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Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 96, 11 September 1878, Page 2

In a recent issue we took exception to the action of the Education-. Board m calling upon candidates for pupil teacherships to go to Wanganui for examination. Our remarks were alluded to by the " ITerald " m its issue of Saturday, and a statement made by it that M the Hoard have agreed to pay the travelling^expenses of teachers coming up for examination." We are very much inclined to thiuk that this concession, small as- it is, has been altogether an afterthought, and we question if tho intention Was arrived at when the Board last met. In support of that supposition,: we now give the contents of a circular issued from tho Education office, bearing date August 29th, but which did not, reach this end of the district until last Saturday, or eight days later:— ''." Wanganui, 29th August, 18^8,— The "Chairman of tho School Committee-.— l am instructed to inform you that the fares of pupil teachers attending the examination on the 13th of September, will be paid by the Board, but that teachers and candidates will bo required to defray their own ex-, pemses. — A. A. Browne, Secretary." Altogether, passing over the delay m forwarding the information, we ask — is it at all satisfactory, now.that it has been received, or does it m the slightest prove that we were incorrect when we stated that candidates for pupil teacherships from the Manawatu will be ex^ eluded from competition, unless their parents are prepared to make a heavy pecuniary saorifice? We believe we are correct m saying that the public schools throughout this district are not sufficiently matured to bo m the possession of pupil teachers, and consequently the boon, granted', in the matter of ex- ! penses is one of which, no avail can be taken. On the other hand it was the. intention of seven candidates to come forward from Palmerston and Foxton alone, and we hold that it is a great injustice that both parents and teachers, should bo- subjected to such an uncalled for and unnecessary expense. Tho explanation vouchsafed with regard to the partiality of the supervison will not hold water, as the charge was never brought forward under the old Board. We know that the order ofthe Board has given the greatest dissatisfaction and disgust all over the County, and where we have not been ' written, we have been spoken to, m condemnation of it. Wo also think that m a matter which interested so many of the public, instead of the lately-posted circulars to the Chairmen of School Committees, notices should be inserted m the local papers. It may be said that the scholars could receive all information from their teachers, but it has been shown that not only the teachers, but even the Board itself, or at least its officials, had considerable doubt and delay m making up their minds on the matter. Tho examinations take place on Friday, and we would not be the least surprised to learn that five out of every six candidates retire- rather than incur the inconvenience, and expenses equal to about £4. The Board since. its inauguration has not given ' much satisfaction, and such selfish and inconsiderate conduct is calculated to lead to a separation from its jurisdiction, ancl a league between Rangitikei and. Manawatu.