THE SIZE OF SCHOOLS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1646, 30 May 1879, Page 3

THE SIZE OF SCHOOLS.

[Press Special Wire.J

DUNEDIN, May 29.

At this morning's meeting of the Fduostioa Board, some discussion took place on a request by the finance committee that the Board would express an opinion on the question of fixing a maximum size, or holding capacity, for any new schools erected by the Board The Chairman (Mr Fulton) considered that no school should be larger than would be sufficient to hold 700 or 800 children. Mr Fraser said that, seeing the Board had recently recommended the erection of a school to hold 800 children, they could not fix the maximum at anything less than that. Professor Shand thought it would not be judicious to lay down a hard and fast rule, for in some circumstances a school to huld 500 children would be best, while in others one to hold 1000 would be advantageous. Largo schools could be more economically managed than small ones, and there was also less difficulty in obtaining subordinate teachers than men capable of superintending large schools. Mr Begg coincided with the last speaker. Mr Clark was inclined to think that it would be wise to pass a resolution fixing some limit. It would be a pity to have a head teacher's time taken up in superintending. Professor Shand remarked that that was just what they were required for—to manage the school. Messrs Elder and Green thought a head teacher should take one class as well as superintend the school, and that it was not wise to have too many children in one school. Professor Shand said it all depended on the head master. Some men could manage several thousand children. Mr Ramsay suggested that as the matter was one of importance they should have time to think it over. The question was than adjourned till next meeting. AGBICULTURAL AND PASTOEAL ASSOCIATION. The ordinary monthly meeting of the committee of this association was held yesterday afternoon. Present —Mr A. Duncan, vicepresident (in the chair), Hon. John Hall, Messrs Wm. Henderson, Wm, Norman, Wm. Boag, A. W. Money, E. Sutherland, J. Grigg, John Gilmour, Wm. Holly, John Mcßeath, Murray • Aynsley, and J. T. Ford (president). APOLOGY. A letter was read from Mr P. Cunningham, apologising for his absence. THE BTTLES OF THE ASSOCIATION. The Hon. John Hull brought up the report of the sub-committee on the revision of the rules. After a good deal of discussion and certain alterations the report was referred back to the sub-committee to prepare a catalogue. cabetakeb's house. The Hon. John Hall moved-" That the caretaker's cottage be placed at the north-east corner of the ground, the exact position to be left to the ground committee." Seconded by Mr Murray-Aynsley, and agreed to. DAY OP MEETING. Mr Boag moved—" That the day of meeting be altered from the last Thursday in the month to the first Friday, at 2 o'clock instead of 2 30." Seconded by Mr Holly, and agreed to, the first meeting under the new system to be held this day week. EXCHANGE OP BOOKS. A letter was read from Mr Thomas Dykes, secretary to the Clydesdale Horse Society of Great Britain and Ireland, acknowledging reoeipt of a copy of the " New Zealand Stud Book," and forwarding a copy of the "Clydesdale Stud Book." It was resolved to convey the thanks of the association to the society in question. A book on "Select Plants" was received from B*ron Von Mueller. The secretary was requested to acknowledge the receipt of the same with thanks. KBW MHMBBB3. The following gentlemen were elected members of the association—Messrs E. Bhodes, jun., George Little, John Wills, B. B. Willis, and W. MoNab. Ths meeting then adjourned.