CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1927, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 19.

The monthly meeting of the Canterbury Education Board was held yesterday. Air C. S. Thompson 'chairman, presided, others present being: Messrs AY. P. Spencer, R. Wild, AV. H. AVinsor. J. G. Gow, AV. A. Banks, G. AV. Armitage, J. Maze, AV. Johnson, T. Hughes, and K. H. Andrews. In accordance with noti.e, Air Armitage moved: “That the December meetings of the Board (he held on .December 14th, loth and 10th.” The resolution was carried.

Resignations accepted, included:— Paroa, Miss E. Griffiths. An application was received from several probationers asking for extension of their terms, the Department stating that it could not approve of an extensions. It was resolved that the following sub-committees be set up to interview the candidates in the various districts with the senior inspector:—Christchurch. Messrs Andrews and Banks ; Timnru and Ashburton. Messrs Gow and Hughes; AA'est Coast. Messrs Andrews and Wild.

Mr Afackay (AA’c.st Coast truant officer) reported having visited thirteen .schools, interviewed nine parents and sent notices to twenty.

Consideration was given to an extract from Dr Baker-AfcLagan’s report recommending that facilities, irrespective of steam, radiators, he provided for warming at least one room in the school when a medical examination is being conducted. It was resolved to inform Dr BakerMcLnglnn that when the erection ot a new school is contemplated, the Department will he asked to give effect to her recommendations, and that in the meantime inquiries will he made regarding the existing schools requiring extra heating facilities.

BUILDINGS COAIAITTTEE. Dillnmns.—'The report was presented hy AD R. AVild to the effect that there was no likelihood of the school site being required at some future time.—Tt was resolved to seek the Department’s permission to dispose of the property. AA’niho Gorge.—A report was presented hy Air R. AVild in connection with the Committee’s representations for the removal of the school to a more central position. AD AA'ild stated that ho had conferred with the residents, when it. was agreed that the expense of shifting the school was not warranted at the present time, hut should ho re-considered within the next two or three years. Owing to the distance of the homes of 1... and F. and E. Gibb from the existing school. L. Gihh had expressed his willingness to provide a suitable room, and free hoard and lodging for an approved teacher.—AD AA'ild recommended that a household school he established immediately.—The report was adopted. AATitaroa.—The Department wrote expressing regret that 1 n view ol the demands made on its fund for school accommodation, if could not see its way to provide a grant for a residence at AA'atama this financial year, hut advising that the matter would he re-considered in the now financial year. In the meantime, the Department. requested information to be supplied regarding the accommodation that was provided in the past for teachers who had previously been at the school.—lt was resolved to accede to tile Department’s requirements, and inform the Committee of the position of affairs. Okuru.—Tt was resolved that Inspector Irwin’s report detailing the repairs required at the school he referred to the foreman, with power to act. ATM HUNT AI ENTS COM.AITTTFE. AA’aihn.—A report was received from Air AVild regarding the establishment o.f a household school.—Tt was resolved to submit the recommendation to the Department, on receipt of the information asked tor. AVoheka.— A further letter was received from Air Sullivan, stating tlmt enrolment of his children in correspondence classes was impracticable.— It was resolved that the Board could not see its way to recommend the establishment of the school suggested. Applicant could give the correspondence classes a trial. agricultural work. Afr AA". IT. Johnston’s report for Octol lei'-Xo vein tier on agricultural work at the West Const schools as follows;—Visits have been paid to the following schools: —Nelson Creek, Ngnhero, Kokatahi, Upper Kokntnhi, Lower Koiterangi, Upper Koiternngi, Lower Otira, Cobden, Stillwater, Tvaiata, I’aroa, Camerons, Tnehbonnio, AVallis Siding, Taylorville, Woodstock, Hokitika. Primary and Greymouth. The weather during the month has been very wet. One night there was a heavy frost which did considerable damage. Commendable work is being done by the teachers and pupils at most of the schools visited. In this connection. T might add that some of tho smaller sole charge schools are outstanding both in the quality and extent of their work. Entries for the boys’ and girls’ root-growing competitions have been received, totalling alKitit seventy. This is very satisfactory as far as numbers are concerned. The keenness of the competitors to do their best is very pleasing. Afr Dalgleisli was associated with me in this phase of the work. AA’e are hoping for convincing results this season.

DINING TEACHERS. Criticism was expressed of Hie proposed amendment to the Education Act. empowering Education Boards to inflict, lines for disobedience of lawfnl commands or neglect of duty. Mr E. If. Andrews said some provision such as Ibis was necessary. It was no reflection on the teaching profession as a whole. There was neglect of duties in certain directions. and three or four complaints had been received from inspectors during the past month. Mr Andrews said degrading was better than fining, in his opinion. They had teachers, particularly in the country, careless in the time they kept. They opened school late and went away early on Friday. He was not aware that all the other Boards were objecting to the clause. Ho knew one had done so. Mr 11. Wild moved that the Board disagree wtih the clause. They had power already to discipline teachers, he said, and if the neglect of duty was gross and continued, to dismiss them. He did not know of the fining system in private business. ’ A member: They sack their employers straight out-. Mr Wild said he was opposed to Education Boards "being constituted Magistrate's Courts. I ‘•Our teachers are very amenable, and we have no trouble with them,” said Arr W. A. Banks, who seconded the motion. They would be mixed in all kinds of litigation if the clause wa s passed. Complaints could be referred to the inspectors, who could de-grade if necessary.

Air T. Hughes supported the motion. Inspectors should penalise those guilty of neglect, he said. Inspector A. AfcNeil said this v. as one already.

The motion was carried, and it was decided to telegraph a copy to the Minister for Education.