MARLBOROUGH EDUCATION BOARD.

Marlborough Express, Volume XIV, Issue 1136, 24 May 1879, Page 7

MARLBOROUGH EDUCATION BOARD.

The following is a coi)y of the Annual Report forwarded to the Minister for Education, with the exception of the tables, which we have not been able to inspect:— “ In accordance with the Education Act, 1877, I have the honor to forward you a report of the proceedings of the Board of EducatioA for the District of Marlborough, together with (1), balance-sheet of . revenue and expenditure; (2)

list of scholarships held during the year IS7S, and the examination papers and reports thereon ; and (4) report of the public schools by the Inspector, and list of books used in the schools. INSPECTION. “ Satisfactory arrangements have been made with Mr H. E. Hodgson, Inspector of schools in the District of Nelson, to visit and inspect our schools twice in the year. The salary paid to him for these services is £l2O per annum and his travelling expenses. The Board is of opinion the cost of inspection under this arrangement will not exceed the £2OO granted for this purpose. Mr Hodgson’s services are highly, appreciated. LIBRARIES. “ The money sent to the Board for distribution under the Public Libraries Subsidy Act has been paid over in due proportions to the libraries of Blenheim, Picton, and Canvas Town ; these libraries being free to the public. SCHOLARSHIPS. “ These are but two in number, and are set apart by the Governors of the Nelson College, who remit the tutitiou fees ; the Board pays £4O a-year for each. The qualification is for all hoys between the ages of 12 and 15 attending a public school. One scholarship is given each year, and is tenable for two years. The last examination was held, in December, IS7S, when 11 candidates competed. The successful pupil was E. J. Robinson. EXPENDITURE. “Thebalance in hand at the beginning of the year, and the receipts from arrears of rates and fees collected, together with the payment of £6O due under an arbitration award to the late Board, have enabled this Board to pay it sway; however, while showing a credit balance at the end of the year it will be seen that the Board has expended £3,725 13s Sd on the schools and departmental expenses and libraries, while the account received from Government was only £2,931 0s 4d. Thus the Board has expended £795 13s 4d in excess of the amount granted to it for these purposes. The Board has exercised throughout the strictest economy, but it cannot continue to maintain the schools under its charge unless further assitaance is granted to it. The Board therefore feels it cannot too strongly urge upon the Government the necessity for increasing the grant to some extent, in those cases where education has to he administered for the benefit of a population somewhat thinly scattered over a large area. I have, &c., A. P. Seymour, Chairman.”