GERALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1335, 2 May 1885, Page 3

GERALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of this Committee, was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Present—Messrs N. Dunlop (Chairman), R. S. Cook, W. R, Lawson, Geo. Ward, W. H. Lodge, and A. Sberratt. minutes. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. COBBBSf ONDKN OE •

The following correspondeaco was read and considered From the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, offering a scholarship of the value of 12 guineas per annum, on the condition that the competitors be other than those attending the Timaru High School; that the winner shall attend the Timaru High School for the two years for which the scholarship is tenable; and that the examination shall be the same as the Education Board’s examination in the TI. Standard. It was considered by the Committee and also by the head master, Mr Hughes, (aa the Chairman reported) that the scholarship would be of little benefit to children from a place situated at a distance from Timaru, as Geraldine was. The scholar would have to reside in Timaru, and his board would cost at least £4O per annum. Mr Sherratt thought it would suit a boyvery well who had the intention of going to the High School in Timaru. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Sherratt seconded by Mr Lawson, to acknowledge the Society's offer, and to recommend them to allow the winner of the scholarship to attend any High School in the district. From the South Canterbury Board of Education, enclosing for the Committee’s guidance a circular from the Education Department, Wellington. The circular briefly pressed upon the Board the representations made by the Minister of Education in his sixth annual report, to the effect that the Board shall out of their ordinary fund make payments for pur- - chasing, erecting, putting up or improving school buildings.—Letter to be acknowledged. From the same, for warding a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Board, on the recommendation of the Committee appointed to consider the claims made by • several School Committees for small - grants for repairs. The resolution was to the effect that the only practical aplu- • tion of the question of these claims was that two members of the Board be appointed to visit each school for which a grant is applied, and report as to the actual necessities of the different cases. The Chairman stated this letter was the reply to the Committee’s application for a grant of £25 to repair the school fences, etc. head master’s report. This report for the month of April was read as follows :

“I have the honor to report that the average attendance at school for the past four weeks has been 178.—As the cold weather is approaching a supply of coal and firewood is necessary.—X shall be pleased to receive instructions as to whether or not the school is to be closed on either of the race days (sth and 6th May). My experience is that few children attend on the afternoons of these days ; very few on the second day. Last year there was only a one day’s meeting and a holiday was given in the afternoon.—l am, etc,, ... .“Teos, Hughes.” It was resolved on the motion of Mr Cook, seconded by Mr Ward—“ That tendsrs be called for a supply of firewood (black pine stumps) at per cord ; and coal (Newcastle) at per ion,” It was further resolved—“ That Messrs Lawson and Cook be appointed a committee to call for and accept tenders,” as the firing was wanted at once and it would be too long to wait till next Committee meeting. Be the holiday, is was proposed by Mr Lawson, and seconded by Mr Ward—- “ That the school be closed for half a day on the second day of the races.” visitors’ report. Mr Sherratt, on behalf of the Visiting Committee, reported that they had visited the school on the 22nd Inst., and found everything in good working order, and the

attendance was 182, They had inspected the repairs that were being carried out to Hie windows, etc. The large panes had been put in the windows of the class rooms, and a number of small ones in the windows of the infant room. The contractor had not yet removed the bees from the school but would do so in a day or two. visitoks. Messrs Cook and Lodge were appointed visitors for the month. THE TEACHING STAFF. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Ward, seconded by Mr Lodge—“ That in future all the teachers must be in their places when the school reopens after holidays.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts for glazing 11s, whitewashing the walls of the school and Master’s house £llss, and hire of Oddfellows’ Hall on night of distribution of prixs«£l Is, total £3 7s, wore passed for paylSotit, and the Committee adjourned.