The Marlborough Express. published evert evening. Friday, July 20, 1894. THE EDUCATION REPORT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXX, Issue 168, 20 July 1894, Page 2

The Marlborough Express. published evert evening. Friday, July 20, 1894. THE EDUCATION REPORT.

»■ — It ib not everyone who has the available time to plough through the 104 pages of the annual report on education which was presented to the House last week by the Hon Mr, Reeves, Minister of Education, nor does everyone possess the inclination to do so. The very general interest taken m matters of education is so keen however, that the majority of our readers will not be displeased if we devote a little space to-day to an enumeration and consideration of a few of the more noticeable and important points of what is a very valuable, if somewhat lengthy document. The number of pupils on the school rolls has increased by 2,066 during the year dealt with m the report, the total on the rolls at the end of 1893 .being 124,686. The old method of reckoning the attendance on the strict average has had to be temporarily abandoned, for the confusion caused by the measles-, and " grippe " epidemics caused the average to shrink so much that the finances of the several Boards shrunk to an alarming extent ; so much so indeed, that the computation of the attendance upon what is called the "working average" become compulsory. -The strict average for the year 1898 was 98,615, and making the addition for the three quarters of the extra numbers gained by a reversion to the working average the total becomes 100,821* We are pleased to notice that the attendance is becoming less irregular, a considerable improvement being shown m this direction The highest percentage, we may add, was 82-4, the lowest 71 5. The attention of the House is drawn by the report to the great disparity which exists fix the areas of operations of the several Boards, some of the figures quoted being most significant. Three of the Boards have to supervise the instruction (on an average) of more than 18,000 pupils each ; six others for about 6000 each — the number of pupils ranging from 9,416 to 4,115, and the remaining four are responsible for less than 1,700 each, with a range of from 2,415 to 1,864. The Minister contends, and very reasonably so, we think, that this disparity is the main cause for the contrasts between salaries m cases of approximately equal responsibilities, which contrasts, again, are the main excitement to the movement m favor of a colonial scale of payment for the teachers. We are heartily m accord with this same movement, and hope to see it succeed, for surely it is absurd and unjust that teachers holding the same grading, and teaching the same number of scholars, should be paid on a widely different scale, according to the Board under whioh they are employed. There is considerable scope for reform m this matter, and we should like the Minister to take up a firm stand, and seek to allot the areas of operations on a more reasonable population plan, and afterwards to settle a fair and universal scale of payment. Passing on to other statistics, we find that the proportion of girls attending the schools remains about the same as m former years, the proportion m 1898 being, girls 48*4, boys 51*6. The numbers of children kept at school after they have reached the age of 18 is increasing to a very perceptible extent. But on the other hand there is a noticeable diminution m the proportion of pupils under the age of ten, this latter fact proving, we should say, that parents are gradually becoming convinced that it is a mistake to send their children to sohool at too early an age. Too many of our schools are but State nurseries, and the diminution noticed above is a matter for congratulation. The Minister points out that a recommendation made at the Inspectors' Conference held m February last (and favorably commented upon by us at the time) is to be carried out. This is that the pass examinations for Standards I. and 11. are m future to be conducted by the teachers themselves, the inspectors being thus able to spend more time upon inspection, pure and simple, rather than examination. Coming to the statistics which are given concerning the teachers, we find that there is an increase of 86, but both m the pupil teacher and adult staff, the increase is confined to the female sex. Our New Zealand young men apparently do not care very much for a teacher's life ; and it would seem too that the Committee prefer women to men, for the increments for the year m the number of men and women is respectively 9 and 59. The average salary shows a slight decrease, being £98 8s 5d at the end of 1898, as compared with £94 8s at the close of 1892. Great complaint is made by the Board that the special grants for new buildings are so inadequate and scanty that all over the country school buildings are becoming more delapidated and unsuited to the times. A financial problem which will not be easy of solution is likely ere long to cause the Government serious inconvenience. We have not space to deal further with the report, which is of a most inter- [ esting character, and which on the whole discloses a very satisfactory state of affairs m connection with the educational system of the colony. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. 4 Thb Babombtbb.— At 1.30 to-day the barometer bad fallen to 28-94 and wai still on the downward grade. Tinders.— Tenders for metalling 15 | chains of the Ray dale road close with the Fioton Road Board to-morrow. W.O.T.U.— -The usual weekly sooial will lake place at the rooms of the Women's Christian Tamperanoa Union to-morrow evening. Is Baskbuptcy.— Mr C. Watson, farmer, of Benwiok, ha« filed a declaration of iniolvenc7. The first meeting of creditors will take place on the 2nd Auguit at 2 p.m. Metkoboloqioal.— Gapt. Edwin wired at 12.17 p.m. as follows :— " Very heavy northwest to west and Boath gale with heavy rain and exceptionally cold weather, Imlioatioas for snow and glass rise." Auction.— At noon to-morrow Messrs Horton and Go will submit to puhlio competition a paroel of land situate m Opawa district. Partiou!ara 4 ar« advertised.

Shipping.- Two able seamen are wanted for the ahip Mataura, now loading ak Pioton for London. Ewabt's Hill.— The complimentary benefit to Mr B. Mason t^kes place to-night at Ewart's Hall. The programme ia an attract ire one. Labobht.— The case against Richard Harris, oharged with the larceny of a watch from the tent of Jihn Falvey on the Taylor Pass road, was continued m Court this afternoon. After considerable evidence had been taken, the case was dismissed. Hobabt Exhibition. — We have to acknowledge the receipt from Mr Orr, manager of the local branch of the Union Gcmpany, of a sheet containing views of the Exhibition building, and of Hobart. The sheet is issued m eooneotion with the Taemanian Exhibition to be opened ia Hobart on the 15th November next, and is exceedingly well executed. Damp Wool. — It was suggested on Wed* neßday (saya the Post) by the Hon Mr Shrimski, that the Government should take aotion to make it a punishable offence to ship damp wool, whereby life and property are endangered. , The Attorney-General thought Mr Shrimski should have moved for a Seleot Committee to enquire into the matter. Ministers did not poeness sufficient information to enable them to deal with it. Thb Cheviot.— The men doing best at Cheviot (says Christohuroh Truth) are those with capital at command, and those who are willing to give a good day's work at fair wages to thoße who can afford to pay them. These two sections ara likely to make a home out of the wilderness— at least the same thing was tried by the Canterbury Pilgrims and worked like a charm. A Goodm Aai.— A Waipawa resident, Mr Oumoan MeEenzie, is 94 years of age. The other sight he met with an acaident which very nearly proved fatal. In getting through a fence bis foot slipped, asd he fell full length into a deep pool «f slush below the bank. He wai unable to extricate himself, and it was some hoars before a neighbour found him m an exhausted oondition. He soon reoovered, hewevor, from the effects of the mishap. MißTiMa or Cbiditobs,— A meeting of creditors m the estate of Wm. and B. Patohett, farmers, of the Benwiok Bead, was held m the Council Chambers this afternoon: present: Maura Snodgrass (Bank of New Zealand), Bubb, and Eirby. The meeting unanimously resolved that the Deputy Official Assignee realise the estate if coon as possible, and that the debtors be recommended for their disoharge, and ah* be allowed to retain their furniture. The Nblsoh Coach.— The Chief Postmaster informs us that the coaob for Nelson left at 7 this morning along the usual route, bat had to turn back from Benwicktown and go via Tuamarina the rfvere being unoroesable. The following wire was received frost Nelson "very heavy rain throughout the night. Bivers very muob flooded, fear ooaoh will aot get through te-night." [Later information reoeivtd states that the ooaoh will remain at Canvastown to-night, Mr Newman finding it impossible ta proceed,] IaiBBPBOVIMOIAL FOOTBALL MiTOH. — Owing to the wet condition of the football grounds, the interprovinoial match, Nelson v Marlborougb, will be played on Dr Cleghorn's paddock, Alabama Boad, near the hospital. This ground is a very dry one, and seats will bs provided for the ladies. Marlborough players having "rep." jerseys are requested to leave them at the Criterion Hotel to-night at 8 o'clock, where every member of -the team is requested ta meet and eleot a captain, receive his jersey, and disoniß important matters m regard to the mat oh to-morrow. 9 Mosicil.— A heavy shower of rain interrupted the Garrison Band m the performance of the introductory pieoe for their open air concert on the rotunda last sight, and it was considered advisable to seek shelter. Band Seigt. Biroh announced from the rotunda that the remainder of the programme would be rendered m the drill shed, and thither a goodly number of the people .repaired. A number of selections were played with the usual profioienoy of the band and to the evident enjoyment of the audienoe. Poultby and Doos.— The following table, supplied by the Secretary, will show the interest taken m producing pure strains of poultry and dogs tince the inauguration of the Marlborough Poultry Association m 1887, when they held their first show :— The number of entries were 91 m poultry and 58 m dogs ; m 1888, 140 m poultry and 50 m dogs; 1889, 175 m poultry and 46 dogs ; 1890, 240 m poultry and 61 dogs ; 1891, 354 m poultry and 68 degs; 1892, 308 m poultry and 68 dogi ; 1893, 386 m poultry. Dogs were exoluded from last year's show. They have been admitted for this year, and from reliable ssuroes we gather that there will be a very Urge number of entries. Entries close to-morrow, at 10 p.m., with the Secretary, at Mr Geo. Patchett's shop, Market Street South. Rbp9RTobial.— A distinction of infinitesimal nioety was made m regard to the annual meeting last sight of the members of the Church of the Nativity congregation. Reporters were not allowed to be present m their offloial capaoity, but as a parishioner were allowed free acoess. Something unedifying and sensational might have occurred, it is true, but why should the reporter who is a parishioner be given an opportunity to Rive the public the news and the other left out m the cold. The discretion of reporters is very often put to the test, and should have been trusted m this case. In tbe first plaoe bad behavior should not be indulged m. The presence of a reporter has a wonderful influence at a meeting. He ii worth a whole row of chairmen at times. Obituaby.— Another of New Zealand's oldest settler?, Mrs Sarah M'Donaid, relict of the late Mr" John M'Donaid, who oame out with the New Zealand Company, died last Saturday morning at Marlon, where she bad gone to recruit her health. The deceased arrived at Nelson m the Bhip Fifeshire, at the age of 15, and resided there for a number of years, afterwards living m Blenheim and Wellington, arriving here 29 years ago. She had the misfortune to be stricken with total blindness 34 years ago, and she remained sightless for the remainder of her days. In spite of this sad affliction she was of a very happy disposition, and was able to perform many household duties as well as persons with the full use of their eyes. She has left five children, 21 grandohildren, and four great grandchildren.—Post. A Good Tbmi>hbß' Petition.— The Templars' Retreat Lodge, 1.0. G.T., Taita, ib petitioning through Mr J. G. Wilaon for— (a) the abolition of the one-half proviso m the Liquor Aot; (6) simplification of the voting paper ; (c) defining an informal vote ; (d) a provision that no license of any kind authorising the sale of intoxioants be granted without the will of the people or without tbe oonsent of the Committee elected by them, given at a regular meeting, and that the sale of liquor at olubs and railway stations be eubjaot to the popular vote ; also, that the question of Prohibition be submitted to the electors at an early date.

YoiiUNTEEBiNO.— At the Drill Shed last evening an examination for the corporal's stripes of the Blenheim Rifles was held, Lanoe-OorporaFfl Carmine and Martin being the competitors. A praotioal examination m proving and drilling the company, post* ing and relieving sentries, and other movements was given. Both candidates gave every satisfaction. Lanoe-Oorporal Carmine excelled by a few points, and will therefore be probably promoted to the rank. At an early stage the proceedings were interrupted by the advent of the Garrison Band with an audience, to esoape the rain whioh desoended during their open air oonosrt, and, on an explanation of the position, the volunteers generously adjonrned to the side room. Fibb Bbioabbs.— The Southland News says: — It has long been a moot point m Inveroatgill whether the Insurance Companies sheuld not oontribate towards the coat of maintaining fire brigades, the municipal authorities contending that as these bodies are a great protection to insurance associations, the latter should at least oontribate* fair share towards their support, while the argument on the other hand is advanaed that if people feel seaure agtinit fire by reason of first-olass appliances and well-drilled firemen insurances will suffer a fall. The problem, ho far, is unsettled. PaopißiTios League.— At a soohl meet-* ing of members ef the Ghristohuioh Prohibition League held m the Cathedral city last week it was reselved— " That this meeting of the Prohibition League heartily appreciates (m the faoa of streng opposition), the independent and honorable stand taken by Sir Robert Stout and these members who have supported him on the various questions affecting the parity of politios, and also expresses surprise at the attitude of some members who do net support Bir R. Stout or even utter one word of protest, thereby condoning grave irregularities ; that a oopy of this resolution bs forwarded to Sir R. Stoat. That thia meeting notes with approval the action of Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., m striving to asoare the parity of the colony's administration." "If Chbist Gami."— Preaohing m 8t Paul's Ghureb, Napier, ob Sunday, on W. T. Stead's latest failure, the Rev Mr Patereon said : "If Christ cane to Napier he would tear the masks off those people who always say what they would have given (to the destitute) had they been there. But they never get there."*— The Helping Hand, an AuokUnd paper, apropos to the disclosures made by Mr W. T. Stead m his "If Christ oame to Chicago," asks what Christ would find if he cams to Aookland ? This is how the paper answers the question : 11 He would find charohes fighting for their peouliar creeds, splitting hairs aver triflei. He would find ohuroh members at save m Zion, and praotioally surrendering tbe government of the city and country to the profane keeping of the avowed enemies of Christ. He would find the poor man and his shabby garments nnwoloomed m oar ohurohei."] The Mabtini-Henbt Riflb Contbaot. — Colonel Fox's report on the Martini-Henry rifle oontraot was laid on the table ef the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Colonel Fox says that the pries (555, upright view alone, with old-pattern bayonet) asked by Messrs Cameron A Christie was excessive. The rifles could be ebtained direot from the Birmingham Small Arms Company at least 5s cheaper. He strongly advised that the Government insist on the terms of the original contract being strictly adhered to. In a subsequent report Colonel Fox gives his reasons for recommending the arming of the Volunteers with the Mar-tini-Henry. These are ohiefly based on the very great difficulty — praotioal impossibility —of obtaining ranges near the four obiof towns on whioh the small-bore rifle could be need, and abo the greater expense of the ammunition for the small-bore rifle. A Mabvbllous Show.— There is a marvellous show m Amerioa just now. In the opening soene horses are on the stage at play. Some are playißg tag, others are sparring, some are wrestling, while some prefer tug-of-war. The professor calls for a good speedy horse to act as monitor. Prince steps np to the professor, and it is hard to imagine a slower horse when he wants to be slow than Prince. Camr, the deaf horse, is a wonder that mint be seen to be appreciated. Chevalier, the wonderful talking horse, carries on a oonvemtian with tbe prafeisor m a very original manner. Baoenhalos danoing a jig always is applauded. Petite the little Brazilian pony, is late for school, and is made to sit on the dunoe blook. Twelve horses then manipulate the belle and play perfect tones without any aooompaniment. The oourt poone is a most remarkable performance. The judge's charge to the jury is the soul of wit ; the retirement of the jury and bringing m a verdiot is brief. The prisoner is found not guilty, and released by the sheriff The pionio m the foreßt, hortea doing some of the finest jamping ever seen, and the other features of the programme are each and all of a character that should be missed by none. Thi National Be vhraob.— During the past twelve months British brewsra mann - factored more of the national beverage than m any previous year. The 32 i millions of barrels on whioh duty was pa ; d was tuffioient to give every inhabitant of the British Empire three gallons; as however, only one barrel m 30 is exported, an average of 3§ gallons per head is consumed at Home annually. It appears that the large brewers, as a rule, are growing larger, and the small ones becoming lens, year by year. Last year over 500 of the latter olass were extinguished, their trade having been purohased by the larger brewers, and as this decrease has gone on year by year since Mr Gladstone introdnod the Beer Duty Aot m 1880 the abolition of " home brewed" is only a matter of a short time. Stdnbt Sheep Sales.— Mr H. Overton. of Canterbury, passed through Auckland the other day bound for his home m the Houth, from the Sydney ram sale. Hie own sheep, some of whioh wera at the Auokland Agricultural Show, brought very good prioes, averaging about £26, and he oensiders that for sheep of that class— two-tooth and Linooln rams— the opening on the other Bide is a very goad one. Fathers I if you don't boy yoar Bons one ef these Rplendid Bailor Snits, at 6/11, well worth 17/6, when they grow up they'll punch your head I— R. Allan.