EDUCATION BOARD

Evening Star, Issue 18717, 20 August 1924, Page 9

EDUCATION BOARD

THIS MORNING'S MEETING. MR WALLACE AGAIN CHAIRMAN. Tho monthly meeting of the Otago Education Board was opened this morning, being attended by Messra J. Wallace (chairman), G. Livingstone, J. Smith, G. K. Graham, G. W. Wood, R. 11. Todd, J. K. Wilkinson, and Hon. D. T. Fleming. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN! Tho election of chairman for the ensuing two years wan the first business taken. Mr Wilkinson moved the re-election of Mr 'Wallaco. Ho had the utmost confidence, ho said, in Mr Wallace as chairman. Me Wallace had conducted himself in a way (hat was a credit to boiii himself ami the hoard, and they could Hot do better than return him to the position. The lion. J). T. Fleming seconded the motion. Ho said that he was inclined believe in the rolling office, but, as neither Mr Wilkinson nor Mr .Smith was prepared to stand, he would press Mr Wallace to stand again. Mr Wallaco had devoted himself to tho interests of the board whole-heartedly, fulfilling tho most sanguine expectations of those who (like the speaker) had placed him in the position of chairman tor tho first time, yearn ago. It would be indeed difficult for anyone to follow Mr Wallaco in tho chairmanship.

Messrs Wood, Livingstone, and Todd added their tributes to Mr Wallace, referring to his tact, fairness, and thoroughness in his dealings with board matters. There were no other nominations, and Mr Wallace was declared elected amidst applause. Mr ’Wallace returned thanks, and spoke of the loyally that members had given him during tho last term. Ho also referred to the harmony that had characterised tho boards proceedings, “But,” said Mr Wallace, “while I am accepting office for this—the fourth—time 1 think it only fair that, members should be prepared to shoulder the burden when they come on tho board. I have a business to conduct, as the rest of yon have, and it is only right that some other member should bo prepared to take this seat. I have a. sneaking regard for the "oiling office when you can get the right man to roll into it.”

Speaking on behalf of the country members, Mr Fleming then, congratulated Messrs Wallace and Todd cm their reelection ns representatives of the urban areas on the board. APPLICATIONS. It was decided to grant the Purakanui Committee two-thirds of the cost of topping trees, new fencing, and repairs to ■asphalt (estimated cost, £26). An application from the head master of Caversham for a cupboard for Standard V. room was granted. Thu architect was given power to act in connection with the extension of shelter shed accommodation at Port Chalmers, and he was asked to report on an application from the head master for the renovation of two rooms of his residence. The architect was asked to report ou an application from the Tokomairiro Committee for:—New infant room (to be constructed from the gymnasium) ; adjustment of scats and desks throughout the school; that the present infant room be equipped for Standards V. and VI. ; that bettor ventilation bo provided throughout the school; that additional wall blackhoarding be supplied for infant room, also blackboard paint; that a teachers’ room be provided ; that the play sheds bo enlarged. An application from the Musselburgh Committee for the remodelling of the infant room was referred to the architect [or report, a general report on infant room remodelling to be prepared. A petition asking for the establishment of a school at Adam’s Flat was received. The Chief Inspector recommended that an endeavor bo made to have the children conveyed from the junction of the roads to Glenoro School, about fivo miles, and it was decided to move in this direction. HENLEY SCHOOL. Messrs Dobson and Wilson waited on the hoard, and asked that the Henley School be shifted from its present site, owing to the state of the road that led to the school. Members agreed that the present position was most unsatisfactory, and a committee, consisting of the chssnuan and Messrs Smith and Fleming, was appointed to inspect the site. The deputation stated that the road was often a foot deep in mud. GENERAL. On the recommendation of the sub-com-mittee, it was decided to distribute the departmental grant of £5lO per annum on a per capita basis (equal to about 4|d per annum), and that the distribution bemade In September mid March. The Minister advised that he had sanctioned an additional capitation allowance for district high schools of 7s 6d per pupil on average attendance, based on the average of the secondary department for the preceding year. —Received.