CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1920, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

The Canterbury Education Board met at Christchurch on Friday last. Present:' Mr E. H. Andrews (chairman), Hon. J. Grimmond, M.L.C., Messrs O. HVOpie, W P. Spencer, T. Hughes, A. Peverill, J. Jamieson, G. AV. Armitage. J. Maze, H. J. Bignell, AV. A. Banks and C. S. Howard.

The Finance Committee’s report stated that owing to the large debit balance of the buildings maintenance account, it had been decided to ask the Buildings Committee to keep down its expenditure. The report was adopted.

Greymouth Commercial Instructor, — Mr P. A. Anderson of Greymouth was appointed. Greymouth instructor in engineering. —Mr Graeme Mitchell was appointed. The Supervisor, (Mr J. Grant) in the course of his report stated. —The newly constructed woodwork room and the additions made to the cookery and science rooms make Hokitika one of the best equipped centres in this Education District. The new woodwork room is well built and is convenient in every way, the additions to the cookery room make it possible to accommodate larger classes than formerly, the tool shed is a necessary adjunct being in close proximity to the gardens which are in a very satisfactory condition. The rural course of instructin at this D.H.S. is now on a proper footing, and ail subjects are being taught as required by the syllabus. Airs Withers, who seems a capable instructress lias agreed to take the dressmaking and Miss Knight will take the typng and shorthand till the commercial instructor is appointed. Fifty-three pupils take the rural course.

Teachers’ classes.—Teachers classes at Christchurch, Greymouth and Timnru started operations on the 10th inst. the numbers enrolled up to date are as follows:—Christchurch: Agriculture 7, Hy giene 43, School of Art 54; Grey, 23 for Ag. drawing, English and Maths.; Timaru 26 for Agriculture and Drawing.

Appointments made included Mr G. M. McKenzie, assistant secondary department at Greymouth; Miss M. Bigncll, pupil teacher, Greymouth.

A letter was received from the Department’s Chief School Medical Officer, suggesting the delegation of simple duties connected with the cleaning of schools to school children; also that school children’s lunches bo organised and supervised and that toothbrush drill he instituted. It was agreed to ask the Department to explain more particularly the meaning and scope of the clause dealing with the proposal that the children shall-take part in the cleaning of the schools. Mr White, (West Const Truant Officer) reported having received 29 truancy lists from schools; 30 ordinary and 4 final notices had been issued. The attendance at all schools had been good since the influenza died out. A letter was received from the Okarito School Committee, pointing out the difficulty of providing free hoard and lodgings for a teacher; also report from Mr Valentine. In the exceptional circumstances it was agreed to advertise, also to bring the case under the Department’s notice as a typical one showing the difficulties that .exist in the remote districts, difficulties which can only he met hy even more generous treatment than the Department already gives. Christchurch Bond (Kumara) :—A report was received from Inspector Valentine on Air Wright’s application for assistance in securing education for his children. The report, which is to the effect that it would be unwise to disturb the present arrangements at AVaini liinihi School, was received. A letter was received from the Department, asking the Board to furnish such information regarding children in very reunite parts of the country as will show the possibility of profitably employing itinerant teachers to superintend their education. The Department further suggested that County' Councils Farmers’ Unions and Crown Land Rangers might be able to furnish the infoimution. It was agreed to communicate with the public bodes mentioned and to ask them to submit particulars of any cases known to them, also to insert suitable advertisements in tbe papers throughout tbe district. BUILDING COAIMITTEE.

The Waitalia Committee forwarded estimate of the cost of improving the school grounds (€102). The foreman to report. The Department wrote making a grant for the erection of a new school to replace the present Waiho and Waiho Gorge household schools. The Commissioner of Crown Lands reported that arrangements are being made to reserve a site for the proposed school.—Resolved that the foreman have the site cleared and the erection of the building carried out. The outhouses to be erected more cheaply than proposed. ' Applications received for positions included:—

Bruce Bay, sole teacher.—Guy Murray, Wilfred R. Payne, Ella C. Hock. Goldsborougli, sole teacher.—Eliza J. Kelly, Minnie Moriarty. Greymouth, assistant mistress —Kura H. Allsion, Claris Kempthorne, Mary Ryan.

Mikonui, sole teacher—Winifred M. Baird, Isabel M. Evans. (It was decided to re-advertiso). Tho Department asked the Board to submit on forms provided its rebuilding proposals for the years ending 31st March 1921, 22 and 23.—Resolved that a special meeting of the Buildings Committee be held on the Tuesday preceding next meeting. The foreman on tho Coast and the Architect and Assistant Architect to be asked to revise the list prepared some time ago of schools requiring rebuilding. Several Bruce Bay residents asked for the removal of the school to a more central position. Consideration of tho application held over until tho Inspector reports. The Camerons Committeo reported that Mr Boyie has offered to sell a site of 2 acres for a teacher’s residence. Resolved that Mr H. Bignell report on tho land offered. The Greymouth Committee applied for increased school accommodation, and suggested that the gymnasium he used until the Technical High School is erected. —Resolved that the necessary alterations to the gymnasium bo left in the hands of Mr H. Bignell and Hon J.

Grimmond with power to act, the cost not to exceed £SO. Alessrs Baxter Bros renewed their application for the establishment of a school at Humphreys and offered - a building for the purpose. Resolved that the request he referred to the Appointments Committee. The South Spit (Hokitika) Comm t • tee’s attention to be drawn to the need of top dressing the asphalt. Alaps to be supplied. Foreman to carry out necessary repairs to school and outbuildings at AVainihinihi. Clock to ho supplied, also hat pegs, and supplementary readers for Teramakau. Foreman to report on state of sol - and outbuildings at Westbrook.