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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 316, 27 April 1878, Page 2

A meeting of: shareholders of the Patea Steam Navigation Company, was held at the office of Air D. M. Harris on Thursday e veiling last. Mr R. E. Mcßae .was voted to the chair. It was mentioned that 46 sharesiiad been taken up, which left only 14 to be disposed of, and that applications for some of the number had been received so that it,was likely the whole would bo taken up, within the next week. The following- gentlemen were elected as Directors —Messrs R. E. Mcßae, (chairman), H. F. Christie, J..Gibson, R. C. Tennent, R. W. Foreman, S. Taplin, and W. Dale. Mr John Black'was appointed auditor to the Company. Arrangements were made for the immediate incorporation of the Company under the Joint Stock Companies Act. Ac a meeting of the Directory, Mr D. M. Harris was appointed pro tern Secretary. Articles of association were drawn up "and signed,kind a committee appointed to enquire as to - cost, &c., of building-

steamer. Bank of New Zealand was decided upon as Bank to open account with. Other necessary business was transacte !, which kept the committee engaged until past twelve o’clock.

Application v/as lately made to the Taranaki Waste Land Board, by Messrs Robson, lessees of the Ketcmarae saw mill, for 500 acres of timber land near the Mangawhero River. The Board resolved that the whole block, including the 500 acres should be surveyed. We learn that a petition was presented to Captain Wray on Thursday, asking that the whole block might tie surveyed into small lots for sale, land near Norman by being much inquired fur.

Messrs Thomson and McGuire will hold stock sale at llawera, on Tuesday nest, particulars of which may bo seen in advertisement.

Carlyle school will reopen on Monday

A-tuceung of parties interested in the formation of an Improvement Class at Manutahi, are requested to meet in the Blockhouse this evening at 7.30. As the meetings last winter were a success, we should think there would be no difficulty in establishing a class this year on a permanent footing.

Attention is called to places and times of services to-morrow in • connection with Presbyterian body, an alteration from Wednesday’s announcement having- been made.

Mr T. Qnlnlivan, who ' passed through Carlyle on Wednesday, on his way to llawera, was arrested at Manutahi in accordance with warrant issue on Monday at llawera. Bail was allowed in £4OO. Mr W. Cowcrn w ill bold the first of his regular monthly stock sales at Norm an by on Wednesday next, Ist May. Extensive paddoekiug has boon secured in connection with commodious slock yards, which latter have been fitted up with conveniences for the classification and separation of sheep and cattle. An Agent is at all times on the spot to receive entries and stock. Mr Cowcrn being first to commence regular sales at Normanby will no doubt bo encouraged by all stockowners interested in the progress of the township and district. A box fixed by Air F. M. Chapman, on fence at junction of main road with byroadleading to bis farm was lately smashed and carried off. In London and other large Horne towns severe punishment is awarded for upsetting or stealing milk, the cans for which are usually hung on door handles, so as to be in readiness for the milkman on bis early morning calls. Boxes for reception of letters and newspapers for settlers living away 7 from the main lino of road are a necessity 7 in this district. Yet very few are to be scon between Carlyle and Hawera, the reason being that settlers are tired of replacing on account of the frequency with which they have been broken away. Wo are of opinion that a term of hard labour in gaol would be fitting punishment for offences of the kind named.

In land sale advertised for 13th May, at Carlyle, block inland of Mokoia, under heading “ Patea (Tlawera District),” sections 1 to 4 arc in Block 11, sections 7 to 28, arc in Block 12. A resident at Normanby lately ordered a sewing machine from a Wanganui tradesman. The box which had been expected, happened to arrive on the Ist April. On being opened it was found to contain, instead of the expected sewing machine, one solitary red brick. The lady who ordered the sewing machine, was in consternation. Wo have not heard if the sewing machine turned up afterwards.

Ramos of players chosen to do battle in the Football Match—Town v Country—at Carlyle. All players are requested to attend. Play to commence at 3 p.m. today. Messrs Tcnnent, 0. Symcs, Hargreaves, Williams (2), Corrigan, Dasent (3), Harris, McCarty, Bouike, Baggett, Baddelcv, Sergeant, Dixon, Chadwick, Morse, Turner, Taylor, Norris, Dawson, Hutchinson, Cnutts, Weiss, Marchaut, M. Bourke, and Gower.

From Wanganui contemporary, wo learn that a modiriir of the Wanganui Education Board wuh held on Wednesday. Mr Williams was in attendance from Patca. It was resolved to offer the secretaryship to Mr A. A. Browne. Seven appplications were sent in. The salary suggested was£lso. Mr Watt was of opinion the salary should bo £2oo.—The appointment of Inspector of Schools was decided in favor of Mr Robert Eoulis, at a salary of £4OO per year* Mr Lee had been offered the Inspectorship, but had written to say that he could not give final answer until after 6th May. His duties had so increased in Wellington, that he was unable to carry on without an assistant Inspector. It was therefore decided to appoint Inspector to act solely for the Wanganui District. To commence duty on Ist May, by inspecting Hawera School, and follow up with other schools down the coast.—On motion of Mr Williams, Miss Hall was appointed to the Waverley School, at £75 per annum.—Mr Williams moved that the Carlyle School be converted into 1 a High School. There was no High School between Patea and Wanganui. There were several children who had passed the fourth standard, and it was useless their going to school as they were learning nothing. If they could go to a superior school they would continue their learningin the higher branches of education. Mr Sanson read .a series of resolutions referring to the establishment of district High Schools, pointing out their advantages, and their necessity, if it was intended to encourage a high class education. He proposed thfff, a fee of £lO a year be paid by each scholar attending, of which 75 per cent should be paid to the the teacher, 25 per cent to be devoted to scholarships for those most proficient. He believed that before long, all the principal townships would have a High School, and this would tend to the establishment of a College. He looked forward to a College being started in Wanganui, and lie considered every district in time should have a College established in it. Resolutions to be considered at next meeting,—-Mr Kenah applied for a female teacher to be appointed to the Kohi School.

The Chwniclc says—A Normanby correspondent writes to us, that he hears on good authority that the Natives have discovered large quantities of gold in reefs, in the vicinity of the King country, in the Moakoi.

■ Mr W. Aitchisoi is. under engagement to immediately .commence the erection of a large store, staMo 40 feet long and proportionately brojd, dwelling to accommodate a dozen to f.fteen in on, and office, near die Heads, for Jir-R. ‘Dickson, contractor for the Patea Breakwater.

Those who omitted to patronise the talented vocal-and intruinental performers —Mr and Mrs Reed—on their first visit to Carlylewill have the opportunity of doing so on .Monday evening next. We understand that arrangements have been made for a dance after the performance. Perform iriancc will also be given at, Waverlcy on Tuesday night.

The following items of news have been received per s.s. AlbionMelbourne —Thedeadlock in Victoria is over. Great preparations have been made for defences at the Heads.—Arrangements are being made for a visit of another English cricket team, if possible to - consist of all gentlemen.— Adelaide—ft is reported that the P. am! 0. Company, at the expiry of the present contract, will go in for fortnightly mails, with 4,000 ton boats. On Wednesday Government promised A deputation of Manawatn property owners that the survey of the railway line between the Hiitt (Wellington) and Manawatn districts should be proceeded with without delay.

The Wellington correspondent of the, Hawke’s Bay Herald says—A little while ago it was hinted and now is everywhere assorted that Sir William Fitxherbort is anxious to be leader of the Opposition and Premier of the colony. It has long been believed here that Sir William is anxious to be Premier. Ho lias been Superintendent, Colonial Treasurer, is Speaker, and has been honored by hia Sovereign. If, he could bo Premier, his ambition would be satisfied. Various members of Parliament think the Opposition cannot do better than choose him as their leader. Under the banner of no one else could they haye so good a chance, for Sir William would unite many members who for several reasons could not and would not follow Major Atkinson. These rumors about Sir William seem well founded. Of course, lie is far too wily a man, and too veteran a politician, to commit himself just yet. if the Opposition willingly choose him, and he is well supported, iic will lead them, ilis great supporter, Mr Bunny, openly declares he has a certain majority. Mr Bunny and probaby Mr Barton would support him. Kir William would make a worthy opponent uf Sir George. He will bo favored by the fact that Sir George and Mr Macandrow mean separation, and are working steadily to that end. Several shrewd men believe, too, that Grey’s party will be divided—that many will not go as far as Sir George, and it is believed they [would gladly support Sir William. The annual report of the Wanganui Equitable Laud and Building Society just presented to shareholders shows that—- “ During the past year 724 new shares have been issued. The paid up capital has bean increased by £3182, and now stands at £29,194. Applications for Mortgages to the amount of £17,000 have boon received, but owing to the insufficiency of the securities only £8390 has been advanced. The deposit account which stood at £3778 last year has been reduced to £633. The profit for the year is 4 per cent., making, witii the interest carried to account monthly, 12 per cent. ; or taking into account the compounding of lilts interest .for six months on those accounts where the interest is not drawn out half yearly, £l2 4s 3d per cent.”

The. Hawkes Bay Herald of the 10th instant says—“ Tim Napier harbor works are now, we believe, complete. The last load of stuif went over in die punt on Tuesday, and the Hag was then hoisted to make the fact known to the world. The work is not passed yet, and there may, of course; still be Haws to be repaired—barring this, however, the contractor’s work is done.”

The Napier Telegraph says—The Scparationist tendencies of tho present Government by dividing the several Departments into North and .South, Islands, is causing some uneasiness in the minds of those who are anxious that New Zealand should remain united, and under one Government. Those who look under the surface of politics, and compare the Minister of Lands’ statements at Dunedin, with tho movements of the Government, perceive very clearly that the object of Sir G. Grey and his party, is to cause a financial and departmental separation, and afterwards convert the two islands into two separate colonies. With the exception of Mr. Ballance, and possibly Colonel Whitmore* the whole of tho present Cabinet are Separationists heart and son!, and will use every effort so attain their ends, unless some curb is put upon their actions. For a commencement, we had a separation in the Railway’ Department ; other departments are following, and tins is what is really meant by the reorganisation of the Civil Service. A Press Agency tel egram from A uckl and says :—A new Native Lands Bill wd! be introduced by the Government next session. The Bill passed last session enabled the Government to ascertain its position .respecting land purchases. They find that they will lose largely on blocks which have been acquired. In some cases they will lose 15s in the £, The new Act will appoint native assessors to investigate titles, and when they have settled the ownership they will call in the European Judge, who will register their decisions. Then the lands will be from time to time put up in small blocks not exceeding 1,000 acres. Provision will be made in the Act to prevent the acquirement of large blocks by monopolists. The Government will probably abandon a large amount of unprofitable speculations entered into by their predecessors. • The Wairoa (Hawkcs Bay 7) Free Press urges that the services of Sir John Goode, or some other Marine Engineer, should be secured to give an opinion as to the practibility of improving the entrance to the river.- If pronounced practicable, then it is considered that the Assembly 7 should be asked to vote 10 per cent, of returns from sales of Crown Lands for Harbor purposes, and says—“ When it is recollected that Wairoa is estimated to be the second richest County 7 in the North Island in unsold Crown Land—Patea alone standing ahead—the feasibility of this project will be at once apparent. Given a permanent entrance to the Wairoa river, the value of nearly 7 all the Crown Lands in the district Would be almost doubled, so that there are substantial reasons for the, at first sight, rather sanguine idea taken.”

INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS FOR WANGANUI DISTRICT. Mr Robert Foulis, F.E.1.5., a gentleman who has for past few months been resident at Patea, has been appointed to the very important office of Inspector of Schools for the Wanganui District. We have had opportunity of inspecting testimonials to that gentleman on the occasion, of his making application last year for post of Inspector of Schools under the London School Board. In making the application Mr Foulis briefly summarised his qualification as follows “ 1. lam forty-five years of age, married, and certificated, “ 2. For the last six years I have been Head Master of James Gillespie’s Edinburgh Merchant Company’s School ; and for the previous ten, Head Master of George Heriot’s Hospital Foundation School, Old Assembly Close ; and for nine of these years, I was Inspector of the Schools maintained in this City by John Hope, Esq., W.S. “ fi. The average attendance for the past three years was 1156. « 4. The per centage of success was cent, per cent,, or 99.9. “5. The pass last Session in Special Subjects was very high, 91.10, considering the number presented (517). The subjects were ;—Physiology, first and second year ; Physical Geography, third year ; Domestic Economy, first year ; and Mathematics, first year. “6. I had thirty-two assistants, who were all of my own choosing, and with their cordial co-operation, the Gillespie School was raised —as certified by the following Testimonials —to the highest level of efficiency.” Testimonials accompanying the application were from some of the most notable of Edi nburgh’s citizens, and from Inspectors of Government schools and ladies and gentlemen, some of whoso names, on account of the interest taken by them in educational and philanthropic projects, are known in the colonics. We never before had the pleasure of reading such high class testimonials as to ability and general fitness for the office to which Mr Foulis has been appointed. Patea has hitherto been fortunate in having secured the services of an able Inspector in Mr Robert Lee, to whom indeed much of the credit of the piesent efficiency of schools within, the county is duo. Judging from the testimonials, and from the manner and conduct of Mr Foulis since lie has resided in tiie district, we are of opinion that the Wanganui Education Board lias acted wisely in securing the services of the gentleman referred, as Inspector of its schools. A more able or qualified educationist could scarcely he found or desired. Po enable ad interested in educational matters to judge fairly of the merits of the new Inspector wo reprint in full one of the testimonials, and give a few extracts from others. “ From John Hope, Esq., W.K., one of the “Governors of Heriot’s Hospital, and “Town Councillor. “ 31 Moray Place, Edinburgh, “ March 19, 1877. “To the School Board, London. , “ Ladies andGenllemen, —Understanding you are about to appoint an Inspector of Schools, I beg respectfully to bring under your notice, as an applicant for that silualiun, Mr Robert Foulis, of this city, residing No. 11 Sylvan Place, Meadows. “ Between the years 1851 and 1874 that is, for twenly-three years—l carried on and .supported, at my own cost, a largo number of Evening Schools in this city, lor the benefit of apprentices, male and female, anxious to keep up and extend their education, and also for the benefit of young persons of more advanced years, whose education had been neglected in their youth. “ Those schools were discontinued by me only when the necessity for their fcinuance ceased to exist, by the passing of the Scottish Education Act in 1872, aider which the Edinburgh School Board established Evening Schools of their own ; and Hcriot’s Hospital, in whose schools mainly 1 carried on my work, resumed possession of their own schoolrooms, and established Evening Schools of their own. “•During the nine years, from 1861 to 1870 inclusive, Mr Robert Foulis was the Inspector of my Evening- Schools ; and he left me only on his promotion to the Head Mastership of Gillespie’s School, in this city, under the Merchant Company. “ The number of schools under his charge each evening during these nine sessions were seven schools ; and the number of enrolments during the nine years were from 1400 to IGOO yearly, taught by sixteen teachers. “ I trouble you with this preliminary / detail that you may see that I have had extensive experience in the matter of schools, and so am qualified to form an opinion ; and that I have also had extensive experience of Mr Robert Foulis, and so have had ample opportunity of forming an opinion, of him. “ I cannot too strongly express my opinion in favour of Mr Foulis. He is not only thoroughly qualified as a teacher, and to superintend teachers, and give them instruction and advice how to proceed ; but his activity, and punctuality, and zeal, and firmness, and judicious procedure, produced the most favourable results both as a teacher and superintendent of teachers. Under him, all knew that they could not deceive him, cither by sham excuses for lateness, or alleging sickness for absence, or otherwise. Everything went on well, like clock-work, and I received each week his diary of inspection and report. “ He most faithfully carried out my instructions in all departments. “ I may mention that at this time Mr Foulis was Head Master of one of the Heriot day-schools, I being at same time one of the Governors of Hcriot’s Hospital, on the Education Committee ;■ and 1 can testify that Mr Foulis was one of the best —if not the best—teachers of his day in the Hospital day-schools. “lam, &c., “ John Hope, W.S., “ One of the Town Councillors of the City of Edinburgh.”

“ I hereby certify that Mr Robert Foulis, of No. 11, Sylvan Place, Edinburgh, was, owing to his high recommendations, appointed Head Master of James Gillespie’s Schools on the 26th July, 1870 ; -.and:that he acted in that capacity until July, 1876, to the entire satisfaction of the Board of Governors of James Gillespie’s School ; when, in consequence of the indisposition of Mr Foulis, the Governors were under

\ the necessity of engaging another Head | Master in his room. In the opinion of dis- ‘ tinguished educationalists, and others, the school which was under Mr Epulis’ superintendence is one of the best elementary schools in the country.—-Robert -Bryson, Master of the Merchant Company and Preses of the Governors.”

“I understand from Mr F oulis that now —after a period of rest—he again desires active employment, and that be lias applied for the office of Inspector of Schools under the London Board. My opinion of his fitness for such office may be given in a few words. If the qualifications required are —acknowledged personal success in the organising, disciplining; and instructing of schools; an intimate and first-hand acquaintance with ever item of school work from top to bottom ; high professional intelligence, active habits, and equal temper, then I do not know any member of the teaching profession who has these qualifications in greater degree than Mr Foulis.— From James Currie, Principal of the Church of Scotland Training College,”

Testimonial after testimonial follows in the same strain.