EDUCATION BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 484, 23 September 1909, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. [by telegraph—special to HERALD.] Wanganui, This Day. The ordinary meeting of the above was held last night. Present: Messrs F. Pirani (chairman), G. Bennett, W. Cargill, E. Dixon, A, Fraser and F. Purnell.

Leave of absence was granted to Messrs H. Aldridge and D. H. Guthrie.

Prior to the meeting the Board interviewed the Hon. Fowlds, Minister for Education. Mr Hogan M.P. for Wanganui, 'introduced the members who were accompanied by Mr Bruce, Chairman of the Wanganui School Committee. The Board asked the Minister to introduce legislation to enable the Board to lease part of the valuable site in the Avenue occupied by the Technical and Infant Schools, and to devote the rents to pay interest on loan required to build a new Infant School, Technical School and Board offices. The Minister said it was contrary to the Act to devote revenue from primary school sites to - Technical education or other requirements of the Board. Mr Pirani pointed out that it was being done all over the Dominion. The Minister promised to look into the matter and let the Board know if it could be done. Several teachers wrote applying for transfers. Eeave of absence was granted without pay in eight cases to enable teachers to attend exams., and with pay in nine cases owing to ill health. Finance —general account, credit manual and technical, debit, Bank overdraft £4266. The Chairman stated that in his opinion the architect was not keeping to his agreement with the Board. After considering the matter in committee it was resolved to give the architect three months notice to terminate his agreement. It was decided that in future all schools under the Board should commence at nine in the morning unless there were any special reasons shown for a later hour. Resolved to apply for a grant for teachers’ residence at Sanson. A motion was passed protesting against the withdrawal of free railway passes tor teachers. Resolved to forward thirty-six 'single desks to Foxton.

The Boar* l parsed a motion of sympathy with the t hairman in the loss of his youngest son. Accounts for were passed for payment. Mr Pirani was re-elected Chairman of Governors of Girls College. The Board adjourned till 6th of October.