MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1057, 2 June 1892, Page 38

MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

A meeting of the School Commissioners was held on Monday morning, Mr J. R. Blair presiding. There were also present—Messrs J. H. Baker, J. Duthie, M.H.R., Thos. Mason, and C. P. Powles. The report of 1891 was read, and showed that daring the year the Commissioners had paid over to the Education Boards of Wellington and Wanganui the sum of LllOO. They had also disposed of during the same period 38 reserves at a total rental of L3OO Os Sd, the amounts varying from 2d to 2s 4d per acre for rural sections, and in one case 7s 6d per acre. The total area disposed of was 6687 acres. The report went on to state that the Commissioners have just concluded a series of sales at prices ranging from 6J to 3s 6d per acre, the number of sections disposed of being 27, containing 2385 acres, for L 273 13s 6d. The Commissioners called attention to the number of reserves laid off, but not yet vested in them, which, lying idle, become an obstruction to settlement, and of no value to the Trusts which they are intended to benefit. They also urged the necessity for setting aside the reserves for secondary education. The report further stated that the Commissioners have extended four lots in the Farae Karetu block at a rental increased from L 76 to L7ll per annum; the latter being payable on the expiration of the present leases in 1898. The Commissioners authorised the sum of L 1530, sums accrued, to be paid over to the Education Boards of Wellington and Wanganui for this year, against LllOO devoted to the same purpose last year. The administration of the Education Reserves Leasing Act of 1890, continues the report, may entail upon the Commissioners very considerable additional expense, as many tenants are seeking to avail themselves of its provisions. The report was ordered to be sent to the .minister of Education. —Messrs Moore and Douglas, settlers in the Pahau Block, were in attendance, to receive the special report of the Commissioner of Crown Lands regarding the proposed exchange of land to secure a good fencing line.. No decision was come to by the Commissioners, but further enquiry it was settled should be made by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and that he should report to the Commissioners. Four applications for bu3h-falling and fencing on sundry reserves were considered and agreed to, and two refused. Eleven transfers and six mortgages were also consented to. Several applications for extension of leases under the Education Reserves . Leasing Act were received, but the Commissioners decided not to deal with them at present. The Wanganui Education Board applied for an additional area for a school site on section 70, Carnarvon, but the Commissioners decided t'-at they required further information before consenting to the application. Accounts amounting to L 76 14s 6d were passed for payment, and the meeting then concluded.