CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1927, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

The Canterbury Education Board met on Friday last. There were present Messrs W. P. Spence (chairman). AY. A. Banks, .1. Alaz.g G. AY ! . Armitage, AY. If. AVinsor, .1. G. Gow. O. S. Thompson. E. 11. Andrews. \V. •Icdiuscm. R. Wild. H. J. Bignell. and T. Hughes.

Appointments confirmed included G rev mouth, Mrs .A. Al. Wise, assistant mistress (pro.) : Al'iss K. Ityan, assistant mistress (pro.); Miss AteKniglit, sub.stitute-assistnnt. A letter was received from the Department drawing attention to facilities now being provided lor instruction of pupils bv correspondence and suggesting that these classes he considered bcl’or:' proposals to establish household schools were entertained. A letter was received from the Department offering a subsidy ot £l - 2 tor a library for teachers, ft was res lived to refer this hack to the committee for further report:' Mr Mac-key (West Coast.) reported having visited fl schools, interviewed eleven parents, and sent notices to twenty-seven.

Tin l senior inspector reported that very satisfactory work was being done at Pukckura and Knkiri Sc hools. The Board decided to send letters to the teachers of the schools concerned. A letter was received from the Minister stating that as the result of a protest from the Dominion federated Sa winitlers’ Association, lie would be glad if the Board would instruct its architect to specily New Zealand timbers for sc lmol buildings when Lhcrc is only a small difference in price between these timbers and the imported article, and when the use ol seasoned

New Zealand timber will not mean an undue delay in building operations. The Minister requested also that the Board consider the substitution of locally-made Liles for imported tiles or

other roof coverings. Tt was resolved to inform the Minister that it is the custom of the Board to purchase New Zealand timber and season it itself, and that Xew Zealand timber is used for the repair and erection of schools wherever possible. With regard to roofing material, it was decided to reply that Xew Zea-land-made materials were used where practicable. Mr Johnston reported for March and April:—’ll he following schools were visited: Taylorville, Moana, 'Rotomanu, Kotuku. Aratika. To Kinga, Humphreys, Blue Spur, Dobson. Inchbonnie. CYibden, Greymoutb (Std. 5). Woodstock. Otira. Barrytown. Kaiata and Stillwater. 1 have not yet got all j the results of the potatogrowing competition. but should be able to complete them this month. General outside work has been tackled satisfactorily so far in most cases. The plots present a tidy appearance. I was particularly struck with the pleasing appearance of the grounds at Humphrey’s School and was informed by the teacher that the whole of the work had been done by the pupils. To fence round their plot they are in need of wire netting. T promised to ask the Board's permission to obtain same. I find it can be procured locally. The amount required would be about !iOs. The plots at a few schools require re-modelling. I spent two days at Stillwater at this work, and with tiie help of pupils and teacher, a new fence has been erected. The plots 'have been systematically laid out. 1 have just arranged to do similar work at Paroa. I have l>een able, through the generosity of the local mill owner, to get what timber is required free of cost. BI'ILDIXG COMM ITTKE. Bruce Bay.—The Committee wrote, applying for the erection of a small two-roomed residence for the teacher, as die is unable to obtain board in the district, and at present is living in an unlined hut.—The application was refered to the Senior Inspector for report.

Evans C'reok.—A report presented by Messrs Bignell ami Wild in connection with the Committee’s renewed application for the establishment of a permanent school, and an application received ,from Mrs E. Jones for payment of os per week rent (dating from

September 1, 1920, to March 31, 1927) for use of tv room in her house, where tche school was held,—Resolved to inform the Department that the house in which the children have hitherto been taught is no longer available, and to apply for a grant to enable a small building to be erected, towards wrier the residents are prepared to contribute £2O. It is understood that a site belonging to the Public \A ot'ks Department can be obtained. Mis Jones is to he advised that her iequost for payment of rent cannot ho acceded to. Kaknpotahi: A report was received from Messrs Bignell and Wild in regard to the Committee’s application for the removal of a partition in the household school owing to tlm increased roll number, and provision ol tank and washbasins.—lt was decided to inform the Committee that the Board was unable to undertake the removal of the partition. The cost ol this work must be borne by l"cal people. The tank and washbasins al'e to he lent during the li'.etime ol the school.