CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1924, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

AIONTHLY AlEi'.’l INC. The Canterbury Education Board met at Christchurch on Friday. Present—ALessrs .11. J. Bigncll (chairman), AY. A. Banks,"G. AY. Armitage, AA’. It. AViiisor, K. IT. Andrews, T. Hughes, J. Alaze, C. S. Thompson, and J. G. Gow. A letter was received from tlio Dopartnient, suggesting that the question of fixing term holidays be deferred for consideration at the forthcoming conference of Boards Thu matter of holidays on odd days during the year was considered, and it was resolved that the following days lie observed by all schools:—Good Fiiday, Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday, Anznc Day. King’s Birthday, Labour Day, local Show Day, school

picnic day. The Buildings Committee reported that a letter was received from tlio Department regarding the improvement of school grounds at Coliden, towards the cost of which a grant of £IOO had been promised by the Board in 1019. It was resolved that if the committee could satisfy tlio Board that the money was to be wisely expended, the grant of .£IOO would be paid over as promised, the committee to submit a plan and estimate of the work. It was resolved that in future all plans, and specifications ho prepared in the order as shown on the Board’s urgent list of works for the current financial year. AIR WILD’S RESIGNATION. Air R. AA’ihl, representative of tho north-west ward of the Canterbury education district, has tendered iiis resignation to the Board, at the same time intimating his intention of seeking re-election. Air AA’ild wrote as follows : ‘T beg to tender my resignation from tlio board,- and at the same time to

indicate my intention of seeking reelection. I ant constrained to resign by the fact of the hoard’s balancesheet having been endorsed to the effect that in the opinion of the Audit Office transactions between n firm with which F have some connection, and the hoard brought me within the disqualification terms of Section 20. Although the board’s solicitor is of opinion tilt in this the Audit Office is wrong and although the Audit Office itself concedes the fact that I do not and did not in any way benefit directly or indirectly by any dealings of tile firm referred to with the hoard, I fool it is very necessary at this time when such efforts are being made for

all authority to he centralised into the control of salaried officials that there should be no shadow of reflection on the disinterestedness of the services of the members of local bodies, the maintenance of which is most important in the interests of economical efficiency as well as to protect the public from the evils of Government by bureaux.

‘‘l regret the expense and inconvenience my resignation entails on the Board and staff, but do not feel any, responsibility in the matter. In case I do not have the opportunity of sitting with you again I would now like to record that my observation while with you, gentlemen, shows that the country is getting from the Canterbury Education Board good and useful, free service hv capable, earnest and sincere men.” On the motion of -Mr W. A. Banks the following resolution was carried: “That Wr Wild’s resignation he accepted with regret and that a letter l> sent to him expressing the board’s appreciation of the services rendered .;,v him in the educational affairs of the district whilst lie was a member; alsthat the hope be expressed that circumstances will at some future time enable him to again take a seat at the board table.” An election to fill the vacancy is to he held on November 2.1 th., nominations closing at the Board’s office on November 4th.