SCHOLARSHIP REGULATIONS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10060, 30 January 1909, Page 4

SCHOLARSHIP REGULATIONS.

(Per Pnuss Association.) Dunedin, January 29. Yesterday in view of the fact that two High School girls headed the junior scholarship list, the Education Board submitted to its solicitors the question of whether under the Board's existing scholarship regulations the Hoard was under obligation to -grant junior scholarships according to the result of the highest marl;s obtained, notwithstanding that scholars are from the high schools. The solicitor's opinion (given this morning) was in the affirmative. The Ohairman. (the Hon. T. Fergus) said they had nothing to do but to proceed to allot t'he scholarships, at the same time in justice to themselves and the cause of education the Board should represent to the Minister the facts of the case, explaining that in their opinion it would not be d'oinig what Parliament intended if these junior scholarships were awarded to any but primary school pupils. The Rev. P. U. Fraser thought the Board would be unanimous on that point. At the right moment- lie would give notice to move to-morrow that a committee be appointed to consult the inspector, and report as to what should be done in future.

A letter was received from the inspectors stating that ''Under the Order-in-Gouncil of December 17, 1908, dealing with staffs and. salaries, the Board was empowered to appoint one probationer for over 1200 children in the yearly average attendance in the district, but this year double that number may be appointed. Wo have had occasion to comment- on the .inadequate staffing of a number of our schools. To such schools the appointment of probationers would afford a certain amount of immediate relief. We suggest that applications be invited* from candidates for these positions." It was decided to advertise for 20 probationers. In t-he course of the discussion Mr ,T. Mitchell said the question was whether the Minis.ter had any real intention of bringing into operation the regulations with regard to slafHng. Ho thought if probationers were appointed that would afterwards prevent them from putting in pupil teachers, and if they put in probationers it would afford the Minister a tangible excuse for never bringing in additional staffs.