THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4250, 3 November 1874, Page 2

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Education Board held yesterday, the members present were ;—Mr. Brandon (in the chair), Hon. C. J. Pharazyn, Mr. Toomath, Mr. "V. Smith, and Mr. Hutchison. The business transacted was not of any very great importance. Mr. Smith moved, —“ That when the school fees were collected by the teachers, these gentlemen should be allowed a commission of 5 per cent., and that in such cases, as the teachers objected to perform the work, it should be done by the regular rate collector, the same commission being allowed.” During a discussion which followed, it transpired that Messrs. Holmes and Mowbray were the only two masters who had objected to do the work, and they did so on the ground that they could not spare the time. Several suggestions were made as to how the difficulty could best be met, and the resolution was finally passed in this form:— “ That the teachers be required to collect the school foes, a commission of 5 per cent, being allowed them as remuneration, the wox-k of collection to be performed out of school hours.” The Board then proceeded to strike the rate for the ensuing year, and a long discussion ensued as to the proper means to be adopted, Mr. Hutchison insisting that the Board should first be placed in possession of information as to the precise amount of income upon which the Board had to rely. It was explained that this was simply a matter of addition, which would occupy fully a fortnight to carry out, and had nothing whatever to do with the striking of the rate. After a long discussion, the rate already fixed by law—one half-penny in the pound—was agreed to, and declared struck ; but this did not decide the question, which was re-opened and discussed de novo , the result being that the matter was postponed for a week for the purpose of obtaining further information. It was decided, upon the recommendation of the Secretary, that in future all cheques should be crossed, instead of being made payable to order, and it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Toomath, that the maximum number of pupils at half-time schools be fixed at twenty-five instead of fifteen. Some routine business was disposed of, and the Board adjourned till Monday next.