EDUCATIONAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 843, 27 April 1888, Page 23

EDUCATIONAL.

SCHOOL COM MUTE Si ELECTIONS. The anuual election of School Committees took place in the various districts on Holiday evening. A good deal of interest was evinced in the elections, and the various meetings ' were nearly all well attended. TE AIIO. At Te Aro (the meeting taking place in. the Willis-street School) Mr Ralph presided, and there was a fair attendance or householders. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted, and the following gentlemen were elected a Committee for the ensuing year Messrs J. Nancarrow, J. Booth, 1C Arnold, James King. W. Staff, J. Cook, and John Collins. The other candidates were Messrs Rouse and Flyger. Votes of thanks wore passed to the retiring Commit, tee and the teachers. Subsequently Mr . Nancarrow was elected Chairman of tho Committee and Mr Booth Secretary.

MOUNT COOK. At the Mount Cook School there was a large attendance, and Mr W. Allan, Chairman of the Committee, was voted’to the chair. The report of the retiring Committee was read by the Chairman. It set forth that the Committee had during the year re. oeived from the Education Board ancl other sources .£377 4a Cd, all of which had been spent for school purposes. 1 y careful management the Committee had been able to finish the year almost free from debt. Fifty-two pounds had been received byway of capitation since the end of the financial year, and with the exception of a few outstanding debts, the Committee were free from cebt. ' The Committee regretted that in consequence of the reduction of the capitation allowance, necessary repairs had had to be postponed, and they trusted that if the matter was properly represented to the Education Board that body would do somethingtoassist them. Attention was directed to the urgent need for increased school accommodation in the district, and, as showing the crowded state of the schools in the Mount Cook district, it was stated that the number of children on the rolls was 2014, the average attendance 1840, and actual seating accommodation v for 1655 children. Thus it would appear that there were ISS children regularly attending school for whom there was no seating accommodation. It was understood that the Education Board were making arrangements for a new School which would be in Clyde-quay, and this was really needed, for there were quite children enough in the district to fill another School. The Chairman added that they had 171 children in the Courfcenay-place' School, so that really there were 356 without proper accommodation. The land upon which the proposed new school was to be built was to be leased, and he understood that the Board would be able to call for tenders in about six weeks, During the year £153 12s Id had been paid away for repairs. He expressed regret that the capitation allowance had been reduced, and said he did not know how they were to carry on under the present circumstances. Mr J. Perry moved, and Mr J. Robertson seconded, the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. In answer to a question as to the reduction in capitation, the Chairman said the capitation paid to this Committee in August last was the largest that could be paid to any Committee, and amounted to £96. In November it was again the largest that could be paid, and the amount was £52. The report was adopted, and on the motion of Mr Swiney, seconded by Mr Furness, a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee was carried unanimously. The election o: a new Committee was then proceeded with, Mr A. W. Brown taking tho chair. Mr J. Robertson asked whether anything could be done to introduce a better system of teaching geography / and history? At the present time, he complained, the children were taught little or nothing of the country they were to live in—they knew more of the Plantagenets and the Stuarts than they did of Captain Cook, Gibbon Wakefield, and other men who made New Zealand. Mr Allan said the geography of New Zealand was taught in the schools, and was, indeed, an examination subject. A New Zealand geography book was also used. Mr Furness complained that children who passed from one standard to another were at onoe sent home with a positive demand upon their parents for a number of new books &c. That, he_ considered, was a want of courtesy, and in some cases might cause a. good deal of'inconvenience. He suggested that parents should not be unduly pressed in these matters.

Mr J. L. Bacon remarked that any person who had a complaint to make would do well to send it to the Committee, at whose hands, it would receive all consideration. The Chairman remarked, in connection with tho new school at Ciyde-quay, that the Board was only waiting for the document Mr Allan had told them of. The school would be started, he thought, in about two months and would be a very good building. * A number of gentlemen were nominated for the Committee, and a poll resulted a° follows (Messrs Guise and Hammond acting as scrutineers) : —J.. L. Bacon, 10S - W Allan, 91; J. Hutchens, 71 ; Roadley’ 67 * Wallace, 61 ; Furness, 54 ; Wilson, 52 • j’ Robertson, 32 ; -J. Swiney, 9 ; J. Mitchell 2. The first seven were declared elected. At a meeting of the Committee held subsequently, Mr J. L. Bacon was elected chairman and Mr W. Allan secretary.

TERRACE SCHOOL, • A .u m m tsDg of P are nts of children attending the Terrace School was held at the school Monday evening for the purpose of electing a committee for the ensuing year. The at tendance was very small, there being only seven householders present, and Mr R T Gillon was voted to the chair. *Mr McMorrin, the head master, was in attendance. The gentlemen present resolved themselves into a committee, their names being as follow Messrs E. T. Gillon J. Eyans, G. Didsbury, E. H. Crease, W ’ T 4

Hatton, and J. A. Plimmer. Mr G» lon was unanimously elected chairman of the Committee. and Mr Horton. Secretary and Trea surer. The Committee decided to ineot on the third’ Thursday in each month, at S p.m. commencing next month. Owing to the fee* that for several years past the school has he-n under the direct control of the Ednca tiou-Board, there was no annual report submitted. A report was, however brought up hv Mr McMorriu for the guidance of the newly -elected Committee. It stated that during the past five yearo the attendance on the roll at the 31sb March was—ln ISS4, 259 -ISSS, 311; 18S6, 395; 1887, 400 ; and iSSS' 457- The growth of the school was accounted for as having been due more to the limited school accommodation in the xe Aro end of the city than to the increase in population in the Terrace School Dffituct. At the same time, the report went on to say the admissions since January of the present year were not so numerous as Mr McMorriu anticipated in view of tho outcry in Mount Cook and Clyde-quay districts as to the deficiency in school accommodation. At the present time over 100 additional children could®easily find accommodation in the lerance School. The report further stated that the thanks of the teachers, pupils, and parents were due to Messrs Chllon (chair•man), Crease, Evans, McUredie, Bowles, Shannon and Wallace (members of the old Committee), and to Mr Didsbury for the. inthey had taken in the school since ESSS, and for procuring each Christmas fund’s for school prizos.

THORNDON SCHOOL. Tho annual meeting of householders in the ■Thorndoii School District was held at the Sorndon School on Monday There were -onlv eight gentlemen present, and Mr A. Koch was voted to the chair, Tbo Commit"itee’s annual report was read and adopted. It 'stated that during the past year the attend.,DCe had increased, the number at present on tho roll being 469, as against 422 the prei: Dtr vear. In the absence of Mr Lewis, first assistant-master, who had obtained aS-monihs’ leave of absence, and who has aow resumed his duties, Mr baywell, the second assistant, was reported to have ably .filled his place. Mr G. McDarmid, who £ aa since been transferred to the KaiAvaiwai School, fulfilled the duties of second as. sistant in Mr Say well’s absenoo in an .efficient maimer. In Mr Lee s absence the standard examinations up to the hittb Standard had been conducted by Mr Mow-h-V the headmaster. The percentage of OMBeswas about the same as in the prevfons year, namely, 71 per cent, of the whole lumber £>n the books, the failures being 10 cen t. In the Sixth Standard, which was examined by the Inspector on the Ist March, out of 23 pupils presented, 20 passed, or S 7 r c j nt. Ts?o ware absent through Slhmss "'ln the drawing examinations, out of II complete drawing certificates -obtained in the whole district 7 were gained Coy scholars, attending the Tnorndon School. -r n the Board’s scholarship examinations, a second scholarship was gained by the school, and two others were taken by oollege boys who fcwo'years previously had gained scholarships as pupils m the Ihorndon School The reduction in the capitation allowance rendered it‘imperative for the Com--Tiittee to devise method* to supplement au income totally inadequate to meet the areasing demandsfor the requisites to conduct *he schools efficiently. Ihe school buildings would require repairs before the approaching -sy-inter sad for want of funds such repans ZZld bS» to b. po»lpon*a. Tie. ..coma lor «Ue ensuing jear-ot ibe rata received for the last two quarters would be £6B, and the minimum expenditure must be about £lO6. % far back as 1881 the then Committee, dealing with the question p£ ways and means invited subscriptions of Is per quarter from roarenta Jtor the purchase of -pens ink: and .other .requisites. The Committee# .effort, rihough cheerfully responded to by parents, w*s received coldly and did hot meet with the approval of the Board, and as the capitation allowance was soon after increased, the -collection of subscriptions was discontinued. The Committee observing that the practice of eoljpct.ng such subscriptions waS general m .other places, thought that if the incoming Committee ©re allowed to collect fees of not more than one shilling per quarter in the manner described, such would be the most equitable and the least objectionable one. Owing to the liberal support from the parents in the matter of subscriptions to a prize fund, the Committee were enabled to give valuable prizes, and by means of two entertainments a valuable American organ had been supplied to the school. The number on the book 3in the infant school was stated to have been increase! from 147 to 184, and good results had been liuced under Miss Page’s management. Ihe report concluded by acknowledging the ready assistance and co-operation of Mr Mow Dray and his staff in all.matters conducive to the welfare and prosperity of the school. The following gentlemen were elected as, (Phi Committee for the coming year Messrs A Kn -h D. Archibald, C. T. Richardson, J. Rose \Y- Widdop, J. Davis (re-elected) and r. 7 IX Venzoni, who was elected vice Mr J. ~ A „-n A vote of thanks was passed ?n a Mr y Mowt" -und hie assistants, and also mStii. M"'" Kilt ttooUd chnimoo for the ensuing year.

NEWTOWN’. The aifOuM meeting of householders of the district of Newtown was held in the local -achoolhouse night for the purpose of -electing a school Committee. There were •about 50 persons present, and Mr J. Kitchen -occupied the chair. The report of the re'tiring Committee alluded to the Bnsßtisfftc, Tory state of affairs and deplorable c OHO It (on of the liuances when they took office. It hau •been found that instead of there being a •credit balance of £5 8s 6d, as stated, the •Committee had actually to meet accounts to -the amount of £-27 ss. The Committee, thowever, by instituting rigid economy, ■and by the aid of several" concerts, had been able to pay the entire debt off, ,„ive a Christmas treat to the children, ,at a cost of £l7 4s, and purchase a ppmber of 'prizes. The report also referred to the over•crowded state or the school, and to -the tact, -Jhat a number of children had been refused'

admission.’ This arose from the popularity of the headmaster, and the rapid increase of population in the district. The chief difficulty was the question of accommodation for tho young children, and as it was more than probable that an infant class room would shortly be erected on a part of the ground, it was to be hoped that the trouble would soon bo at an end. Hearty thanks were tendered to Mr Hulke (headmaster), Messrs Kitchen, Martin, Tyson, Bay has, nnd others, for special prizes given by them, and to Mr Barry, master, for the cup presented by him for competition amongst the scholars. Recarding the attendance, the report stated that in December, ISS7, the average was 522 and for the quarter ending Mar oil, loots, it was 555. The number of children on tho books at the eud of March was 700. In conclusion, the report alluded to the perfect harmony existing between the teaching start and the Committee. The balance-sheet showed that there was a balance in hand up to tho end of last year of £3 13a 3d. The Chairman, in moving tho adoption of tho report and balance-sheet, referred to the overcrowded state of the school; aud saul that it was no fault of the Committee. The reason was that the educational system had broken down, for the fact stood that in the Wellington province there were 2000 children who were unable to get into these public schools. They were promised by Act of Parliament that their children were to have free education, aud if the system had not broken down, how was it that so many of their children were unable to gain admission into the schools? The Education Board could not bo blamed, because they had no funds, and he strongly urged that a resolution should be passed to the effect that a deputation should bo appointed to wait on tho Government in reference to the mattei. Mr G. H. Bayliss seconded the motion. Mr Hollis wished to explain that the Committee mast be under some mistake when they stated that the old Committee had not informed them of the liabilities of the Committee. This Committee, he went on to remark seemed to have buttored themsolvea ■up at the expense of the other Committee. Mr J. McLean thought that some of the money which had been spent for a treat would have been better applied in repairing the school ground. Mr A. Wilson thought ifr Was strictly the Board’s duty, and nottthe Committee’s, to put the school ground in order, and therefore he did not think tho Committee were to blame, especially as the money had been devoted to such a good purpose. Mr Hollis a.sked if it was a fact that children belonging to other districts had been admitted into the school, while tho children of parents belonging to Newtown could not get in. Mr Hulke, the headmaster, replying to Mr Hollis, said there was no such thing in New Zealand as a boundary for school children. It was his duty, while he had a vacant seat in the school, to let a child take it, no matter where he came from. Referring to the crowded state of tho school in general, and to the infant room in particular, ho said it was criminal that so many young children should be put together in one room, and if he was a parent he would not allow a child of his to sit in that room for one hour. He could not ask the teachers to instruct the children under such circumstances; it would be impossible for them to do it. He had determined to put a stop to it by having a cqrtain put across the room, so that one class could be taught, and he intended to fit up the desks for the use of the children himself. (Loud applause.) After some further discussion the resolution was put and carried. The election of tho new committee then took place, and resulted as follows P— M. Hoar, 64 ; G. Bayliss, 56; J. Kitchen, 51 ; G W. Davis, 42 ; A. Wilson, 28 ; T. S. Powell, 25 ; and H. Hollis, 24. On the motion of Mr Hollis, seconded by Mr Claridge, Messrs Baker, Foothead, Powell, McLean, Morris, Tall, Elliott, Feltham, Green, Briggs, Thomas, and members pf Committee were appointed as a denutation to wait upon the Government for the purpose of urging that something should be done to relieve the present overcrowded state of the school. Vote 3 of thanks were awarded to the retiring Committee and the Chairman, after which the meeting terminated. . A meeting of the newly-elected Committee was subsequently held, at which Mr Bayliss was ele.oted Chairman and Mr Davios Secretary.

Following are the results of the elections of School Committees in the various suburban districts LOWER HUTT, Mr W. N. Fitzherbert took the chair, and the election resulted in Messrs G. Mcllvride, C. E. Bunny, ,T. Caverhill, W. N. Fitzherbert, D Speedy, L. Payne, and J. Hall bffing elected. Mr Fitzherbert was reelected chairman.

VOGELTOWN. The following gentlemen were elected : Messrs Agate (chairman), W. Mason, Mack ay, Broad, Lambert, J. Short, and S, Short.

WADESTOWN. This election fell through, only one householder attending.

. MAKARA. ~ ~ ’, of the householders At th ®^ n , uuas ' • P. Trotter was of the Makara district Mr _ -Mtm. The elected Chairman of tho public mee.. * annual report and balance-sheet were r-... ami adopted, after which the following were .elected a Committee : Messrs P. Trotter, \Q. Shatter, J. McLeavy, J. Eagle, H. Monaghan, W. Trotter and S. Bowler. At the first rpeetipg held immediately afterward Mr P, Trotter was elected Chairman and Secretary, and Mr J. McLeavy, Treasurer. A cordial vote of thanks to the retiring Cornmittee was carried by acclamation. It was decided that the Chairman make an application to the Education Board for a subsidy of £5 toward tho erection of a wtfc weather shed, the Committee giving a like sum. PORIRUA. Messrs Jillet, Thompson, FlewellyD, McGrath, Jordan, Hooper (chairman), and S/iavons were elected.

KAIWHARW ] Messrs W. Bowden (chairman), W. Ber- | ni«, G. WaddingtoD, T. ’tt ainwnght, J. Gardner, G. M. Tayior, and T. J. Cook were elected.

JOHNSON VILLE. The annual meeting of householders of the town district of -j ohusonville was held in the schooffiouse on the evening of the 23rd inst., for the purpose of electing a School Committee for the ensuing year. About 25 persous assembled. The utmost good feeling prevailed. Mr Winter was voted to the chair. The report showed there were 130 children on the books, the average attendance being excellent. There wao a credit balance of £4 19s lOd in hand. In conclusion the report alluded to the perfect harmony which existed between the teaching staff aud Committee. The election of the new Committee then took place, resulting as follows :-F. Orbell, 39.; M. Atkinson 36; John Chapman, 21 ; A. Anderson, .17 ; 1Bowler, 14 ; J. L. Young, 12 ; J. Sprmggay, 10 • Frederick Taylor, 7 ; A. H. Bennie, o. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee. Tho first seven were dulv elected. Subsequently the Committee hela a meeting, when Mr Orbell was elected chairman ; Mr Atkinsou, secretary; Mr Anderson, treasurer, KARORI. Notwithstanding the pouring ram the meeting of Karori householders, for tne election of a now committee, was crowded to the doors, the special question of. interest being the continuation or 1 otherwise of the slaughteryard in the centre of the district,, aud in close proximity to the school, the retiring committee having taken a. determined stand against tho misianoe being retained. The result of the election confirmed tho action of the retiring committee, six members being returned supporting their views on the subject, and one against. At tho meeting last.night Mr James Mackenzie, Chairman of tho Committee, was called upon to preside aud read the annual report, which briefly touched on routine matters, expressing satisfaction with the teaching staff and the state of the school generally. The bafauce in hand to credit was shown to be £3 16s Id, The report and balance-sheet, as read, were adopted unanimously. The election of the new committee was then proceeded with, the following gentlemen being elected -Messrs J. Mackenzie, S. Lancaster, C C. Graham, E. Monaghan, C. T. H. Brown, T. Cole, and Major Messenger. The voting was as follows : J. Mackenzie, 76 ; S. Lancaster, 55; C. C. Graham, 42; E. Monaghan, 41 ; Major Messenger, 39 ; L. I. TT- Brown, 33; T. Cole, 31 ;J. Spiers, —9 ; I. James, 20. At the meeting of tho now committee, held immediately afterward, Mr Mackenzie was unanimously re-elected chairman, for the fifth time, and Mr Brown, treasurer.

KILBIRNIE. Messrs W. Higinbothau (chairman), F. J. W. Fear, W. Clarke, F. Marlow, J. Higinbotham, C. Mace aud W. Kershaw wore elected. UPPER HUTT. Messrs E. Rawson (chairman), P. Johnson, S. BeDgn, E. Hagan, J. Mabc-y, G. McHattie, and S. Harper were elected.

PITONE. Messrs C. Conchman (chairman', E. Batteraby, W. Ashcroft, E. J. Cbatwiu, F, Greville, J. Wright and W. Walsh were elected unopposed.

TAWA FLAT. Messrs H. Giles (chairman), E, AUcd, G. Boscber, G. Hook, G. Morgan, D. Ryan and J. Taylor were elected.

The Secretary of the Education Board has been notified of the following results of school committee .elections : - . Judgeford. —Messrs R. Mulhern (chairman), D. Galloway, A. Judge, C. Stuart, G. Galloway, E. Draper, and W. Sanders. Kaitoke. —Messrs P. Hansen (chairman), J. Wilson, G. Illingworth, R. Cresswell, J. Felling, M. Haywood, and K. S. Kelley. Mauriceville.— Messrs Guuder, Gunderson (chairman). John Svenson, Lars Larsen, Peter Larsen, Niels Anderson, Peter Anderson, and Hans Larsen. Claheville.— Messrs F. Feist (chairman), A. Booth, J. Bairslow, J. Neilson, J. Smith, A. de Lacy, and W. Ballen. Cross’ Creek. —Messrs I. Kirby (chairman), Alex. Allen, Alex. Allan,-Thomas Cannon, Robert Hope, Thomas Fletcher, Thomas Hutchins. Tauukrenikau. —Messrs F. Monekton, J. Nix, G. Holland, M. Cave, J. Ilodder, _E. Dunn and A. Wilkinson, as committee for ths ensuing year. Mr Wilkinson has been chosen chairman.

Wallaceville.— -Messrs R. Lee (chairman), P. T. Sheppard (seoretary), John Burrell, M. Ridland, J. Downing, W. Burrell and J. Corley. Taita. Messrs John Clement (chairman), A. Buck, W. Cleland, J. Fox, Gooch, Kilminster and Russeil. The meetings of householders at Gladstone, Tinui, Wadeatown and Waingawa lapsed, and the elections will be held on the 21st May. ■ - '

(per press association. ) Masterton, April 24, The Masterton school election was keenly contested. One side placed Messrs Feist, McEwan, and Galloway, and the other returned Messrs Renall, Hogg, and PrangnelL Tho seventh seat foil to an outsider named lamella,- who, in supporting the Heist Mr , *hem the victory. Mr Feist was party, gave .. . Between 200 and 300 elected chairman. . A unanimous voters attended the meei.„ 0 Messrsßo - vote of thanks was accorded to “ ,rin S diagton, Lowes, and Payton, the re., members of the old committee.

Nelson, April 24. At the, election of a school committee for the city of Nelson, held last night, there was a crowded attendance. The majority of members returned were in favor of Biblereading in schools out of school hours. Auckland, April 24. The annual meeting of householders for the election of school committees, See., were held throughout this district yesterday evening, and were generally well attended in tho

city educational district, and also at Ponsonby. Resolutions were passed recommending the shortening of the terms of school holidays, and the householders of the latter district also suggested that children over 15 years of age be not admitted to the public schools, and that pupils who have attained the sixth standard be not allowed to remain at school. The following resolution was passed at Newmarket: “That this meoting request the new Committee to call tho attention of Government to the present pernicious system of electing school committees, whereby each householder can record his full number of seven votes to any one candidate in the district.” A resolution was adopted in favor of reducing the salaries rather than the number of teachers, as proposed by the Board of Education.