EDUCATION BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3025, 7 December 1882, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Board wa= held to-day. Present— Messrs H. BelfMd (Chairman),E-Wake-field, S. W. Goldsmith, R. A. Barker, and R. B. Walcot. chairman’s statement. The Chairman stated that he had sanctioned the npp intment of Mr McGure to the Waimate school, and an expenditure on the Waitolii Flat school for the purpose of placing the building in a proper state, the late master having left them in a dilapidated and filthy condition. The architect and Inspector had reported upon the necessity for at once doing the work, if only on simple sanitary grounds. The Board confirmed the action of the Chairman in both matters. WAIMATAITAI SCHOOL. A sub Committee of the Board reported on the question of sites for this school. They, recommended the acquisition of the site under offer from Messrs Ross, Sims & Co. Mr Walcot enquired what had led the snb-Oommittee to this decision, Mr Wakefield, one of the sub-Com mittee,reported that they had considered the nearer the school was placed to town the better. APOLOGY. Mr W. J. Steward wrote apologising for non attendance, owing to the visit, of the Minister for Public Works to Wiamate. SEAL OF THE BOARD.

The seal of the Board was attached to sundry teachers’ appointments. INCIDENTALS. The Secretary submitted a statement showing the amounts paid by the Board for incidental expenses. The report showed that no hardships existed except at Timaru and Waimate, where the amounts deducted for the janitors houses were excessive; and a reduction was recommended in both cases. Mr Wakefield proposed, Mr Barker seconded and St was carried—“ That the Inspectors Report as to incidental grants to Committees be adopted.” TIMAEU SCHOOL STAFF. The Committee wrote asking for the reinstatement of the pupil teachers as an act of justice, and the retention of the Head Master in the interests of the school. The Secretary explained that be believed the Board overlooked the case of the pupil teachers when dealing with the matter before. The Board, however, were of opinion that the resolution of last meeting embraced every one of the staff to whom notice had been given. Mr Barker asked whether the pupil teachers could not be transferred to other schools. The Secretary doubted, under the circumstances; whether any school would like to accept them. - The Inspector said it was unfair to have allowed pupil teachers to go on for four years, and at the end of that time to suddenly dismiss them.

Mr Barker and the Chairman thought it was the Inspector’s business to have called attention to their deficiency. The Inspector said he did not consider it a part of his duty, but the duty of the Head Master, to report upon the pupil teachers, as they were in training under him.

Mr Wakefield moved, Mr Walcot seconded, and it was carried— <l That the recommendation of the Timaru Committee that the pupil teachers, Miss Fisher and Mr Cuthbert be retained, be adopted.” Mr Wakefield moved, and Dr Foster seconded, pro forma , “ That the recommendation of the Timaru Committee re the Head Master be adopted.”

Mr Walcot remarked that it had been asserted that if Miss Forbes were removed Mr Scott would get on better, and the three months’ notice that would remain to him after the departure of Miss Forbes would leave him time to show himself. Mr Wakefield said the Committee had strongly urged the retention of Mr Scott’s services, and their opinion of him ought to have weight.

Mr Barker asked whether there was not a erood deal of personal favor towards Mr Scott promptina the Committee ? The dismissal had been made as a matter of policy, and he deprecated going back upon it.

Mr Walcot endorsed the remarks of Mr Barker. Mr Wakefield said there was no report on Mr Scott. The Inspector said he had never said anything to cause the dismissal of a teacher, but things came out which showed that there was a bad state of things in the school.

Mr Wakefield asserted that the action of the Board was illogical. Miss Forbes was declared to be unmanageable and therefore dismissed. Mr Scott could not manage her. therefore he must bo dismissed. (Laughter). The motion was Inst on the voices. The Board accepted the resignation of Miss Martin. DISBURSEMENTS, Tke Timaru, Pare ora, and other Committees wrote expressing disgust at the Board’s action in paying teachers’ salaries direct. They declined, as the payment of teachers was no longer left to them, to have anything to do with the other payments. The Pareora Committee in the course of their letter wrote as follows j—- “ X wish to ask the Board if they

'hink it right for a member of th>-B-mnl to belong to tbe Teachers’ Asso--iation, If so, I would sueg-st all the Board belong to tbe Association an<> continue to encourage tbe teachers in indolence and independence."

Mr Walcot moved—“ That the Timaru School Committee be requested to return the incidentals at their account to (he National Bank.” The motion was not seconded. Mr Wakefield said if the Board took action at all, it should be for all. The majority of Committees were willing to disburse their incidentals as usual, and the irritation would soon subside. Tbe Chairman thought tbe irritation exhibited showed a had spirit.

Mr Wakefield remarked (re the Pareora Committee’s letter) that he w«f an honorary member of the Teacher's Association, hut with no idea of taking part in any deliberations of teachers re their status.

Considerable argument took place on the subject of the direct payment o! teachers, Mr Wakefield and the Chairman maintaining that Mr Walcot himself had been instrumental in bringing about the change which he now opposed. Mr Wakefield moved and Mr Barker seconded, and it was curried—“ That the Timaru and Pareora Committees be informed that the Board, in their action as to teachers’ salaries, have no intention in any way to infringe the privileges of Committees, and that they be invited to continue to disburse the incidentals and otherwise co-operate with the Board." The motion was carried. MISCELLANEUS. The Committee of the Burke’s Pass school stated that the small attendance compelled them to close the school. The Orari Bridge Committee wrote making certain complaints, and the Board at once decided to dismiss the teacher. The Claremont Committee wrote asking that the cost of a new school gate be refunded to them. The Secretary said the old gate had been made of sappy white pine, and the Committee had now put up an iron bark gate. Tbe sum of £3 10s was voted. TESTIMONIAL.

Miss Forbes wrote asking the Board to grant her a testimonial. The Chairman said he thought this was a matter for the Inspector to deal with.

, The Inspector suggested that Miss Forbes probably wanted a letter from the Board os a set-off against the Board’s direct dismissal of her. Mr Wakefield said he understood Miss Forbes was about entering upon another good situation, and the Inspector’s testimonial would be sufficient for the purpose. The Board concurred, expressing satisfaction with her ability as a teacher. SCHOLARSHIPS. Mr Wakefield said he had been in formed that scholarship money bad in some instances been witheld from parents, although no secondary instruction had been given by the teachers of the schools their children attended. The Secretray explained the usage of the Board and the matter dropped. RETIREMENT. The following members retired by rotation Messrs Goldsmith, Slack, and Wakefield. The Chairman stated that, being about to leave for England, and in the interim as he was likely to be absent from Timaru a good deal, he would like a Chairman appointed. Mr Wakefield was unanimously chosen for the post. Mr Walcot moved, and Mr Barker seconded —“ That the resignation of Mr Belfield be accepted with regret, and that Mr Wakefieled be appointed to fill the vacancy.” In speaking to the resolution Mr Walcot passed a very high enconium upon the conduct of Mr Belfield as Chairman, which was cordially endorsed by every member. Mr Belfield suitably acknowledged the compliment and the meeting terminated.