Marlborough Education Board.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 46, 4 July 1890, Page 3

Marlborough Education Board.

The usual monthly meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday morning ; present: Messrs Jos. Ward (in the chair), H. Seymour, Thos. Carter, C. H. Mills, W. B. Parker, and J. M. Hutcheson. A QUESTION. Mr Haslett, acting Secretary, officiated during the meeting. On the question of confirming the minutes being put, the resolution suspending Mr °J. T. Robinson was taken exception to by Mr Mills, and the matter was discussed at some length; the probabilities as to the approaching trial of Mr Robinson having been changed by the postponement and the change of venue. The question was whether he most be held to be suspended indefinitely or whether he could be dismissed by this meeting. mi . , Mills moved—“ That in the resofijpbp- referred to, the word ‘hearing’ be substituted for ‘conclusion.’ ” This was seconded by Mr Parker, but the Chairman questioned the propriety of the alteration as he considered the minute correct. During a prolonged conversational discussion Mr W. B. Parker telephoned to Mr A. Rogers, who gave it as his opinion that the resolution in the minutes ought not Ito he confirmed, as another bearing on jfcha subject might complicate matters. Th,e minute under discussion was then altered and confirmed, and the meeting proceeded. mr haslett’s appointment. The Chairman of the Board (Mr A. p Seymour) wrote that he had appointed Mr Haslett. to the, tewpnrary Secretaryship, and asked the Board

Th# Board unanimously ratified the temporary appointment, Mr Haslett to be paid at the same rate as Mr Robinson. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr J. 0. Chaytor enclosing a tracing of the land he was offering for the Marshlands School, and agreeing to pay over his promised donation of £IOO as soon as the school was established. From Mr Inspector Hodgson resigning his appointment as from 80th September. In the course of his letter Mr Hodgson remaked, “ I feel sure the Board suffers from the absence from its monthly meetings of an adviser who is familiar with the working of every school, and the qualifications of teachers. ” From the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand (1) stating that special cheque forms were in course of preparation, (2) formally acknowledging the appointment of Mr Haslett as treasurer, pro tern. From the Tua Marina School Committee asking that Mr A. D. Vannini be appointed to conduct the school during the illness of Mr Peake. From Mr T. Powick offering to cast a bell for the Blenheim School 14 inches for £7 10s, and 15 inches for £8 10s, the hanging and fixing fee to be £1 sa. The old bell could not be recast. From the Waitohi School Committee asking that their school be enlarged, as it was overcrowded. From the Oanvastown Committee asking that the expenditure of £ls I7s fid, estimated cost of a fence be authorised. MISCELLANEOUS. The temporary appointment of Mr Vannini as locum tenens at Tua Marina was approved, Miss Maud Player to act as Mistress, vice Mrs Peake. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Parker, that the Committee be informed of the decision in terms of the following resolution, “ That the Committee be informed they may make such temporary arrangements as they please for one month, provided the Board is put to no additional expense. ” The appointment of Mr Twistleton to the Onamalutu School was sanctioned. The Endeavour Inlet Committee were ordered to be informed that as theirs was an aided school, they must appoint their owu teacher. THE INSPECTORSHIP. The resignation of Mr Inspector Hodgson was read, and Mr C. H. Mills moved, Mr Hutcheson seconded, “ That in accepting the resignation of Mr Hodgson as Inspector, this Board desire to express their unqualified approval of the satisfactory way in which be has performed bis duties during the past twelve years.” In proposing this Mr Mills said it was unnecessary to add more than was expressed in the resolution, as he felt it conveyed the true sentiments of those members who were present as well as those who were absent. Other members concurred, and it was carried unanimously. THE SECRETARYSHIP. A letter was read from Mr A. Rogers, solicitor, on the subject of the engagement of Mr Robinson. The letter arose out a visit which Messrs Paul and Mills had paid the lawyer. The letter gave it as the writer’s opinion that the Board could legally dismiss its officer without notice for misconduct, and that the report of the Goverment Auditor disclosed what would probably be considered “ misconduct. ” THE COMBINED OFFICES. Mr 0. H. Mills moved, “ That the services of Mr John Tucker Robinson be now dispensed with, and applications be called for the combined offices of Secretary, Inspector, and Treasurer to the Marlborough Education Board at a salary of £375, to include all examination fees and travelling expenses.” In moving this Mr Mills said experience bad proved in similar districts that the combination of offices worked well. He found the cost would be very little more than in previous years, and the school commissioners would probably supplement the amount mentioned with £25 for secretarial services to them, making the full salary £4OO, Mr W. B. Parker seconded the motion, though he thought the inspectors, should be Government and not Board officers. ( Applause), Mr Paul seconded the motion, and observed that Mr Seymour was also in favour of it. Mr Carter was in favour of fixing the salary, and leaving the travelling expenses for farther consideration. Mr Hutcheson snpported the fixing of the whole amount at once. The motion was carried. accounts. After passing accounts the Board rose.