HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2158, 18 February 1880, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

A special meeting of the High School Hoard of Governors was held at the office of the South Canterbury Hoard of Education this morning. Present The Eev. Mr Gillies (Chairman), the Eev. Mr Barela}';, and Messrs Hrucc, Sutter, Chisholm, Howell, and Mr G. T. Clulee Secretary. The Chairman in opening the proceedings intimated, that the first question to be dealt with was the Hev. Mr Barclay’s suggestion, with regard to the establishment of a system of scholarships in connection with the High school. Mr Barclay had tabled a motion in reference to this matter at the last meeting of the Board. The motion was then read, and excited considerable discussion.

Mr Barclay was of opinion that the establishment of such a system would act as a stimulus to both teachers and children. Further than this, it was evident the intention of the Legislature was that some such system as that suggested should be adopted. Should the main proposition be assented to, the speaker would suggest that a sub-com-mittee |be J appointed to deal with the matter. The scheme would not involve a larger outlay than T4O or LdO per annum. The speaker would propose the following motion: “That, it being desirable that some system of scholarships or prizes be established, a committee be appointed to consider the matter, and report at the next meeting but one.”

Considerable discussion ensued, Mr Barclay’s suggestion re cstablisnment of a system of prizes or scholarships meeting witli general approbation. An

opinion also appeared to prevail lioaveA r er that the suggestion Avas premature. Ultimately Mr R. A. Chisholm proposed and Mr Sutter seconded, an amendment to the effect that the matter be adjourned until after the first quarter. The amendment was carried. Mr Sutter’s motion, with reference to reducing the present standard of preliminary examination for admission to the High School was then discussed, a notice of motion respecting which was tabled at the last meeting of the Board. The motion Avas to the effect that the present standard should be rescinded, and the acquirements of the candidates for admission, be simply ability to read and write, and perform the first four rules of arithmetic. Several members present supported Mr Sutter’s suggestion, Avhich was opposed by the Eev. Mr Barclay, who thought that something more should be required of the candidates than the ability to repeat D-o-g dog, and B-a-g, bag.

After some further discussion an amendment to the effect that the pi’esent standard for admission to the school be retained Avas proposed and negatived, Capt. Sutter’s motion being carried. The report of the Committee re teaching staff and instruction in music Avas then read and adopted ; the same Committee being empowered to engage temporary assistance. The Secretary’s report on the Educational reserves Avas then read, after AAdiich the Board Avent into Committee, and then adjourned.