S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2353, 7 May 1892, Page 3

S.C. BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The monthly meeting of tho Board of * Education was held on Thursday, PreBen t Messrs S. W. Goldsmith (chairman), W. B. Howell, W. Storey, J. Talbot, G. H. Rhodes, R. H, Pearpoint, J. Jackson, and M. Gray. The chairman stated that since tho previous meeting he had received the resignation of Mr Connor, master at Pleasant Yalley, who had left tho district, and he had sanctioned the employment of Mr Kalaugher as locum tenens. Miss Philips, of Temuka, and Miss Oxby, of Gapes’s Valley, had applied for sick leave on medical certificates, and substitutes had been provided. Miss McGowan had taken up her duties at Pleasant Va’loy, and Mr Edge had taken temporary charge at Temuka. On the motion of Mr Talbot, Mr Goldsmith was unanimously re-elected chairman, Mr Talbot moved, Mr Jackson seconded, and it was carried unanimously—“ That the resignation of the Rev. Jasper Smyth be accepted, and that an expression of regret for the loss of Mr Smyth’s services he forwarded, recognising his painstaking efforts in the cause of education in South Canterbury, and that steps bo taken to fiill the vacancy.” Monday, 23rd inst., was fixed for tho second trial for election of committees in those districts which have failed to elect. Commissioners were appointed for Otaio, Rangitata South, and Rangitata Station, as there is no hope of obtaining committees there. . The secretary stated that in certain case - there were errors to be rectified without ireah elections. One committee of five had been elected where there should be seven; in another C-.se nonhouceholders had been elected. A circular was read from the Department, asking for. suggestions, for the improvement of the working of the compulsory • clause:,'. Mr Jackson moved, and Mr Rhodes seconded)!i. ; a. .lengthy resolution recommending that it shall be the duty of the police, q’nito irrespective of school committees, to see that the compulsory clauses are carried ‘into effect without fear or * favor. The motion referred to the number of children of both sexes to bo seen playing in the streets when tfiey should be at School. Finally this was, withdrawn, and the following, moved by Messrs Gray and Talbot, was carried : « That in reply to the Minister of Education this board recommends that where the compulsory clauses of the Act require to be enforced the police shall prosecute instead of the chairman of committee.” 1 A letter was read from the Timaru Committee finding fault with the manner in whicli',the election of a committee for Timaru had been conducted by the chairman of ttye greeting, the Rev. W. Gillies, in distributing ballot papers without making sure that none but householders received them, and in taking the ballot box from the room for the purpose of counting the votes. —After a short discussion, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Pearpoint r—“ That the Timaru School Committee be informed that the Board decline to express any opinion on the "chairman’s action at the late annual meeting, as the validity of the election is not impugned.”. A circular was received asking for suggestions on the Technical Education >©ill. —Mr Howell protested strongly against 'money being spent for such purposes* when they could not get money for primary education. It was scandalous. On another circular, pointing out that two class'books in use in the district had not yet “been authorised, the inspector recommended that the sanction of the Department be asked for them, and also for tho “ Southern Cross ” arithmetics.— The inspector’s recommendations were adopted.-: The inspector submitted reports of inspections of a number of schools, and copies wete ordered to be sent to the respective 1 committees. A letter was received from the headmaster bf the Timaru High School, recommending certain alterations in the scholarship syllabus, to bring the scholarship into line with the the High School course.—A committee, consisting of MessrsiTalbot, Gray, and Rhodes, was aMjointed'to consider this letter, and the aiSnical Education Bill, .Mr Storey brought up tho case of four boys at Temuka who qualified for scholarships but did not get any for lack of funds, and Risked for a concession in fees, the being willing to forego fees. Agreed ,to as a private arrangement with the headmaster. School; Committee’s correspondence to; dealt with as follows : Cave to';be- informed that the Board ; cannot erc.ot. a teacher’s hou-o at present. X-. Tiraaru’b request for a brick partition ■in place df a curtain could not be entertained. J:. . Askwick ipiat, promised a teacher it the householders could provide a building, replied that there was no building suitable, apd they (mostly village settlers”) could not afford to contribute towards the cost of one.—Finally Mr Talbot, who urged that the Board should «stretch, a-point” in this case, gave notice to move next month that the resolution of last meeting, postponing the erection' of a building, be rescinded. Mr A. Mdr fcin, commissioner of Otaio school, wrote that he could not collect tho teacher’s salary, and must give up the effort. 1 . Rangitata Island was granted £2 for a iieiw oven, and Kingsclown 3bs for raising chimneys.