EDUCATION NOTES

Northland Age, Volume II, Issue 34, 27 August 1930, Page 2

EDUCATION NOTES

The Auckland Education Board has received advice from Education Department Treasury that monthly payment of Maintenance Grant has been reduced from £2,450 to £2037, from Ist July.

Memorandum received from Department drawing attention to necessity for economy during present year while Dominion is passing through period of financial stringency, stating that while Minister does not wish Board to take any steps that would seriously impair efficiency of schools, he will be glad to have co-opera-tion ot Board in curtailing expenditure on non essential works ami activities, and to consider any suggestion that may be made with a view to economy ; further, that there are many works that are desirable but not so urgent that they may not be postponed for a year or so, and administrative costs in many directions be reduced; asking that wherever po sible appropriate action be taken, and advising that it should for example, be possible to reduce expenditure on maintenance of buildings, and grants for this purpose may be reduced during the current year. The Board resolved that the Department be informed it will co-operate in the matter, and that circulars be issued to committees asking for their co-operation.

Memorandum trom Department regarding applications for subsidies on voluntary contributions, stating that in view of the present financial position, it has been decided to curtail payment of subsidies very considerably, and that among other things gramaphones, garden tools, lawn mowers, pianos, supplementary readers, pictures, swings, typewriters, duplicators and swimming baths, etc. must be deleted, and notifying that applications from certain committees for subsidy for above equipment must be declined.

The Board has been advised that in view of legal opinion, the Department cannot agree to cost of replacement of desks being made from rebuilding fund: Board resolved to make application for special grant for replacement of furniture. Regarding third year teacher training students the Education Department has under consideration concentration of students for separate subjects at separate colleges, and desired the Board’s oninion on the proposal: The Board resolved to approve proposal for concentration of thirdyear students. Memorandum received from Department regarding representations made by Board that grant of £25 per annum be made by Government as boarding allowance for teachers of aided schools, and stating that question of salaries of grade 0 teachers is before Minister, but that Department does not think it can be dealt with separately before whole question of salaries of teachers comes up for consideration next year.

Mr. Richard Hoe, North Ward member, will be the Board’s representative at the Technical Education Conference in Wellington on September 9.

Mr. E. C. Purdie, new member for the North Ward, will be one of the Board’s representatives at the conference of Education Boards to be held in the near future.

Letters received from Dargaville and Pakaraka School Committees expressing regret that committee of Board did not visit schools on recent visit to North Auckland: Resolved committees be informed that Board reg»ets

that time did not permit of visit, but that districts will be included in next itinerary. Kerikeri inlet: —Letter received from Committee that it is impossible to provide suitable accommodation f<& teacher and asking for erection of portable “bach” : Resolved that application be made to Department for grant. Runaruna, Hokianga : —Letter received from Committee that it is in sympathy with application ot settlers for removal of school building to a new site, but suggesting that an officer of the Board inquire into the matter: This was referred to the Senior Inspector for a report. Herekino: —Wanted small repairs to stove etc., at residence: Architect to act £3. Kerikeri: —For lining of school building: Architect to furnish estimate. Ohaeawai: —For materials for garage at residence : Declined and position explained. Tutekehua :—Letter from Committee asking for repairs to school out-offices and for installation of water-flushed sanitary system : Position to be explained. Okaihau : —For supply of grass seed and manure for school grounds : Supervisor to act £6.