MOTUPIKO SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 254, 26 October 1897, Page 2

MOTUPIKO SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY. DEBATE AT THE EDUCATION BOARD. . The Board's Committee of Inquiry (Messrs Tablot, Franklyn, and Phillips) into the charges brought against Mr Evans, teacher at the Motnpiko School, presented its report afc the meeting of tho Board to-day. The committee after an exhaustive - inquiry at Motupiko in which a large number of witnesses were examined, found that none of the charges (each of which were specified) had been proved. The opinion was expressed that the teacher ought to attend meetings of the school committee, if specially requested. The committee consisting of Messrs Talbot, Franklyn and Phillips after patiently listening to all the statements made by 20 odd witnesses the committee was of opinion that none of the charges were proved. The first charge, viz., thafc fche master set a trap to catch the children by leaving his cash box so much in the school, cannot be maintained as it was proved thafc ifc is a custom which has obtained ever since the present master took charge some 12 years ago. The committee, however, desire to say thafc ib is most injudicious to havo a cash box so much in evidence in the school -whether open or closed, and are glad to learn that ifc is a practice which has been discontinued. The second charge, viz., that of disobeying the committee by allowing a horse in the school ground after being informed that it could not be allowed, was proved to be the case of a horse belonging to children attending the school, and the day after the committee's notice was received as soon as tho parents conld be notified of the committee's directions in the matter, another place was found for it. The third charge, viz., that of closing the school without the authority of the committee and for no reason. This was on the 18th Jnne last, the Friday before Jubilee and it was proved that no children attended school, the teacher waited till 10 o'clock, when he left, taking advantage of an offer to be driven over to Belgrove on his way to Nelson for the Jnbilee holiday. Your commitee, however, consider fchat the teacher should have waited until it was clear that no children attended in the afternoon. The fourth charge, thafc when the teacher was first requested to attend the meetings of the committee (after the last election) he did so and was then ro masted to resign his position as teacher. It was hardly strange fchat he should think ifc better to absent himself afterwards, bufc your committee think that though it is no part of the duty of a teacher to attend school committee meetings, it is proper that he should do so when specially requested. In conclusion yonr committee are of opinion that none of the charges were such, as, if proved, would justify the Board m the dismissal of a teacher. It is hoped that in future more amicable relations will prevail between the teacher and the school committee. The chairman moved the adoption of the report and thafc a copy of it be sent to the school committee. Mr Beuke said no doubt the committee had done its besfc in the inqniry. This matter was an old sore and he thought the Board ought to take some definite stand and act in such a manner as would bring about a better state of things. Ho moved an amendment to the effect thafc steps be taken to effect a change. Mr Lock said the district had been in a ferment and turmoil for three years and there was .only one remedy. Inquiries had previously been held and in all the teacher had vindicated himself. He thought the Board might arrange for an exchange which would be agreable to all parties concerned. He agreed with the principle of .the amendment, but would not support it in opposition to the committee's report. Mr Phillips said the Committee of Inquiry had confined its investigations to certain charges which had been made. Mi- Best thought the report showed that the Boards committee had done thenvery best in the duty entrusted to them and they deserved thanks for their work. After some f iu-ther discussion the report was adopted and Mr Beuke's amendment (withdrawn) was then moved as a separate motion, Mr Best supported the motion, as he felt sure an exchange of teachers would be the best thing for tho district. Mr T. Baigent said outside reports and feelings led him to support the motion. He thought the present a very opportune* time for n exchange if such conld be arranged. The chairman said he would oppose the motion at the present stage. He thought the Board's first action should be to send its report tc the school committee and nwait developments. Major Franklyn agreed with the chairman. He thought Mr Beuke's motion rather harsh seeing that the teacher had the support of tfee large majority of the householders, besides fche teacher which ifc was proposed to exchange was not certificated, though he held a license to teach. If a different committee was in power afc Motupiko ifc would not accept an eschange. The chairman said in face of the Board's report any action upon Mr Beuke's motion would be au extraordinary procedure. The report might effect a reconciliation. . Mr Phillips thought an exchange might prove successful, bufc he knew thafc the largo majority of the householders were in favour of the present teacher. He agreed with the chairman that the Board should not do anything until its report had been submitted to tho committee. He would like to sco Mr Benke's motion stand over for the prosent. Mr Beuke said he could not withdraw his motion as the sore was of such a long standing. Major Franklyn moved that the motion sfcivnd over till next Board meeting. Meantime the position could bo fully thonght ovor. Mr Maginnity, who arrived late during the discussion, thought tha passing of such a motion as proposed by Mr Beuke, would -tnHify the Board in the face of its Conimittee's report on the inquiry. Major Franklyn moved an amendment that the motion be postponed a month. Mr Beuke said that having heard the views of members ho wonld agree to postpone his motion for a, month. __faic_- Franklyn said that as Mr Beuke had offered so much opposition he would press his amendment, " The amendment _vas then put and carried, lifr Maginnity withdrawing, as he had been engnged aa counsel ot the inquiry.