ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1658, 13 June 1879, Page 4

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting was held on Tuesday night. Present—Messrs Williamson (in the chair), St. Hill, Bradley, Calvert, and Gollins. Correspondence was read from Board of Education re candidates for scholarships; from same re fencing and planting of site for master’s house; re proposals of committee for improvement of school grounds; also from same re routine business. The following report from the head master was read : During the past month the attendance has been very fluctuating. “ Illness in the family ” has been the excuse of nearly all who have given irregular attendance. The average for the past week has been 152 boys, 143 girls, in all 295. Number on roll—boys 225, girls 209, total 43*1. Number present to-day—boys 150, girls 151, total 301.

Having failed to secure a male candidate as a pnpU teacher, I think it advisable to obtain at once the services of the female who applied. I understand that twelve desks were granted by the Board, and as only nine have been received I would suggest that the others be obtained, as they are much required. This deficiency was noticed by the inspector, Mr Kdge. As the first fortnight of July has usually been considered the mid-winter holidays, I trust you will inform mo if the holidays will be held during the same period this year. I have been requested by the other teachers to *sk you to supply them with a horizontal bar for gymnastics. Miss Stewart complains that draughts are caused in the infant room by the absence of a rentilator. As I have supplied the school since October last with ink and chalk, blotting paper and foolscap. I trust you will allow a small grant for these materials. Alexander Stott, Master. Respecting the master’s report, it was resolved that Miss Hepburn be appointed pupil teacher, subject to the Board’s approval. The secretary was instructed to write to the Board re desks. Resolved, that the holidays take place at the usual time, end that the secretary notify the Board of same. Also, that the Board be requested to forward a horizontal barj for tho use of the hoys. The secretary was also requested to got the ventilator repaired. Resolved, that the Board be written to re increase of Miss Stewart’s stipend. Also, that the master be paid for the materials he had supplied to the school on his producing the accounts. Messrs. Calvert and Gollins were elected visiting members for tho ensuing month. Mr St. Hill moved the notice of motion standing in his name—“ That this committee will not sanction the use of the school for evening classes.” In doing so he said he thought the brains of the teachers were quite enough worked in the day without teaching at night; in fact, that they could not do justice in both cases, Again, it interfered too much with private enterprise, and stopped able men in the town from getting a hying !>y evening classes. Besides, tho desks, slates, &c., were shifted at the evening school, and therefore interfered with the resuming of the work in the morning, Mr Gollins seconded, and Mr Calvert supported the resolution, which after a few remarks from the chairman and Mr Bradley, was passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.