BOARD OF EDUCATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2641, 7 September 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, Gray, Slack, and Barclay. Mil HOWELL’S POSITION’, The minutes having been confirmed* the Chairman stated that in accordance with a resolution of the Board, he had seen Messrs White and Jameson, with reference to the action brought by Mr Walcot agaiust Mr Howell, and had received a reply that the Board could not legally take the onus of defending the case. Mr Barker moved—“ That the Board regrets that Mr Walcot has proceeded against Mr Howell individually in tire matter of the recent election, instead of calling upon the Board as a body to defend its action, thereby precluding the case being contested on its merits, and that in view of these circumstances the Board is of opinion that it is desirable that a full statement of the whole facts (which the Board believes would be a complete answer to the case of the appellant,) should be handed to to the Press for publication.” Mr Howell wrote tendering his resignation of his seat, but consideration of the letter was deferred. TIMAIIU SIDE SCHOOL. Mr Barker moved that children over, the 2nd Standard be excluded from the Timaru Side School. One reason given for the erection of the side school was that it would accommodate a largo number of chilclrei who were too young to go so far as the main school ; but it appeared that the side school was now mainly filled by drafts from the main school, children who could easily walk the extra distance. Mr Barclay seconded the motion on the ground of economy. The side school was asked tor partly to relieve the overcrowded main school ; but it now appeared that the two schools contained no more, but even less, than the main school alone had done. If children of the 3rd Standard were allowed to attend, extra teaching power would be required; whereas there was a sufficient staff at the main school to teach all children who might come in the 3rd Standard. The motion was passsed, with au addition, suggested by the Secretary, that it do not take effect until after the next examination of the school. It was understood that notice would be given to any member of the staff of the Side School who would become redundant under the Board’s scale when the charge was made. APPOINTMENTS. The appointment of Mr Yates to the mastership of Makikihi school was confirmed. On the question of confirming the appointment of Mr Collins as master of the Upper Otia School who had already entered on his duties, occasion was taken to animadvert on the frequent mistakes made by Committees in ap* pointing a teacher and allowing him to enter upon his duties before his selection by the Committee had been approoved by the Board. The appointment was confirmed, the attention of the Committee to be drawn to the rule above referred to. An application from the Geraldine Committee for the retention of the services of a pupil teacher now under notice to leave, was postponed. The Secretary stated that Miss Con per, mistress at Waimato School, had resigned, and steps had been taken to fill her place. Mrs Eowe, mistress at Temuka School, having been absent for three weeks on account of illness, was allowed half salary during that time. MISCELLANEOUS. The offer of the Canterbury College authorities to sell a site for a school at Makikihi, and of Mr Poff to sell his lease of the same were accepted. Mr Barker reported what he had done in arranging for river protective works at the Geraldine School; the cos* of which would be about £5 16s. The Inspector reported that the new districts of Albury, Seaview, mi Eedeliff have been constituted and School Committees duly elected. The Committee in each case iiad expressed thicr opinion in favor of waiting until the Board are in possession of tnnda to supply buildings, rather than occupy temporary premises. A number of householders on Kingsdown had met and resolved to ask the Board to establish an aided school in that district, and a sum of about £OO was subscribed in aid. The attendance* of children would probably reach 2u to

start with. The proposal was favorably reported on by the Secretary, and the request of : the householders is to be acceded to.

The Inspector’s reports on the e?arpi» nation's of the South' Orari, Wailuna •Creek, Washdyke, and \Vaiht Bush Schools, Were presented. The report on the .Washdyke School was read and Commented on as very-unfavorable. 11 was mentioftOd in ' the report, however, that the stftte-Of the school was not due ■ttrthe- -present-master, as he had only fcegif 1 n .charge- six - weeks. _ The Chairman reminded the Board that the teacher .who must be held responsible had been appointed by the Commitee who-brought strong pressure to bear on the Board to obtain his ap ■pointrnent, contrary to the-judgment of the Board.

- 'The report on the Waihi Bush School stated’that the average attainment of • the school was very low, and as a consequence, 100 many had been thrown into the infant room under the Mistress, who had 38 out 0f.61 in the school. The result of- the examination .would, however, correct that to some extent. In reply to Mr Barker it was stated *that the officials of the Board at present were a Secretary and Inspector at £4OO, Assistant-Secretary at £165, and a : a?adet at 15s a week. •• • / Mr Barclay objected to a third •officer being appointed without the - sanction of the Board. If the officers •could not do the work they should tell the Board so and let them take the •necessary steps/ Many people had complained of the, great expense,.of the management of this Board whilq sq ' many schools Were wanting funds/ , "‘' • [Left sitting.]