S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2068, 5 July 1890, Page 2

S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The monthly meeting of the Board of Education was held at Timaru on Thursday. Present—Messrs B, W. Goldsmith (chairman), W. B. Howell, J. Talbot, R H. Pearpoint, and R. A. Barker, and Revs, G. Barclay and T, Jasper Smyth. GEEALDINE SCHOOL. Mr Pearpoint moved the resolution of which he had given notice—" That the Minister of Education be again approached re raising the status of the Geraldine school.” Mr Pearpoint said the motion had been well talked over before, and he need not say much on bringing the matter up again. It was true that- the other two district high schools in South Canterbury had not been a great success, Temuka especially, but that was no argument, for that might be the fault of the Temuka parents. If the Temuka school was such a failure it might be closed, and Geraldine given the chance Temuka had neglected, . Mr Talbot spoke at great length in opposition to the proposal, Auckland, Nelson, Wanganui, Westland, Taranaki, and North Canterbury had no district high schools. Hawkes Bay had one at Gisborne, which cost the board nothing, as a grant of £l5O from the Government and fees covered the cost, Southland had one, which entailed no additional cost, the head teachers being simply permitted to teach secondary subjects during school hours. Greymouth has one, at no additional cost; it was simply allowed to go. Otago had four, at an extra cost of £2OO a year each. These four schools, Mr Talbot argued, had not done much good, if the number who had passed the matriculation examination was any test, as only 27 had passed from the four since they had been established. If any .children in Geraldine wished for secondary education they could get it by offering the teacher fair tees for teaching them out of school hours. He would not interfere with the organisation and work of the primary school for the sake of doing what might be done. The Rev. Mr Barclay, in seconding the motion said it could not be said that the board spent much money upon secondary education, as out of their income from capitation, some £14,000, only £2OO was spent in that wav.

After some further discussion the motion was put and carried, Air Talbot only dissenting, The architect reported the Geraldine school would be finished by next board day, TEND BBS. Tenders for painting and repairs at certain schools were opened and the following accepted : Itangitata Island, A. Clinch, £l4; Milford, J. Cooper, £9 15s; Waitohi Flat, J; Cooper, £ls sa; Pleasant Point, C. Bates, £l6 12s. TIMAEH SCHOOL It was decided to invite applications for position of head master to the Timaru school. OTHER SCHOOLS were dealt with, and specifications and estimates were ordered to be supplied as regards a draining ditch and fence around the Geraldine school and a to the masters house.