DUNEDIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1296, 30 September 1876, Page 7

DUNEDIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The regular meeting of the Dunedin School Committee was held in the Secretary's Office on the 22nd. Present— Messrs Rcbin (chair man), Fish, Livingston, A. C. Strode, C. Street, P. Sherwin, Wright, and Sydney James (Secretary). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

MIDDLE DISTRICT SCHOOL.

Plans of the new Middle District School were referred to the Works Committee, and it was stated that Mr Bell's scheme of ventilation was provided for. Some discussion took place on the desirability of having a janitor's residence connected with the School.

It was resolved, on the motion of Mv Siierwin — "That a recommendation be forwarded to the Education Board that the present land and the schoolmaster's houae connected with the Middle District School be sold, and that the money thereby derived shall be applied to the building of a master's residence on the newgrounds. Further, that a deputation from the Committee wait upon the Education] Board and press the importance and desirability cf the matter upon their attention.

INSURANCE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

When the question of insuring the school buildings was being discusssd, the Chairman mentioned that the Mataura Schoolhouae had been burned clown, and though the residents had contributed liberally towards its erection, the Government being short ot funds declined to re build it.

Mr Stiieet 3aid the Government were " in funds now — enormous funds."

MISSES ANI? EXHIBITIONS.

Mr Street thought the matter of achool prizes should be considered by the Committee. He did not believe in the annual exhibitions,

which he termed "theatrical shows." He moved—" That no public examination of the 1 public schools nor public exhibition be held, but that the prizes shall be awarded by the master on the certificate of the Government Inspector, and given away in public or other, wise on some date to ba hereafter fixed."

Mr Fish agreed with the principle of giving prizes, especially to encourage the infantile mind. However, he entirely objected to the public exhibitions, which only induced the brazen children to come forward, leaving the children of modest and genuine merit in the background. He seconded the motion.

Mr Livingston thought the testimonials given by the^ clergyman who presided at the annual exhibitions were utterly valueless. In one case last year, a clergyman's certificate was distinctly opposed lo the certificate given by the Inspector of Schools. The Secretary mentioned that L3O had been voted for prizes for the four schools last year. '

Mr Fish suggested that the Chairman should ascertain whether the motion accorded with Mr Petrie's views. The motion was carried unanimously. j It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr Fish—" That the sum of L3O be voted for the purpose of giving prizes this year, and the ques-. tion generally be remitted to a sub Committee,' consisting of the Chairman, Mr Livingston, Mr Street, and Mr Strode."

AN ANNUAL PICNIC FOR THE CHILDREN.

Mr Fjsh moved — "That in the opinion of this Committee it is desirable that the children of the four schools should have an annual treat, and that the arrangements be referred to the Committee formerly named." The Secretary : The treat will cost another L3O. 'Mr Street thought the Committee could collect L3O in half-an-hour for the purpose of giving the picnic to the children.

Several members expressed the opinion that the monster picnic, besides being thoroughly enjoyed by the children, would be productive' of very beneficial results. It was mentioned that the 15th December would be the breaking up day. The new Caledonian Grounds and the Ocean Beach were suggested as desirable places for the picnic. The motion was carried, and the Committee adjourned.