EDUCATION IN CANTERBURY

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 84, 11 April 1901, Page 5

EDUCATION IN CANTERBURY

[Nx TELEGRAPH, — PMKBS ASSOCIATION.] - OHRISTqHURCH, 10th April. Tho annual report ot tlio Education Board submitted at a meeting of the members to-day noted the continued deciease in the number of children ou the school rolls in the district. There are actually fewer v on the rolls now than in lbb'7, in spite of the great increase in population, and tho fact that the Board nas forty-eight more schools. The increase up to 1886, which continued until lbt*s, next year Jell back 70, in 1897 the attendance lell 480, at the end of 1898 it fell another 200, another 400 in 1899, and '4oo more in 1900. Mr. C. A. C. Hardy, M.H.R., attributed the falling-oil to the growth of settlement andi the scattered nature of it, children thus getting far away from schools and unable to attend. Mr. D. Buddo, M.8.R., thought settlers kept their children' away' from school' to help in their work; the parents seeking casuallabour hail also much, to do with the decrease, Mr. T. S. Weslon (Chairman) believed the children r were not ljeie, and the decrease was caused by the reduced birth-rate. Mr. Buddo said the census would show the exact position. The matter then dropped. , " ;; . TIMARU, JOtlx April. Tho question of raising tho Timaru Main School to a District High School was discussed by tho Board of, Jiducation to-day. The proposal in its simple form was disliked, as if earned out it must injure the existing High School ; and 'it was resolved to arrange a conference of the two Boards, head teachers, ami inspectors, to try- and devise gome scheme by which tho benefits of secondary-edu-cation can be extended' while saving the High /School. • There are • about forty children at the Timaru- schoo} above Standard Six taking some secondary work. T\vo suggestions were made, both requir? ing legislation' — one that the Education Board lake over the High School ; the ■ other that the Government, pay to the High School Board capitation ior District High School pupils. .