THE NEW EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2792, 9 January 1873, Page 3

THE NEW EDUCATION BOARD.

The second meeting of the newly-constituted Education Board took place at two o'clock yesterday afternoon, at the Provincial Council Chambers. There were present Menrs. H. H. Lusk (in the chair), J. Sheehan, W. J. Hurst, P. A. Philips, J. C. Firth, T. Boylan, A. Beveridge, and Dr. Campbell. There were also present Mr. F. J. Moss, the newlyappointed Secretary, and Mr. O'Sullivan, the Inspector of Schools. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. THH TWBNTT - SHILLLK& RaTB. — Mr. Sheehan said that before the Board went to the business on the paper, he desired to call attention to a matter of considerable importance. A proclamation, issued by his Honor the Superintendent, at the request of the Board, fixed the 3rd of February next, as the day on which the twenty-shilling rate should be payable, also the Provincial Treasury, Auckland, as the place of payment, and the Provincial Accountant as the person to whom payment should be made. Comments had been mads on this proclamation by the several newspapers. The whole of the writers had dealt with the matter as if it were really expected thatat the time and pi ace named in the proclamation, the whole of the persons liable to pay the tax would come forward and pay their rates to Mr. Lusk. A great deal of fun had been indulged in at the expense of the Board ; and indeed, if the Board had ever seriously contemplated a literal fulfilment of the proclamation,'they deserved to be laughed at. The fact was, however, that the Board did not entertain any Bueh expectation. The time and place of payment were so fixed for the purpose of overcoming the many legal difficulties which might otherwise arise in the collection of the rate. Instead of ratepayers having to go to the Superintendent's office, collectors would wait on them personally throughout the province. Upon refusal or neglect to pay the collection on such application being made, proceedings could be taken for the recovery of the rate, and then it would be only necessary to prove that at the time and place named in the proclamation the person sued did not pay the rate. In this way an immense saving both of time aud money would be effected. Of course any ratepayer might call at Mr. Lusk's office and pay his rate in terms of the proclamation. He went into this detailed explanation in the hope that the reporters present would give it publicity, because the erroneous impression which had arisen as to the Board's action would create an unfriendly feeling towards the new system, likely to affect very seriously its usefulness and the chances of its coming into general and speedy operation throughout the province. He would also like to add, that he thought this explanation should have been given at the time the order was made, so as to have obviated the mistake into which the Press and the public had fallen. When the order was made he had shortly referred to the matter himself, but some one should have been appointed to havo seen that a proper explanation accompanied the order.

Finance. —The Chairman stated that tha first business of the meeting was to receive the report of the Finance Committee, which was then rend by Mr. i'hilips as follows :—"Your Finance Committee, after careful consideration of the Act, have arrived at the conclusion that it is evidently contemplated in clause G that the Superintendent is the party charged with the collection of the rate. They therefore recommend that the Superintendent be respectfully requested immediately to appoint collectors, and take such other stepß as may appear to him necessary for the speedy collection of the same. It likewise appears to your committee i,hat, as the Superintendent is charged with the levying of the rate, the keeping of the necessary bookß could with great advantage and simplicity be undertaken by him. It further occurs to your committee that, to anticipate a di'Eculy likely to arise on the score of expense, it would bo advisable to assure His Honor that all reasonable expenses he may incur in carrying out the previous recommendations will be paid by the Board. —P. A. PllII,n?3, Chairman."—ln moving the adoption of the report, Mr. Philips said the approximated state of the finances was as follows : —Statement of accounts, December 31, 1872 : —To be transferred to credit of Public School Fund from current account. £1545 ; from deposit account, £1000; total, £2545. Approximate Liabilities : —Current expenditure, December quarter, £1200; building grants, £800. Balance available, £515 j contingent amount voted by tha Council, £2000.—Mr. Philips said that some little expense would have to be gone into to fit up the new offices in Wynd-ham-street, but the amount would probably not exceed £20.—The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr. Hurst, and agreed to. Educational, Reserves.—A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary, stating that tenders had been accepted for leasing the Educational Reserves at Pakuranga, Otahuhu, Panmure, and Remuera. The Assessment List. —A letter was read from Mr. Brodie, the town clerk, stating that the Education Board could have a copy of the assessment Hit for the city of Auckland. New Schools. —The Secretary stated that applications had come in from several parts of the country, asking for the establishment of new schools under the Act. Pjmmaet Education. —Mr. Boylan asked if the Finance Committee had enquired into the question of primary education at the Grammar School ?—Mr. Hurst replied that it was the Grammar School Enquiry Committee to which this matter had been referred. Du. KIDD AND THE GbAMMAB. SCHOOL.—A letter was read from Dr. Eidd, of the Auckland Grammar School, with documents and memoranda attached. The memoranda were taken as read, having been previously seen and referred; to the Enquiry Committee. Another letter was road from Dr. Eidd, in which; ho disclaimed having written, or in any way instigated the writing, of a series of letters which had lately appeared on the subject of the Auckland Grammar School. He Btnted that he could not agreo with many of the remarks which had been made in those letters regarding himself, but which were, no doubt, well meant. He was thankful to those persons who had written on this gubjeot, as it showed thej were animated by a good spirit I towards him.—This letter was also referred to I the Enquiry Committee;

COEOKANDEIr. — A memorial, signed By twenty-seven of the inhabitants of Coromandel, was next presented, praying that that district might be proclaimed under the Act.—The Inspector of Sohools explained that there had been a school at Coromandel under the Common Schools Aot, but the grant had been withdrawn because the teacher had refused to come to Auckland to be examined. He thought the School Committee at Coromandel should be asked to define their boundaries. —Mr. Hurst was of opinion that the first thing to be done was to decide when the Act should be brought into operation. Until the educational rates were collected, it would be out of their power to spend any money. They could not dispose of the funds of the old Board for purposes under the new Act. —Mr. Lusk thought they should get all the information they could with rogard to district schools, boundaries, &c, as soon as possible. It would take tweor three months to bring the Act into operation, and get the .schools into working order. — Mr. Firth thought the sooner preliminary steps were taken to bring the Act practically into operation the better. He moved, "That the memorialists be communicated with, and asked to define their boundaries, and also, whether they wanted one or two schools." It would bt) as well, except in particular cases, that there should only be one school in a district.—The motion was agreed to.

Pukeatua.—Application for a grant of £10 for putting up a school-house; also, for a grant of £5 for maps and books. —Mr. Philips thought that at the present time no fresh applications should be taken up.—The Inspector recommended that the £5 be granted, but not the £10. —Mr. Philips moved, " That all applications for new money grants should be postponed, except in very urgent cases." Seconded by Mr. Firth, and agreed to. The consideration of applications from the following places was postponed: Opotiki, Eaitai, Otahuhu, Kaukapakapa.Panmure, Mahurangi, Tauranga, Tapu, Pakuranga, Ruapuke, Paparoa, and Maungaturoto. Panmubb.—Two memorials wers read, praying for the establishment of a school under the Act in this district. A counter memorial was also presented.—The Chairman remarked that the Act did not say any tiling about counter petitions: it spoke about memorials signed by a certain number , of people.—After the Inspector of Schools had given some explanation of the circumstances, the whole matter was referred to Mr. O'Sullivan to make a personal enquiry on the ground. CoiiliECTOEi. — The following letter was read: —" Superintendent's Office, Auckland, January G, 1873.—Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st December, 1872, forwarding copy of the resolution of the Board of Education, requesting the Superintendent to take such steps as he may think necessary to raise such funds as will enable them to perform the duties that devolve upon them. In reply, I have the honor to state that, while the Provincial Government are most desirous to further, by every means in their power, the views of the Board in all matters tending to the successful working of the Education Act, they are not fully aware of the precise nature of those views, and are, therefore, unable to co-operate with the Board as fully as they would desire to do. In pursuance of the request of the Board, and as provided by clause 37 of the Act, the rate has already been proclaimed, and a receiver appointed, together with a time and place for payment of the rate. I should bo glad to know the exact steps to which the resolution of the Board refers as likely to be required for the purpose of raising funds to be administered by the Board. If the resolution points to the necessity which may probably arise for the appointment of collectors, it may be worthy of consideration whether the solection and appointment, or, at least, recommendation of these officers ought not to be undertaken by tho Board. Should anything be required on the part of the Provincial Government to give full effect to such appointments, I can assure the Board I shall be prepared to lend them every assistance in my power.—l am, &c, H. H. Lusk, for the Superintendent."

Thb Country Sbttlebb and the Education Rate. —The Rev. Mr. Norrie and Mr. Hay waited upon the Board as a deputation from Papakura. Mr. Norrie stated that a great deal of dissatisfaction was felt in his district at tho new educational rate. At the prosent time the sottlers had to pay throe rates —the house and capitntion rates, and the school fees as well. This they felt was very hard, and they wished to know how long this arrangement was to last, and whether the Board could tell them when they would cease to require the house rato. At present the whole thing was on a very unsatisfactory footing, and the course that was being pursued would have the effect of making the new means of raising money for education very unpopular. What he wanted was information us to tho future action of the Board in this respect. The School Committee at Papakura had requested him and Mr. Hay to bring the question under the uotico of the Board. There was aleo another matter which he wished to speak about. At present tho Board allowed districts to be defined by a radius from a certain point. Ho and the School Committee Baw no objection to the districts overlapping each other. It would only lead to a privilege of voting, and would not affect the rates.—Mr. Sheehan explained that the Board could not levy the capitation rate till certain forms had been gone through. —Mr. Lusk remarked that the rate was already levied. —The Secretary said the Board had power to stay its collection.—Mr. Hurst said the estimated amount to be levied over the province was £12,000. They might be lucky enough to collect half of this in six months. There were altogether 76 schools under the provisions of the Act.—The Chairexplained that, immediately the rate was got in, the other means of obtaining money by house rate would be discontinued. The deputation might rely upon it that the Board would endeavour as speedily as possible to meet the wishes of the public in this matter. —Mr. Norrie then thanked the Board, and withdrew.

The Education Rate in Town.—Tho following letter was read :—" St. David's School, December 31, 1872. —Secretary of the Board of Education.—Sir, — Occupying at present the position of teacher of a oommon school, I am desirous of eliciting such information with regard to the intentions of the Board as the circumstances appear to require. Tho inhabitants of this province find thenv selves suddenly placed in the position of having an Education Act operative at once, i so far as rendering them pecuniarily liable, but not immediately operative in reference to the conferring of the educational advantages contemplated by the enactment of the measure. Sorao time—and it may bo conaiderabe—must elapse before satisfactory arrangements can be made for the bringing of the Act into operation in Auckland and other plaoes where the late Board exercised no authority. During this period the inhabitants will be liable to pay the house and capitation rates. They will also be under the necessity of paying school fees as in the past, or koep their children at homo until schools are established in accordance with the provisions of tho Act. This state of things iB not likely to be satisfactory to the public. It appears, therefore, desirable that the Board should make temporary provision for affording school privileges, from the commencement of the year, to such as are liable to the rates and require those privileges immediately. By arrangement with certificated teachera occupying suitable positions, such provision might be made in accordance with the spirit of the Act. This course would also tend to obviate financial disarrangements affecting the teachers during tho period of transition. Such a oourse also, besides being generally tentative, would strengthen the hands of those who wish to give the Act a fair trial. By making the Act immediately effective, it would tend to lessen the number of those who view it with little favour. I shall bo obliged if you will road this communication to the Board, with the object of calling its attention to this view of tho probable position of things. Due consideration should be given that those whose I interests are materially affected by the Act may \ not suffer wrong, or be kept unnecessarily in a

state of suspense.—l am, &c, John Edwaed." —Mr. Philips said that unless something was speedily done to remove this double payment, the measure would be very unpopular. Some provision should be made to remit the school fees. Poor people could not pay the capitation rate, the household rate, and the school fees.—The Secretary was instructed to acknowledge Mr. Edward's letter, and to assure that gentleman that the matter was receiving their most careful consideration.—Mr.Sheehan said that unless the children in the city could get a free education without difficulty, there would be very great opposition to the twentyshilling rate. He moved, "That Messrs. Lusk, Firth, Philips, and the mover, be a committee to enquire into the matter, and bring up a report at the next meeting."— Carried. Exknses.—A letter was read from Mr. Joseph Wilson, a schoolmaster at Paparoa. It seems that he had to accompany one of his scholars to Auckland lately when he was competing for a scholarship, and that he had been put to an expense of 30s for boat fare. He applied to have this amount refunded. He had been put to a total cost of £6.— Application granted. Poet Albket.—An application from some of the settlers of Port Albert, to have the school building removed, was a short time ago considered by the Board. A memorial, objecting to this course, was now received, Bigned by several of the other settlers.—Referred to the School Committee at Port Albert. Waiuku.—A letter was read from the Waiuku School Committee, iiUting that a very cordial vote of thanks hß.d been passed to the Board of Education at a Lirgely-attended public meeting.—lt was resolved to acknowledge the courtesy of the Waiuku people. Fbbeman's Bas and Reuueba.—Applications were received from these places to be brought under the provisions of the Act.— The Secretary was requsated to write and inform tho residents to define boundaries, &e. Otahuhu.—Several communications on the subject of forming a common school at this place were receired.—The Inspector of Schools was instructed to enquire into the matter. Boundabt Committbe.—On the motion of Mr. JohnSheehan, a committee was appointed to decide upon the boundaries under the Act. To this committee a petition from the settlers of Kairao was referred. Fbbs son Poor Childeen.—lt was reBolved that the fees paid by tho Board for poor children should be continued until further notice. Examination Comtrrrßß.—On the motion of Mr. Sheehan, a Teachers' Examination Committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Lusk, Sheehan, and Haultain. Finance Committee.—Mr. Firth's name was added to thiß committee. City, and Suburbs.—Mr. Sheehan moved, *' That a committee be appointed, to consist of Messrs. Lusk, Firth, Philips, and the mover, to consider the advisability of having this Act brought into operation in the city of Auckland, and the suburbs of Parnell, Newton, and Dedwood, and to bring up a report at the next meeting."—Agreed to. Rebebyes Committee.—Dr. Campbell and Messrs. Beveridge and Hurst were appointed a Reserves Committee.

Collectors for thh Rath.—Mr. Birth thought that collectors for the twenty shilling rate ought to bo appointed without delay.— The Chairman said His Honor would doubtless appoint them directly on his return. At present the Superintendent was away fishing. Auckland Geamiiar School.—Mr. Boylan, on referring to the inquiry into the ' management of thiß school, said that all the masters should, without prejudice, be asked to send in their resignations. Wats and Means. — Some further dis cussion took place on the question of finance. — The Secretary stated that £1200 would have to be paid out of £500. —Mr. Boylan enquired about the £2000 voted by tho Council.—Mr. Hurst remarked that the meeting was closed. — Mr. Boylan would really press his question. If they had no funds, and the Council had voted them £2000, they ought to have it. If they could get it, let them do so by all means.—Mr. Hurst said the vote was a contingent vote, and was only intended to meet the possibility of the Board actually requiring funds, or the more remote possibility of the twenty shilling rate not coming in.—The Secretary said the Bourd could not got on with its present funds in hand.—Mr. Sheehan thought that an application should be made for the £2000, aud tho money banked to the credit of the Board. It could afterwards be repaid. —Mr. Philips then moved, " That application be made to tho Government for £1000 out of the vote of £2000."—Mr. Lusk said if the money was freely given to the Board they could spend it how they liked, but if it had to be repaid, then it must be devoted to purposes strictly under the present Act. But tho vote was not contingent with regard to repayment. — Mr. Sheehan : Suppose the people should refuse to pay the twenty shilling tax, what will the Board do then ?—Mr. Pirth thought they had no right to anticipate that.—Mr. Philips's motion was carriod, aftor some further desultory conversation. This was all the business, and the meeting adjourned for a fortnight.