EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 21, 25 January 1881, Page 2

EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

„ . Tne ele Qt«on of the Town Committee of jQ-flUCfttion took place at the Proviticial Hall last night, there being a fair muster of householders. Mr David Burns having been elected Chairman, the Bey, J. Beckenham proceeded to read the followi.bg Report, " Your Cominillee, in presenting their annual report^ have groal pleasure in testifying, that m the work of the standards prescribed by tho Act general proficiency has been found in all the Town schools. The report of the Inspector, we believe, must be gratifying to all conccrncdi The very high percentage of passes speaks of capital work oii the part of the teachers; and of, increasing application tin the part Of the 1 stlißlal^. _ AS the iignres have been already published, it is unnecessary to repeat them, other than to say in brief. tha,t out of 734 presented for examination in tlie Town fcciibblb, 649 pass'eiL " The object of higher education so long sought by your successive Committees has in part been gained, for many have passed the highest standards, a number of lads in Mr ChepmelPs division 'acquitting themselves very creditably in extra BuhjectS, Such as Latin, Euclid, and Algebrai " The attendance at th& twelve Schools under your Committee's supervision numbered 11G8 on the roll prior to the holidays, although by a Comparison of the Inspector's return, and adding ten since enrolled, we have a totals 1204, or nearly one-thin? of the children attending the 67 schools under the Nelson Education Board. "Your Committee view with satisfaction their teaching staff, and regret that the late retrenchment scheme compelled the Board to curtail the salaries of any; Bevbrai new teachers have been appointed during the year, notably in Toi-toi Valley Girls' School, and have so far given evidence of general proficiency. "We have also, tq repbrfc !n ike matter of pupil teachers, that two have been recommended for approval by the Board, which we have every reason to believe is a step in the right direction, and a system we hope to see extended. "Although through prevailing sickness three of our teachers were compelled to relinquish their duties for a short time, your Committee were fortunate in being able to secure a competent temporary supply." "In school buildings several changes for the better have taken place; The Port school has secured a much tn6rb commodious building than formerly. Haven road school has been replaced by a larger and more convenient building, but not in so good a .position as your Committee would hare desired the purpose-. The building while good is in a too limited space, the railway and tramway lines being in close proximity to tho front, while at the back it is completely overshadowed by the hill. Your Committee expressed their disapproval of the site selected, but without avail, as the matter appeared to be entirely at the option of the Board. The overcrowding of the Bridge street Boys' Schools, especially the junior divisions, necessitated the temporary leasing of Mr Campbell's school-house till more accommodation could be provided. This, we are happy to state will shortly be accomplished by a new school to be erected on a capital site at the entrance of Brook street Valley." " The notices posted in conspicuous places on the Town Schools have had the desired effect of preventing much wanton injury of school property." " The school rooms of the junior divisions have been made more attractive by numerous pictures, principally objects of Natural History, which are also useful as illustrations in teaching." " Your Committee think it very desirable that the grounds of the schools should be converted into playgrounds for the scholars, and should be provided with the requisite means of amusement ; this, we are aware, would be impossible, unless such ground were fenced, which we hope will be accomplished ere long, so that in the proper season a few trees may be planted both for ornament and shade." : "As this is the first year in which your Committee have had the pleasure and counsel of a lady as a member, allow us as fellow members to express our approval of the step, also to hope it will still be your pleasure to allow a lady to share Committee work." " In conclusion, while thanking you for the confidence reposed in us, we trust that our efforts to advance the welfare of the children, and secure for them the highest advantages under the Education Act have not been altogether in vain." i Signed on behalf of the Committee. ' David Bcbnb, ' Chairman. Mr Pownall, the Secretary, read the balance-sheet, which, together with the report, wae adopted. . 1 A vote of thanks to the retiring: Committee was proposed by Mr Wilkine, seconded by Mr Robertß, and carried unanimously. Me3Brß M. Andrews, R. Aitkeo, and G, Harper having been appointed scrutineers the Toting took place with the following result, and the first seven were declared duly elected : — '

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