86

E.—l4

53. Does the teacher complain that 35 are too many ?—Yes, when they have to teach 35 with all standards. 54. An increased staff would mean in some instances reduced pay: how would the teachers consider such a proposal ?—They would not like it. ■■- . 55. Do you think they would prefer to teach the number they have at present ?—1 should 56.' Do you think the children suffer in the quality of the education imparted to them ?—No, I do not think so. . ,-,.,. ~ m. n i 57 Do you think any good would result by making the educational district on the West boast more extended, so as to include all the schools as far as the Duller Biver ?—I would not like to go so far as the Buller. I might mention I was a member of the Education Board before this district was separated from Greymouth. I was against the separation myself, and so also were one or two others members of the Board; but the proposal for separation was carried against us. I have always held the opinion, and I hold the opinion now, that it would have been much better had the separation of the districts never taken place. . ... . -, .r. 58. Do you think, taking into consideration the improved railway facilities and the size of educational districts in other parts of the colony, that it would make too large an educational district ?—I think it would be too far to travel taking in the Buller. At the present time two members of the Board have to come twenty-five miles from the south, and to have a proper representation I think all members should attend as often as possible; for that reason I think it would be too much to ask members to go, say, to the- Buller. If the Board was to sit in Greymouth I would be unselfish enough to say I would be prepared to go to Greymouth to attend the meetings, but I am not philanthropic enough to say I would go as far as the Buller. _ ' 59 A great deal has been said about the cost of living: do you think the cost of living is much higher on this coast than in other parts of New Zealand ?—Yes, I do. I believe it would cost a man 10 or 15 per cent, more to support himself and family than it would in Canterbury, more especially if he keeps a horse, for there is no grass here, and he would have to buy fodder. 60 In connection with these aided schools, I see that at the Bruce Bay School the teacher, Miss Bitchie, receives a salary of £28 _10s. for an attendance of 6 children : is that the whole she receives from the Board ?—Yes, that is all. 61. And she has to pay the cost of living out of that ?—Yes. 62 In the case of the Five-mile Beach School, the teacher there, a young lady, gets only £19 a year :do you know of that case ?—I think that is a household school, and that the teacher is a member of the family. 63. In that case the family finds the board and lodging?— Yes. 64 Do you not think it would be better if a minimum salary was fixed for household schools ?— Yes, I think it would be better. We have no fixed minimum salary. The Grey Education Board has a fixed minimum salary of £56, I think. 65. What do you think would be a fair salary for a certificated teacher in a household school, exclusive of board?—l should say, not under £56 or £60. 66. Do you mean that salary including board and lodging?— Yes. _ ,-,'■,. , 67 What do you think of the proposal to treat those districts with household schools as special districts, apart altogether from the general scheme of staff and salaries ?—I have always argued that Marlborough and this district should be treated as special districts. As I said in my opening remarks, we must continue to give these settlers' children education. 68 My question is, should not these household schools be treated as a separate question !— Yes, I understand. Ido not think there would be any difficulty in doing that—say, by treating specially the goldfields districts or bush districts. 69. Mr. Lethbridge.] You mean newly settled districts ?—Yes. 70 Mr Luke ] All over the colony ?—No ;in the southern portion of the colony. 7l' Mr Hill] Would you not apply it generally ?—The matter of applying it all over the colony is a question for the Government; I know the position of Marlborough and of this district, but I cannot speak for other parts of the colony. 72. Mr. Davidson.] You say that eight of the thirty-six schools are household schools?— Yes. 73: How many are aided schools ?—Nineteen. _ 74. In your whole district, then, the other nine are not household or aided schools I— X es, that 75. Have you any limit to the number of children required before you authorise the establishment of a household school?—No, there is no limit. _ 76 Have you found at any time, so far as your experience goes, that pressure is brought to bear on the Board to establish these small schools where they are not absolutely necessary ?—No. 77. Under the suggested scale these schools would be treated somewhat more liberally than at present? —Yes. . 78 What is the average attendance at the Hokitika School !— 234. . 78a Is there a district high school at both Hokitika and Kumara ?—No ; only at Hokitika. 79. Under the district regulations the Hokitika schools will be treated more liberally and differently from the ordinary primary school?— Yes. ~",-„, , It i. t 80 Have you taken into consideration the fact that the Board may apply the amount of capitation gained by the pupils of the secondary department towards the payment of the salary of the first assistant, and that the salary represented here need not necessarily mean the salary paid to the first assistant in the District High School?— No. 81. You have only one teacher up to 35 ? —Yes. 82 Have you compared that staffing with other districts in the colony ?—Yes. 83. Do you find it as liberal here as in other districts ?—ln some districts the staffing is more liberal; in others it is about the same.