EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5260, 1 February 1878, Page 5

EDUCATION BOARD.

A deputation of members oi the Wellington Education Board, introduced by the Hon* L. J. Pharazyk, and consisting of the Hon. J. Gisborue, the Rev. J. Ros*, Hr. Watt, and Mr. Lee, waited upon the Hon. Mr. Ballance, Minister of Education, yesterday morning, to ascertain what funds were to be available for ■ihool purposes, and what assistance the Board ja’fiht expect from Government. In reply, the Hon. Mr. Ballance stated that of the £50,000 voted for school buildings in New Zealand, £IO,OOO would be allocated to the Wellington Provincial District, which would be equally divided between the Wellington and Wanganui Boards, each receiving £SOOO, which amount would be irrespective of the £7OOO already advanced by Government, and would also be exclusive _ of the cost of ■chool sites. He further intimated that the capitation allowance would be increased from £3 15s. to £4 ss. per child, and the 10s. for school repairs would be paid over to each Board, and not to each local committee. Ihe Wellington Board would receive one-fourth oi the £6OOO voted in aid of normal schools, and the Inspector’s travelling expenses would also be paid by Government. Possibly a school site on the reclaimed land at Thorndon would be granted. The Hon. Mr. Pharaztn remarked that he considered it to be a mistake to confine themselves to one acre of the reclaimed land, as it was not sufficient. The reclaimed land, he believed, would be handed over to the Cor Mr. Ballance : That has not b»en settled yet. Mr. Gisborne observed that if it was handed over to the Corporation, a part should be reserved for school purposes. The Hon. Mr. Ballance; I will see what is to be done about the matter. My disposition is to hand an acre over to the Board for school purposes. The Hon. Mr. Gisborne : X am sure as far as I know public feeling, if that was done, theie would be no difficulty in confirming it next session. The Hon. Mr. Ballance : I will ascertain whether this laud can with safety be handed •ver to you. The deputation then thanked the Minister and withdrew. The Board held a meeting at noon, when the Chairman reported what had transpired at the interview. It was resolved to have the necessary additions to The Terrace school carried out at once, and some improvements to various schools in the country were authorised to be effected. , , The election of local committees for the new Mount Cook schools was postponed until the new Board had been elected. The Chairman said he would report at next meeting concerning the allocation of reserves about which he had conferred with the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The Board then adjourned until the 27th instant.