BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2067, 8 October 1880, Page 3

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The ordinary meeting of the Education Board for the district of North Canterbury was held yesterday afternoon. There were present—Mr Inglis (chairman), the Eev. Ohaa. Fraser, Mr Cunningham, Mr H. J. Tancred, Mr W. Montgomery, and Mr E. O. J. Stevens. The usual statement of appointments made and expenditure authorised by the chairman since last meeting was read and approved. Beports of inspectors on a number of schools in various parts of the district were laid on the table. Tho Chairman mentioned in particular certain reports, ono in reference to an unoertifioated teacher, which he said would be brought under consideration later on. With regard to two of the schools mentioned, the report spoke unfavourably of the standards. A deputation from the Lower Heathooto school committee waited on tho Board in reference to the case of Miss MoOormick, who had been retained as teacher on the understanding that she would obtain tho necessary certificate of qualification, hut had failed to come up for examination. It now appeared that the chairman bad written a letter to tho Board without tho knowledge of the committee, in consequence of which the Board passed a resolution that in consequence of a favourable recommendation from the committee, Miss MoOormick be retained as teacher temporarily ; but, as a matter of fact, the committee knew nothing of such a recommendation. The chairman, in fact, was acting on his own responsibility, and against the wishes of the committee, of whom the deputation now before the Board represented the majority. The spokesman read the correspondence which had passed on the subject, which it appeared required explanation. Another member of tho deputation pointed out that the school numbered 400, as shown on the books, and - it was urgently required that there should bo a certificated mistress. Mr Stevens remarked that the deputation actually wanted the assistance of tho Board to help’ them as against the chairman, who, as they said, would not carry out the wishes of the committee.

The deputation concurred that such was the position they occupied. The committee, finding that the chairman would not give effect to their desires, had proposed to appoint a secretary, but the chairman flatly refused to put the question, saying it was an insult to the chair. Two other small matters were referred to, as calling for the attention of the Board. The deputation being assured that their representations would bo duly considered, then thanked the Board, and withdrew. A letter was read from the East Christchurch school committee, requesting the Board to proclaim Bingslond a separate school district.

Mr Stevens was quite satisfied, from a knowledge of the district, that it waa a very necessary change, and ha would move that the request be acceded to. Subsequently, at the suggestion of the chairman, the resolution was modified to the effect that the committee be requested to furnish the Board with further information on the subject. A letter from the Wellington Board, thanking this Board for sending an inspector to Wellington to examine schools there in accordance with the request of the former body. A latter was read on the subject of introducing Dr. Richardson's book on temperance and certain selected Scriptural readings into the public schools, the writer suggesting that the Board should recommend such to be done. After brief discussion, the Board resolved with regard to the first matter, that they saw no objection to the use of Dr. Biohardson’s book ; and with regard to Scriptural readings, they could not recommend it, but would forward the suggestion to the Department. In reference to the Little Bahaia school, anent which correspondence had already passed between the committee and the Board, a letter waa read suggesting the dismissal of the msster, Mr Cannon, notwithstanding a report by Mr Veel that he, on inspecting the school, found no reason to find fault with him. It appeared that the Board had already passed a resolution that it saw no ground for the dismissal of the teacher, and it was resolved, after consideration, to adhere to that determination. A letter was read from the East Christchurch school committee making certain recommendations in relation to proposed rearrangement of the main school staff. The Board resolved—" That they could not at present enter into the matter, in view of the possible change in the boundaries of the district." The Lower Ileathcole school committee wrote notifying that Miss McCormick had, by resolution, been given one month’s notice. It was understood that this matter would be considered later on, in connection with the matters brought under the notice of the Board by a deputation from the Lower HeuUicoto school committee.

A Utter was read from the Kindergarten mistress in reference to the 10 per cent, redaction, stating that she could not continue to act for a reduced salary, seeing that her services had in no way depreciated, and she must therefore terminate her engagement on the expiration of the required notice, adding that she would bo happy after that time to give two hours of her time each day in such instruction gratis, in the interests of the Kindergarten system. The Chairman read a circular letter from the Government, stating that the General Assembly had voted a sum of <£50,000 for public and Native school buildings, and that the sum proposed to be granted to this Board was £6OOO. Some discussion ensued in reference to the above, it being pointed out that the amount voted was insufficient to adequately provide for the demands of education in the country. It was agreed that the secretary be instructed to write the Government, expressing the opinions of the Board on the subject. A tender was accepted for the erection of a school and master’s house at Mason’s Plat.

The Board then went into committee, and on resuming adjourned.