SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ALLOWANCES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 35, 18 March 1914, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ALLOWANCES.

REQUEST FOR INCREASE. At to-day 's meeting of the North Canterbury -Education Board, Mr Andrews moved in accordance with notice given:—"That the question of the revision of the incidental allowances to committees be taken into consideration by the board." The mover quoted figures to show that during the last 35 years there had been large increases in school attendance, and teachers ' salaries, but a very small increase in incidental allowances. The increase in attendance was 100 per cent., in salaries 250 per cent., and in incidental allowances a paltry 10 per cent. It was quite impossible for committees to keep their schools up to the mark unless they were allowed sufficient funds. Caretakers of schools were compelled to ,work for wages, which no Government would allow a private employer to pay. He suggested a scheme for improvement, and" said that as the fund out 'of which these votes are made showed a credit balance last year of £250, they might be able to adopt it, and still keep their heads above water. The Government ir.igl.r be appealed to for more assistance, and it would be a great, help if they could have some cheaper form of heating in schools. The matter was an urgent one, and something must be done to relieve the committees. Mr Boyd seconded. Labour and fuel were now much dearer than they had ■ been years ago, but the grant had not been increased in proportion. The department ought to be approached with a view of having more adequate allowances made. The country committees, especially, had a very hard struggle to pay their way. Mr Opie supported the proposition. It was undoubtedly true that the allowances were too small. ~ Mr Jamieson supported the proposal, and suggested reversion to the old system of a 9d per head capitation. Mr Eennie (chairman of the finance Committee) agreed that some increase should be made, but he did not tlunk the board could aiford it. Mr Collins suggested that the matter, should be referred to the Finance Com'"ThTchairman (Mr T. W. Adams) was also of the opinion that an increase m allowances would be desirable. The cost of fuel was especially a very big item At the same time it would be difficult to make the necessary financial arrangements. *he North Canterbury Board already made a bigger grant for incidental expenses than any other board m the Dominion. He was certain that, if the amount were to be increased, there would have to be reduction somewhere else. He could not agree to the proposal unless it were for a demand for more relief from the Government. Speaking in reply, Mr Andrews saidthat, even if they" did have a small debit balance on the incidental account, they would greatly reduce that on the maintenance account. (Hear, hear.) In some, education districts the cleaning of the schools was carried out by the elder pupils, and cost nothing. Tiiat was one reason why the grant for incidentals should be larger in North Canterbury than in these districts. The motion was carried, and the matter was referred to the Finance Committee*