BOARD OF EDUCATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2918, 2 August 1882, Page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The monthly meeting of the Board was held to-day. EBESENT. Messrs H. Belfield (chairman), E, Wakefield, S. Goldsmith. R. B. Walcot, W. U. Slack, R. A. Barker, and Dr Foster. APPOINTMENT OP TBACHEBS. Dr Foster moved—“ That the former resolntion of the Board, requiring all applications to be forwarded to Committees, be rescinded.” Mr Wakefield seconded the motion fro fonm. Mr Walcot opposed the motion. He considered that the Secretary should endorse ineligible persons applications with the phrase ‘‘ not considered suitable.” He also thought extreme ’ care should bo taken not to curtail the powers of selection by Committees. u JM r.. also opposed the motion, general feeling, outside, that these matters were governed too much from the office.

Mr Wakefield opposed the motion as much on the ground that to pass a resolution one day and rescind it the next was injudicious, as upon any other. Mr Slack also , spoke against the motion. He thought to deprive the Committees of all discretionary powers, would discourage desirable men from acting on Committees. The Chairman stated, in regard to the working of the system, that to send all applications to Committees would be prejudicial to the interest of the schools. He considered the Board was responsible for the fitness of teachers. It would be far better to keep back the applications of manifestly unsuitable persons, than to send such a vague note as "not suitable” to Committees. Committees often appointed men who, though known to be unsuitable,had made friends with the local authorities. The motion was put and lost. PATMBHT 0? TEACHERS. The Washdyke Committee wrote protesting against the payment of teachers’ salariesdirect from the Board, instead of through Committees, as tending to weaken the usefulness and influence of Committees. Mr Wakefield thought this called for no special notice. It was merely an expression of opinion. Mr Walcot said the changed system was initiated in a hurried manner, and he would move that it be rescinded. He was dissatisfied j with the Timaru teachers for signing the memorial.

Mr Wakefield said the new system was a simple act of justice in reply to the teachers request. To blame the Head Master and others of the teaching staff for signing the memorial presented to the Board by the Teachers’ Association was very unfair. They , only lent their names in aid of their brethren, not from any personal grievance. The Chairman said the Board ought never to pay salaries without a guarantee that the work had been done, and to pay through Committees woulo ensure a guarantee.

Mr Wakefield would like to apply a plaster to Mr Walcot; in Otago, the largest Education Board in New Zealand paid the teachers direefand found no difficulty. The Secretary pointed out that as much delay would occur [under the new system as under the old. Mr Walcot gave notice of his intention to move that the last resolution ft payment of teachers Jsalaries be ’ rescinded. FENCING. The Secretary said some fencing in certain districts was unfinished. The matter was allowed to stand over pending a further examination of the Board’s funds. TEMUKA BCHOOI SITE. The Temuka Committee requested the Board to value the present school buildings. It was their intention to follow in the footsteps of the Waimate Committee. It was mentioned, incidentally, that a customer could probably be found at £6OO. It was decided that the Secretory should say that the Board was prepared to accept such a sum; intending buyers to be informed that it must go to auction. PHEASANT POINT. The School Committee asked for £9 to be distributed over house repairs and planting. The Secretary pointed out that these special grants were virtually increasing the incidental grant, and the practice of making these requests was becoming very common. In this case, ho thought the amount asked for repairing the gallery was absolutely necessary.

It was moved by Mr Wakefield, 1 seconded by Mr Goldsmithiand carried, ■—“That £5 be granted for a new grate, and for removing the gallery at the Point School.” WABHDTKE SCHOOL. The Committee asked that the Master’s house be repaired, as a married teacher had been appointed. The estimated cost was £ls. Mr Walcot asked if the Board had funds for this purpose. The Secretary replied that it really bad not. Mr Wakefield remarked that the huge concession granted to Waimate had spoilt everything else. They had a palace there, and other people had to be satisfied with hovels. He- moved, Mr Barker seconded, and it was carried ; “That a sum not exceeding £ls be granted for repairs to the Master’s house at Washdyke.” TIMABU SCHOOL. The Chairman mentioned that ho had taken upon himself to sanction an additional expenditure on the Timarn Infant School, of £lO. It was remarked that the work had been well and effectively carried ont, and the Board confirmed the Chairman’s action.

ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £l3O 3s 9d were passed for payment.