Thank you for correcting the text in this article. Your corrections improve Papers Past searches for everyone. See the latest corrections.

This article contains searchable text which was automatically generated and may contain errors. Join the community and correct any errors you spot to help us improve Papers Past.

Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image

EDUCATION BOARD.

The first meeting of the newlf-elceted Education Board was held on Friday morning, and was attended by the Hon. T. Fergus, Rev. P. B. Frascr, Messrs D. Borne T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., A. M'Kerrow, W. Scott, G. C Israel, J. Mitchell, and J. Sim. ELECTION OF CHAIBMAN. Tlie first business was the election of chairman, and the secretary (Mr P. G. Pryde) presided for the purpose. Tho Hon. Mr Fergus proposed that Mr T. Mackenzie be appointed chairman for the ensuing- year. Mr Mackenzie had. by the votes recorded in his favour in past years over the extended district, and by the voto he received from the southern district quite recently, shown that he possessed the confidence of the school committees of Otago. Mr Mackenzie had now beon a long time a member of the board, and in his place in tho House had taken a considerable interest in educational matters, and as far as possible, in every maanor ho could, had conserved the bfst interests of the Otago Education Board. He thought ho ww entitled to propose- Mr Mackenzie for the position, inasmuch aa he (Mr Fergus.) was a member of the board before any of the present members — namely, 26 years ag-o. Whatever Mr Mackenzie liad done he had doie wholeheartedly aixl well. Ono objection that might by urged against him was that, beinga member of Parliament, ho might bo absent now and again from the meetings of the board. At the outside that would only be for about three months, and doubtless he might Ye able to come down from Wellington during the .session, and attend to his duties as chairman. In any case, ho anticipated do difficulty in the conduct of the bushier ou that score.. Ho had nothing but praise to offer regarding the late chairman, Mr Borrie. The universal court»»y and kindly maanor in which that gentleman had presided over the meetings of the board were beyond all praise. Even wh«n they differed From him, Mr Borr : e had always respected those differencea, and endea\oured to make tilings go as smoothly as possible and not take offence wh«re no offence was intended. Instead of seeking a quarrel. Mr Borrie had always sought to aiowl one, and his manner had conduced to tho harmonious working of the board in the past. Mr Fergus regrottod exceedingly that they had not the pleasure of the presence of Mr Snow, who wag an ex-cliatrman of the board, and took aa active and intelligent interest in the ■w orL- and attended well t o his duties. He also rogTL-tted tho absence of Mr NicoLon, who, liko Mr Snow, had done his work well, and in a raauner which had been acknowiedgwj by th<-> people in the northern di-3-trut. He crtainlv attended to iho work there at much personal inco'iveiiicnce and exp^MJ" to hur-.b'-lf. At the same tune, h" was very glad to welcome some new blood on the board. Mr Fraror was an oid member, anJ in) doubt would bring his experience as a teacher and a* an cx-memrrr to b«ai oa hut duties around that übl«. ilia

friends and colleagues of the central district (Mr Israel and Mr Scott) had done work in the cause of education which was well known throughout the province. Their labours had been labours of love, and in season and out of season, and through good report and ill-report, their work had always been the same. He was sure the board would welcome these gentlemen to their counsels. During the time he had been » member of the board there had been nothing but harmony. He was a man of peace and appreciated it, and hoped it would continue. He had much pleasure in proposing the election of Mr T. Mackenzie a-j chairman. The Rev. P. B. Fraser said that, as on© of the new members of the board, he had pleasure in seconding the nomination. He had not the least idea beforehand as to who was to be proposed, but cow that Mr Mackenzie had been nominated he felt sure that everyone would admit that if that gentleman would accept the position his rlaims could not be gainsaid. Mr Mackenzie had been a member of the board for a long time, and the only reason why he had so far not had a turn in the chair was a feeling that his absence in Parliament would interfere with the discharge of his duties. But it was possible to make too much of that, and if Mr Mackenzie- would take the position he ought to have it. Nobody could question his ability to fill the chair, nor that he was entirely fitted for the position and would command confidence. — (Applause.) The motion was agreed to unanimously. Mr Mackenzie, op assuming the chair, was greeted with hearty applause. In acknowledging the honour conferred upon him. he said that Mr Fvaser had stated that he was not aware beforehand who was to bo chosen. He (Mx Mackenzie) did not think that any member was. Personally he could say that he had not influenced members in any way. Just two minutes before entering the room he was asked if he would accepc the chairmanship if proposed, and he said he would, considering it an honour. He thanked the board sincerely, and valued the honour, as it had been be.'towed sportaneously, and because members thought him worthy of it. He thought they would be able to conduct the affairs of tho board in such a way as to do credit to the board and work for the advantage of educational interests. He was aware that he was succeeding a chairman who had carried out his duties in a most amicable and satisfactory manner, and he would not forget this. Allusion had been made to tho fact that he (Mr Mackenzio) had tried to* preserve the powers of education boards. That was so. He believed that in the future they would have a greater struggle to maintain the Dowers and privileges of the boards. Mr Fowlds, the new Minister of Education, was in many ways fitted for the position. He was an exemplary citizen and a gentleman. But so far as education waa concerned he {Mr Mackenzie) had only known of Mr Fowlds as reflecting the opinions of Mr Hoeben. He had in educational mattera represented Mr Hog-ben as faithfully as on land taxation he had represented the views of Henry George But it was said that Mr Fowlds waa prepared, row that he had taken Cabinet rank, to set aside for tho time being his prejudices in favour of Henry George's views, and if he would I adopt the same course with reward to Mr ! Hog-ben there wtts no doubt that he (Mr Fowld«> would make a good Minister o£ Education. The aim of Mr Hoarben had been to centre a'l authority in Welling'nn. and it was only now and again, when be received a temporary shock from some of them in Parliament, that h« had altered his tactics. Tf that centralisation came about we should have the same sort of letharsrj in matter* educational as was seen in "Victoria and other place*, where everything •was subject to contra! control. Men would 1 not take the same interest in the can-e when the whole control was in the hands of one individual at headquarters. Therefore. whMe the Ota/ro Board would ho lova! and true to all that was done in WeT-i;.-n-ton t'»«»v muit "*ep that the educational j interests of this province were not interfered wiih. Every beneficial educatoinal move made during the last few years had been forced out of Parliament, and every spontaneous move on the part of Parliament had been to the injury of this province. For instance, the Teachers' Salaries Act had raised salaries, but this was irrefiooctive of merit, and aa the Otago and Canterbury teachers were the best these d'stricts had suffered by the equalising. Jn> the future there would be a big fight to maintain the privileges of the boards, and in consequence the interests of our children. The whole trend of our education system had been towards competing for *h» prizes of the civil service and clerkships. This he much regretted. The attention of our children should be diverted towards the industries of the colony, and t^o prizes should be in those directions. In concluding, he regretted the absence Mr Snow and Mr Nicolsnn. gentlemen who had criven their best services in the eavsa of education. This, of course, was the result of the new arrangement as to districts. But the incoming members wore gentlemen who could be relied on fo/ excellent work in the cause of education. No one could be more enthusiastic in that work than their fighting friend, Mr Fraser. —(Laughter.) Mr Israel and Mr Scott acknowledged the kindly welcome thoy had received, and each took occasion to strenuously disclaim any intention of raisine tho town versus country question. That matter was never hoard in city and suburban committees, and they were quite sure it was not going to be raised on the board now — it would not so far as they were concerned. THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Fraser, it was resolved — "That the board congratulate tho Hon. Mr Fowlds on his beirijr cho?en to fill the honourable position of Minister of Education, and that th« board assures him that he shall have the earnest assistance and- snpport of the tnemhew of this board in the responsible and highljimportarrr duties of his office." IMPBGVBMENTB TO BDII-DIKGB. Half-cost of improvements to buildings was granted as follows: — Alexandra, fencing, etc., £7 6s; Evan's Flat, repairs to buildmes, etc., £2 10b: Kakanni. repair* to bitildings, etc.. £2 10s; Lower Harbour, drain and fencing, £2 ss; Glenkemeh. drains, fencing, etc., £4 ss; Albany Street, fencing, £19. REQUESTS GKANTED. Applications wore granted as follow:-* Waiwera. to spend the next quarter* rent £3 lEn, on repairing reside Doe; Glenlecli €S for repairs to buildinfrn; Eaat Taieri, for permission to I<-ave srlebe for a year for get it in grass ; Kaihiku, for permission to lease rPHktence. BAXITABY CONVEMENCIB FOB KEStDEXC**.

The Macandrew Road School Committee renewed its application for a baTh for the head master* residence. — After discussion it was resolved — "That, as this board has frequently been compelled, owing to lack of funds, to decline applications for necessary sanitary conveniences at school residences, heating appliances for schools, and other needed works, th« Minister be respectfully requested to invite Parliament to make a more liberal building grant to Education Boards." MEDICAL INSPECTION OP SCHOOL CHILDEES. The Chief Health Officer, Ur Mason, forwarded a draft scheme for the medical inspection of school children, and asked the board to consider the same. It could , not be denied that there were children attending the schools who were physically below the normal ; that permanent injury might sometimes be done through non-attention to some slight ailment in a scholar; and that to get the best out of a boy or girl he or she must be healthy. He felt that there was no need to argue the question as to whether the State should endeavour to save the children. Every civilised country in the world had undertaken such work. Dr Mason added that, so far, he had found the teachers to be enthusiastic in the matter The Hon. Mr M'Gowan, * as Acting-Minister of Public Health, had approved of the principle of the scheme, and had instructed him to ask for the board's assistance as to the best method of bringing it into force. The draft scheme contained four distinct proposals — (1) That a medical man be appointed at a salary, say. of £150 per annum, whose duty it would be to examine those children in the city schools who were, in the opinion of the master, below par iii any way ; (2) that this salary nhould be paid half by the Education Board and half by the Health Department ; (3) that a medical man be appointed at a salary of. say. £500 per annum, whose whole timo would be employed in examining such setaside children in all the schools in the district; (4) that the board invite masters and teachers in its district to moot at some centre, when the District Health Officer will address them, the object of the lecture being to indicate the ordinary signs which the teachers should observe. I The circular was referred to school committees and head teachers. accounts. I Accounts, amounting to £7504 9s s<l, wore passed for payment. APPOINTMENTS. The following appointments were confirmed : — Chas. R. Rawlinson. head teacher. Ngapara. vice John Robertson promoted ; Mabel R. K. Craik. sole teacher, Clark's Flat, vice Mary A. Bnrnside (left the service) ; George Mackenzie, sole teacher, Chaslande. vice W. B. App'eby /promoted); Sophia Ross, sole teacher. Kuri Bush, vice Acnes Anderson (promoted* : Edward Davis, sole teacher. Ratanui. vice William Bannerman (retired); May E. Drakley, mistress. Duntroon. vice Emma C. Tempero (transferred) ; May Keys, mistress. Portobello. vice Janet L. Crawley (transferred): William W. Turner, first assistant. Forbury, vice Walter B Graham (promoted); Robert Wilson, first assistant. Caversham, vice Charles Young (promoted): Helen Bondeny, junior assistant, Arthur Street, vice Daisy Orkney (promoted). RESIGNATIONS. The following rosirnai ions were accepted: Charles R. Rawlinson. head m*6ter, Purak»nui; George VTacWeni-ie sole teacher, Ahuriri Fl*t: Bithia L. Hodg-es, mistress, Hisholiff: Fthel A. P. Jordan, mistress, Purakanui ; Robert Wilson. f?r«fc as-sistsnt, fir-pen Island: Willi»m W. Turner, first assistant, R&lolulha: Joseph Hunter, iun., second assistant, Arthur street; Elizabeth E. "R*»"-n. third Oamaru North. TENDERS The following tenders were accented: — Musselburgb — Vddit'ons to school. Orr ard Campbell, £1071: Maori Hill— Additions to school, S S. Abum. £1133. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. Mr Fergus moved — "That the Selection Committee be a committee of the whole '■wa.'-cL — Mr Scott seconded, and said that }•-» considered it would be a, very proq-rv.-!-fi.vo move to have ail the members of the '• o->rd on the committee. — The Rev. Air >"n"^er said ho was afraid the motion was not oomoet-pnt. — The Chairman rcaJ the regulation, which state-! that the committee 6hould con««t of ♦he chairman and '• href* other members. It seenvd to him that lv r -a they conld alter the retaliation ih«-«' -,n»i'd have to have a notice of motion tin.«« 'lie board gave them unanimous conm to the amending of the regulation. — f - Eraser suggested that an opportunity fp.ould be (riven to Mr Ferenis \o give notice, and the board could take up a tomixirarv position until the next nveting. He thought thare was a stood deal to bo in favour of the motion. — Mr Borrip considered that they should amend thr roiru'a tion riprht away. — Consent hating bo-^n given, the standing orders were »us>peniW<l, and Mr Fergus's motion -to pmend the Tesrulation governing the Selection Committee in the direction of makinpr it to consist of the whole board was agtco-d to without dissent. Me*st« Borrie. M'Kcrrow. and Sim were appointed the Finance Com nut tee. 'Hie whole hoard constitutes th« Normal School and School of Arts Committee. BOARD SCHOLUtSHirS. ""■"■he Secretary reported that the proposed nmonr'mente increisintj the amount given to scholarship winners had been approved by the Minister, who recommended that the evllabus shoukl be amended by substituting " heat and light " for " sound," thu> bringing the regulai ion<= into to'ich with the rear civil servire programme for the junior examinations. — Tho «>ufi:gc.=ted amendment wa-« agreed to and it \vi> <l?cid\»d to tyrant this year 10 senior and 10 junior scholarships. COMPLIMENTARY. On the motion of the C'lnrman it was uns-nimouelv resolved — ''That tin-, board desires to nlac-e on record it-, hi^li appr< cation of th<» valuab'e »er\ic\s rendered to education by Mr William Nici-l-on an.l Mr William Snow during th-« tune they !:a\e been members of t^e board: atul that ? copy of this resolution b^ sent to the two gentlemen nftmed." NOTICE OF MOTION". Mr J. Mitchell gave noticp of motion for next meeting as follow :— " That the quo--tion of school committees' allowance be taken into consideration by a committee of the whole beard, with a \i"w to *>pn al provision being made for the maintenance of fechool residences." Sixty languages are spoken in the Empire governed by the Czar of Ru->ia Mr C. Lomssoii, of l'almer<;(on Noitli. lias secured 13 donation* of £10 ICN each. out of 50 desired, tovnrd? the erection of * consumption

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19060822.2.197

Bibliographic details

Otago Witness, Issue 2736, 22 August 1906, Page 48

Word Count
2,725

EDUCATION BOARD. Otago Witness, Issue 2736, 22 August 1906, Page 48

EDUCATION BOARD. Otago Witness, Issue 2736, 22 August 1906, Page 48

Help

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert