EDUCATION BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 35

EDUCATION BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Education Board, held on Thursday, was „ attended by Messrs J. Green, M.H.R. (chairman), T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., A. M'Kerrow, M. Cohen, J. J. Ramsay, H. Clatk, J. F. M. Fraser, Dr Stenhonse, and the Hon. J. MacGregor.

APPOINTMENTS

The following appointments were confirmed : —John A. Anderson, head teacher, Wylie's Crossing, new appointment; Effie N. Morgan, head teacher, Taiaroa Heads, vice Gillies, left the service.

RESIGNATION.

The resignation of Ellen Campbell, head teacher at Waipiata, was accepted.

TEMPERANCE TEXT BOOKS IN SCHOOLS.

Mrs Hatton, president of the Women's Franchise League, wrote forwarding a copy of a resolution passed by the league on the 2nd ult. to the effect that the leagae were of opinion it was desirable that a suitable temperance text book should be introduced into our public schools, and instruction given on a scientific basis, by means of objecb lessons. She also stated that the executive of the leagae would be glad if the board could also arrange an opportunity for Mr R. N. Adams, president of the Temperance Political Committee, to deliver his lecture on the "Action of Alcohol on the Human System," before the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Standard scholars. '

Dr Stenhousb moved — "That the letter be received, and referred to a committee to consider and report." Some parts of the letter he was not in sympathy with. With regard to the temperance text book, he thought the board should defer consideration of that question until they discussed the general question of school books. A3 to the introduction of temperance books into the schools, that was a matter for the consideration of the committees and Hot for the board.

Mr Ramsay seconded the motion.

The Hon. J. MacGregor said it struck him that this was not the best way to deal with this subject. It was not a question of a reading book, but whether some such texb bsok as was suggested was a desirable innovation in the schools ; and it would be simply shirking the question to refer it to a particular committee. The whole subject of reading books was one that was likely to come up before many months were over. He was not going to express his opinion upon the motion, but would vote against it. ,

Mr Ramsay thought the matter would have to be dealt with by some committee before the board dealt with it. Hi 3 intention in seconding the motion was that a committee should specially report upon it. He believed in a text book on temperance, and he thought such a book ought to be introduced into the schools.

Mr Co sen said that although it might not ba the intension to shirk the matter, the conclusion that would be come to outside with regard to the motion was that it was intended to shirk it. It was time enough to consider the question when the league submitted a proposed text book. What the board wanted to. know was what the text book was likely -to b8 before they sanctioned its introduction into the schools. Then before such a book could be introduced into the schools it required the sanction of the Minister for Education. The motion on being put was lost. Mr Cohen then moved—" That consideration of the letter be postponed."

The Hon. J. MacGregor said ho had already given notice that he would move that the board consider in detail the whole of the matters referred to in the annual report of the inspectors. One of his objects in doing so was to refer to the suggestions made by the inspectors on the question of reading books. These inspectors say:— "There seems to be a growing feeling among teachers that a better series of reading books than at present in use in the district could now be obtained. We think this is true, and that inquiry should be made with a view to the introduction of a better set of Readers. It is generally admitted that the graduation of the lower graduated Readers is far from perfect, and that many of the lessons in the series are less attractive and interesting than could be desired. If the board, should think of taking action in this matter, it would be well to give as long notice as possible of any changes that may be determined on, so that stocks of the books now in use might be disposed of without loss to the booksellers." He quite agreed with the inspectors that the whole question of reading books should be taken up. He himself held very decided views on this question, and he might say now that he bad a great objection to special text books upon special subjects being-used as reading books in the schools, For the purpose of learning reading children should read the masterpieces of literature. He therefore objected to a text book on temperance or any other particular subject being used as a reading book. He was opposed to the introduction of a temperance book into the schools on that ground, and on the ground that it would terribly overburden the syllabus. — (Hear, hear.) At the same time the proper way to deal with the subject was to set up a committee to consider the whole question of reading books, and he intended at another time to move that a committee be set up to consider the whole question. The motion on being put was carried. TFMPERANCE LECTURES.

Mr,R. L. Stanford wrote drawing attention to a handbill being circulated by one of the staff of the Kaikorai School on June 4 among the children attending that school, and suggesting that it was undesirable that school children should be used as the vehicle of cheap advertising for any itinerant showman. The peculiarly disgusting character, of Adams's entertainment emphasised his point, which was that school teachers should be absolutely forbidden to circulate any advertisements, invitations, or handbills of any kind through the children attending a public school. The handbill referred to by Mr Stanford stated that " a limelight entertaiment, with appropriate lecture, entitled ' The Curse of Drink ; or Ten Nights in a Bar-room,' will be given by IJro. R. N. Adams, -G.C.T., on Tuesday evening. June 5, 1894, commencing at 8 o'clock " Mr W. C. Allnutt, the head master of the Kaikorai School, having been communicated with in reference to the matter, wrote stating that the teacher in question distributed the bills at his request. In explanation of his action he stated — (1) That he was unacquainted with regulation 71 ; (2) that on a previous occasion he distributed handbills at the request of the school committee; (3) tbat he was simply carrying out the custom that had existed in the school for some years, as it was either a matter of complying with a local request by courteously distributing the bills to the scholars when dismissing them by means of the teachers, or allowing the person concerned to stand at the gate and do 80, the former being far more orderly; (4) that, not having attended any of Mr Adams's lectures, like the complainant, he was totally unaware " of the peculiarly disgusting character of [an] • AdameV entertainment" ; (5) that he had no communication whatever from Mr Adamß, bub simply complied with the wisb of many local residents who deputed a {jenttowan

to wait on him concerning the distribution of the complaiued-of handbills.

The Hon. J. MacGregor moved — "That the attention of teachers be directed to regulation No. 71 on the subject of the distribution of advertisements of theatrical and other entertainments, and that the head masters be requested to mike themselveß acquainted with the board's regulations, and see that they are complied with." In speaking to the motion, Mr MacGregor said regulation 71 wa3 sufficient to meet a case of this sort, and it was probably adopted for the purpose of meeting such cases. The regulation was as follows : — " Teachers are prohibited from distributing to their pupils tickets or advertisements for theatrical or other entertainments nob immediately connected with their schools." He thought when the temperance question was exciting so much interest at the present time that nothing oughb to be done tending in the least degree to introduce controversial questions into our schools.

Mr Fraser seconded the motion. He agreed with all Mr MacGregor had said. He could express no opinion upon the entertainment given by Mr Adams, or as to whether the terms used by Mr Stanford with regard to it were justified ; but he thought that they should endeavour to keep any of the vexed questions of the day out of the schools. For himself he might be allowed to express his doubts as to whether it would assist the morality of our public schools to educate the children with regard to what went on 10 nights in a barroom. He hoped the expression of opinion given by the board would lead teachers to set their faces against allowing the board's buildings to ba used for entertainments of this class. If such entertainments were permitted in the schools they might have someone going round next lecturing on the advantages of drink. He felt certain that the unanimous feeling of the board was to reprobate anything of the kind. The motion was. then pub and carried. MR PETRIE'S RESIGNATION.

Mr Donald Petrie, M.A., wrote: "I beg hereby to submit my resignation of the office of inspector of Echcols under the board, to take effect on the 3 1st day of July next. I cannot take this step without expressing my sincere gratitude for the confidence and support with which the present board and its predecessors honoured me during the 20 years and more I have spent in their service."

The Chairman said he could only assume that the reading of the resignation had a somewhat depressing effect upon the members of the board. Mr Petrie had held the position of the board's inspector ever since he (the chairman) had been a member of the board, and he was sure that the other members would be very glad to know that on retiring from the service Mr Pe'rie was going to occupy a very important position of a somewhat similar character in another provincial district. " He sincerely hoped that he would render as good service in that district as hs had done in Ofcago. He would be very glad to receive a_ resolution from any member of the beard with regard to Mr Petrie' 3 resignation.

Mr Cohen said he was very sorry that some older member of the board than himself had not stepped into the breach and moved some resolution. He, however, had no hesitation in moving — " That the resignation of Mr Petrie ba accepted with much regret, and the board testify their appreciation of the able, conscientious, and thorough manner in which he has for 20 years discharged the duties of senior inspector under the board, and that a copy of this minute be forwarded to Mr Petrie." Outside of the membership of the board he had known Mr Petrie in his capacity of inspector for many years, and he could honestly say that Mr Petrie had discharged his duties in the manner which the resolution set forth, and he was satisfied that they were parting with a reliable servant indeed. — (Hear, hear).

Dr Stenhoosb seconded the motion. While regretting that they were parting with an old servant he was clear that it was a good thing for an educational district when the inspectors were changed from time to time. — (Hear, hear, from several members.) It would assist their district to have new blood inspecting their schools and furnishing reports, instead of having stereotyed reports from an inspector who went over the same ground year after year.

Mr Ramsay thought that probably the time had come when the examination of their schools should be conducted on other lines than those followed in the past. An infusion of new blood among the inspectors would be good for the district.

The motion was carried unanimously. COMMISSIONERS.

Messrs Reid, Jepson, and .Thompson were appointed commissioners for the Otakia school district, and Messrs Roderick M'Donald and John Kerr for the Miller's Fiat district.

ACCOUNTS

Accounts amounting to £7649 15s 2d were passed for payment.

ALBANY STREET SCHOOL,

Messrs G. J. Anderson and H. W. Wait waited on the hoard as a deputation from the Albany street School Committee and asked the board to make certain alterations and repairs at the school, as the committee had no funds for the purpose.

After the deputation had expressed their views they were requested to write in detail to the board regarding their requirements, and the board would then consider what to do in the matter.

At a later stage of the meeting a letter received from the deputation stating what was required, was referred to the architect to report.

NOMINATION OF COMMITTEEMEN.

Mr Ramsay withdrew his motion, of which he had given notice, with regard to amending the act in the direction of doing away with double nomination for commitbeemen.

SEWING MISTRESS APPOINTMENTS.

Mr Ramsay moved — " That the regulations be amended so that in future the appointment of a sewing mistress ba made dependant on the attendance of girls ; that the salary of £1 per head ba paid in accordance with the number of children taught sewing, but that the maximum payment b9 £20."

Mr Clark seconded the motion, which was carried.

THE R2PRESENTATION OF TSACHER3

Mr Fraser, in moving "that the board recommend the Minister for E lucation to bo amend the existing law as to give teachers the right of representation on the board," said the board was one of the most important public bodies in the colony, distributing something like £87,000 a year, and he did nob think he would be taken to task if ho said that none of the members were skilled educationists. It would, therefore, be a matter of great assistance to them if they had some of their many able head teachers seated at the board to assist them in the reforms they from time to time projected. He confessed that such assistance would he of the greatest possible benefit to him. It might be objected by some that a teacher sitting there would be occupying an anomalous position — ("Hear, hear" from Mr Cohen) — but he did not think so. He oonld not see the slightest ground of objection on that score, because it would be remembered that the board had never to deal with their teachers in »Q, antagonistic, spirit, The board, oftdly

wanted technical knowledge to assist them in dealing with important matters and in picking the best men obtainable for positions in schools. That information was not obtainable now, and it was a disgrace that it should be so.

The Hon. Mr MacGregor seconded the motion pro forma, and said it would be useless to carry ifc as the Minister would pay no attention to it. They would be foolish in launching a mere briitum fulmen. They might attain in another way the objecb desired by the mover — viz., whether in making appointments they might not invite the assistance of head masters. There was no proper system of promotion, and the more he lud to deal with the matter the more ashamed he was of the way appointments were now dealt with.

Mr Cohen opposed the resolution. They ought to obtain the requisite technical information from the inspectors ; if it were nob obtainable, there musb surely be something wrong. A crying evil wa3 the want of a provincial court of appeal to which teachers who had a real grievance against action by a board might submit their casa before they were practically drivao out of the service. If members of the board who had seats in Parliament addressed themselves to that question they would be doing the profession a real sorvice.

Mr Ramsay doubted whether any teacher with a seat; on the board would be acceptable to the teachers as a body.

Mr Fraser, in asking leave to withdraw his motion, said he had baen met with no arguments touching it*merib9, bat new questions had been raised. Motion withdrawn accordingly. NORTH EAST VALLEY SCHOOL.

The Special Committee reported as follows :

Your committee appointed to inquire into and report upon certain complaints made by Mr Macfarlane beg to report as follows ;— The first thing we did was to ask Mr Macfarlane to formulate his compliints. This he did, and his formal complaint accompanies this report. A copy of this document was sent to all who seemed to be in any way implicated in the matter, with an invitation to appear before us. Mr Macfarlane and Mr Murray aopoared, and we allowed them to be represented by their respective solicitors — Mr Wilkinson appearing for Mr Macfarlane, and Solomon for Mr Murray. Members of the school committee, both of the current year and of last year, were present at the inquiry. Notes of the evidence accompany this report, and from them it will be seen that Mr Macfarlane directed his evidence mainly to— (1) the question of Mr Murray's treatment of him while ho held the position of firat assistant in Mr Murray's school ; and (2) the state of his health at the time of Mr Taylor's inspection. It appears that upon Mr Taylor's report of an •inspection of the school in August last ooming before the school committee they took measures to prevail upon Mr Macfarlane to resign, and in so doing they seem to have made certain statements to him as to the attitude of the board which influenced him in ultimately deciding to resign his position as first assistant. Mr Macfarlane says that in yielding to the solicitations of the committee that he should resign he was under the impression that the subject had been before the board, and that he wa3 to be dismissed in the event of his not resigning, and that but for this impression he would not have resigned. We have no doubt this was Mr Macfarlane's state of mind at the time of his resignation, and, indeed, he 'seems to have remained under that impression until he heard the evidence given before us as to what had been said by the late chairman of the board in c jnversation with two members of the committee— namely, that if the resignation were sent in Mr Maofarlane would not run the same risk of not getting another appointment as he would if he did not resign. On hearing the evidence, however, Mr Macfarlane admitted that he must have been under a mis-i apprehension, and expressed in the warmest terms his gratitude to the members of the school for the consideration and sympathy they had shown him. We may remark at this point that we are fully convinced that in resigning Mr Macfarlane adopted the best course, for reasons that will appear further on. With regard to Mr Taylor's report, Mr Macfarlane explains that at the time of the inspector's visit he was suffering from a severe attack [ of influenza, and that he thought Mr Taylor could not help noticing it, but that Mr Taylor made no allowance for the circumstances. We have no reason to doubt Mr Macfarlane's statement as to his illness, and there is nothing on the face of Inspector Taylor's report to indicate that he made any allowance for any special circumstances. With regard to the complaint of unfair and harsh treatment of Mr Macfarlane on the part of Mr Murray, we have found much difficulty in arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. As members of the board are aware, Mr Macfarlane was at one time head master of the North-east Valley School, Mr Murray succeeding him in that position. That Mr Macfarlaue was ill-advised in accepting the position of first assistant in the school in such circumstancas we think there can be no doubt We think it may be taken for granted that Mr Manfarlane's appointment to the position of first assistant was anything but agreeable to Mr Murray, and in these circumstances it was almost inevitable that unpleasantness should arise. Mr Macfarlane is obviously a man of an exceedingly nervous and sensitive temperament, kindly and sympathetic in disposition, and of gentlemanly instincts. With a subordinate so constituted and so circumstanced nothing short of the most sympathetic consideration and even magnanimity on thq part of the head master could have prevented unpleasantness. There is certainly nothing to indicate that the head master did treat his first assistant in this spirit. Mr Macfarlane has given specific instances of what seemed to him harshness aad want of proper consideration for him on the part of Mr Murray. In one instance Mr Macfarlane appears to have resented what he considered improper treatment of him on Mr Murray's part, and Mr Murray wrote to the sohool committee complaining that Mr Macfarlane had been guilty of a breach of discipline. We learn from the minutes that the committee's finding was— "That Mr Macfarlane having promised to apologise to the head master for having disobeyed This orders (said orders, we consider, being given in a most arbitrary manner), that the apology be accepted, and that both parties be admonished by Mr Calder in presence of the committee."

One of the teachers has run the risk of incurring the head master's displeasure by giving evidence before us, and his testimony tends to show that Mr Murray's feelings towards Mr Macfa.rla.ne were not of a kindly nature, Wo refer membors of the board to the notes of Mr Macfarlane's evidence as to the touching I appeal he describes himself as having made to Mr ' Murray to allow him to attend the funeral of a young man who had been very much attached to Mr Blacfarlane. And all that we feel called upon to say is that we are convinced Mr Macfarlaue is incapable of wilfully misrepresenting the facts. We found great difficulty in making any practical recommendation to the board in this case, but we feel bound to urge upon the members the propriety of their keeping Mr Macfarlane in view, so that a teacher who Ha 3 served the board, so long and faithfully shall not b.e cast adrift. J. MacGregoii (Chairman of Committee) Henry Clark J. Green M. Cohen,. Dunedin, June 14, 1891. After consideration by the hoard in committee, the report was adopted. PUPIL TEACHERS. The Hon. J. MacGregoh moved, and it was carried without dissent — •* That the inspectors be instructed to report upon the admissibleness of reducing the age for pupil teachers from 15 fco 14." ACTING-CHAIRMAN. Mr Ramsay was appointed acting-chairman daring Mr Green's absence in Wellington. EXAMINATIONS AND LESSONS AND SCHOOL HOURS. The Hon. John MacGregor moved— 1 ' That thq iuspeofcors be recreated to make a speoial

report showing to what extent they have given effect to the board's resolutions of 19th June 1893 on the subject of examinations of schools in arithmetic and grammar, and also showing to what extent the board's instructions on the subject of keeping children in the school after school hours, and also how far the board's instructions on the subject of home lesson 3 have been attended to." In speaking in support of the subject he mentioned that certain resolutions had been passed last year respecting these subjeots. The opinion of the board was that too much time was occupied in teaching grammar and arithmetic, and that the examinations in these subjects should be made a? simple and elementary as was consistent with a fair interpretation of the standards. Then the teachers were notified by circular that the board disapproved of the practice of keeping children in school after school hours for the purpose of specially, preparing thorn for examinations, and the inspectors were to discourage this special preparation in every way. The inspectors were instructed to report to the ooard specially on these subjects, but they had not done so, and his objecb was to obtain a report as to how iar the instructions of the board had been complied with. Mr J. J. Ramsay seconded the motion, and expressed tha hope that it would be carried unanimously.

Mr Phaser : You won't get any satisfaction. Mr T. Mackenzie considered the matter of school hours of great importance. Under the present system ot cram they might get an educated race, but he thought it would be a race of dwarfs. If. they kept a child for a long time in school without proper and sufficient periods of relaxation, that child would become dwarfed physically and mentally. It was wrong to keep young children in school for five or six hours a day in a stifling atmosphere. The matter he was sure required more consideration than it was receiving at the present time. The motion was carried unanimously, and the board then went into committee to consider the annual report.