EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4412, 11 May 1875, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

A meeting of the Education Board was held yesterday. Present : Messrs. Brandon (chairman), Pharazyn, Watt, Andrew, Lowes, and Bunny, The Secretary read the minutes of last meeting, which were confirmed by the chairman. Mr. Bunny's resolution increasing the salaries of teachers 20 per cent, was brought forward, and considerable discussion took place as to the precise form the increase should take, all the members approving the principle. Ultimately a scale submitted by the Inspector was adopted. This proposed scale arrived at the same increase in the aggregate amount voted as salaries, but was so arranged that the proficiency or class certificate of the master should be the basis of any increase in his salary. The number of pupils also is taken into account, and a rate for the assistant teachers is fixed, which will' be a great advantage in future to those masters whose schools are over-crowded. The adoption of the scale, as proposed by the Inspector, was carried on the motion of Mr. Watt, seconded by Mr. Pharazyn. The question of fuel supplies again being introduced by Mr. Watt, it was resolved that an estimate should be obtained from each local committee of the cost to the Board of providing fuel for the season. The Inspector here explained to the Board that the parent of some pupils refused to contribute to the supply of firewood, and in that case it was most unfair to make the burden fall unequally on those that did pay. Mr. Pharazyn moved that the Inspector, should be allowed 20s. per diem travelling expenses. . The question, on the proposal of Mr. Bunny, was referred to the Finance Committee, the principle of making some allowance being thoroughly approved by the Board. Mr. Watt seconded the motion, and remarked that it was very desirable that the Inspector should have no inducement to hurry over his duties. Mr. Andrew then laid on the table an Education Act Amendment Bill he was prepared to introduce in the Provincial Council, which provided for a re-construction of the Board, in view of the approaching termination of the present members' tenure of office. Mr. BtiNNY moved that it was not advisable for the Board to proceed with the consideration of the measure. It would not be expedient to introduce any fresh legislation on the subject of education at so late a period of the session. The present system worked very fairly, and he should oppose any attejnpt to alter it at present. He further moved that the Board should invite the Provincial Government to consider during the recess the desirability of passing a new Act next session, and to prepare a Bill to be laid before the Board.

Mr. Watt seconded the motion. He thought it would not be at all wise to introduce a sweeping alteration at present, as the system seemed to be working well. If such an alteration was effected it would dishearten members of the local boards, which were just getting into working order. Mr. ANDREW moved as an amendment, that the Board should proceed with the matter. Mr. Pharazyn seconded the amendment. Mr. Lowes objected," on the same grounds as Mr. Bunny, to the question being entertained then, and also to the nomination principle. The Chairman supported the motion, as Mr. Andrew's Bill did not touch, the point in which he thought improvement was most needed. The amendment (that the Board should proceed with the matter atonce) was then put and lost, Messrs. Andrew and Pharazyn voting for, and Messrs. Brandon, Bunny, Lowes, and Watt against it. The original motion next was put, and carried by the same majority. Mr. Andrew stated that he had a chance of securing ten acres of land at Castle Point for educational purposes, and asked for authority to purchase it. The reason for the long price was that it was at present rented, and the lessee required some remuneration for his fee simple. It was agreed that he should be so authorised, the price not to exceed £5 per acre. The Board then adjourned until Wednesday week.