which .amount was contributed by the committee out of their private funds. Owing to the carrying out of the additions to the school, your committee deemed it advisable to extend the Christmas holidays until the completion of the buildings, and some time has therefore been lost, but which can now be made up by shorter holidays being given at the usual times during the ensuing year. As there was no room in the district sufficiently convenient to accommodate the children, and without considerable expense during the progress of the buildings, your committee were obliged to extend the holidays as before mentioned. That the average daily attendance during the quarter ending December, 1575, was 127; on the books, 204. That the average daily attendance during the quarter ending March, ' 1876, was 113; on the books, 205. The j committee feel it their duty to state that the ■ daily attendance ought to be considerably more than it is at the present time ; that after making all allowances for the disturbance of the school during the progress of the buildings, they are of opinion that the daily ; attendance during the last two quarters is berow what, it should be. In saying this they do not wish to attach any blame to the teacher, or to the advantages j afforded by the school, but rather to the j parents of children, who take away their children upon the slightest excuse offering, if they require their services at home. The committee wish to record their thanks to the master, mistress, assistant mistress, and pupil teacher, for the services rendered by them during the past six months. The annual school treat was held during the Christmas holidays, and was very satisfactorily arranged and carried out. Signed— GEORGE HABPER, Chairman, April 10th, 1870."

Proposed by Mr Freestone, seconded by Mr Huvlson—"That the report as* read be adopted." Carried. Proposed by Mr Low, seconded by Mr Jones —" That a vote of thanks be recorded to Mr George Harper for his services as chairman of the district committee." Carried.

The chairman returned thanks, and testimony to the good feeling that hacl existesl between himself .and his colleagues during their term of olbce. Proposed by Mr Low, and secouded by Mr Derritt—" That the committee for the ensuing ypar consist of s'x members only." Mr Smith moved an amendment, and Mr Hudson seconded —"That the committee consist of eight members." The amendment on being put to the meeting, was lost, aud the original resoluion carried. A'l the members of the old committee (except Mr Kruse, who was absent through ill health) having declared their intention to resign, instead of only one-half retiring, as provided by the Ordinance, the chairman called upon the meeting to nominate candidates to fill up the five vacancies upon the committee.

Mr Kruse being one of the senior members of the old committee, who had not resigned, remaining on the committee, and the following householders were duly proposed and •iecouded :—Mr George Harper, Mr Low, Mr Godfrey, Mr Jones, aud Mr Freestone. Mr tforro and Mr Sis;on were also proposed, but declined to act.

No other candidates haviug been proposed, the chairman declared Messis G. Harper, Lor, Godfrey, Jones, and Freestone duly elected as memoirs of the district commit, fee.

After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting adjourned.

A meeting of the new committee was afterwards held, and Mr George Harper was re-elected chairman of the district committee for the next year. LYTTELTON. The meeting took place at advertised date. There was a very small attendance, only five or six ratepayers being present, besides members of committee. Dr Donald, in the absence of Mr H. R. Webb, occupied the chair, and apologised for tbe latter's unavoidable absence through illness. Tbe secretary then read the cash statement, from which it appeared that there was a credit balance of £52 18s 9d. Mr J. S. Willcox asked what portion of the assets came from rates and fees, and what from the Government.

Dr Dor aid replied that the rates and fees were all paid into the Provincial Treasury and that therefore none but the Government knew the proportion th"y bore to the gant, as the collector who paid them in has nothing to do with the school committee. The following report of the committees was then read by the chairman. " The committee have to report a steidy increase in the number of scholars attending the Borough schoo's The number on the books for the quarter ending March 81st, 1876, being 621, and the average at'endance of the past week, 445. The lower, or infant division has been removed to the rooms of th". Wesley an Society's school. This was rendered necessary from the crowding of the other divisions. The committee have done their utmost to arrange for the erection of a separate schoolroom tor the infants, but, although the Borough Council, with its usual liberality, placed a site at the disposal of the Government, owing to difficulties raised by the Minister fir Kducation on technical grounds regarding the conveyance of the site, no real progress has been made. N<xt to the erection of a fitting building, the great desideratum is a mistress properly trained for infant tuition. Tbe committee's attention h;;s been drawn by the head master to the great necessity there is for this arrangement; many children of age for better things are still kept back for want of this early instructress in the ground work of knowledge. During the year now expired three female pupil teachers have been added to the staff. The committee report with much satisfaction that, at the last examination of teachers, those pupil teachers who presented themselves passed most creditably, thus obtaining an advanced position for themselves, and bearing testimony to the excellence of the style of instruction and of the skill and attention of the masters under whom they studied. Referring again to the infant department, the {committee point out the urgent necessity of erecting a building iu proximity to the other schools, to enable the head master to give proper supervision. Infant tuition is too much neglected in the colony; properly conducted.it lays a foundation for higher instruction of an importance too seldom recognised. Tbe committee were gratified by the very favorable report of the Government Inspector of the progress of the sshool, the general boaring of the children, and the skill and management of the masters. Tbe committee again record with. gratitude their thanks to the Mayor and Borough Council for their co-operation and liberality in agreeing to surrender a site for infant school and for donations for prizes. The committee, at its last meeting, received the resignation of Mr Phillips, the third master. Arrangements mast be made for filling the vacancy. Messrs Webb, Bouse, Hawins, and Wood retire by lot, but are eligible for re election." Speaking to the report, the Chairman said that the importance of procuring an infant mistress, and of haviag an infant school erected close to the other building, so as to be immediately under the master's eye, could hardly be overrated. The report of the Government Inspector was the most favourable he had ever seen or heard of from that gentleman. Mr Allwright ?aid that the committee had no power under the present system, and might almost as well cease to exist. Mr H. N. Nalder said if the committee lapsed, a commissioner would be appointed to be paid cut of the rates. No doubt this was what was desired by the Minister for Education.

Mr Nalder moved, and Mr B. Wood seconded, the adoption of the report. Carried.

Mr Hawkins proposed Messrs W. Graham, Buisfc, Weyburn, and Willcox as the new members of committee.

The old members, Messrs Webb, Rouse, Hawkins, and Wood having been also proposed, a show of bands took place, and the chniiman declared the old members to be duly elected. He said that he was glad oE this, as it proved that the past proceedings of the school committee had met the approbation of the public in Lyttelton. It had been determined to prevent their commencing the infant schoolroom before the Ist April, after which date they had to pay half, instead of one-sixth, towards its erection ; but if any attempt was made in this case, he thought their eight representatives would show them that they could be as obstinate as any Minister. Mr VVillcox proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for their labors dining the past six months. He thought they had done well. Had the committee had more power, be. should have liked to see some who had children at school on it.

This was seconded by Mr Weyburn, and carried.

Dr Donald, in returning thanks, said that although he was in favor of new blood being introduced in committees, yet by again electing the old members the town proved that they coincided in their opinion, and told them to go on, and do as they had done. UPPEB HEATHCOTB. At a meeting of houS3holders, held at 7,30 p.m. on the 10th April, 1876, Upper Heathcote, Mr F. H. Wilson, chairman, read a report of the proceedings of the late school committee, as prescribed by the Education Ordinance, and produced balance-sheet of the school accounts, duly audited by tho Provincial Auditor, showing a balance of £29 6s 5d sterling. Mr Fantham moved, and Mr Ansley seconded—" That a vote of thanks be accorded to the 6chool committee for the highly satisfactory manner

in which th( y had conducted the proceedings of the sjhot 1 for the last six months." Tbe following were elected members of committeo—Messrs F. H. Wilson, Raxworthy, W. H. Whitney, Moreland, W. HendersoD, J, Torrens. 0. Comer, John Hill. Mr Fantbam suggested the advisability of a bath being constructed for the benefit of the children attending school, and advocated that application be made to tbe Government for assistance in carrying out the project. LOWER HEATHUOTE. The meeting of the householders of this district was held on Monday evening, at 7 p.m , in the school room. The attendance was small. _ Mr H. A. Bamford occupied the chair, and read the following report:— " In accordance with tie Education Ordinance, 1875, the committee of the Lower Heathcote school beg to present a report of their proceedings for the past six months, your committee have much pleasure in being able to report that the new class rooms for the infants is now completed, and furnished with galleries sufficient to accommodate upwards of eighty children. The school has been supplied with a set of new maps and diagrams. A tender for levelling and drain ing the school grounds has been accepted, and the work is now in progress. } our committee have taken steps to erect a porch with lavatory at the eastern entrance; also two additional closets, and to have the present closets fitted with pans. Tenders for these works have been called for. The large room has been fitted with ventilators, which add very much to the health and comfoit of the school. The annual school treat was given on Thursday, the 23rd of December last, the provisions and supplies beiDg pro vided by donations and subscriptions f-oni the parents and friends. After which the prizes were distributed by Mr W. Mont gomery in the presence of a large audience. Your committee desire to return their thanks to Mrs Montgomery for the handsome priz s which she provided, and to all parents and friends who kindly came forward with donations and subscriptions towards the children's treat. That your committee beg to record their satisfaction at the zeal and deligenco Bhown by tbe teachers in the school during the past six months. That the number of children on the books for the past quarter is 260, viz, 160 boys and 100 girls ; the average daily attendance for the same period is 170, viz, 107 boys and 61 girls. Your committee regret that there has been a considerable amount of sickness in the district during the past half year which has caused the attendance at the school to fall off very much. Your committee also regret that there has been considerable discontent in the district at the way in which the school rates are collected, and the trouble and annoyance which the householders are put to in respect to the school rate. A statement of accounts for the half year ending 31st March, 1876. and duly audited by the Provincial Auditor are submitted herewith." The report as read was received and adopted. The nomination of members of the committee in place of Messrs J. D. Davif,W. Attwood, R. Davis, W. Home, and G. Wise then took place, when the following gentle men were declared to be duly elected :—W. Attwood, G. Bonnington, R. Davis, J. D Davis, and G. Gofton. HEATHCOTE VALT-EY. The mesting of householders of the above district was held on Monday evening, in the schoolroom, at seven o'clock ; Mr W. Dunlop, chairman of the school committee, in the chair. The chairman read his Honor the Superintendent's letter, authorising him to preside, and said that the statement of accounts for the past six months, which had been duly audited by the Provincial Auditor, and found to be correct, showed the receipts to have been £145 Os Bd, and the expenditure £ll2 8s 4d, leaving a credit balance of £32 12s 4d. The committee had not considered it neces B£fry to prepare a written report, and a 9 the Government Inspector had not visited the school for some considerable time, they bad no official report as the progress made by the school to lay before the meeting since the one submitted at the last annual meeting. Previous to the nomination of candidates in place of Messrs Perkins, Dixon, and Pierce, the retiring members, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Flavel—" That four members constitute the school committee for the ensuing year." Mr Perkins was re-elected a member ot the committee. RICCARTON. The meeting of householders for this district took place on the 10th. The attendance was limited. Mr Gray presided, and read the following report :—" Since tbe general meeting held six months ago, school matters have been progressing steadily and satisfactorily in the district. A site for the Ft-n dalltown school had been obtained previous to the last annual meeting, but owing to the provincial architect being so much engaged, some delay has taken place in calling for tenders for the building. By the advice of the Minister for Education the committee decided on employing an architect, and now the contract is let for both school] om and master's house, and most of the material is on the ground. The schoolroom when finished will hold about seventy children, and with the master's house and the site will cost something over £7OO. It is expected that it will be finished in about two months. The school exarniiution was held November 4th and slh, under the new system. The inspector reports as follows: —' This examination is the first the school has had under the standards, and sufficient time has scarcely been given to meet the extra requirements. The majority of the scholars have had considerable training in the subjects of the standards higher than they have respectively passed ; but inaccuracy iu some of the work not hitherto expected has prevented them passing now, though most of them will doubtless take a higher standard at the next half-yearly examination.' From their rem irks it seems certain that it only requires a better acquaintance with the standards f or the school to take its proper place in the half-yearly examinations. The inspector in the same report testifies strongly to efficiency of the teachers in the iollowing terms :—' In tbe classes taken by the ma3ter it is unnecessary to particularise the various subjects where the results in all shows that the greatest care, combined with ability, has been bestowed upon their teaching. In the 2nd and 3rd classes the work as a whole is very jatisfactQry, Tbe sth, 6th, 7th

c-innot bo taken efficiently by one teacher.' He further adds that the work suffers from want ci space and desk room, and that a pupil teacher should be appointed as early as possible to assist, in the infant department. The committee would have appointed a pupil ti flcher, but it w.rs found that, with the pr - s nt staff of teachers, the number of scholors did not admit of a fresh appointment With regard to increased room, the inspector confirms the already expressed opinion of the teachers, who frequently complain of the want of class rooms. If the Fendalltown Fchool does not relieve this one of some of the scholars, it will be for the succeeding committee to consider how the inspector's suggestions can be carried out. On account of the pumps at the school being so frequently out of order, and on account of the bad quality of the water, the committee decided on sinking an open well, which, when made, was unfortunately a failure, as the rush of water through a thick stratum of blue sand prevented the gravel being reached, and it was found necessary to drive a large pipe through the sand, into which the pump pipe has been inserted, and now there is a good and plentiful supply of water. At the annual examination of pupil teachers, held January, 1876, Riccarton school came out well. Elizabeth Smith takes first place among thirty-eight competitors commencing their first year, and Thomas Pole ranks second among twenty candidates in the division for the end of the second year. It is highly gratifying that out cf three divisions Riccarton scholars should take so good a place in two of them.—E. F. Gray, chairman." A statement of accounts, duly audited by the Provincial Auditor, having been laid before tbe meeting, the adoption of the report aud statement was proposed and carried, The meeting then proceeded to the election of four new members of committee. Messrs Twentyman, Blake, Hanson, and Gray having resigned, Mr Twentyman not offering himself for re-election, and Mr Bleke being disqualified on account of acting as architect for the Fendalltown school, Messrs Gray, Hanson, H. P. Lance, and Rev. C. Turrell were nominated as candidates, and no other candidate having been proposed, were declared duly elected. The meeting then adjourned. The committee met afrer election. Present—Messrs Harper, Hanson, Marsh, and Gray, when Mr H. F. Gray was re-elected chairman. HILLSBOROUGH. A meeting of the householders of the educational district of Hillsborough was held on the 11th inst, at 7 p.m. The following report was read : —"Your committee has to report that, on the 17th day of November last, Mr Souter informed your chairman that several workmen having commenced pulling down portions of the original school buildings without the committee having received any intimation from the office of the Minister for Education of any contract having been let or any conditions of tender called for, Mr Souter, finding it impossible to carry on the woik of the school, the children were accordingly neceesarily dismissed u"til after Christmas. It was not until the 14th February last, however, that the new buildings were stated to be ready for occup ition ; consequently, for about two months, in addition to the usual month's holiday, the school was virtually closed. Your committee thinks it can congratulate the householders of the district on the extent and quality of the accommodation now afforded, and evidence is already forthcoming that the increased space is not more than that required ; the attendance of children during the past month having reached 103, and the portion of the quarter during which the school was open an average of ninetyone daily attendance. The above figures warranting a claim for a certificated mistress to be appointed, application has been made to the Minister for Education, who has promised attention to the matter on receipt of the above returns. The only incidental expenses of any amount incurred during the past six months have been a new cooking range for the master's house, costing £l2 17s; and necessary offices and fittings beyond what was handed over with the new buildings, costing about £ls. Your committee begs to draw attention to the fact that an additional portion of land has been pegged off on the west side of the school allotment presumably in lieu of a portion of origiaal allotment as marked on deed, but since claimed as being part of a road on the south ; but no official intimation as to the above alteration in tho shape of the section on which the school is built has been notified to your committee, and it will be for the new committee, so soon as they know the correct boundary of the school section, to have it properly fenced in Your committee does not wish the present opp* rtuaity to pass without congratulating the district upon the greatly increasing number of children attending the school, no doubt mainly owing to the zeal of Mr Souter, his satisfactory teaching, and the respect entertained for him by the children and their parents. Your committee desires also to record its sense of the satisfactory services of Miss Sandford, the assistant teacher, and to accord to her her measure of merit towards the prosperity of the school. The accounts (not yet audited) show a balance in the bank of £52 2s 3d, with liabilities amounting to about £3o. W- Souter." The following were elected members of the school committee for the ensuing year : Capt. Rowe, Messrs Duncan, Joblin. Riordan, Wi avers, Leversedge, Sout■ r, and Gundry. It. was moved by Mr Ford, seconded by Mr Gundry—"That, the report of the committee for the past six mouths be accepted and entered on the minutes." Carried unanimously. It was moved by Mr Aynsley, seconded by Mr Duncan, ard carried unanimously—- " That a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Mi Jones, the retiring chairman, for his services since January, 1874." Mr Jones returned thanks for the honour, remarking that the excellen t committee he had always worked with, had rendered his task a pleasant one, and that he had always got along smoothly with the Educational Department. A cordial vote of thanks to Mr Aynsley was also passed for his valuable services on the school committee since its first organisa tion, the assistance rendered by him at all times having evinced his thorough interest in the district. At a meeting of the school committee held subsequent to tho above Captain Kowe was elected chairman,