HAWKE'S BAY EDUCATION BOARD.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3518, 17 October 1882, Page 2

HAWKE'S BAY EDUCATION BOARD.

This Dat.

The Board met at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs J. D. Ormond (chairman), R. Harding, J. N. Williams, F. Sutton, M.H.R., Rev. D. Sidey, and Captain Russell. COBRHSPONDFNCE. From the Gbairman Clive committee, calling attention to the manner in which the recent additions to the school had been effected, the infant department being so completely separated from tbe mam school that the head iaaster could have no control or supervision over it; the desks also required re-arrangement.—lt has agreed that the plans of the additions be procured with a view of discovering whether the work had been carried out in accordance therewith. Tbe rearrangement of tbe apparatus was approved. From the master Danevirke school (Rev. E. Robertshaw), requesting permission to close the schoof during the present week to enable him to attend the Diocesan Synod at Napier.—Resolved that such permission cannot be granted. From Gisborne Committee, enclosing application of Mary F. Hall for appointment to a pupil teacbersbip in tint school, and recommending her for the position.—Approved. From the same, desiring a subsidy to purchase a chemical apparatus for use in the upper classes of the school.—The secretary was instructed to reply asking probable cost of the apparatus required. From Napier Committee, recommending the appointment of Miss Florence Reid as an assistant mistress, vice Miss Bedingfield resigned, at a salary of £60 a year. —approved. From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, stating, in reply to the Board's application for an extension of the school site at Norsewood, that there is no Crown land contiguous to the present site, and enquiring it the Board does not consider the area at present reserved (nearlj two acres) sufficient.—Consideration deferred. From Waipawa Committee, applying (1) for a belfrey to the school at a point where the root leaks at present ; (2) for extension of porch accommodation necessitated by increased attendance ; (3) that the walls and ceilings of the infant school be distempered.—Resolved that estimates for the work be obtained. From Wallingford Committee, notifying that the present mistress had given three months notice of her resignation.— Accepted, and secretary instructed to advertise for a successor.

From Waipawa Committee, recommending tbe appointment of ao assistant mistress and another pupil teacher, the daily average attendance at the school being now 130.—Resolved that tbe appointment of another pupil teacher be approved on recommendation.

From Waipukurau Committee, recommending the following improvements to tbe school-house and teacher's residence (1) that the schcol-house be distempered and windows altered so that the light may come in at a higher level; (2) that a new class-room be added, together with the necessary furniture, «»nd that tbe present chimney and fireplace be seen to ; (3) that the teacher's residence be painted; (4) that the school ground be fenced with a paliDg fence on the [weat and south boundaries.—Consideration deferred. From Mr R. Dobfon, resigning his seat on the Board in consequence of his leaving tbe district.—Accepted, Napier Committee to be notified of same. NAPIER TRUST SCHOOL. The Rev. D. Sidey and the Chairman were appointed as representatives of the Board on the Board of Governors of the Napier Trust School. GISBOENE SCHOOL SITE. A letter was read from the chairman of tbe Gisborne Committee, in reply to the Board's letter ot 19th ultimo, respecting I school site at Gisborne, stating that section 291, adjoining the present site, is under offer to the Committee at £155. Section 288 and 289, also adjoining, could be purchased for £330. With respect to the l_ acres at the back of the school ground there was little chance of obtaining it, it baying been leased and subleased several times over. The letter concluded by again pointing out the ahsolute necessity for increased accommodation at the Gisborne Echool to ensure the comfort of both the children and their teachers. The area for recreation was also too limited. It was resolved that tbe secretary should apply to tbe School Commissioners, / Auckland, for tbeir assistance in securing as a site for the Gisborne school the education reserve at tho back of the present school site. The secretary was also instructed to communicate with the Gisborne Committee and inform them that the Board coa- 1 eiders the education reserve most suitable, and requests information as to what terms can be arranged for purchasing whole or part thereof without buildings, also re the interest of tbe lessees. THE BOARD ARCHITECT. The opinion of the Board's solicitor respecting the question of plans prepared by the architect being the property of the Board was read. The »rchitect, it was Btated, could be compelled to deliver to tbe Board all plans made by bim in the course of his employment as arcnitcct to the Board.—Agreed that tbe architect be requested to send to the Board copies of all plans of works which have been carried out. . Tenders from professional gentlemen willing to undertake the duties of architect to the Board were laid on the table, but consideration of the same was deferred. SCHOLAR c Hirß. Pursuant to notice Captain Russell moved bis resolution involving a number of alterations in the regulations for scholarships as they at present exist.Tbe question was, be said, one of the greatest importance, and if he failed to carry his resolution now he should still bear it in mind and re-introduce it on the occasion of the general election of members of the Board. For some time past the Board's scholarships had been given on an entirely wrong basis. Some-

times they were given to those who were unfitted to receive them, and at other times to boys who had no right to receive them. He (Captain Russell) held that the scholarships were primarily created for the benefit of children attending the district schools, but here he found them given to those who had not completed tbe education that could have been imparted to them in those schools, and who obtained them by passing in subjects that were not taught, nor allowed to be taught, in the primary schools. The effect of the regulations as tbey at present stood was to debar all children attending country schools from competing. In the whole education district there were only fourteen teachers registered as competent to teach algebra, Latin, and such subjects, and only six of that nunber were country teachers, so that it was absurd to require children to pass in those subjects. [Captain Russell then went on to point out the effect of the remaider of his proposed alterations, but owing to the late hour at which the meeting closed we are unable to do more than refer to the matter.] Mr Williams seconded Captain Russell's motion, and a warm discussion ensued between the mover and the Rev. D. Sidey, the latter protesting strongly against any interference with the existing regulations. Mr Harding supported the motion, whicb was carried on a division, the only dissentients being the Rev. Mr Sidey and Mr Suttoo. Mr Sidey then gave notice to move at the next meeting, " That the decision to ■which the Board has come limiting scholarships to primary subjects be rescinded, and that tbe regulation be so framed as to provide that one scholarship in four be employed for the promotion of education in secondary subjects." VOUCHEES. The vouchers for the month were passed and ordered to be paid. The Board then adjourned.