LOCAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1407, 5 April 1881, Page 2

LOCAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Local School Com* mittee was held at the Town Hall last eveningj present—Mr R. J. Seddon, (in the chair), Messrs Campbell, Galland, Rudkin, Stanton, Metcalfe, and Wylde (secretary). A letter from Mr Wilson in reference to repairs to the school residence was referred to the building committee of the Central Board, with estimate from Mr Galland. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Campbell, Wylde, Rudkin, and Stanton, was appointed to deal with some repairs to Greenstone School. In consequence of a letter received, the head-teacher Kumara State School was, by motion, requested to supply information to the Committee as to the principle on which the prizes for sewing were awarded, and by whom they were awarded. A motion was carried “ That the head teacher be asked to furnish the committee with a list of the pupils entitled to good attendance certificates.” A deputation consisting of the Chairman and Mr Rudkin was appointed to wait on the Central Board concerning the enlargement of the infant department of the State School. It was intimated to the heacl-teacher that persons sending their children to school must pay for requi sites or supply themselves. A letter from the Central Board was read, requesting the Committee to nominate a member for the Board in place of Mr Seddoo, whose seat was vacant. In explanation how his seat became vacant on the Central Board, Mr Seddon stated that it occurred from two causes : —lst, Owing to the Secretary of the Board neglecting to put before the Board a telegram sent by Mr Seddon in July last asking for leave of absence whilst attending to Parliamentary duties. 2nd. That after Mr Seddon’s return the Board held its sittings only in the afternoons, and referred all business to the building committee and the Chairman. At the October, November, and December days of meeting Mr Seddon went to Hokitika to attend the meetings, and on arrival at the Board office was informed—“ Oh ! the Board have adjourned,” On the last day, though he had arranged to be present at half-past four, and asked Messrs Hirter and Grimmond not to allow the Board to adjourn until he arrived, yet at twenty minutes past four Mr Seddon met them coming oat of the Board office and was informed that the Board had adjourned, and that the question of his seat was referred to the Board Solicitor. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Hokitika School Committee, dated 14th March, 1881, stating that “The Hokitika Committee have thought it advisable to ask each of the Committees south of the Teretnakau to nominate a gentleman that they would desire as a representative of the Central Board. With the view of making certain of a member being returned for the District of Westland, each committee agreeing to vote for the person who has received the largest number from all the Committees.” It was resolved “ That the Hokitika

School Committee be informed* in reply, that this committee decline to enter into any compact for the purpose of returning a member for the Central Board, as they consider such a course would be wrong in principle.” Mr Wylde moved, and Mr Campbell seconded, “ That Mr Seddon be nominated as a member of the Board*’* Carried unanimously. Tenders were ordered to be called for supplying the Kumara State School with firewood. Several accounts were passed foi* payment, and the meeting then ad* journed.