TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

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

TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL BOARD.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Board look place yesterday afternoon. Present —Timam members, Messrs H. W. Harper, J F. Lovegrove, R. A. Chisholm, and J. H, Sutter ; elected by the burgesses of Waimate, Mr S. W.’ Goldsmith ; appointed by the Geraldine County Council, Messrs J. C. McKerrow and G. F. Clulee; appointed by the Waimate County Council, Mr J. Manchester ; nominated by Government, Rev. W. Gillies,

Mr Miles, Secretary, took the Chair, pending the election of a 'Chairman, lie read the names of the members elect' d, and stated that the Rev. W. Gillies’ nomination by Government had only just been received by telegram from the Education Department. Mr Chisholm took exception to a telegraphic appointment being received. He had personally no objection to the appointment, but he would like it con firmed by a signature. ELECTION OF CHAIEMAN. Mr Chisholm proposed the election of Archdeacon Harper as Chairman of the Board, but the Archdeacon said he was unable to accept office, Mr McKerrow proposed, and Rev. Mr Gillies seconded, the election of Mr J. H. Sutter. Dr Lovegrove proposed as an amend* ment, and Mr Clulee seconded, “ That Mr Chisholm be appointed Chairman. The motion was carried and Mr Sutter took his seat as Chairman, thank* ing members for their kindness in placing him in the position. EECTOBS BKPOET, The Rector read his report for the month of November. Arising out of this, the following matters were considered : Private tuition—The Board expressed unanimous disapproval of some members ot their staff in giving private instruction. Ventilation The Rector recommended the adoption of Tobin’s system of ventilation in the school. Mr Chisholm expressed want of confidence in that system. The Board, on the motion of Dr Lovegrove, decided to enquire into both these matters. SCHOIIABSHIPB. The question of scholarships being brought up. The Rev. Mr Gillies moved, Archdeacon Harper seconded, and it was carried ‘‘That the Educational Board be invited to appoint a Committee to confer with a Committee to be appointed by the Board with a view to some joint action as to scholarships, to consist of the Chairman, Archdeacon Harper, Mr Clulee and the mover.” Archdeacon Harper moved, Mr Chisholm seconded, aud it was carried : —•‘That the four scholarships hitherto given by the Board be continued.” DIBTEIBUTION OF PEIZES. The Chairman stated that he would be unable to attend the break-up pro*

ceedings on Friday, as he was requested by the Minister of Public Works >o go up to Fairlie Creek with him on that day. The Board nnanimously resolved that Archdeacon Harper be asked to distribute the prizes. Mrs Clulee was also asked to present the remainder of the sports prizes. EE OPENING OP SCHOOLS. It was proposed on the suggestion of the Rector that the school should reopen on January 20. Mr Gillies said he would prefer longer holidays at mid-summer, and only a week’s interval between the terms. He had objected to the alteradon from quarters to terms; at the same time he would not now press his objection to the length of trying to upset existing arrangements. He wished to point out, however, that the present arrangement gave far too great a pro portion of holidays. The rector suggested fixing the date of re-opening at January 27, and substituting a fortnight between terms. Archdeacon Harper and Mr Clulee opposed any sudden changes. Mr Gillies suggested the appointment of a sub-committee to consider the question on Friday morning. On the motion of Mr Clulee it was resolved —“ That the school be closed on December 8, and reopened on January 27, the intervals between the terms to be 14 days. general policy. Mr Gillies referred to the necessity for keeping up a good supply of welltrained junior pupils to be drafted into the higher ranks of the school. By lowering the fees for the junior classes ihe Board would secure the charge of ■scholars from the beginning of their career, and very much popularise the institution.. The Chairman said he had been instrumental in having the qualification for admi-sion lowered, and he thought it fair that junior pupils should attend at a reduced fee.

Archdeacon Harper said he understood that this was intended to be a high school, not to be a competitor with the public schools. He thought there should bj a standard of age, attainment, &c„ and certainly no children under 10 should be admitted. Mr Gillies said the youngest scholar entering the High School went into secondary work at once. Mr Clulee said he understood papers were given to candidates for admission, and be would like some of the papers produced. The Hector explained that he held a certain oral examination of scholars intending to enter, and he detailed the usual steps taken by him on such occasions. As a fact there had been no very young children at the school. Besides, it was in its earlier years that a child needed the most skilful teachers. Mr Clulee asked if any boys had been refused admission on the ground of not being up to the standard. The Rector replied that three such cases had occurred. Mr Gillies warmly supported enlisting children when young rather than accepting them at a later age for finishing purposes. The matter then dropped. CAPTAIN CAIN’S PRIZE. Mr Chisholm stated that Captain Cain had offered £5 to the prize fund, and he and Mr Dawson, after conferring together had agreed that two medals should be given with the money, the conferment to depend upon special examination. The Rector stated that he had made the special examination, and found one of the boys, Ward, and one of the girls McLean, to be deserving of the medals. The Board directed the Secretary to convey their thanks to Captain Cain for his gift. MISCELLANEOUS. After transacting some routine business, passing accounts, and fixing the hour of meeting at 3.30 on the first Tuesday in each month, the Board rose.