SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8123, 21 March 1887, Page 6

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

TEMUEA. A meeting of the Committee of the Temuka District High School was held on Wednesday evening ; present Messrs Blyth, Gray, Cooper, and Davis. In the absence of Mr Miles, Mr Blyth was voted to the chair. Correspondence was read from the Education Board, stating that the books had been, audited and found correct, and expressing approval of the manner in which they were kept. From Eev T. Jasper Smyth and Mr E. A. Barker, consenting to be nominated to the Education Board. Prom the Secretary of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, stating that the Society offered a scholarship of 12 guineas per annum, tenable for two years, for children other than those attending the Timaru High School, the winner to attend the Timaru High School. Letter acknowledged with thanks. The head master’s report was read, and showed the average attendance during the month—boys, 148 - 8; girls, 124; total, 272 8. Highest attendance—boys, 163; girls, 131; total, 294. This represents the best attendance, with one exception, since November, 1883. The report further stated that twenty carbines, with proportionate allowance of belts and shot pouches, have been received for the Cadet corps. For these carbines it would be necessary to provide suitable racks. It was stated that the sum of £4 9a 6d, including two subscriptions of 10s and 12s from Messrs Coira and Twomey respectively, had been realised at the late concert. The Inspector’s report on the recent examination was then read. After detailing the passes in the various standards, the Inspector in his general remarks said, “ I regret that I cannot present a a more favourable examination report on this school as a whole. Several of the classes are entitled to praise, particularly Standard I. and Standard 11., and in a less degree Standards IV. and 111. Of 24 scholars in Standard V., only three passed in all their subjects, and two of the three were bare passes. Standard VI. fared no better. In looking at these results, it must be borne in mind, though it does not wholly account for such serious failure, that much of the head master’s time is devoted to the teaching of secondary subjects, and here I think it well to suggest that the head master should feel reasonably assured of a scholar’s ability to grapple successfully with the difficulties of the Standard subjects before he is permitted to begin secondary work. The discipline of the school is good, and the pupils are well-mannered.” Mr K. P. Gray, visitor for the month, reported that the school work appeared to be proceeding in a satisfactory manner. The lavatories were in a very bad state; the taps were out of order and the drinking cups gone. The water was far from good. After some discussion it was resolved—- " That'Messrs Gray and Blyth be appointed visitors for the ensuing month, and that they make a thorough examination of the water supply of the school, and be given power to have done whatever they think necessary to remedy the present state of the lavatories, and to ensure a supply of pure water for drinking purposes.” Several minor matters were discussed, and accounts to the amount of £1 4a were passed for payment. The Committee then adjourned.