BOARD OF EDUCATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2611, 3 August 1881, Page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above took place to-day. Present —Mr H. Belfield (Chairman), and Messrs Steward, Barker, Goldsmith, Howell, Gray. chairman's statement. The Chairman stated that sine# the last meeting of the Board he had authorised the appointment of Miss Haase to the Timaru Side School, and of Mrs Smart to the Geraldine High School. secretary’s statement. The Secretary notified a number of reductions having been made in the teaching staffs of the different schools in consequence of the reduced attendance of pupils, and in reply to a question said that the reductions would not come into force for the next three months, and, in the event of the attendance improving during that time, would not come into operation at all, but in the meantime the Board were losing Government capitation grant amounting to £202 per quarter. CORRESPONDENCE "Was read from Chairman Timaru School Committee, Pleasant Point School Committee, and Washdyke School Committee, re reduced attendance of pupils at those schools, and protesting that such falling off in the attendance was of a temporary character and attributable to the recent bad weather, and the prevalence of measles and other sickness, against any reductions being made in the teaching staffs.

Moved by Mr Steward, seconded by Mr Barker, and curried—“ (1) That the Board regrets that it is impossible with its present resources to accede to-the request contained in the letters read ; (2) That a circular be sent to all the Committees, setting out clearly the way in which the Board is affected by the reduction in the attendance, and pointing out, inter alia , that while the grant to the Board falls at once a reduction in expenditure cannot be effected for three months ; such circulars to set out generally the facts adduced in the letter of the Secretary to the Chairman of the Washdyke Committee.” Mr Howell then moved the following resolution, which was carried—“ That the Board regrets the necessity of making any reductions in staffs, that would most likely be only temporary, but the only remedy they can suggest is that the School Committees should guarantee the payment of such teachers

ns may be under notice for the quarter during that over which the dismissal extends, or for any period the Committee may see fit.” From Messrs Turnbull and Wakefield M.H.R.’S," Wellington, stating that in consequence of their representations to the Postmaster-General correspondence addressed to Boards of Education or School Committees or others on the business of the Department would be carried free of postage. GERALDINE SCHOOL HOUSE. Mr Howell moved, Mr _ Goldsmith seconded, and it was carried lhat the Geraldine Road Boards be requested to allow their overseer to superintend the carrying out of Mr Barker’s plan for protecting Geraldine school houses from the encroachments of the river, and that Mr Barker be requested to interview iho overseer on the subject. ALBURY. The Inspector reported having visited Albury, and interviewed householders there in reference to, their application for a school. He would recommend that a school be established. Mr Howell proposed, and Mr Gray seconded the following resolution which was carried—“ That the Inspector’s report be adopted, and the district proclaimed in the usual manner, and steps taken for a Committee to be appointed. SOUTH EANGXTATA. In reference to an appplication from South Ilangitata residents for a school, it was resolved that the Board Could not at present erect a school there. MAKIKIHI. The Secretary was requested to write to Board of Governors of Canterbury College, asking them whether they would grant a long lease with a purchasing clause of five acres at Makikihi for school purposes, and on what terms. RESIGNATION. The partial resignation of the master of the Mount .Gay and Opihi schools came under discussion, when Mr Barker moved, Mr Goldsmith seconded, and it was carried—“ That Mr Belmont be given three months’ notice of the termination of his engagement, and the usual steps ho taken for re-filling the situation.” After some further routine business and the passing of sundry accounts the Board adjourned.