CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1920, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Tiio Board met at Christchurch oil Friday last. Present: Messrs E. U. Andrews (chairman), C. >S. Howard, \\ . A. Banks, 11. J. Biguell, C. W. Annitage, J. J. Jamieson, A. Peverill, T. Hughes, W. P. ISpencer and C. H. Upie. The Principal of the Training College reported that of over one hundred ; p plicants eighty-six new students had been admitted to the College, 76 in Division A, 5 in B, 4 in C, and 1 In D. That number was really more than could be adequately accommodated, l ur in view of the fact that a new building was to be provided the members of the staff were prepared to do the best they could this year. The total number in training would be 149. It was agreed that an urgent telegram he sent to -he Department, asking that the long-de-ferred grant, which it was understood had been made for a new training college might be made avai^ible. A letter was received from the Canterbury Progress League, suggesting that the Board should despatch a telegram to the Miniser ,of Public Works, urging upon him he importance of an early completion of the East and West Coast railway.

it was decided to endorse the resolution.

A letter was received from the De partment to the effect that when the Education Act was next under consideration the question of amending ihe law relating to the definition of a “house-holder” would be dealt with, and also expressing the opinion that the likelihood of the same person wishing to sit upon the two committees was somewhat remote.

The following scholarships were awarded Gammack scholar: Margaret A. Michael (G.H.S.) 1457; John Strothers (B.M'.S.) 1437. Cowie scholarships; Gertrude J. Batchelor (Richmond), 602; Chas. Thos Bishop (Christchurch Technical College), 595. Seddon Memorial Medal: Doreen Veronica Daly St Mary's Convent (Greymouth) 594. Barclay prizes: Donald lan McDonald, Geraldine D.H.S.; .John Boucher Nanson, Geraldine D.H.S. ; David Fred Lindsay, Hanna ton school; Frances Margaret Brown, Ikawai school.

A letter was received from the Education 'Department, inviting the Board’s cooperation in making the no. eessary arrangements for tho proper care and supervision of the school ch:ldren taking part in the welcomes to his Royal Highness tho Prince of Wales. The Government was prepared to provide a. reasonable cost of tea, milk, buns oto., for children who required to be absent from home for a considerable time. The Board was asked to make enquiry regarding the use of suitable halls or schools near tho railway stations, to which it was proposed lo bring school children for tho purpose of being present on the occasion. Hie matter was referred to a special sub-committee.

The annual report of tho truant officer stated that “ono undesirable feature disclosed during tho year was the teindency of parents to allow their children to assist in tradesmen’s conveyances. In this respect the milk vendor was the chief offender, it frequently happening that after engaging in this work for some hours, the hoys were quite unfit for scool work for the remainder of the day. It was also pointed out that some parents kept their children from school for ono lay or more each week, this in itself reducing tho httondanoo -as ia whole considerably. To meet such cases a special circular would be sent out in future.”