BLUE SPUR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 3

BLUE SPUR.

(From our own Correspondent)

■ On Monday evening last there was a pubLc meeting held in the school, to elect a school committee. The late committee were in office fifteen months, having been desirous to see certain improvements carried out on the school property, and for which a vote of the Government was being expended. The chair was taken by Mr. T.F. Morris, a member of the retiring committee, who called upon the Teacher for a report of the school. The Teacher reported that there were 43 children on the books, and the average attendance was 40 : these were classified as follows, namely, 6 were in the ABC; 6 in monosyllables; 19 in easy narratives ; and 12 in the advanced Eeader, Progressive Lessons, and British History. Twenty of the " foregoing were never at any other school, and are now some of them in the sixth and seventh books, and some of them in the simple rules- of arithmetic. Four of the 20 could make a fair effort in writing letters, and ono boy was in compound multiplication, and had never handled a slate until he came to the school which has not yet been two years in existence. Specimens of these letters with their copies were on the table for the public inspection. All who used the slal;e had to put down on a copy book their different sums however simple, as by thia method they had the advantage of being accustomed to write and cipher on paper. The course of instruction pursued at the school generally, is reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar, dictation, composition, and singing. The more advanced are taught book-keep-ing,- how to wriie business letter^ and

bow to turn their slate into a day book and make out an invoice. The Teacher's wife rendered valuable aid in teaching the junior scholars, which gave the teacher more time to devote to the more advanced pupils : he hoped that such a committee would be elected as would strengthen their hands aud be a blessing to the district. The secretary read the financial statement, showing that a small balance was due to tho Teacher, and lie suggested that an efibrt should be made to wipe this debt off. Dr. Copland, be believed, wa3 both ready and willing at any time to deliver a lecture on behalf of the school, and he hoped this would be one of the first works of the neW committee' He mentioned that the G-ovcrnment were making arrangements to subsidise Mrs. M'Lslland for her valuable services. The chairman said the re-port of tbe school and the financial statement were now boforo the meeting, and he would be glad to bear any remarks thereon, upon which Mr. Thomson rose and proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the Teacher for the success which had attended his labour. Mr. Manuel proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. M'Lelland for her valuable services, and hoped that, before long, she would receive a more substantial recognition of her labours. Mr. M'Lelland replied in a very suitable speech in which he thanked the committee and the public for the confidence reposed in him as teacher -he hoped to continue in their confidence and receive their generous support. A. cordial vote of thanks was given to the secretary Mr. Matthews for his services which, when I inform you he was again elected for the third time, you may imagine that his services were highly appreciated. The following gentlemen form the new committee. Messrs. A. B. Matthews,. M. Manuel T. P. Morris, W. Hay, F. B. Nieol J. M'Laren, A. G-. Thomson, T. Willams, and E. E. Clarke. Mr. Manuel was elected chairman.

On Tuesday evening a meeting of the Library Committee was held in the school-bouse, Mr, J. Cormack in the chair-. The financial statement was read by the Secretary, which showed that the 'library was in debt £8. It was agreed to get up aii entertainment next month, in order to wipe off this amount. Mr. Ledingham resigned his office as Treasurer ; thereupon a vote of thanks was proposed and carried unanimously. On tbe motion of t'\e Secretary. Mr. W. D. Morrison was appointed Treasurer in the room of Mr. Ledingham.

A meeting of the Presbyterian Church Committee was held in the School on Wednesday evening to consider a letter received from the Central Committee, as to the amount of support . the ladies of the Spur would be likely to give them at tho approaching soiree. Mr. M'Lelland occupied the chair. It was arranged that Mr. M'Lelland, being a power with the ladies, should go and visit them. Mr. Cormack thought it strange that the Presbyterians did not attempt to get up a tea meeting ,at the Spur on their own account. The chairman said it was because there were so many tea meetings at the Spur, but at the same time sympathised with the remarks of Mr. Cormack. It did seem strange that this important place on the goldfields, and where the Presbyterians wei'e so numerous and respectable, should play second fiddle to any people. Mr. Cormack replied that he thought there was not a tea meeting on the Spur too many, seeing the excellent manner in which they were supported. • There being a motion submitted, it was agreed to give the Central Committee the assurance that they would do their best. The meeting closed by pronouncing tlie benediction.