PONSONBY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10910, 15 November 1898, Page 6

PONSONBY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The usual monthly meeting of the Ponsonby School Committee was held last ovening in the school buildings, there being present: Messrs. Parr, Taylor, Turner, Swales, and Becroft. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. Parr occupied the chair.

Ihe Teaching Staff: A letter was received from Mr. Bailey, headmaster of tho Ponsonby school, calling attention to the fact that ho had been kept from fully performing his duties ill judging tho progress of probationers, and in instructing pupil teachers, owing to being obliged to teach continuously the fifth standard, in consequence of tho sudden removal of teachers from the staff, their places not being immediately filed. The mattor was allowed to stand over till Mr. Haps reported what he had done in the matter.

Window-breaking: In reply to a letter from the secretary, tho Inspector of Police (Mr. Cullon) wrote stating that the evidence against tho boy, who wat suspected of throwing a rotten egg and breaking ono of the school windows, was not suflioient to warrant a prosecution. Tho supposed offender had, however, been warned, and the inspector hoped that this measure would put an end to tho objectionable practice. The letter was received.

Richmond Road School: The question of increasing tho accommodation at the Richmond Road school was discussed. Mr. Wei's, headmaster, reported to the committee that tho accommodation was entirely inadequate to meet the requirements of tho surrounding population. The committee oxuressed themselves as being strongly of opinion that tho Hoard of Education should not neglect the matter. Air. Wells' letter was referred to the Board, ami along with it a resolution, 011 the chairman's motion, to tho offect, "That this eommittoe begs to press upon the Board the urgent necessity of the enlargement being done during the coming holidays, and havo to inform the Board that tho householders in and about tho school feol strongly that the Board (having given its promise, and prepared plans, otc.) should proceed with the work at once. It was also agreed to ask tho Board to receive a small deputation upon the matter, and a petition from the residents. Pitman's Shorthand: Mr. Henningway wroto asking permission to organise shorthand classes in the school. He statod that ho would be willing to defray any expenses that might occur in connection with tho scheme. It was resolved to lot the matter stand over till next raeeting. Finance: Account! amounting to £23 3s 4d were passed for paymont, leaving a oredit balance of £63 12b 2d.

Piano for Richmond Road School: Mr. Taylor said the paronts of ohildren attending the Richmond Road sohool had decided to complete the purehaso of tho piano, on which, in Mr. Ellis' time, a sum of £16 had been paid, and had appointed a committee for this purpose.