EDUCATIONAL MEETING.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 32, 31 July 1875, Page 2

EDUCATIONAL MEETING.

A public meeting of the ratepayers of the Manutahi and Kakaramea districts was held at the Blockhouse, Manutahi, on Wednesday evening last. The ratepayers of Manutahi were well represented, but we regretted to observe so few representatives from the other district. Mr R. E. Mcßae was voted to the chair, and explained the object of the meeting. He had no doubt Mr Christie would favour the meeting with the Educational Board's views relative to the appointment of a teacher to conduct schools on the half-time system in the Manutahi and Kakaramea districts. There was no doubt- to tho urgent necessity for their establishment, as the want of children to attend the schools could no longer form an excuse for the Board’s delay in the matter. He called upon Mr Christie to address the meeting, who ho believed was in possession of some interesting statistics. Mr J. CHRISTIE said be was always at a loss to understand tho Board's views, and consequently was unable to express them. Some time back the Board invited tenders for the erection of a school house at. Kakaramea, but all the tenders were considered ton high, and neither was accepted. The settlers of that district were now about erecting a Town Hall, and lie believed that the use of the building, when completed, could be secured, for school purposes for some time to come. The children already resident in that quarter absolutely demanded the establishment of a seliool. If the meeting would follow him, it would be seen from the figures that he was about to adduce that tho Board was not acting fairly with the districts ho had the honour to represent. The money which the two Governments contributed to the Board amounted to £1,200, and if this sum was proportioned, each householder throughout the Patoa Educational District would be entitled to receive £5 4s 4d. Between Tongahau and Williamson Bros, there were no less than 42 householders, and their share of the £1,200 would therefore amount to £219, and their household rate added to this sum, would bring the figures up to £2O!, which amount the two districts were

fairly entitled to receive. These facts proved beyond doubt that Manntahi and Kakaramea bad strong claims upon the Board. As regards children, it could be shown to the Board’s satisfaction that there were a sufficient number to form a school. From careful inquiries, lie learnt that there were no less than 65 children resident between the two points above stated, 22 of whom were fit for school at Kakaramea, and 11 at Manntahi. The Board supported teachers at Carlyle and ' Hawera, and as the average attendance at . the former school was only 40, it would at once be seen by the meeting, from the relative numbers, that they were quite justified in asking the Board to provide facility for educating their children. It would, of course, rest with the Board to determine the site, and lie strongly advised the settlers to agitate. As he was the only representative for the district, he always found himfclf in an awkward position at the Board, as cacli member thought his own district required the most attention. However, he now believed that the Board was inclined to turn its attention in favour of the country districts. He hoped that all interested would cordially unite in the agitation, and believed that if a petition were prepared, or a deputation appointed to interview the Board, and the facts of the case laid prominently before that body, the great want would immediately he supplied, as the Board was now r willing to entertain the matter. If any present desired further information, he would he most happy to reply to any question. (Applause.)

Mr Ginger—Which district are you in favour of erecting the school in ?

Mr Christie said he would be in favour of establishing the school in the district which possessed most children. It was bis opinion that a school In each district would shortly be required. (Hear, hear.) There were now hi) children at Kakaramea and 28 at Manntahi. Possibly the Board might open a half-time school at each place. There was one member of the Board in favour of establishing a school half-way between Manutahi and Kakaramea. [A voice—lt would only suit Mr Burke.] This idea was absurd, as thei» children would lirst have to he taught

ride. He would strongly oppose such a proposition.

Mr Foreman —Are yon favourable to the establishment of ft school at Kakaramea ?

Mr Christie —Yes. One reason why he favoured agitation was, because the Inspector (Mr Lee) suggested the appointment of an assistant teacher for Carlyle, and ho contended if that school, with only sin average attendance of 40 pupils, was entitled to the services of an assistant teacher, surely the outlying districts were entitled to some consideration from the Board. (Hear, hoar.) Ti ie Chairman quite agreed with Mr Christie as to the necessity for the establishment of a school at Kakaramea, but desired to go further, as ho believed Malmtahi was also entitled to a school, and he believed the introduction of the halftime system would give satisfaction till the children became more numerous. In any case, tho Board would shortly lind the necessity of appointing one at the end of the district. He considered that a petition would have the desired effect with the Board.

Mr Foreman heard that it was the inten L tion of the Board to build a school at Keteinarae, and wished to learn from Mr Christie if he would lend his support to' this matter before the question under dis-' cussion had been satisfied by the Board. Mi - Christie —lf it could be proved that there were more children resident in that quarter than the two districts he repfesented, he should certainly advocate its/ establishment. One member of the Board' held that there should he no school established nearer than six miles from another,' and holding this opinion, he displayed the inconsistency of fixing’ a site at Ketomarae,' which was only distant four miles fronv the Hawera scboolhouae. If this was car-' ried into effect, a school should also bo' established at Manutahi. The Chairman —Half-time schools were found to work very well in certain parts of Nelson. On the motion of Mr Ginger, seconded by Mr Foreman, it was resolved to present’ a petition to the Board, praying for the establishment of a half-time school at Kakaramea and Manutahi, and that Mr Mcßae and the mover be appointed to’ draw up and present the petition to tho Board. After a vote of thanks to the chair, the' meeting separated.