OAMARU SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 602, 6 April 1878, Page 2

OAMARU SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Oamaru Schools Committee took place last evening. Present— Messrs. Steward (chair), Fleming, Bee, Hislop, and Falconer. Routine business having been disposed of, the Chairman referred to the reason of Mr. Gibbs' absence, and it was resolved—"That this Committee has heard with great regret of the affliction which, by the dispensation of Providence, has befallen one of its members, Mr. Samuel Gibbs, and desires tconvey to that gentleman an expression of its sympathy with him in his bereavement.'" A number of letters from the Education Board were read.

It was resolved that the Secretary be directed to write to the Education Hoard referring to the letter dated February 4, and the Board's reply thereto, asking for the formal sanction therein applied for. It was resolved that application be made to the Education Boaul for the sum of Ll5O out of the capitation money due to this Committee for the current financial year, to enable the Bector's residence to be immediately put in habitable repair. It was ordered that the Board's attention be drawn to the fact that the application for a pupil teacher for the new infant room has not been dealt with, and asking that Miss Wilding be appointed, as recommended by the Hector. The tender of Mr John Bain for works at the Volunteer Hall at the sum of L 32, was accepted. After considerable discussion having taken place as to whether the committee should decide to put the compulsory clauses of the Act into operation, it was moved by Mr Falconer, and seconded by Mr in reply to query No. 5, the Education Board be informed that so soon as there is sufficient school accommodation provided for all the childrenof an educatable age, this Committee is willing to put the compulsory clauses in operation, but consider it impracticable to carry them into effect until provision is made for the appointment of some officer to take any necessary proceedings against parents or guardians who fail to comply with the law." "Mr Hislop moved, as an amendment— That this Committee is of opinion that it is inexpedient to take into consideration the adoption of the compulsory clauses of the Education Act until it is ascertained what

influence the free education system has upon the attendance at school." TwomembersoftheCommitteebeingabsent. it was, at the suggestion of the Chairman, agreed that the resolution and amendment should stand over as a notice of motion, and contingent notice thereon for further consideration at next meeting. Accounts amounting to about L6O were passed for payment.