EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4280, 8 December 1874, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

An Education Board meeting was held yesterday morning' at eleven. The following members were present:—Messrs. Brandon (in ~iple chair), Andrew, Hutchison, and Bunny. The Secretary informed the meeting that the bank account was overdrawn £197. The salaries and other accounts against the Board were considered, and with the exception of items to the amount of £3O, regarding which more information was required, the accounts were passed—in all about £730. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. West, of Wanganui, for the purpose of attending the Presbyterian Assembly in Wellington. A letter was read from Mr. John Morgan, member of the Board of Advice at -Kaitoki, who resigned his position in consequence of the course adopted by the Board with regard to the Kaitoki schools. The plans for the I'oxton, Greytoivn, G'artertfin, and Wharekaka schools were submitted to the meeting, and referred to a subcommittee. A letter was read from Mr. Alex. Milne, of West Kangitikei, complaining of the teacher of the local school and of the half-time system, and enclosing the copy o£ a resolution passed at a meeting of the inhabitants of West Ran'dtikei, in which the guarantee of salary for a teacher of a full-time school was offered. The letter also stated that, under the .present arrangements, the attendance of the children at school could not be relied upon. It was resolved that the teacher's services be dispensed with, the Inspector's report bearing out the substance of the letter of complaint. Mr. HbtchisoX informed the Board that it was the wish of a great many people in the Rangitikei district that a female teacher should be ar/pointed to the" Upper Tutanui school, where there was a preponderance of girls; and suggested that Mr. Bcrrins (present teacher) be appointed to some other school, and a schoolmaster and schoolmistress to succeed him. Mr. HCTCinsoS asked if any plans had been sent in from Marton or Bull's for additions to the schools' in those places, and was informed that none had been received as yet. A letter was received from Mr. Thynne, Foxton, requesting that the Board might appoint a teacher competent to instruct in higher branches of education than the elementary course provided by the Board, and intimating that the settlers were prepared to guarantee any extra expense necessary. Mr. Hutchison considered that the question was a most important one, and demanded their serious attention. Consideration postponed. An application was received from Mr. Mowbray for certain improvements to the Tliorndon School, the estimated cost being £92. The question of obtaining a lease of the school called forth some remarks, and it was suggested that a lease of the school for five years should be obtained if possible. The chairman proposed that in order to cover any little contingencies a vote of £IOO should be passed. Mr. Hutchison dissented, but the other members of the Board present favoring the vote, it was carried. An application from the teacher at the Wairoa school for an increase in the capitation fees, to include the cost of firewood, -was postponed for future consideration. An application from the Turakina schoolteacher regarding certain improvements required in the schoolhouse, was also postponed, pending the receipt of estimates. Mr. Andrew called attention to the state of the Castle Point district, as regarded educational matters. He said that at present there was a travelling schoolmaster, who gave every satisfaction to about four families, but none at all to the others. Ho (Mr. A.) said that he was authorised to offer, on behalf of Mr. Nichols, a free site of five acres for school purposes, if the Board would erect a schoolhouse

—the only condition being that the laud would i»vert to Mr. Nichols when the building ceased to be a school. Mr. Hutchison did not relish the idea ot taking land gratuitously from a person in Mr. Nichols" position. " It was ultimately agreed that Mr. Nichols should be paid £i an acre for the land, and' that Mr. Audrew should make the necessary arrangements for the transfer, on the understandfn" that if the land should ever revert to the original owner ho should pay back to the Board the £i an acre. The Board thereupon adjourned.