EDUCATION BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4997, 3 May 1889, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The following is the continuation of yesterday’s report — RCHOLAESHIP EXAMINATIONS. Mr Talbot suggested that some amendment was required in the system of examinations for scholarships, to provide for getting the examination papers prepared by inspectors, , ond to provide for a uniform standard of examinations for the colony. At present there was no standard or unity of action. Or head masters in any district might be asked to prepare papers for use in other districts. Re quite recognised the value of the services of the gentlemen who had acted as examiners in South Canterbury, but not being engaged in teaching in any way they were apt to stray from the range of the pupils’ studies. Mr Barclay supported the suggestion, as he had done before. He defended the local examiners, but would prefer to see it a departmental matter. According to the Act, however, it could not be done. Neither boards nor department could do it. A general system would be costly, as the papers would have to be heavily paid for. Mr Gray thought there were some advantages in having outsiders as examiners. Mr Talbot moved, Mr Barclay seconded, and it was carried—“ That the board desires to represent to the Education Department that in its opinion an uniform system for its examination for the board scholarships should prevail, and that examination papers should be prepared by the department and the examination carried out throughout the colony on tho same date,” It was suggested that the same rule should a Pply a lso to pupil teachers’ examinations.

TIMAEU SCHOOLS. Mr M. Gray, by request of the board, reported on the water supply at the Timaru schools. At the main school water is laid on to lavatories and urinals,and the appliances are in good working order and carefully attended to. Formerly, some ten years ago, the supply was furnished by underground tanka and a force pump to tanks over lavatories. When the town water was laid on these appliances were removed by the board. At the side school town water is laid on to lavatories. The taps and pipes are all smashed and eut of order, and the whole building enclosing dirty and dilapidated. Some years ago, tho water was furnished by underground concrete tank and pump. The pump remains standing—at least, so much of it ns the children seem to have been unable to destroy. It would have no value for removal.

Mr Gray was thanked for his report and requested to inquire farther into the fate of the main school force pump and tanks, as the board had not removed them.

The meeting then terminated,