EDUCATION BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 222, 20 August 1931, Page 8

EDUCATION BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Wanganui Education Board met yesterday, Mr W. A. Collins presiding. There were also present: Messrs IV. Adams. J. S. Tingev, J. K. Hornblow, R. Dukeson, E. F. Hemingway, W. R Woodroofe, A. S. Coleman and M. H. Oram. The architect reported : —R.aumai: The school, residence and outbuildings have all been painted in two coats to the exterior. The interior of the school has been similarly dealt with. Three rooms of the interior of the residence have been re-papered and the bathroom painted. Pohangina: The teacher’s residence, the school building, and all outbuildings have been painted. Two rooms of the residence have been re-papered. Central School: Improvements to the lavatory accommodation have been carried out at the temporary classrooms. At all these temporary premises the paths and yards have been gravelled and conditions under foot made reasonably comfortable. Waituna West: A chip heater and new wash-basin has been installed in the bathroom of the teacher’s residence, and minor repairs to spouting effected. Works in hand. —Central Infants’: The work in connection with the removal of the tower and other heavy or overhanging embellishments and the tying of the building is now nearing completion. Mt. Richard’s Road : The painters have in hand the painting of the school and outbuildings. Proposed for Ensuing Month. —To carry on with the works in hand. Upper lutaenui: To carry out repairs and make extensions to drainage. Foxton : To re-roof portion of the main school building and carry out repairs. MARRIED WOMEN TEACHERS. Whether the restricted powers of the legislature relating to the dismissal of married women teacher's really reflected the intention of the Minister of Education, or of Parliament, was a question which prompted action by the board. Some time ago a test case came before Sir Alexander Herdman, in the Supreme Court in Auckland, wherein he ruled that an Education Board did not have the power to dismiss married women teachers, but that it could, by refusing their appointment to other positions, gradually eliminate them from the service. Since judgment was delivered from the Court the Auckland Board circularised other boards asking that support be accorded a resolution to ask the Minister whether the Act, as interpreted by the Judge, expressed the intention of those who had framed it.

Mr Hornblow moved that the board support the Auckland resolution. Mr Dukeson seconded.

Mr M. H. Oram agreed with Mr Adams, who opposed it. “I not only think that Mr Justice Herdman’s judgment is correct in law,” he said, “but it is right in justice. It is not proper to call upon married women teachers to disclose why they should not be dismissed.” A division was taken on Mr Hornblow’s motion, which was declared carried by five votes to four. WORK AT FEILDING. The board decided to give financial assistance for drainage work on the site of the Lytton Street School at Feilding.—Mr J. S. Tingey was allowed to have the matter, which was referred to the department for subsidy at the last meeting, reopened. He said that for a £9O joo £65 was being provided, and the board would be called upon for £25. It was an essential work. The board agreed to find from its funds what balance was required.