EDUCATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1928, Page 7

EDUCATION.

MEETING OF 1 CANTERBURY BOaRD. CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. 22. The Canterbury Education Board met yesterday, Mr \V. H. Winsor presiding. Others present were:—Messrs H. Bigneli, W. T. Spencer, T. Hughes, R/.> Wild, AY. Johnson, E. H. Andrews J. G. Gow, C. S. Thompson, G. AY. Armitage, J. Maze and W. A. Banks. Resignations accepted included:— Hokitika, Miss 1). M. Lynn, second assistant mistress; AVaitalia, Air J. McMillan, sole teaher. Appointments confirmed included:— Greymouth, Mr E. S'. Lorking, headmaster; Gr-eyrnouth, Miss E. J. Morgan, assistant mistress; AVoodsteck, Aliss AL A. -Varcoe, assistant mistress. Transfers were-approved as follows: Aliss A. P. Duff, from Methven to Hokitika; Air A.'Torrance, from Taylorville to Oka ins Bay; The Department advised that all probationers from Canterbury, Nelson and Hawke’s Bay, 10 from Taranaki, and 7 from Marlborough, would he admitted to the local Training College next year. The Otago Board wrote asking support for its protest against the Department’s decision not to admit Division T> students next year. It was resolved to support the admission of only those recommended by the Senior Inspector. Inspection reports were presented on 46 schools, and it was resolved to send letters of commendation to the headmasters of the Christchurch 7 AVest, Flemington, and Rewanui schools.

AVEST COAST MATTERS, Jackson: The visiting deputation recommended the re-opening of the school. Tt was resolved that the recommendation he adopted. Kumara: An application was received for the conveyance of children from the Dillman’s district. It was resolved to express regret, as the children did not appear to be eligible, and would not suffer any hardship during the time the school was rebuilding, that the request could not be granted. Blackball: A -report was presented by Alessrs Bigneli and AViid on their visit to Blackball, concerning the proposal' -'tbi a'cqiiire additional- land for., the extension ■of the existing school site, in anticipation of the re-building of tbh school A Consideration ! was deferred lintil';*the receipt of the plans and full .details suggested, the Sites Committee Hiabing ‘agreed with * members, to 1 ’procrt're and submit this information.! ' b ' ■" The Kokin ' Committed* application for a special.'* grant to -enable it to complete proposed extensive ground improvements at. tl|g> school was referred to Messrs Bigneli and Wild, for a report.

Kumara: Correspondence was received from the Committee and Air H. J. Bigneli' doheerning the destruction of the school by fire on August 25. A report wate* presented by Messrs Bigneli and Wild*' respecting the inquiry held on' August 31 into tile' circumstances" surrounding .the loss of the school building;, furniture and records. The report‘wits adopted an'd it was resolved that a copy be seht to the Department: Alessrs Bigneli and AViid were tbahked for conducting the in-

quiry. Kaiata- Authority was given for the removal r Of the' boys’ out 'Offices to a new site, and the renewal of the floor joists (£G).

REPLY TO CRITICISM. The Chairman (Mr W. H. Winsor) referred to the criticisms of the Hon. John Burr when dealing in the Legislative Council to the Government’s education policy. Mr Winsor asked members of the Board to express their views on the statements. After discussion, it was agreed that the attention of the Education Department should be drawn to the sweeping, general statements made by Mr Barr and apparently unsupported by any proof of their accuracy. As far as the Canterbury Education Board is concerned, it was decided it woidd be interesting to obtain from Mr Barr a statement as to the board or boards to which his assertions applied and that he should give some evidence in support of his contention that “tremendous leakage was taking place in the expenditure of money for educational purposes, particularly in the matter of school buildings,” also his reasons, based on something more authentic than his bare opinion, that “less liberty should Ibe allowed hoards, and keener scrutiny made *>f how money was expended.” This gratuitous slur on men engaged in the very onerous duties of administering the affairof Education Boards seemed uncalled for.