TEMUKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1074, 22 February 1883, Page 3

TEMUKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the above school Committee took place last Tuesday evening. Present Messrs Mackay (Chairman), Blyth, Bolton, end Kirk.

MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting wen read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. bix letters received were read. These included one from the Board of Education stating that at the last meeting of the Board of Education plans for complete school buildings (in brick) at Temuka were submitted for the Board’s approval, and it was decided that tenders for carrying out the work should be called as soon as certain modifications in the plans were made. From the same, sanctioning the appointment of Mr Meager as third teacher.

From tbe same, in reference to the salary of Miss Florence Brown, and stating that in future she would be classed as a second year pupil teacher. From the same, enclosing a list of candidates for the seat rendered vacant on the Board by the resignation of Mr H. Belfield. HEAD MASTER’S REPORT. The following report of the headmaster for the past month was read : No. on roll—-Boys, 215 ; girls, 188 ; total 403. Working average—Boys, 141.7; girls, 116.4; total, 258, Strict average—Boys, 137.2 ; girls, 111.8 ; total, 248.5. Highest attendance—Boys, 158 ; girls, 135 ; total, 293 (on the 7th February, 1883.) No. admitted since re-opening—Boys, 23 ; girls, 28 ; total, 51. BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER. Proposed by Mr Kirk, seconded by Mr Blyth, and carried —‘ That Mr J. Talbot be voted for by this Committee as a member of the Board of Education,.

THE Mi'V SCHOOL. The Chairman referred to the letter from the Education Board in reference to the new school building, and It was proposed by Mr Kirk, seconded by Mr Blyili and earned Ihat the Chairman wile to the Board, and ask them to send the plans of the new buildings for the inspection of the Committee, and inform the Committee as to what number of scholars the new building will accommodate.’ THE THIRD TEACHER. The Chairman stated that, Mr Meager, the third teacher, had arrived. Mr Marshall, the teacher recommended by the Inspector, had gone to Russell’s Flat. SCHOOL REQUISITES. The headmaster sent in a list of articles required for the use of the school with prices attached. The list included books, slates, paper, etc. Proposed by Mr Blylh, seconded by Mr Bolton and carried —‘That the requisites recommended by the head master to bo procured by tho Committee from the Board of Education for the use of the children be ordered, the head master to take charge of the same, and supply them to the children at the price stated in the list.’ IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE. The Chairman said that he had seen the head master that day, and he had informed him that some of the children supposed to be attending the school played truant. Some parents knew that their children stayed away ; while others did not. He (the master) had then suggested to him that printed forms should be procured, and on any child absenting himself from school ou any occasion a form should be sent to the parents enquiring tho reason of the child s absence. Mr Wood had supplied him with two specimens ol notice, which he laid before the Committee. If the parents di 1 not reply to the notice it might be taken for granted that they were aware of the child’s absence, and the Committee could then proceed against them. It was proposed by Mr Bolton, seconded by Mr Kirk and carried— ‘ That the matter in reference of procuring printed notices in reference to the absence of children from the school be loft to the Chairman. ’ COMPULSORY EDUCATION. Mr Kirk brought up the matter of the compulsory clauses of tho Education Act. He had seen several children running about the town who certainly ought to be at school. The harvest was now nearly over, and he thought the parents should be compelled to send their children to the school. A great injustice was done to the children if they were not sent to school. Mr Bolton wished to know whether it was necessary to bring the Act into force. The late Committee had instructed the Inspector (Mr Hammond) to»tako action against the parents or guardians of absentees, but nothing had been done. The Chairman stated that it was necessary that the Act should be brought into force.

Proposed by Mr Kirk, seconded by Mr’Bolton and carried—“ That the compulsory clauses of tbe Education Act be brought into force.’ ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of 4s Id were passed for payment. PLACE OF MEETING. Mr Blyth wished to know whether they could not meet in a room somewhat nearer the town. It was a long way to come. The other members wore of opinion that the schoolroom was the most suitable place to meet in. visitor’s report. Mr Kirk said he had visited the school the day previously. lie was of opinion that the head master had far too much to do. Several classes were now mixed. The fact was the present building was most ivadequate for the number of scholars they had attending. The Chairman said that the head master was at present working under great disadvantages in regard to staff at his command. He then referred to the size and shape of the building now in use, and said he did not think that things would be satisfactory till the new school was built.

Mr Kirk was appointed visitor for the ensuing month, and after, reading the rough minutes, the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks the Chairman.