Our Lunedin Letter.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1033, 11 May 1894, Page 2

Our Lunedin Letter.

«, (Froji Our Own Courespondest.) The weather during the past week may be fairly classed undei the head of " samples," for we have had wind, rain, and sunshine evenly distributed, but the evenings are getting on the cold side again, indicating that winter will soon be on us. The usual monthly meeting of the High School's Board was held on Thursday last, Eev. Mr Fitchett presiding. The other members present were— Messrs Gray, Russell, Sinclair, H. Clark, M. Fraer, and H. S. Fish. A good deal of business was transacted, and there was an application for reduction, of rent from one of the tenants occupying land in Central Otago, and a concession was agreed to. A suggestion by Mr Fish to the effect " That as the Minister of Lands had stated that the Board of Governors was not dealing with the reserves in the interest of settlement, that the Government might take them over at present rentals and utilise them to better advantage if they could," caused some amusement amongst the members. The Eev. Mr Fitchett, in referring to the paper read by the Hon. Mr Macgregor at the Education Board re a central school, said that the subjects mentioned by him were already being taught, and that in addition to the scholarship holders 88 pupils were receiving free education. Mr Fish said when he first heard of Mr Macgregor' s motion he was inclined to support it, but on reading the scheme he could not understand what was meant. Mr Fraer said he thought nobody else knew what was meant. As far as the talk about a commercial education not being given at the high school was concerned he was assured by Dr Belclier that it was. Further consideration of the matter was deferred until the board heard something definite about the proposal. The following motion, proposed by Mr Sinclair and supported by Messrs Fish, Fraer, and Clark, was adopted, " That the board take steps to have the schools examined, and to obtain a report as to the scope and method of teaching, and upon the work of the schools generally." Messrs Fitchett, Sinclair, add Dr Stuart were appointed a committee to report at next meeting how best to give effect to the above motion. During the discussion of the motion the Eev. Mr Fitchett said as far as scholarships were concerned the hoys' high school had won the blue ribbon of education in New Zealand. The football affiliation question was again to the fore at a jiieeting on Saturday evening, and caused a good deal of strong language to he used. On a division the voting resulted in 23 for affiliation and 24 against. Had the committee not voted the question would have been carried. As a result Mr E. Chishohn, the president, has sent in his resignation, as he considers the matter should have been decided' by the delegates. Clutha's representative ( Mil Is) voted against affiliation, and Parlane (Milton) and Simmers (Owaka) voted in favor. Mr M, Fraer (the representative for Lawrence) was unable to be present, or he would have voted in favour of the motion and thus made a tie, Dr Stuart has been for the past week in a very critical state, and his friends are very anxious about him. Bishop Moran still continues in the same condition, and prayers are offered up regularly for his recovery, It seems a singular coincidence that two such religous champions should be laid aside from active work for tjieir respective QQmmunionp,

The Minister of Lands appeals to have beer very demonsluative at the Otago Central opening the. other day, and his speech • has beer adversely criticised on all sides. Opinions prevails that either the banquet disagreed with him or that the " Scoth vinegar " was o! bad quality.