SCHOOL COMMITTEES' CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 12 June 1914, Page 7

SCHOOL COMMITTEES' CONFERENCE.

A REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING. GREAT INTEREST EXHIBITED. Tdie Taranaki School Committees' Conference was held in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, Mr S. J. Smith, chairman of the Central Wchool Committee, presiding over an attendance of C 4 delegates', includisg the following: Rev. Jtoaeveare, Messrs 0. T. Mills, v. Griffiths, Short, Dol!by (Central), T. P. Hughson, A. F. Oapman (Rahotu), Harvey (Pungarehu), G. S. Giddy (Bird road), J. O'Connor (Makahu), C. Staimpt-on (Omata), A. Smith (Hurford road), C. F. A. Volzke (York), H. Oodd (Dudley road), 1". Cable (Puniho), A. E. Sadler (Warea), C. Hoskiiis and J. W. Downs (Bell B.ock), J. R. Hill (Hillsborough), G White, A. H. Jones, W. G. Reid and R. Bon (Fitzroy), Paul Stackurski ('Raitapiko), Simpson (Durham road and Moa behoola Association), T. B. Cooke (Piko), P. Darke (Okoke), E. Marfell and T. R. Bocock (Raoipuha), J. G. David»n, H. M. Purdy, G. Graham and W. J. Clare (Waihi), E. G. Tuunielitle (Petone), W. H. F. Morris (Oakura), G. Gopperth and F. Shicker (Kaimiro), W. Thomson (.West End), A. Smith (Hurford road), D. Jones, (Ngaire), W. Phillips (Huiroa), W. G. Stanton and .W Worn (Dower Mangorei), H. Wakely and G. Saleman (Waitara), W. Holtz (Huiakama), J. Oonagten and J. Pettigrew (Pihama), F. Lundon (Whangamomona), L. 0. Milne, M. Gernihoefer and A. J. Cnaney (Toko), G. Sangster ("tanley road), P. Skoglund (Stratford), A. C. Downes (FranKley road), W. (Lepperton), J. Rowlands, J. Batten and N. Rundle (Kent road), W. T. Mills (Denbigh.), J. Tharkleson (Tariki), II Smith (Tataraimaka), V. Dravitzki (Ratapiko), C. Barnett (Musker), P. Wells (Pu'kearuhe.). Ol'i'iOlAL WELCOME.

The chairman, in opening the proceedings, th.an.ved those present for their attendance and cxpresed the gratitude of the Association for the assistance re'ceired. It was recognised that the position of school cemmitees was unsatisfactory and that something should be done for improving the status ri the committees.

CIVIC WELCOME, r Mr Oollis, Deputy-Mayor, extended a civic welcome to the delegates, and ic- [ grettad the absence of the Mayor, TJhe functions of school committees were important and very necessary. He considered the ought to have a good say in the appointment of teachers and of making enquiries' as to their fitness. He quoted a case in which liis committee had reversed the order of Becommcndations made (by the Board, and the result was greatly 'beneficial to the school. He urged that the delegates should take the wide standpoint of the greatest good for the greatest number, j He hoped the May of the delegates would be pleasant, and the result of their deliberations be productive of great benefit to the cause of education. (Applause.)

ADDRESS ON THE SYLLABUS. Mr CI. 11. Dolby, M.A., a member of :th« Central Committee, read a.paper on ''The Syllabus." Under the old syllabus the chiel eil'ort of teachers, was to impress on the memory certain dates, and tacts from books, 'the new system was founded more on the encouragement of observation than book learning. It made far greater demands on the teacher than the old system and though not perfect was a decided improvement on the old system. He urged that parents should assist teachers by a.-king their children each day a few questions on the day's lestsoiis. He defended home lessons as Doing of great bcnclit, especially where the parents took an interest in the children's work.

Mr Skog.und (Stratford) considered ilr Dolby deserved the thanks of the meeting for his able anu interesting address. Kcferring to the question of books, he swid 'he was a firm believer in books and the Knowledge ©lined from books. It was owing to lack of study while at school that parents were unable to assist their children in learning. He urged that children on leaving sdiool should be furnished with the best books obtainable.

Mr Conaglon (Pihama) said he was quite in accord with object lessons. There was too much book learning at present and not enough object lesi-ons. The question aliected the trend of country children to town later *>n. .Mr Mills (Denbig-a road) also concurred, in Mr Dolby's views. He dwelt on the injustice of inspectors reporting unfavorably on a school because there happened to be some dull children there for whom allowances ought to be made, and teachen-s should not' be blamed.

!Mr Downes (Franklcy road) advocated that all children, should be furnished with a copy of the Children's .Magazine, I which he highly eulogi.scd. 1 MivLundon (Whangamomona) was indined to think uie sylla.bus was overcrowded, and that prevented children getting a good grounding. He favored children after passing standard IV. being j furnished with hooks.

Mr ('. T. Mills (Xew Plymouth) moved ti 'hearty vote of thanks to -Mr Dolby. This was carried by aeelamation. ADDIiKSB BY Mil THIMBLE

Mr 11. Trimble, chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, gave an addled on "Unties of Education Boards and Committees lienerally." The duties of boards and committees, he said, were clearly delined by the Act, hut one important oinipijion had been made in the Act, namely, providing the committee with funds. Apparently the framcrs of the Act expected large voluntary contributions, but experience .proved that it was useless to expect voluntary Mibscriptious for such purposes/ lie thought the duty imposed on committees of keeping the .school and ground* .bright, cheerful, and in good order, was of great importance and had an iiilluencc on the character of the children. The committees elected the board and it was for them to i-iee that suitable members were elected to the board. If committees carried out their duties satisfactorily, there would be no dearth of employees.' He con) idered that it was far belter for the board to appoint the Ueachers than that the appointment should rest with the committees. The question of prriniiCilion of (eachcr-ii was affected and the board's policy to carry j out a system of promotion was yen- ad- | visablc' If the board, as it invariably j did, considered the teachers' qualiliea-

---tion-i no valid objection could lie made by committees (o the (pialilicalion of appointees. Teaclier.s' were desirou-, nf securing a Dominion scheme of classification and promotion, and if (bey obtained tliis it would practically fake anpoiutmenU out of tlie hands of the (wards. He hoped it would never be given back to the committees. In Taranaki tlie committees wherever possible wore given a choice of three applicants. With regard to exemption of children from attendance in esse of sickness he considered the committee should grant the exemption, but he was sure that if a satisfactory writen excuse for a chHd's absence were given the parents wauld not be worried by the truant in-

spector. With reference; to Uie wihila|tion of schools, lie pointed out t:lio necessity of children being brought up in clean, healthy suiroimiliiig.s, not only at the school but at their own homes, lie {feked that committees should j-criously consider the question of sanitation, ami he was convinced tinvt the lnoai'd would assist to the best of its ability. (Applause.) Mr Jones (Xgaere) commented on the question of exemption. M r Dolby advocated the n>e of dry earth in connection with sanitary app!i-

ances 1 . Mr Hughson (Rahotu) favored the pit system with dry earth as a disinfectant. He did not think that a sys tern of attendance exemptions by committees woud work well. Mr Mills (Denbigh road) considered that tile best plan of granting exemptions was to leave tac matter in the teachers' hands. Messrs Rowlands. (Kent road) mid Therkleson (Tariki) spoke. Mir Trimble stated that the Bonrrt always! installed pans when so desired by any committee. On the ruction of Mr Downs ahearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Trimble for his address. MR GEAY ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Mr A. Gray read a paper o n "Technical Education and Technical Schools." lie pointed out that in England, Germany and America tcchincaJ education was being carried out. Principles, ot reasons why, formed a large part of technical instruction, but flic pointed ont that it was not the intent of the system to tarn out finished tradesmen. Technical schools opened up the avenue to skilled ■workmanship. Workers should be thinking beings and mot machines. It was recognised that general education isliould ibe carried on by means of continuation schools in connection with Bpecial technical training. Ho hoped the time was not far distant when all the children would have the means >f receiving technical instruction in agricultural matters. In a provincial town like New Plymouth the technical school could, by the assistance of the people, be fully staffed and prepare studentfe for degrees. Mr Jones (Ngaere) said he greatly regretted that the technical instruction was only available to the few, as it ee-nld not be reached by the country children. He advocated that it should be supplemented by a system something like that adopted by the International School of Correspondence, and thus give all children the 'benefit of the instruction. (Applause.) Mr Mills strongly urged technical instruction on farming matters being given to both boys and girls. On the motion of Mr 'Short a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Gray for his add™*. In acknowledging the viote, Mr Gray asked that when ! any particular elate was desired it ! stiould be notified to him, so that if possible the class could be formed. I

THE REMITS. ENLARGEMENT OF EDUCATION DISTRICT.

The chairman said that there appeared to he. some doubt as to the Taranaki Board would be abolished, and that was why resolutions had been pushed by meetings of householders in favor of the motion which he then moved: "That the Taranaki Education District should he enlarged to include at least the Whole of the Provincial District of Tiaranaki."

Mr Skogluncl considered the matter was so obvious that it needed no dis-

The motion was carried unanimously INCREASED CAPTTATIOX.

Mr 0. T. Mill* moved: "That the capitation now paid to committees having proved inadequate, this conference strongly urges that the capitation allowance be. substantially increased," Mr Skogluiul considered that the Boards should give committees larger subsidies. It was disgraceful that the Department starved t'lie committees and compelled them to beg for funds to carry on the work of education.

The motion was carried unauiinousjly. SUBSIDIES TO PRIMARY (SCHOOLS. Rev. Rosevcare moved: 'That Section 100 (clauses a and b) of the Education Act, be made applicable' to primary schools." He contended that if f for £ were given to district high schools, the primary schools should receive the same. He considered there should be no differentiation. Committees needed encouragement not discouragement in raising fundi*, and he considered the motion was in the right direction.

Mr J. Hill seconded the motion,

The chairman stated that the Minister had said he had proponed to remedy the grievance by taking thi> subsidy from the high schools ami giving it to the primary schools, but there was pilch a howl that he had to drop the proposal. The motion was carried unanimously.

CHAXGING Tf.ACIIEr.S. Mr liarnett (Uruu) moved: "Tliat in justice to teachers and pupils, no teacher should be transferred just prior to an annual examination." He advocated that no transfer slhould be made within two months of an examination.

The motion was seconded by Mr Boeock (Rnumilin) and after sonic discussion, in which 1 the difficulty of resignations was mentioned, the 'motion' was carried unanimously.

REMOVAL G'F TEAOU'IR.-. ArTKii. FIVE YEARS. Mr Harvey (Puiigurehii) moved. "That after any teacher has .been live years at any one school, such teacher shall be removed upon the receipt of a petition from the majority of parents to Hie Board."

Mr Reid (Fitzroy) considered the proposal was most unfair. .Mr. Hill pointed out that the only objection which Mi- Trim'ble said could he entertained with regard to a teacher was inefficiency.

.Mr Skoglund was adverse to the motion, which was also opposed by several other delegates, it being pointed out that any _case could be dealt with by the committee as it arose.

Rev. Ro.seveare pointed out that it would be most unfair that a teacher who had become unpopular for some reason outside his teaching should, be dismissed. The motion was then withdrawn. TEACHERS' SALARIES.

The chairman moved: "That this conference strongly urges that the salaries of teachers should he brought into line with those paid l to other branche.si of the public service, more especially in regard to those just entering the profession." He urged that it was impassible to get the best mem and women teachers unlcssi they were adequately remunerated'. He contrasted pupil teachers pay and certificates with those of railway cadets. He considered the committees should show that they had the best interests) of the teachers at heart. Mr Davidson seconded the motion, which was carried. CLASSIFICATION.

The chairman, moved: "That this conference urges that a teachers' classification scheme, similar to that existin" in other branches of the Public Service be brought into operation by the Department." Ho pointed out that the payment by attendance would-be abolished, and the status of teachers greatly improved.

Mr Downes seconded the. motion. Mr Mills considered the prono.sal would encourage ability, but there was a danger that it might keep good teachers out of the service.

Mr Marfell said he would like to s,ee the proposal withdrawn. In reply to an enquiry the chairman pointed out that classification encouraged merit and abolished favoritism. Mr Dowries considered that if the teachers wanted classification they shlould have it.

The_ motion was carried by a large majority. QUARTERLY REPORTS.

Mr Gernhoefer (Toko) moved: "That teachers be instructed to forward a quarterly report to parents, showing what progress, if any, has been made by pupils during that period and that the Board be asked to supply the necessary stationery."

The motion was seconded by Mr Chancy (Toko). In the discussion which ensued, the motion was generally supported. It was also stated that some committees already adopted the system. The motion was carried unanimously. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.

Mr Chapman (Rahotu) mioved: "That when necessary to punish a child, such punishment shall be inuicted in front of the class, and not take place in anv ante-room." The mio.ver strongly urged the adoption of the proposal.

Mir Sadler seconded U.i motion

Mr Lundon moved as an addition to tilt motion: "That corporal punishment be administered by certificated teachers only."

Mr Ooppertli seconded the addition to the motion.

Mr J. Hill considered that punishment administered (before tlic school was ;11l object lesson. tTlifc original motion was canied unanimously. The motion of Mr Lundon was then vithdvawn.

TTOME WORK.

Mr Downes brought up the question of home work ior review by the conference. What was wanted, he contended, was a regulation by the Hoard setting forth the amount of home-work to be given to tlie children. He advocated more home work being given on Friday night. Tie moved that the Board be asked to frame a definite regulation On ihc matter. Mr Davidson seconded the motion. Mr C. T. Mills advocated home work n? a preparation for lessons. The motion was carried.

A remit from Mt. Messenger, in favor of only one subject for home work being given was withdrawn.

'MEDICAL EXAMINATION. 'ihe chairman moved: ''Thai the pi ' sent system, of medical examination of school children be discussed by the conference." The motion was carried. Mr Downes contended that the medical examination should not take place before a cla**j or -before a school. Mr Davidson moved that the medical examination should be an annual one and. conducted in private.

Mr Sadler seconded the motion. Mr Giddy (Bird road) considered that the question of overcrowding in schools was more urgent than tnat of medical examination.

Mr Lundon strongly advocated school children being examined annually. Mr. Downs drew attention to the subject of malnutrition of children. The motion was carried.

EXAMINATION OF STANDARD VI. Mr. Downs (Frankleyl moved—"That this Conference urges that the examination of Standard VI. be conducted hi each school under the supervision of the head teachers." He contended that it was unfair to children to have to attend a strange scliool or other place of examination, and that they were far more likely to do justice to their scholarship if examined at their own schools. In reply to Mr. Skoglund, the chairman stated that the examination in question was that for the proficiency certificate. He pointed out that the locality of the examination was entirely in the'lnspectors' hands. ■ Mr. C. T. -Mills considered that it would be very unwise to take the matter out of the Inspectors' hands. The chairman pointed out that the intention of the motion was to provide for children being examined at their own schools. There was no question of the teacher conducting the examination.

Rev. Rosevearo contended that it was necessary for the examinations to be supervised by the head teacher, the Inspectors providing the papers-. (Mlierwise the Inspectors would never be able to overtake the work. The motion was carried. PHYSICAL- CUL'iTKK.

Mr. Short (Central) moved -"That the system of physical culture, as adopted by the Department, be brought into vogue in this district immediately; that all equipment required in teaching children physical culture and gymnastics be provided by the Department." lie said that the children in New Plymouth were not at present receiving instruction in physical culture, the reason being that Mr. Royd Garliek had not been invited to come to this district. Mr. Skoglund seconded the motion, which was carried.

HOLIDAYS. Mr. Bocock (Raupulia) movoil—"Tliat the micl-wintov holidays should be extended, and the mid-summer holidays should he correspondinglr curtailed." , Mr. P. Staekurski (Rathpiko) seconded the motion.

Mr. Hills opposed the proposal, aa did Mr. Sadler.

Mr, Skoglund pointed out that many of the teachers utilised the winter holidays for tlie purpose of study. Mr. Marfell advocated the country children having an opportunity of going away for a change in the winter when theji could be spared. Mr. J. R. Hill proposed as an amendment—"That the Board he requested wherever possible to extend the midwinter holidays to country schools." Mr. Morris seconded the amendment.

The original motion was then with drawn.

Mr. Jones proposed that the midsummer holidays remain as at present, and that the winter holidays be extended to a fortnight instead of a week in winter and a week in spring. Mr. Mills advocated the motion being confined to the country schools.

Mr. Conaglen considered that there would be no difficulty in any committee getting the Board to sanction the proposed alteration if desirable. Mr. Wells considered that the holidays must lie uniform. The amendment was lost, and the motion carried. BANK CHARGES.

Mr. Lundon moved—"That the Board be asked to devise some means of relieving committees of the present bank charge of 10s for keeping accounts." Mr. Cooke seconded the motion, stating that post office accounts were not always possible, while a cheque could be drawn at once.

Several speakers spoke unfavorably of the difficulties attendant on banking with the post office. The motion was carried unanimously.

POWERS OF COMMITTEES. ■Mr. Huglison (Rahotu) moved—"That a protest be made against tho fast dimishing powers of committees, especially in regard to the removal and appointment of teachers." He contended that the powers of committees had been so lopped off that they did not know what wase left. The committees had practically no say in the administration of the work of education, for when they approached the Board they got little satisfaction. He advocated district advisory committees being formed so that Jill grievances might be considered, and by united effort the powers of eommittes would be increased. Another advantage would be that in the election of members of the Hoard the right men would be chosen, who would study the interests of the committees. The motion was lost. COMMITTEES' TERM OF OFFTCE. . 'Mr. Downcs moved—"That for the better carrying out of their duties, committees should be elected for a term of two years." " j Mr. Short seconded the motion, which j was lost. WIDER FRANCHISE.

Tho chairman moved—'"That the Education Act be amended to provide that in the election of school committees, all persons whose names appear on the Parliamentary roll, and who reside in the respective districts, he eligible to vote."

Mr. Cooke seconded the motion.

Mr. ,T. R. Hill pointed out that a number of young men might control tlifivoting and elect a committee that would make the schools dancing halls. Several speakers opposed the motion, which was lost by an overwhelming majority. '

HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETING. Mr. Reed moved—"That the time for holding tin; annual meeting of householders he altered, from 7 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., 7 p.m. l)i in™ considered too early and inconvenient." The motion was earried. WATER SERVICE.

Mr. Purdy (Waihi) moved—"That the Conference urge for more consideration to country schools in the matter of supply of adequate water service." He strongly urged the necessity for a supply of pure water to the schools, that being of far greater importance than medical examination.

The motion was carried unanimously STATUS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES'

ASSOCIATIONS.

Mr. Simpson (Mo.;) moved—"That Parliament be petition'! to give an association of school oniiiiitlees legal status in the educational laws of the Dominion, with the object of enabling members of central boards of education to be elected from members of such associations, and from y no other source, and that all persona whose names appear on the Parliamentary roll in the districts included in such Association be entitled to vote."

The motion was referred to the incoming executive.

BALLOT-BOX.

A motion bv Mr.-O. T. Mills in favor of the abolition of the ballot box at school committees' oleitious was lost. SCHOOL GARDENS AND AGRICUL-

TUBE.

Mr. Conaglen (Piliama) moved—"That this Conference urge oh the Government the need of more to school gardens and agriculture." The motion was carried.

The resolutions passed by the Conference were, left in the hands of the executive of the North Taranaki School Committees' Association to deal with. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, and'bis reply thereto, concluded the proceedings.