EDUCATION BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3332, 6 December 1883, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Board was held to-day. Present Eev G. Barclay (Chairman), Messrs S. W. Goldsmith, E. Wakefield, J. Talbot, E. A. Barker, M. Gray, W. J. Steward, and R, B. Walcot. chairman's statement. The Chairman reported upon routine business transacted since last meeting, and stated that two or three provisional appointments had been made and that the work of inspection had been vigorously carried on. The Secretary to the Board had obtained the necessary fidelity bond, and had now complied with all the conditions of his appointment. The action of the Chairman through, out the past month was approved, and the seal of the Board ordered to be attached to the agreement under which the Secretary held office. INSTRUCTION IN MUSIC. Mr Walcot drew attention to the omission of music from the syllabus of examination of pupil teachers, which he characterised as a serious defect. At present, there was no music-teaching: in the schools worth mentioning, and bethought some steps should be taken to follow the regulation of the department which required that music should be taught. The matter was referred to the Inspector to report upon. inspector’s report. A number of reports on schools were read. Mr Steward drew attention to the satisfactory manner and promptitude with which the acting inspector had-, forwarded his reports. It had always, hitherto within his recolection, been the rule to delay forwarding these to committees. He also produced a protest from Miss Caroline Hunt, against, alleged unfair treatment in examination, as a pupil-teacher, Mr Wakefield said if the Board wereto overhaul their inspector’s work, at the bidding of every dissatisfied candidate, a most improper system would be» established. Miss Hunt’s letter was referred to the Inspector for his remarks thereon. Mr Hammond(lnspcctor) was asked by the Board to explain why music had been omitted from the tabulated statement of results of the Pupil Teachers*' examination ; and, in reply, he informed! the Board that he had held oral examinations in music and school management at the schools, but tho results had not been included in the tabulated statement. The Board expressed considerable dissatisfaction at the of music and school management from the statement. Mr Steward said ho considered the matter so unsatisfactory that he would recommend a fresh statement being prepared, to include these subjects. After further discussion it was moved by Mr Wakefield, seconded by Mr Barker—“ That it be an instruction to the Inspector that music and school management be included in all examinations o£ pupil teachers, and the results tabulated, whether the examination bo written or oral.” It was also moved—“ That the report of the Pupil Teachers examination for 1883, bo referred back to the Inspector in order that the results may be completed in accordance with the foregoing.” Both motions were carried. BELFIELD SCHOOL. Messrs Topham and Kimber applied to have the school at North Orari left in its present position and not removed (as had been ordered) to Belfield. These gentlemen waited personally on the Board, and laid the matter before them. The Board finally resolved—'* That the application of (ho residents of South Rangitata that their school buildings be not removed, bo acceded to, and that steps be taken to rc-open the school under the aided schools regulations.” The Board then considered how to deal with the Belfield Committee in the matter of their School. On reference to the financial state of the Board it was found that the building grant bad drawn upon the maintenance account to the extent of £SOO ; while the maintenance account was in credit £650, several outlying cheques having not yet been presented. It was decided to have plans drawn for a school at Belfield,

In connection with the financial crisis Mr Stewart moved and Mr Barker seconded, and it was carried —“ That the Government be written to, stating that funds are greatly required for educational buildings in this district, and asking when any proportion of the vote taken last year will be available.” SICK LEAVE. Mr W. J. Stewart moved, Mr Talbot seconded, and it was carried—“ That no deduction bo made from the salaries paid to officers of the Board when absent on leave for any period not exceeding one month during any one year, but that when any one officer is absent for a longer period than one month only half salary shall bo paid during such longer period.” inspection. Mr Gurr, Acting-Inspector, in the course of his remarks, drew attention to the absence of good needlework throughout the district, and he regretted that this important branch of female education had been neglected so much, No darning or patching was ever attempted, though the Government regulations distinctly required them to be attended to. On the Inspector reading the report of the Timaru Main School several members expressed the opinion that there were faults that required amendment, and the Secretary was instructed to write to the Chairman of the Committee asking him to furnish the names of the teachers responsible for the defective classes. The Kakahu school was very unfavourably reported on. In reference to the report on the Waitohi Flat School, which was very favourable, it was decided to retain the master in his position. Letters were received from Messrs Wood and Ward,headmasters of the District High Schools,Temuka and Waimate respectively. The former asking that his professional status be accepted as the equivalent of a University degree, and the latter stating that he should resign his position when an opportunity offered.

Mr Duval wrote offering to dispose of bis plans of school buildings to the Board for a consideration to be fixed. The offer was declined. Further correspondence was received from Pareorarc the dispute between the Master and a section of the Committee, The Board declined to interfere, Mr Stewart having been favorably reported on by the Inspector, Mr Ogilvie (father of a pupil-teacher at Wai-iti) wrote protesting against the dismissal of his son through a falling off in the attendance. This letter (with others of a similar character) was referred to a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Wakefield, Walcot and the Chairman. After transacting a quantity of routine business, and passing accounts, the Board rose.