EDUCATION BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2103, 19 November 1880, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Education Board of the ISTorfh Canterbury District was hold yesterday afternooa at three o'clock. Present—Mr Montgomery (acting chairman), Messrs Cunningham, E. C. J. Stevens, H. J. Tanored, H. R. Webb, and Rev. Charles Fraser.

The business done by the chairman since last meeting in the way of appointments and expenditure was approved. Reports of inspectors were submitted in reference to Kaispoi, South Rakaia, Willoughby, Langbeach (main and side schools), Kyle, Seafield, Elgin, Cambridge, Green Park. A letter from the Ashburton school committee was read, forwarding a resolution which recommended certain alterations in the staff of teachers. The Board could not see their way to adopt the recommendation. A letter was read from Heathcote, pointing out that a mistress was more required for the main school than the infant school. The Chairman pointed out that the difficulty was that they could not have a head mistress and a second master both. The Board resolved—" That the Board could not accede to the request for the appointment of a mistress." From Amberley a letter was roceived asking for additional teaching power. It was decided to increase the allowance of pupil teachers to £4O. A letter was read from the Education Department touching proposed alterations in the regulations affecting pupil teachers. The Board agreed to the amendment suggested. A letter was also read in reference to the introduction of sacred history into the subjects for examination, the Minister being of opinion that exemption should be expressly granted to such pupil teachers as claimed it on the ground of conscience. The Chairman pointed out that a peculiarity in the old arrangement was that a knowledge of saored history was exacted from pupil teachers, who, however, were not allowed to teach it afterwards.

Mr Tancred did not think it should be an optional subject. Mr Fraser oould not see any objection to the subject, regarding it simply in the light of history. Mr Stevens suggested that pupil teachers' examinations should bear the closest possible relation to the subjects they were expected to teach. Mr Fraser thought they had a right to expect a higher order of knowledge than they were absolutely expected to impart to their pupils in the minor olasses. Mr Stevens asked why it should be in the programme at all ? The Chairman said the subject was included in the old system. Mr Stevens—But it does not appear in the Education Aot of 1877 ? The Chairman —No, it does not. Mr Stevens then submitted that they should not recognise anything antagonistic to the Act under which they were proceeding. Mr Fraser hoped that the subject of saored history would be included under the heading of history, as defined in the regulation. The Chairman remarked that if the subject was admitted, it appeared that it would be necessary to instruct the certificated teachers to impart sacred history to pupil teachers, otherwise they could not be expected to possess the knowledge, so far that is aB the Board were ooncerned or informed.

Mr Tailored did not say the subject must be included in the programme. There might, perhaps, be good reasons why it should be excluded ; but what he contended was that, being admitted, it should not be made an optional subject. MrOunningham moved—" That the proposal of the Minister of Education, in reference to mating sacred history an optional subject in pupil teaohers' examinations, be adopted." The motion was soconded by Mr Webb, and some discussion ensued.

Mr Stevens moved tho adjournment of the debate, as there appeared to be some doubt as to the position occupied by this Board in relation to the regulations under the Act of 1877, since the passing of which this Board came into existence.

Mr Eraser seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Fraser then gave notice of motion, _ to the effect that in the regulation affecting examination of pupil teachers, the subject of sacred hiefcory bo retained as before, under the conditions required by the Minister of Education. A letter was read from the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College as to the projeoted School of Arts, and suggesting a conference between representatives from the two bodies on the subject. It appeared that the Board of Governors entertained the hope that this Board would bear a portion of the expense. Mr Tancred deprecated the outlay of money in suoh directions in the present state of their finances. The Chairman pointed out that they were Buppoeed to teach drawing in their schools, but had not made provision for it. Mr Eraßer pointed out that there could be no harm in a conference. Mr Stevens admitted that they might appoint a committee, but suggested that those members selected for the purpose should not be such as were also membera of the College committee. A committee to meet the committee of the Board of Governors to discuss the matter waa then appointed. Letters from the Normal and other schools in reference to the distribution of prizes and the holidays were considered and dealt with. A letter from the Hea'hcote school committee was read, requesting to have the district divided, and also to alter the boundary line so as to take in a portion of the Avon district. After consideration, the Board resolved to allow the proposed division, cutting off the Bromley district, but not to allow any portion of the Avon district to be taken. A letter was read from Little Akaloa in relation to the recent election on the committee, which was pronounced to be illegal. It was decided to forward a copy of the solicitor's letter to the committoe. A letter was read from Mr Hialop, stating that he bad been commissioned by Sir Julius

IVogel to ask the Board's acceptance of two prizes, to be awarded to pupils of public schools in this district, the following plan being suggested: the prizes to be awarded in connection with the Board's next examination for scholarships, and to be conferred upon the two candidates from public schools who stand highest in point of excellence among those who fail in gaining substantial scholarships at the examinations. The prizes are Diohens' works, twenty-one vols.; A. Trollopo's " Australia and New Zealand," two large vols, and map. Some discussion took plaoe as to the manner of awarding the prizes. On the motion of Mr Fraaer, it was resolved to adopt Mr Hislop's suggestion, providing the candidates obtain not less than 25 per cent, marks on each subject, and 50 per cent, on the whole. Some business of an executive character was dealt with, in addition to matters mentioned. Tendera were opened for the erection of a school and master's house at Flemington, and the chairman was authorised to accept the lowest after conferring with the arohiteet. The remainder of the business was transacted in committee.