EDUCATION.

Southland Times, Issue 3626, 5 February 1880, Page 3

EDUCATION.

Messrs Macdonald, Lumsden, Denniston, and Shanks, members of the Education Board, W eve introduced to Mr Rolleston byMr Bain. . Mr MacdonaM explained that the object for which they were present, was to ascertain if the Government could give them any indication of their anticipating a portion of next year's grant for educational purposes. The requirements in connection with educational matters were urgeit, They therefore wished to gK»v--if the Government could hold out anVhopes as to anticipating a small sum from their next year's grant. They had received applications for additions, &c, lo school buildings, and for schools in new districts. The Minister asked the deputation if they had sent in their returns to WellingMr Macdonald replied in the affirmaMr Rolleston said he could not encourage that any board should presume on their next year's vote. Mr Macdonald observed that last year Parliament had allowed them to draw £2000. Mr Rolieston explained that it was by a special rate. Mr Macdonald pointed out that the educational district of Southland was a very large one, and contained 56 schools. They were desirous of making some provision before the winter set in. He would also point out that the erection of schools gave a very great stimulus to settlement. Mr Rolleston said he was quite aware of the fact. He also was aware of the pressing financial position of the colony. They could not afford to lavish on one district and not on the other. Mr Macdonald said that a sum of L2OOO or L3OOO would be sufficient to supply the present wants. Any contracts entered into by the Board would not liave to be paid for some time. Many of the School Committees were very clamorous. He thought the Southland Education Board had been very moderate in their applications. The schools had been built cheaply, and the money had been judiciously expended. Mr Lumsden observed that three or four School Committees were very anxious to have repairs, &c, done to their schools. . Mr Shanks thought they had been badly dealt with. Mr Lumsden remarked that as many as 43 schools only had an attendance of something like 50 children each, so that the fees were very small. Mr Rolleston thought the case urged by the deputation was an extreme one, and advised them t© write to "Wellington on the subject. He should be back there probably in three weeks, when he would give the matter full consideration. Mr Macdonald said that at present the Board paid LIOO a year as rent for offices. He would ask that when the Resident Magistrate's office was removed the Board might have the use of it. They would require three rooms — one for the inspector, one for the secretary', and one in which the Board could meet. Sir Rolleston thought that probably gome of the offices in the old wooden building had a prior claim. Mr Macdonald explained that the only one having a claim would be the Registry of Deeds office. Accommodation had been made for that department in the new building. Mr Rolleston said he would do what he could, but he would not like to give a definite promise without first consulting with other people. Mr Lumsden spoke in favor of having the school pJans for building prepared in England. He referred more particularly to small schools. He was sure such a course would be found to be a great saving to the Board. Mr Rolleston said he was formerly a member of the Canterbury Education Board, and he suggested the same thing then. He thought the Boards should he supplied with some kind of normal plans. With regard to gaols and other institutions, he was of opinion that in small places such buildings should consist of sections, so that they could be added to if found necessary. Sir Julius Yogel had been communicated with on this subject, with a view of sending such plans out. The deputation thanked Mr Rolleston, and withdrew.