OAMARU SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 259, 20 February 1877, Page 2

OAMARU SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the members of this Com- ; tnittee took place last night at the office of the Secretary (Mr. Hardy). PresentMessrs. Gibbs (in the chair), Falconer, N. Fleming, V.-.uch.y, Clowes, Evans, Lifhllc, Htslop, Sumptcr, and the Secretary. Ths Chairman explained that the business of the meeting was to consider the. I resignation of Mr. A. Y. •Smith of the second mastership of the Grammar School. The Secretary then read the letter from Mr. Smith containing his resignation. The Secretary also read a letter from Mr. Hislop, Secretary to the Education TJoanl, which stated that a Mr. Yates, who was a candidate for the position to which Mr. Smith has been appointed, was willing to temporarily fill the position now occupied by Mr. Smith in tlie Oamavu Grammar School. The Chairman added that Mr. Smith wished to be relieved as soon as possible, if the Committee could conveniently appoint some one to take his place in the school at a:i early date. Mr. Sumptcr n*oved —" That Mr. Smith's resignation be accepted, and that the Committee express their regret at j losing his services ; and in doing so desire to rmcoril their sense of the zealous and j satisfactory manner in which Mr. Smith iiss carried out the duties of second master at the Grammar School; and that |

a copy of the resolution be forwarded to Mr. Smith!" The motion was seconded by Mr. Evans and earned. In reply to the Chairman, Mr. Thornton gave it as his opinion that Mr. Rice was fully qualified to occupy the position at present held by Mr. Smith. Mr. Evans then moved—" That Mr. Rice be advanced to the position of second master lately vacated by Mr. Smith, as Mr. Rice, during his connection with the school, has proved himself an efficient teacher." A warm- discussion then ensued. Mr. Sumpter seconded the motion, and, in giving his reasons, said that he was of opinion that a man who had worked hard in the school for years should receive the promotion. Mr. Fleming moved as an amendment —"That Mr. Smith be retained in his position till his successor has been appointed." Seconded by Mr. Barclay. For the amendment there voted Messrs. Fleming, Barclay, Clowes, and Hislop. For the resolution there voted Messrs. Evans, Sumpter, Falconer, and Liddell. The Chairman gave his casting vote for the resolution. On the motion of Mr. Sumpter, it was resolved—" That applications for the position of third master to the Grammar School be invited by advertisement ; salary, £175 one qualified to teach French and drawing preferred ; and also for a fourth master, at a salary of £150." On the motion of Mr. Hislop, it was resolved—"That application be made.to the Education Board for their approval of Mr. Rice's appointment, and for their sanction to the appointment of a fourth master." Mr. Sumpter moved—" That Mr. Smith be informed that the Committee is desirous of relieving him of his duties at as early a date as possible ; but that he lie requested to retain his present position until another teacher has been appointed." Seconded by Mr. Falconer, and carried. Mr. Sr.nipter moved—" That the Building Committee be requested to inspect the School on the hill, and after conferring with the Rector, report as to the opening of the said School, and the manner in which it should be utilised." Seconded by Mr. Falconer, and carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business, and the meeting adjourned.