EDUCATION BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8496, 17 May 1889, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Education Board was held yesterday, there being present: Messrs H. Clark (chairman), J. Fulton, M.H.R., J. M'Kenzie, M.H.R., J. Green, J. Macgregor, M. Fraer, J. W. Jago, the Hon. T. Dick, and Dr Hislop.

MINUTES,

The Chairman stated that the board had sat so late on the previous day that there had not been time to write up the minutes. Mr M'Kenzie objected to this way of doing things, and asked thai the minutes be read, because" he wished to enter his protest against the partial manner in which the appointments were made yesterday. The Chaibman ruled that Mr M'Kenzie was not in order in making a protest against anything that was done. Even if the minutes were before the board the question would be sinroly whether the minutes were correct. Mr M|Kenzie said it was usual with other bodies with which he was connected to consider protests before the minutes were confirmed; but he must accept the chairman's ruling, and take another opportunity of bringing forward his protest. Mr Fraeb thought the ruling of the chairman was quite right. Mr Green said that this was a very irregular discussion. Certain statements had been made which certainly ought not to remain where they were, and it was impertant for the board to determine whether this was an adjourned meeting or another meeting of the board. His circular did not say that only committee work was to be taken yesterday. Mr M'Kenzie had raised two very important questions: whether this was another meeting of the board, and whether the minutes of a meeting of the board should not be'read before the business was proceeded with.

Mr Macgeegor said that to his mind it was perfectly clear that this was one meeting extending over two days. The Chairman ruled that to-day's was a separate meeting from that of yesterday. It was here suggested that the secretary should read the draft minutes, and this having been done, the minutes were confirmed.

Mr M'Kenzie said he would now move the adjournment of the board in order to give members an opportunity of discussing the remarks he was about to make. He wished to express the opinion, as to the appointments made at yesterday's meeting, that a great deal of partiality was shown, and that injustice was done. One applicant was punished for his religious

views

The Chairman did not like to call Mr M'Kenzie to order, but would ask him if he thought it desirable to bring these matters before the public.'

MrM'EENZiE: If I am not allowed to say anything about your action yesterday I may as well sit down. It appears to me that wheu we are in committee members make insinuations about character that they are afraid to make in public.

Several members interrupted, and asserted that no insinuations were made at the meeting as to anyone's character.

Dr Hislop objected to any member making statements which were in opposition to fact. He was at yesterday's meeting during the whole of the sitting, and did not hear any reflections on any candidate's character or religious views. Air M'Kenzie said he would withdraw what he had said in reference to religious views. Dr Hislop insisted that Mr M'Kenzie should absolutely withdraw his statement. Ha would leave it to any member present to say whether at Wednesday's meeting there was a single word said that could be construed into a reflection on any candidate's character or religious

Mr M'Kenzie replied that he had already withdrawn his statement in reference to religious views, but he would challenge any member at the table to say that remarks as to character were not made at this board at a meeting held a month ago. Another thing that he had to complain of was that at Wednesday's meeting, when the testimonials of one candidate were being read, fonr members of the board— Messrs Fulton, Fraer. Jago, and Dick—left the room and did not hear what was contained in the testimonials, but returned in time to vote.

Mr Dick pointed ont that in Parliament it was not unusual for members to return to the House only just in time to vote. How long were the members referred to absent from the room? Perhaps they had seen the testimonials beforehand. :

Mr M'Kenzie said that was one of the things he complained of, that members should go to the room before the meeting and read testimonials privately. He as a country member had to wait until the meeting, and it was both irregular and unfair to teachers that other members should do this. He 'considered that yesterday's proceedings were neither croper nor right, and most enter his protest. Mr Dick : You have not moved anything. Mr M'Kenzie ; Well, 1 move the adjournment of the board.

Mr Dick seconded the-motion pro forma, and on its being negatived, the board proceeded with the business.

BESISNATIONS.

The following resignations were accepted :— Margaret Nic'ol, head teacher, Waitahuna West; Annie Darton, mistress, Wetherstones; Margaret T. Donald, mistress, Sandymount; John Dagger, relieving teacher; Amelia E. Bayley, head teacher, Te Hauka..