CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 258, 2 November 1887, Page 8

CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting; was held last evening. Present:, Messrs W.. Oorri. (presiding), Batty, Usher, Blades, GiWe ther, McMaster, and Farrell

Wellksley-STREKT School.—Letter from the Board stating that there was urgent need for painting of the AVellcsley-street school, and enquiring what portion of total cost,£l4s, the committee would bear. Reply to be sent that the committee will contributeas far as funds will allow at the enci of the year. Another letter stated thai applications would be invited ior the post of Senior Assistant Master of the Wellesley-street School, and that in the meantime a male student will assist in the work of the school. The Committee resolved to forward a vote of condolence to the widow of Mr Bruce, late SeniorAssistant Master of the Wellesley-street School.

Absences. --Letter from the Board stating that it could not see its way clear to insist on stoppage of Miss Bell's salary for absence. —Agreed to reply that the Committee feels aggrieved because of their recommendations being ignored without further communication with the Committee. — Further communication from the Board stated that (1) the Committee's recommendation re deduction in teacher's salaries for absence will be duly considered. (2) That a month's leave of absence has been granted to Miss M. Nicholson. (3) That the Committee's recommendations re the increase of salary to certain teachers has received consideration.

Holidays, — The Chairman referred to the action of a meeting of representatives of the various school committees, as previously reported. His idea was that midwinter and Michaelmas holidays were of no value whatever, aud he had proposed to reduce the holidays during the year by two weeks, and yet not interfere with the Christmas holidays. On the motion of Mr Batty, seconded by Mr Blaydes, it was decided "That in the opinion of this committee the holidays at Christmas should bo reduced to four weeks."

Reading Books.—Some further discussion took place on the subject of new reading books. Mr Farrell moved, and Mr Blades seconded, " That it be an instruction from the Committee that no change take place from Globe Headers to Longman's, as recommended by the Board." The motion was lost, it being considered inadvisable to make any recommendation in the matter at the present time. Quarter Mo.sey.—This subject was also discussed briefly, and general members stated that teachers were frequently out of pocket by the present system, which appeared to work very well.—Mr Batty moved, " That it be ascertained if there is a uniformity in the material supplied ab the various schools." He also objected to verbal notices, and suggested that they should be substituted by written notices in making applications for quarter money. Mr McMaster thought a printed notice would be merely waste of paper. After some further discussion it was considered inadvisible to take any further action in the matter.