BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2952, 16 April 1886, Page 3

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The Westland Board of Education met at Hokitika ou Tuesday ni»lit last; present—Messrs Stddon, MWhirter, jack, and Rose. The Times reports:— KLKUTIOX OF CUAIK.UAN. Mr Seddon read a communication from the E-Incation Office, Wellington, appointing iho time and place fur holding the first meeting of the Board. That lime had now arrived, and, as a quorum of members as provided for hy the late Boar! '-van j-r le* 1 1 ■ ■!<■ iho meeting was regnlari| constituted, It

would bo necessary tor them to appoint a cliairman, as the old Bail'd had gone oat of being.

Mr Rose moved that Mr Srcldon he re-elected chairman. They had oxneiience of him in the past, and he felt sore all members were satisfied.

Mr M'Whirter seconded and eulogised Mr Seddon’s work in the cause of education, especially with regard to getting the districts divided.

Mr Jack supported the resolution, and felt sure it would have the support of the other members had they been present. It must not be forgotten however, that other members besides Mr Seddon bad worked bard to get ibis district separated from the Grey. The resolution was then put and carried wirhout dissent.

Mr Seddon, in thanking the Board for this proof of their confidence, took advantage of the opportunity to refer at length to the great success which had attended the Board’s work since the division of the districts. It had been urged that if a division took place the} 7 would not be aide to cany on. As a matter of fact not only did the Board possess a surplus, bnt the school commissioners at Greymmith were in a similarly satisfactory condition, thus proving that both districts could wo 1 manage their own affairs. Ho was in favour of increasing grants to teachers

iii outlying districts, and also of adding to the grants to .committees. He was hopeful of getting a brick school for Hokitika. He referred in eulogistic terms to the services rendered to education by Mr Mueller, who, by some oversight in reducing the number of members, had been forced upon to retire. Ho expressed a hope to again see Mr Mueller on the Board at no distant, date, and moved a resolution thanking him for his services in the cause or education for many years. The resolution was cordially supported by the members present and carried unanimously. The minutes of last meeting were then read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence approved. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr R. N. Gill, Paron, with reference to his resignation.—Received. Mr Gill to be notified that the Board cannot reconsider its determination.

From Goldsborough Committee, re withholding capitation grant, stating that the Chairman and Treasurer refused to give up the hooks.—Received, to he informed that the books were sent to the Board, and would be forwarded to tho committee; grant to bo paid.

From Kumara Committee, sending accounts.— Received. From Hokitika Committee, calling attention to the disgraceful, dilapidated, rotten, and unhealthy state of the South Spit school house, and asking that before any more deaths are laid to the Board’s door, something should be done for this long-neglected portion of their district. This letter occasioned lively discussion. The, Chairman thought it should ho referred to the Board's solicitor for an opinion whether it was not libellous. —Mr M : Whirter said it was a suckling's attempt at satire.—Letter received and held over tor future consideration ; the. chairman to make inquiries and report next meeting. From Education Department, Wellington, notifying grants from building vote of .£l4oo.—Received. APPOINTMENT OF TEACHER. Applications for teacher at Upper Crossing school were received from F. W. Robertson, M. Williams, Wm. Yoysey, and R. M £ Kenzie, and referred to the committee ACCOUNTS. Various accounts to the amount of £305 15s were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.