CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1920, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD

The inoi.Mily meeting was held on Friday at Cliristdnircli. Present: Mr I!. H. Andrews (ehairmnn), Hon J. Griintnond, Messrs John Jamieson, T. Hughes, J. 0. (low, G. W. Armitage, J. Marco, IV. P. Spencer, H. J. Bignell, C. S. Thompson, W. A. Banks, and A. Peverill. ■,r|. Appointments made included Mr T. G. McCullough, as assistant master at Lyttelton. Resignations accepted included: — Blackball, Mr J. Hutton, head master; Greymouth, Miss E. N. Smith, probationer. It was notified that Mr Win R. Adams was willing to act with Mr George Hewlett as commissioner at Humphreys.—Approved. Reports were received from the board’s Truant Officers, who in future, under the provisions of the new Act, will be styled “Attendance Officers.” There has been a good deal of sickness among the children in the whole district, and under such conditions it was difficult to enforce the working of the compulsory clauses. Latterly the weather had greatly improved and appearances were looking more hopeful for the ’ future. Inspector’s reports received included from Mr Morland—Jackson (fair), Roto Manu (very fair), Inchbonnie (fair), Te Kinga (very fair), Camerons (very fair), Paroa (good), Awatiina (good), Cobdcy Catholic (good), Westbrook (moderate), Wainihinihi (good), Taramakau (good), St Patrick’s Convent, Greymouth (good), Marist Brothers, Greymouth, (good), Barrytown (very moderate), Kokiri (good). The Grey Bfaqcili N.Z.E.T. —Letter from Secretary thanking the Board for instituting course of - instruction in Dairy Science oil Coast, but complaining of the unsuitability of the dates chosen.—Resolved that the Secretary he informed that the dates were fixed on after consultation with the Chief Inspector, the Inspector for the .Coast, and the Agricultural Instructor, as the only available dates. Kuinara Junction.—Letter from the Commissioner asking for assistance in erecting a fence round the “School Grounds.”—-Matter referred to Building Committee. Grey Branch. N.Z.E.I.—A letter was received from the President of the Branch asking the Board’s approval of the holding of a fortnight’s summer school next February under Professor Shelley’s direction, and requesting, the extension of the midsummer vacation for a fortnight to allow of the summer school being field. The chairman (Mr IT 11. Andrews) opposed a motion moved by Mr W. A. Banks that the request should he acceded to and application be made to the Department for the necessary financial assistance, on the grounds that it would mean shortening csfiool hours, and that the Board would lie unable to meet the expense, which would work outsat about £3 per teacher. After discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr J. Maze, seconded by the chairman, that the request he acceded to, provided the Department, would meet the expenses involved. Hokitika.—An application for repair of fences was referred to Mr Biguell foi report; blackboards to bo supplied; Mr Brock to be asked to report on removal of old buildings from Dillmans. Mananui.—lt was resolved to renew the front fence. The Supervisor reported—Teachers’ Classes at Greymouth have put in full quota of lessohs ami have closed down for the year. A report will he submitted at next meeting. The classes at Timaru and 'Christchurch will not dose down till about the middle of the present month. The attendances are still keeping up. - Mr Martin reported that during the month, lie conducted the Dairy Schools on the West Coast in conjunction with Mr Ridley. He believes these will be productive of much good, directly and indirectly. MR RIDLEY’S REPORT. I have continued time-table Mondays, Greymouth D.H.S., Tuesdays, Hokitika D.H.S., each with break for Dairy Science School, and Saturdays Gieymouth Teachers’ Classes. The course terminated 16th inst. In conjunction with Chief Instructor, a week’s course in Dairy Science was conducted for teachers, classes being field concurrently at Greymouth (23 students) and Hokitika (19 students). Most of teachers nominated attended. Two were prevented by illness. Gibers in consideration of children and committees could not leave school at such a critical time. Some hardship applied to most those attending ,but evidently added to their earnest to use opportunity. The laboratory practice and note taking and the insight gained into the science principals underlying our principal rural industry will (as teachers expressed at conclusion) benefit them in any ease. I wish that our standard of attainments warranted and that we had the facilities for going straight ahead with tfie work in our schools. While I cannot attempt recognition of help given I should say Messrs Maloney and Scott assisted in teaching of Physical Measurements and Babcock testing. I note M and T regulations referred to by Supervisor and Chief Instructor, arid that they evidently place premium on Dairy Science over Agriculture or Agriculture rind Dairy Science combined. Surely tins cannot he the intention of the Department. Dairy Science is an easier and more definite subject, hut a science and business subject only. Agriculture itself and intelligent interest in Agriculture are more necessary to the country and for that matter more necessary to tile Dairying industry than the teaching of Dairy Science. I submit we make essentials of our scheme of work for West Coast schools a minimum for Agriculture or Dairy Science and that when and only when t.li’s has been reached such a cabinet as submitted to Air Martin (made by Mr Judkins)' he provided containing outfit necessary for a selection indicated in Air Martin’s list, and that we submit rur classes for recognition as for Daily Science. The above follows discussion with Alessrs McCa skill and Afartin, hut d.’es not commit’ either of them.