BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1312, 7 March 1885, Page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The usual monthly meeting of the above was held last Thursday at Timaru. Present—Rev. G. Barclay (Chairman), Dr Foster, Russell, Goldsmith, Talbot, Barker and Gray. The Chairman stated that Upper Wai* tohi had been proclaimed a school district and that it would be necessary to re-advertise the boundaries of theKakahu Bush school districts,

The Secretary stated that thirty-one School Committees had voted at the late election for members of the Board, the result being as follows :—Mr John Talbot, 28 ; Mr Melville Gray, .27 ; Dr 0. J. Foster, 16; Mr R. H. Poatlethwaite, 9; Mr James Bruce, o.—The Chairman declared the three first-named gentlemen duly elected members of the South Canterbury Board of Education for the ensuing year. The Architect reported that the repairs at the Geraldine Flat, Temuka and Timaru schools had been completed; and he furnished an estimate for fencing at the Waimataitai school ; also, he had prepared plans and called for tenders for four masters’ residences, namely, at Makikihi, Kingsdown, Geraldine Flat and Orari Bridge. The Inspector’s report staled that there were 34 candidates for scholarships, and suggested it should be held earlier in the year so that those who intended attending the High School should bp able to do so at the commencement of the terny— On the motion of Mr Talbot it was resolved— That circulars be addressed to the Head Masters of schools inviting suggestions from them as to the most suitable time in their opinion to hold annual scholarship examination.”—Carried. Correspondence was read as follows * From the Chairman of the Scotsburn School Committee stating that, owing to the unfavorable report on the school by the Inspector, the Committee recommended a change of teachers. A letter from the teacher was also read.-lfhe Board decided to accept the CommitfSe’s recommendation, the teacher to receive three months’ notice.

From Mr Gfrr, second master at the Temuka District High School, declining to agree to the action taken by the Board at its last meeting in respect to his salary. —The Board saw no reason to alter their former decision on this matter.

From Mr Graham, with reference to the election of Chairman of the newlyformed Committee for the Kakahu Bush school district.—From the letter, and from previous ones that have been before the Board, it was gathered that Mr Jones and Mr Graham were both proposed and seconded as Chairman ; that through some informality in the voting they both claimed the right to preside, and that since the Committee’s election Mr Jones and his followers, snd Mr Graham and his, had held meetings. Some discussion took place on the letter, the Chairman and Mr Russell holding that the Board had nothing to do with matter, and Mr Barker stating that it was only a little country squabble, and like all such would soon burn itself out. Finally the Board' decided to recommend the Committee to settle the matter among themselves. From the Woodbury School Committee, app’ying for a blackboard and The application was granted. From the Gapes’s Valley School Committee, again applying that the school be taken over by the Boxrd.— After some discussion this matter was allowed to stand., over till next Board day, Dr Foster under- ■ taking to report on it. From the Government Life Insurance Agent, asking that the Board deduct from those teachers whoso lives are insured in the Government office, the amount of their premiums and pay it into the Insurance Fund.—lt was agreed tliaji the Secretary consult w>th the teachers who are insured in the Government office about the matter.

From the Pleasant Valley School Committee, with reference to a change in the teaching staff of the school.—The Secretary was instructed to write to the Committee and obtain more definite information from them, the matter to be discussed at next meeting. Application for grants for repairs at the Milford, Woodbury, Pareora, Geraldinf and Waimate schools were ordered to bo

considered fwhen making up the list mentioned in the Chairman’s statement. . On the recommendation of the Committee, Mr Murray was appointed Head Master of the Timaru school.—Messrs Hill and Jones complained that the Timaru Side School was in so dirty a state that the dirt could be taken off with a knife.—The Chairman and Mr Russell Wia appointed to visit the school. The Board then adjourned.