EDUCATION BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 10

EDUCATION BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Education Board was held on the 17th. Present — The chairman (Dr Brown), Hon. T. Dick, Messrs J. Macgregor, J. Green, and H. Clark. FINANCE REPORT. The report of the Finance Committee was adopted as follows :— Your committee, having considered the various matters referred to them, begs to make the following reoommeadafcions :— Kurow t That this school be treated as a full-time school from the dafce'of the next examination of the school by the inspeotor. Kyeburn: That the appliaation for a full-time school be deferred in the meantime. Applications for schools : That the application from the settlers at Hilderthorpe tor the establishment of a school be declined ; that the memorials from Windsor and lnch-Clutha be referred to the inspectors for report ; and that a school be established at Tokarahi (Marewhenua), on condition that a site of not less than five acres be secured free of cost to the board. Lauder : That the application from residents for a grant in aid for carrying on a school be agieed to in terms of section 88 of Education Act. Kvans' Flat: That the application of the committee ior the continuauce of the services of the mistress till the end of September be dealt with at the July meeting. Duntroon : Tbat the appointment of a mistress be sanctioned, aud that the erection of an additional classroom and an addition to the residence be agreed to. West Taieri : That the recommendation ot the clerk of works for the protection of the school buildings be agreed to. Ngapara ; That the application for a mistress be declined. Wakari : That the application for the appointment of a pupil teacher be deferred for another quarter. Normal : That, as recommended by the Professorial Board, exhibitions be awarded to W. Burnside aud A. Crawford. George street: That the head teacher of the George street School be informed that the board resolve to adhere to their scale of salaries as at present fixed, aud that if any increase iv the staff becomes necessary owing to increased attendance, the board will be prepared to grant the same. At the same time the board do not wish to encourage an attendance of over 750 at any school. That the following sums be granted for improvements of buildings:— Naseby, £6 10s; Hound Hill, £2 10s. IMPBOVEMBNT OP SCHOOL GROUNDS. The Chairman said it would be remembered that at the la«t meeting he had made some remarks with reference to the state of school gardens and surroundings generally, and that the board had referred the matter to Dr Hislop and himself to consider and report on. He had now to report that they had drawn up a circular on the matter, and he would read it to the board with a view of their approving of it and ordering that a copy be sent to every teacher. The circular was as follows : — The Education Board have had their attention directed to the fact that throughout the Otago district a considerable number of public school buildings and their surroundings present a cheerless and untidy appearance, and the board regret very much that, with few exceptions, no attempts have been made to enclose the school grounds with live fences, or to plant them with trees or shrubs, and that there are few school gardens worthy of the name— a tidily kept one being quite a rarity." It may be urged by the teachers as an excuse for this state of matters, so far as they are concerned, that there is no statutory provision for the repayment to the teacher, in the event of his leaving, of any outlay made by him on the permanent improvement of the school property. The School Committee and the settlers, who have a considerable interest in the matter, could no doubt do very much to encourage and substantially assist the teacher to improve the appearance of the school buildings and grounds by the planting of trees, shrubs, and live fences for shelter and ornament, and by the formation of a fruit, flower, and kitchen garden. But a very great deal might be done in this direction by the teacher himself by the putting forth of a moderate amount of personal effort. Because of the fitness of the thing, and because of the benefit he would himself derive from the exercise, the board would urge upon every teacher in occupation of an official residence the duty and the advantage of devoting a portion of his spare time to the formation and cultivation at least of a small garden. The good example set by the teacher in this matter would undoubtedly exert a beneficial influence upon his pupils, and through them upon the families of the district ; while, at the same time, the very fact of the teacher practically manifesting a desire to render the school premises attractive and becoming would in most instances induce the School Committee and the friends of the school to encourage his efforts and render him substantial assistance. It is extremely desirable that the public school should become, to the greatest possible extent, a source of good influences. The board do not consider it unreasonable to exDect also that the teachers should take such an interest in the school premises as to be willing to expend some little personal effort in keeping them in good order and repair. Experience has shown that a fair amount of watchfulness on the part of the teacher over the conduct of the scholars will do very much to preserve the school property from injury, and that by any relaxation of such attention even the newer buildings, furniture, fencing, &0., ,soon become untidy, disfigured, and out of repair. The timely expenditure of a few minutes now a'ad again by the teacher in driving a nail or two, in fixing a rail or a wire, or in putting in a support to a poßt,,would frequently render a fence secure for a considerable time, which, if neglected, would soon become use'ess. The same may be said as regards the securing of a shingle, a board, or a piece of spouting, the clearing out of a drain, and the attention given to the hinges and fastenings of doors, gates, and windows. The inspectors have been directed to report very fully in each case on the condition of the school buildings, furniture, fences, &c, and the attention that appears to be given by the teacher to their maintenance in good order and repair. The highly satisfactory and creditable condition of some of the public school properties showc what can be done by teachers who are actuated by proper motives regarding the important matters referred to in this memorandum. By order of Che Education Board. P. G. PBrDE, Secretary. The circular was approved of, aud instructions

were given for it to be sent out ; also for the school inspectors to report on the manner in j which the proposal is carried out at future ex- j , animations. j The Chaibhan remarked that if inspection was begun in six months' time that would be soon enough, and teachers could not do much in less than that period. ACCOUNTS. Accounts and salaries amounting to £6082 9s lOd were passed for payment. CLOSED SCHOOLS. Inspectors Fetrie and Goyen reported that they found the Teaneraki and Taieri Beach Schools closed on the occasion of their recent visits, and that the head teachers had not sent notice of their being closed in terms of regulation 20. — The board decided to censure the teachers, and that if any similar cases occur in future, the board will deal severely with them. RESIGNATIONS RKCBIVBD. James Methven, head teacher, Kaihiku ; Kenneth M'Donald, do, Brighton ; Mungo Alison, do, Hawea; Marion B. Cowie, iirst assistant, Mosgiel; Mary Mant, pupil teacher, Kaikorai. APPOINTMENTS MADE. James Methven, head teacher, Maungatua ; Henrietta Hilgeudorf, do, Tnapeka Flat ; Jessie M'Gregor, do, Tarras; Marion B. Cowie, mistress, Anderson's Bay. DISPUTED ELECTIONS. Correspondence was read in connection with disputed elections of members on the following school committees, and the board's decisions on the various cases were as follow : — Flag Swamp, fresh election to be held on June 4 ; Bannockburn, election declared valid; Ravensbourne, fresh election on June 4; Waitahuna, fresh election on June 4 ; Whare Flat, election declared valid. FRESH ELECTIONS. The 4th of June was fixed for the election of committees for the following districts, in which the elections had fallen through owing to the small attendance of householders : — Adams Flat, Blackstone, Circle Hill, Crookston, Gimmerburn, Glenkenich, Moonlight, Oamaru Middle, Tuapeka West, Tuapeka Mouth, and White Sow Valley. THE TEACHER'S INSTITUTE. The Educational Institute's secretary wrote asking the board to recommend committees to grant the usual week's holiday in June to enable teachers to attend the annual meeting of the i institute. — Agreed to. | THE EAIEORAI SCHOOL. The following resolution was received from the Kaikorai School Committee : — The committee having considered the documents forwarded by the board aod the request of the board that the committee advise it as to the desirability of removing Mr D. M'Lauchlan from the head mastership of the Kaikorai School, respectfully request the board to furnish the committee with a report by inspectors, other than in the board's employ, of inspection and examination showing conclusively the present state of the school and the work done by the head master, as upon the reports (furnished by the board ; and in view of the expressed desire of the householders in the Kaikorai school district, whom the committee represent, to retain Mr M'Lauchlan's services, the committee cannot do otherwise than advise the board to refrain from taking any steps towards removing the head master, Mr David M'lauchlan. Mr Dick proposed that as there were three members of the board absent the matter should be postponed, say, until after the session of Parliament. Dr Hislop seconded this pro forma. Mr Green said the board had been distinctly asked by the committee to defer consideration of the matter, and had declined to do so for so long. To pass this motion postponing it for three months would show vacillation on the part of the board, and he could not support it. The motion was then put and lost. Mr Clark said the board could not grant the committee's request for outside inspection at any rate. The Chairman, as no other member spoke, said he would move — " That the board, having considered the resolution forwarded by the Kaikorai School Committee, resolves to adhere to its former opinion that a change iv the head mastership of the school is necessary." That of course would mean that notice to Mr M'Lauchlan would follow. Dr Hislop thought it would be better to make no reference to their former opinion. The Chairman said the board's opinion was final on the documents sent to the committee, and they simply in deference to Mr Justice Williams' decision postponed the matter until a. new committee was elected. There were no new facts before the board. Mr Macgregor seconded the motion. Dr Hislop again objected to any reference in the motion to the board's former proceedings, and thought it would be hotter that their present action should be independent of any former opinion. They were told in so many words that the board was not warranted in coming to an opinion absolutely till they had consulted the committee. It was after consultation with the committee that the board had to make up its own mind, otherwise the consultation would be a farce. Mr Green said he would take the responsibility of moving as follows ; — " That the board having considered the reply of the Kaikorai School Committee to communications forwarded by the board with regard to the Kaikorai School, resolves that it is essential to the educational interests of the Kaikorai School district that the services of Mr David M'Lauchlan, head master of the school, be dispensed with; that Mr M'Lauchlan's engagement be terminated on August 31, 1888, and that the secretary be directed to send an intimation of this resolution to the Kaikorai School Committee and to Mr M'Lauchlan." He considered the board would be acting very improperly in acceding to the request made at the present stage for an independent report. It would amount to this — that the board were of opinion that their inspectors were incompetent or had acted partially in this matter. He should be sorry to act in a manner i that would give the slightest colour to such an idea. It was clear to his mind that Mr M'Lauch- : lan must either leave that school or the board's inspectors must be dealt with as men incompetent for the discharge of their duties, or men who acted partially and did not report in accordance with their judgment. He thought no member of the board had any such feeling. He was very sorry to have to take this action, but in the interests of the system, and especially of the Kaikorai di&trict, he felt constrained to move the motion. Dr Hislop seconded the motion (the chairman's having been withdrawn). He agreed with much that Mr Green had said, especially about the board calling in outside persons to inspect the school. The proposition could never be entertained. It would' be very unfair to their inspectors, in whom they had the fullest confidence, and would be tantamount to throwing thenijoverboard. He resented thej>roposition very keenly, and would almost go so far as to say it was a piece of impertinence on the part of the committee to make such a proposal. Mr Macgregor said he agreed with the motion, as it seemed to him that there was no other course open to the board. He had lately gone into the whole matter, and had come to a conclusion after very unprejudiced consideration. Unfortunately, the main issue had been somewhat obscured by general questions, principally as to the construction of the

act. The question decided in the Supreme Court was purely technical, and as a matter of common sense only no oue could doubt that the board had been in continuous consultation with the committee for about four years. It had seemed to him as an outsider that the board had deferred too much to the committee, and had shown weakness throughout the whole matter. He was of that opinion now, and thought there was no course open but the dismissal of Mr M'Lauchlan. He regretted it, unfeignedly believing that in many respects he was a most estimable man, but the evidence of their inspectors proved it was necessary in the interests of education in that district and of the whole system that the board should take the step now proposed. The request of the committee that the board should appoint outside inspectors to furnish a fresh report he thought nothing short of preposterous, especially iv face of the fact that a tribunal not of the board's selection — viz., Mr Carew, sitting as a royal commissioner — had already decided as to the impartiality of the board's inspectors. That should put an end to the matter, and the board should not hesitate for a moment in refusing the request. The board had, he thought, every reason to have every confidence in their inspectors. — (Hear.) It seemed to him that the School Committee had attached more weight to the general questions than to the real issue whether or not it was necessary to effect a change in the head mastership. He thought, in the face of the evidence before the board, of the reports of the inspectors, and the result of the investigation into the conduct of those inspectors by Mr Carew, that not only was the | board justified in taking such action as proposed, but that it would be a derilection of duty if they did not. ! Mr Dick did not agree with the motion. The board, he admitted, was a far-seeing, powerful body, and had an undoubted right to judge in such a case, but the Kaikorai school district held a very different opinion, and he thought they should at least pause befoie pronouncing such a decision as this. A few months ago there was another school committee elected, and this matter was in a very special manner referred to the householders to settle. The result of the I elections was that 5 out of 7 of the committee were now favourable to Mr M'Lauchlan. That indicated that a considerable majority of the ! householders considered Mr M'Lauchlan, during his many years as teacher there, had given satisfaction and done his duty. The speaker did not deny that the board could override the householders and the committee, but he thought they should pause and consider the position they took in defying the whole district, and telling them they did not know as well as the board the necessities of the case, although living with ' Mr M'Lauchlan, and being associated with him in every way. Then, again, the last report of the inspectors seemed to be a principal ground of action by the board, and he remembered the report spoke severely of the teaching in the algebra class. It never showed, though, how long the class had been in existence, and it was a singular fact, if a statement in that morning's paper was to be believed, that it had not existed for three weeks at the time. It seemed most unfair to pass censure on a teacher on account of a class he had only had that length of time. Then Mr M'Lauchlan had been there for a number of years, and until a few years ago the reports were in his favour. Last year, too, when there had been a change of assistants, the report was most favourable to him. As to his character, not a breath of suspicion was hinted against it, and when a district had such a teacher as that — so trustworthy, so thoroughly respected, exercising such beneficial influence, and admitted by all around him to be a man so worthy of respect, in addition to his qualifications as a teacher, it behoved the board to hesitate, and to abandon the idea of dismissing him from that school. Mr Clahk said he quite approved of the motion. " I The Chaibhan said he should not like to give a silent vote. In the first place he thought the board had not been hasty by any means, and so far from taking this step without sufficient ground as Mr Dick said, the finding of Mr Carew was in his opinion amply sufficient. The board had all along quite sufficient ground if they had acted in legal form, which they had now done, and there could be no reason for j asserting that their action was the " outcome of a long series of acts of injustice and persecution." The Chairman proceeded to read an extract from Mr Carew's report as to Mr | M'Lauchlan's tendency to impute blame to others, and said the explanation in that morning's paper, as to a class that had only been in existence for three weeks, he attached far less importance to than he would have had he not read Mr Carew's opinion of the value of Mr M'Lauchlan's testimony. The motion waa then put and carried, Mr Dick alone dissenting.