EDUCATION BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2533, 4 May 1881, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Board of Education was held to-day. Present—Messrs Belfield, (Chairman,) Barclay, Barker, and Goldsmith. chairman’s statement. The Chairman stated that he had sanctioned the appointment of Mr McKenzie to the Scotsburn school, and Mr Andrews to the Washdyke school. Correspondence on the subject of the Washdyke appointment, shewed that the .'Chairman of the Committee in acknowledging copy of the Board’s resolution declining to advertise for teacher, offered on behalf of the Committee to bear the expense objected to, with a view of securing an efficient teacher. The proposal was acceded to to by the Chairman of the Board, on condition that the advertising expenses should be strictly borne out of private funds. ABSENT MEMBERS. A letter was read from Mr M. Gray, apologising for his absence ; also, from Mr Lovegrove asking leave of absence during a business tour to England. In reply to members Mr Hammond stated that Mr Lovegrove believed his absence would not not extend over eight months. The application was ordered to lie on the table till next Board day. THE board’s ELECTIONS. A communication was read from the Education Department, Wellington, acknowledging receipt of the returns of the late annual election of three members, but stating that after examining the records the Hon Mr Dick was of opinion that Messrs Howell, Lovegrove, and either Mr Barker or Mr Gray should have retired this year, and that under section 15 of the Act, Messrs Barclay and Belfield should not have retired till 1882. The Chairman said the Board had been guided by the opinion of Messrs Perry and Perry, their lawyers, in the procedure they had taken. Although the election might be illegal no suggestion for correcting the illegality was made. Under any circumstances the right of the members who had been re-elected to keep their seats was not disputed. He thought the letter should be acknowledged and that the Government should be asked whether they could suggest a remedy for the informality. It was moved by Mr Barclay, seconded by Mr Goldsmith and carried, “ That the thanks of this Board be given to the education department for the correspondence re the elections in March last and, on the assumption that the interpretation of the law therein given be correct they be requested to suggest the best course of procedure to be adopted under the circumstances. At the same time, the department to be reminded that the action of the Board in the matter was in accordance with the advice of its solicitors.” TIMARU SIDE SCHOOL. Mr Hammond, School Inspector, submitted a report on the Timaru Side School re the application of the Committee for an assistant mistress. The report shewed that there was an average attendance of 157, that the pupils were divided into five classes under the head mistress and two pupil teachers, and that the former having two classes to attend to was unable, in the opinion of the Committee, to generally supervise the school in a satisfactory manner without additional assistance. The Inspector recommended that instead of increasing the staff, the pupils should be decreased by those in the third standard being transferred to the main school. This he submitted would relieve the mistress of a portion of her present duties, and would secure better tuition for the more advanced pupils. It was resolved to adopt the inspector’s suggestion. I

WAITAKI SCHOOL. Mr Kirby, assistant-secretary, reported that he had visited the North Waitaki district, with the view of enquiring into the scholastic requirements of the neighborhood. He found the residences of two of the applicants 12 miles apart. The population consisted of 12 Maori families, and a few railway surface men. Altogether 27 children of school ago might be expected to take advantage of teaching facilities. He had met the inhabitants and explained matters to them, and he found they were willing to comply w ith the conditions re aided schools. The police barracks in the locality, if obtainable, would be suitable tor school buildings. Mr Barclay moved, Mr Goldsmith seconded, and it was carried—“ That the secretary take the proper legal steps to get the Redcliffe district north of the Waitangi river, declared an educational district under the Education Act, with the view thereafter of the Board granting either an aided, or a regular school as circumstances may justify.” MAKIKIHI. The inspector reported having made enquiries relative to the prospects of a school at Makikihi. There were 24 children of school age within a mile of the township, and an average of 17 to 18 might be expected. A building belonging to Mr Fraser was under offer to the Board, but a somewhat high price was asked. Mr Goldsmith stated that he had been informed by one of the residents that Mr Rhodes, if asked, would probably grant a suitable site for a school. Moved by Mr Barclay, seconded by Mr Barker and carried—“ That the Secretary be instructed to enquire of the residents at North Waitangi and at Makikihi what assistance they would be prepared to offer should the Board decide upon establishing aided schools in the above districts ?” WAIMATE SCHOOL.. It was resolved—“ That Miss Grant and Miss Bruce, pupil teachers, should be appointed fourth and fifth teachers respectively at the above school in compliance with the request of the Committee.” PLEASANT POINT. A communication from the Committee of the above school re letting or sale of a piece of land from the Board suitable for a playground, was read and consideration deferred to the next meeting. ELECTOEAL. A communication was read from the Pareora School Committee asking the Board to use its influence in getting clause 65 of the Education Act altered so as to give only one vote to each Committeeman. SIB JULIUS YOOEL’s PEIZES. It was resolved to award the two prize works presented by Sir Julius Vogel to Albert Jones and James Kellagher. ADJOURNMENT. The transaction of some other quite unimportant business, and the passing of sundry accounts terminated the proceedings.