WANGANUI EDUCATION BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 326, 1 June 1878, Page 2

WANGANUI EDUCATION BOARD.

Thu following items are gleaned from reports in the Wanganui papers : The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday morning, at 11 o’clock, at the Board’s office, Taupo Quay. Present: Mr W. H. Watt (chairmanj, Rev J. Ross, Hon W. Fox, Messrs Williams, Duthie, Sanson, Bryce, H. I. Jones, and Dalrymple. The Inspector, Mr Foulis, then presented a lengthy report on the schools throughout the district which he had visited,. which was read. Mr Duthie reported' that arrangements had been made for overdraft at one of the banks to meet all requirements of the Board. Mr Bryce reported interviewing the Hon Mr Ballance with respect to grant of £5,000, and he said he believed the Board would get the amount. On the Inspector (Mr Foulis’) report being read it was resolved that it be adopted and printed, and a copy forwarded to the various committees, drawing thtir attention to the requirements of their respective schools. A discussion took place which showed considerable difference of opinion as to what duties pertained to the Board and what to committees. Mr Duthie moved and Mr Williams seconded That the Chairmen of the Waverley and Kohi School Committees be authorised to get plans and specifications prepared for improvements as suggested by the Inspector, for submission to the next meeting of the Board. Carried. The Rev Mr Ross then moved—That improvements in Foxton, Marton/Curakina, Upper Tutaenui, Karere, Lower Rangitikei, and Fielding schools be proceeded with, and that plans and specifications of the various buildings be prepared under the directions of the Committees, to be submitted to the next meeting of the Board. Carried. Friday, 7th of June, was fixed as first day of meeting of new School Committees. On the motion of Mr Williams, it was resolved that the School Committees have plans and specifications prepared for the additions to the Patca and Carlyle schools. Mr Dalrymple moved That the Inspector be requested to report upon the teaching power of each school, with a view to redistribution of teachers in proportion to the requirements of the various schools. Seconded by Mr Sanson and carried. Mr Bryce moved a resolution with reference to the capitation allowance for the schools, and after a long and desultory debate, it was made a notice of motion for the next meeting. Resolved, That examination of pupil teachers and uncertified teachers be held in September ; and that subjects be the same as those adopted by the late Wellington Board. In reply to a question re standards, Mr Foulis said the question to be considered was whether there was to be a standard for the colony, or each Inspector to fix Ins own. In the meantime, it would be only fair to schools and teachers to proceed upon Mr Lee’s standards. —Resolved—That the standards for the current year be sis, as adopted by the Wellington Board. Resolved —That Mr Bczar be instructed to furnish an estimate of cost of drilling' the principal schools in the district. The Rev Mr Towgood, not being a householder within the meaning of the Act, bis election on the Marton School Committee was, on motion of Mr Duthie, seconded by Mr Williams, declared invalid. Letter from Mr G. S. Bridge and others, Waverley, objecting to the election of the Waverley School Committee, on the ground that the election by ballot was not properly carried out, in so far as secrecy is concerned.—Resolved on the motion of Mr Duthie, seconded by Mr Jones—That Messrs Bryce and Williams be appointed to hear evidence re the protest of Mr Bridge and others, on the 12th June, and report at next meeting. After letter being read as to temporary appointment of Mr McComis as teacher of Kohi School, it was resolved that the appointment be not confirmed. On the motion of Mr Sanson, the Inspector, with the Rev Mr Ross and Mr Duthie, Wore appointed a committee to draw up regulations for the guidance of the Board in the matter of applications for school districts, buildings, &c. A letter was read from Mr T. Middlemas, Chairman of the Hawera School Committee, applying to have the Hawera District School constituted a High School. Mr Williams made a lengthy statement to the effect that it would be more desirable to establish a High School at Carlyle. He quoted from Mr Lee’s last report and from lettersfrom residents in the Carlyle District to prove his assertion, and considerable discussion ensued. Ultimately Mr Williams moved the motion standing in his name, and Mr Duthie seconded—That the Carlyle District School be constituted a High School. Mr Sanson moved as an amendment, and Mr Ross seconded—That the Hawera district school be also created a High School to participate equally with the Carlyle school in the rents from reserves set apart for such purpose in that district, always provided that neither High Schools be a charge upon the funds of this Board. The voting was then taken on the resolution and amendment, the latter being carried. Some confusion arising, in consequence of an irregularity in the voting, the Chairman ruled that the votes would have to be taken again. After some discussion, Mr Williams allowed the amendment to be added to the resolution, and the resolution being then put to the meeting, was carried. Mr Bryce alone voting against. Mr G. Hutchison was appointed solicitor to the Board. Mr Sanson moved the motion standing in his name—That in the opinion of the Board the establishment of District High Schools in the various centres of population is highly desirable, and to be" encouraged. An amendment was moved to defer the question on account of limited funds

at disposal of Board. The original motion was carried, and Mr Williams obtained leave to postpone consideration of his other resolutions. C, ; ; \ The Board adjourned shortly after midnight' '*' '' . " .