S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1455, 16 January 1886, Page 2

S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The ordinary meeting of the South Canterbury Board of Education was held on Thursday. Present—Mr S. W. Goldsmith (Chairman), the Rev. G. Barclay, Dr Foster, and Messrs J. Talbot, R. A. Barker, M. Gray, and E. Wakefield. In his opening statement the Chairman stated that since last meeting Mr £. W. Gurr, second master of the Temuka School ; Miss Robertson, of the South Orari School; and Mr Mahan, of the Pareora school had resigns 3. Mr Meagher had been appointed third master of the Tiraaru School. Mr J, Hislop, of the Education Department. wrote acknowledging the receipt of the Board’s letter of the 3rd inst,, with reference to the payment of a portion of the building grant at the present time, and stated that the Minister was unable to state whether any of the grant would be paid at an earlier data than that mentioned in the circular, but he hoped the Board would have no difficulty in making such arrangements in regard to the buildings as not £0 necessitate the loss of th* summer months for proceeding with the several works contemplated. In their report the architects suggested that the windows of the Geraldine Infant School should be altered. The Inspector reported that the had held the annual standard examination at ( the Otaio, Hunter, Wai'tuna Creik, Waihoa, Redcliff, Upper Otaio, Winchester, Orari South, Geraldine Flat, Geraldine, Orari Bridge, Scotsburn, Pleasant Valley, Gapes’ Valley, Kakahu Bush, Hilton, and Waimate schools, and the Board decided (he reports should be at once forwarded to the Committees, and,

their attention if necessary directed to parts of them. With respect to matters connected with the Teachers’ Institute, Dr Anderson reported as follows—“ The recommendation of the Teachers’ Institute in regard to the school books which it is desirable to use throughout the district, are not as full as I could have wished, but as far as they go they may be accepted in the subjects of history, geography and grammar. As for the reading books, those recommended are the books already in use, and even if they were found to be the most suitable (of which I have some doubt) no action need be taken in regard to theji; and in the case of any subject, I think it would be undesirable to do more at the present time than simply advise schoolmasters to gradually introduce the books mentioned. In two oases an alternative is given—New Zealand Geography and in Grammar. I prefer in these subjects the books of Mrs Patterson and of Mr Mason,” The Scholarship Committee submitted a draft report of the scholarship examintion which commenced on the 28th December 1885, and ended on the first January 1886. Archdeacon Harper reported that the only candidate (Miss Meredith) examined in Latin did a decidedly good paper, and Mr Gray reported also that this young lady did exceedingly careful and correct work in Arithmetic, Euclid and Algebra. In the junior division with two exceptions the work done was only moderately good. Mr Barclay was on the whole very much disappointed with ilia way candidates acquitted themselves when dealing with the papers set by him. Mias Alice Meredith was the only candidate who sat for the senior examination, and the nnmber of marks gained by her ■ was 720. It is not known yet whether she will be awarded a scholarship. The junior examination resulted as follows -W. A. Morton, Terauka, 477 marks; May Austin, Winchester, 449 ; Gertrude Brown, Temuka, 416; J. D. Robertson, Timaru, 381; W. Wiggs, Waimate, 346 ; W. J. Grigg, Timaru, 337 ; Alice Klee, Winchester, 526; G, W. Stubbs, Timaru, 318 ; J. Parr, Timaru, 309; Annie Clark, Timaru, 304 ; F. 0. Kohn, Timaru, 300; Letitia Hassell, Timaru, 293 ; Maud Shappere, Timaru, 277 T. B. J. Sinclair, Timaru, 292. On the motion of Mr Wakefield, seconded by Mr Talbot, it was resolved—- “ That the thanks of the Board be given to the Scholarship Committee, and that they be requested to make all enquiries concerning candidates’ ages, etc., and report finally at the next meeting of the Board.”

Mr G. G. Bussell forwarded bis resigns* tion as a member of the Board, and it was accepted with regret. Correspondence was read as follows

From the School Commissioners, stating that the Board’s application for the enlargement of the school site at Geraldine Fiat had been refused.

From the Pleasant Valley School Committee, stating they were not competent to make up an estimate of the cest of repairs to school buildings, and asking that the Board’s architect be sent out, — Application to be complied with. From the householders of Eangitata South praying that their district be proclaimed an educational one, and promising to contribute towards the cost of education. Usual steps to be taken ; Committee to be asked to suggest a new name for the district, ?s present name is likely to clash with others. From the Committee of the Silverstream School, requesting that a master’s residence be erected in the district.—Consideration of application postponed. In reply to a letter from the Timaru High School Board, it was resolved- “ That the Timaru High School Board be informed that it is not the intention of the Board to exclude any junior scholarship holders who may be attending their school from competing for the senior scholarships, provided the regulations as to age are complied with.” From the Timaru School Committee, asking for additional teaching power, in order that the sexes in the VI. Standard might be divided.—Application not entertained, as sufficient reason was not shown for the change. From the Woodbury School Committee, asking that the sum of £56 4s 2d be expended in painting and repairs to the school buildings.—Application cot entertained.

Comer and Larcombe’s tender for alterations to the Orari Bridge School for £42 10a, and for additions to the Geraldine School at £lO3 was accepted. After passing accounts the Board adjourned.