PALMERSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 104, 9 October 1878, Page 2

PALMERSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting was held m the schoolroom on Monday evening. Present — Mr Snelson (chairman) and Messrs. Warburton, Keeling, Coleman, and Q-ood-isson. The CHAIBMAN read a letter from the late secretary, Mr Collins, apologising for not having written up the minutes of last meeting and upon the motion of Mr Wabbtjbton, seconded by Mr Goodisson, it was resolved — ■*" That their con* firmation stand over till next meeting." The Chaibman announced that during a conversation which he had bad with Mr Foulis, the Inspector, that gentleman had informed him that on account of the number of scholars now attending the school, he would, sanction the appointment of a pupil-teacher, and he trusted ere long to be able to recommend the employment of two. The master, Mr Locke, was to have the services of the pupil teacher m the large school,' and the infant school would be under the direction and management of Mrs Locke. With regard to the candidates for the position of pupil-teacher, he (the Chairman) might inform the Committee that four young ladies — namely Misses Patterson, Goodisson, Relf, and Dillon — had gone to Wanganui for examination. He did not intend to offer comparisons as to their relative merits, but he miglit suggest to the meeting that m their choice they might be guided m a measure by the length of time the candidates had been holding the position of monitress. He might state that as Miss Patterson has removed from, the district, the choice would be narrowed down to Misses Goodi3son, Relf and Dillon. Mr Wabbuton asked the Chairman to state the names of those who had acted as momtresses, and how long they had done •o. The Chaibman replied that all three had been so employed, but Miss Mary G-oodisson had had the longest experience. Mr WABBuaiON said that m making the ; appointment it would be well to base the selection on that fact, so that m future it would form a precedent. His reason was that lie was anxious to encourage rather than discourage those who were hot chosen. Beside it would be well to make it known that preference m the selection of pupilteachers would be given to those young ladies who had given their services for the longest period as pupil-teacher. The Chaibman intimated that the teachers so appointed would be fully under the control of the local committee, and Mr Locke's directions, and consequently if any complaints as to inefficiency, neglect, or otherwise were proved, it would be perfectly competent for the Committee to dispense with their services. Mr Wabbubton moved, and Mr Coißr man seconded — " That Mis 9 Mary G-oodis-son be appointed pupil-teacher." Carried unanimously. The Chaibman said she would be expected to take the position without delay, and that the salary would be dated from the Ist of October. He also wished to draw fche attention to an important matter ; and that was the necessity of having the ap^ proaches to the school altered. If the gates now opening into Main-street were removed to the side, and the entrance made to Princes-street, all danger of accident and injury to the children from the railway line would be removed. It was well known m their glee to get into the streefc, fche children rushed out heedlessly without looking be-- ! fore them, to the almost imminent risk of an accident, m consequence of the repeated passing to and. fro of the ballast engine. Mr Coleman drew attention to the dangerous state of the play ground, on ac? count of the size of the stones with which the ground wasreovered. Independently of fche impossibility to dwUthe children, m its present state it was positively dangerous for the ordinary purposes of play. Mr Locke (master) stated that Mr Foulis, had noticed the matter, and spoken very .sharply about it. A Mr Wabbubton proposed, and Mr Goonisson seconded— " That Mr Coleman- and the Chairman be appointed a sub-commit tee for. the pu'-pofe of. taking; the.; necessary steps m both matteri." Carried.

The Chairman pointed oat that it would be necessary to have some one m, future to take the minutes. He believed there was a gentleman m town (Mr Lockie) who would be willing to undertake the duties, and at he had great experience, he would bo a most eligible person. Mr Wabbcj kton inquired what remuner** tion Mr Lockie would require ? Mr Colehan said that he wm m • position to state that Mr Lockie would leave the matter of remuneration entirely with the Committee. It was then proposed, seconded and carried—" That Mr Lockie's ter vice* at secretary be secured." A sum of £1 5s to Mr Montague wu passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned until the 4th pf November.