NELSON EDUCATION BOARD.

Colonist, Volume XXXI, Issue 5312, 6 September 1888, Page 3

NELSON EDUCATION BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held yesterday, whpn there were present the Hon. J. W. Barnicoat (Chairman), Hon. J. Shephard, Messrs Hurstbouse. Tarrant, Phillips, Harkness, Dencker, and ClaydenThe report of the Finance Cotnm ttee was read as follows:—The Committee make tbe following recommendations:--(1) that the ammount voted tha Brightwater Commi'tce for the erection of a closet "and for providing pegs and necessary gravelling for the new schools be paid, but that the otber account sent in bo referred back to the Committe }as unauthorised. (&) that the furniture supplied to the new school at Biigh'twater at contract rates be paid for, but that a cheque for tbe balance of Mr Avery's account be drawn, and held by the Secretary until the goods supplied have been examined and approved by two members of the Board. (3) tbat the Board purchase the drive, well, and pump fixed by the contractor on the site of the Boys school, and that Messrs Clayden and Dencker |be authorised to make the necessary agreement. (4) That the Karamea Committee be authorised to accept tenders for painting tbe school and teacher's house, the total cost not to exceed £14. and the work, to be done in strict accordance with specifications submitted to the Board. (5) that the seal of the Board .be affixed to the leases of the school ground at Upper Wakefield.—The Committee examined the accounts as prepared for presentation to the Board, and, eubject to the foregoing reservations, recommend that they be passed for payment. The Board's accounts show an available balance on tbe building fund of £781 48 2d, and on the general account of £2541105, tbe latter being subject to the payments for the day of £1187 4s sd. Some discussion took place relative to Clause 5, and eventually the following resolution was agreed to on the motion of Mr Shephard:—" That the solicitors of the Board prepare leases of the reserves at Upper Wakefield on the Terms arranged by Mr Clayden an eighth of an acre being excepted from the lease to Mr Hoult for the use of the Libraiy Committee." With this amendment the report was adopted. The Inspector called attention to the fact that there is an absence of water supply at the Upper Aorere School and the Kaituna School, it was resolved to invite tenders for the supply of tanks and spouting, so that the Board may supply those schools having no water supply on application being made. Mr Phillips then moved that the Brightwater and Lower Wakefield Committees be consulted with reference to closing their girls' school and making their schools mixed schools. He was in favor of separate schools when he joined the Board, but he had observed that no complaints were made against the mixed schools. He thought it absurd to keep the children apart in the schoolroom and let them meet in the playground. On the ground of economy, too, he urged his proposal. A letter from the Lower Wakefield Committee was then read. It strongly opposed the proposal, and with it was enclosed a resolution passed at a meeting of householders, Opposing the suggestion. Messrs Brown and Thomas attended as a deputation from the district, and these gentlemen pointed out that the Girls' School had been a great success, and though the at- , tendance had fallen off lately, it was likely to |be Boon raised again. c Mr Shephard did not agree with the pro-1 posal made by Mr Phillips. That gentleman nad said the time was coming when it would be necessary to economise, but they need no! anticipate that time, for they were not at' present compelled to make JShe change on such a ground. He said there was. no doubt the manners of the children Were greatly improved by the sexes being kept apart, as experience showed that girls were made rougher by constant contact with boys. They had to look at this matter from something beyond a mere educational point of view, and he was sure that, mothers would be unanimous in

desiringthattheirdaughers should be kept apart. E§ moved, an amendment, that the Board sees no reason for making trie alteration proposed. Mr Dencker thought the conduct of both boys and girls was of greater importance than the mere teaching. The Chairman said tbe proposal made by Mr Phillips was altogether contrary to the feelings which the Board had entertained. He knew cases where girls were sent long distances tp school that they might be kept apart, and the separata system coincided with common sense and the general desire of the mothers. He had no objection to consulting the Committee, but he sbonld require more potent reasons than had been adduced 13 convince him, ! Mr .Clayden said he had alwa-s b en in favor of mixed schools, and was pi.* el <o seethat Mr Phillips had been converted to bis views. The effect of separating the sexes at Lower Wakefield was to deprive the girls of such a master as Mr Ladley. He said the time would come when the separation of the sexes would be looked upon as a relict of a barborous age. Mr Hurstbouse quite agreed with Mr Clayden. There must necessarily be great'wastp of teaching power by keeping the sexes separate. Mr Harkness favored mixed schools. Mr Tarrant said he would vote for the sexes being taught separately, and would like to see separate playgrounds provided, as also one school to be dismissed half an hour before the other. Mr Shephard's amendment was then put and carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. Ayes.' Messrs ' Shepherd, Dencker, Tarrant, and the Chairman. Noes: Messrs Clay den, Phillips, Hursthouee, and Harkness. . Mr Shephard then moved that a teacher for the Lower Wakefield school, at a salary of £84 a year, be advertised for. Mr Tarrant said he understood that.the school could be carried on with the present 3taff. Mr Clayden had been informed by Mr Ladley that he considered tbe 6chool could be carried on efficiently with the present staff. If Misß Bird would teach the school as well as another teacher at £84 why should they go and chuck that money away. The Inspector on being questioned said he was not sure Miss Bird could teach the upper glasses. If she were placed in charge of the girls' school he thought an additional t9acher would be required in the other school. Mr Dencker thought the whole affair had originated with Mr Ladley, and he thought it unbecoming for a master to have so ac'ed. Mr Tarrant quesli9ned whether £84 was enough without.a house, and moved as an amendment that £12 be added for house allowance. Mr Shephard said that if Miss Bird were in the girls' school the whole time, and Mr Ladley went there occasionally, obviously the j boys and little children would have less teaching than if the schools were separate. If thay appointed a bead teacher in oharge of a separate school that meant more money. The objet in view was money that was sticking out, and they would find expenses increased and efficieuoy decreased unless they were careful. Miss Leach had £84, and she was a veiy capable teacher. He thought it would be time to increase the salary when the attendance increase'!. A division was then taken on Mr Tarrant's motion for the increased salary: Ayes, Messrs Tarrant, Dencker, and Phillips. Noes, Messrs Shephard, Hursthouse, Harkness, and the Chairman. Mr Clayden left his seat and refrained from voting. Mr Shephard's motion was then carried. Mr Hursthouse then reported^ upon his visit to Takaka He said he had visited thair district at great personal inconvenience, nearly killing a valuable horse, which fell down a bank 25ft. high. He had considered the iiecessity of building a new school and teacher's house at Long Plain. He found that the present buildings were worn out, for they were of white pine, and had stood 30 years. He suggested that the buildings should be erected on the model of the building at Lower Takaka, which was a most admirable one. The buildings could be put hji> now very cheaply, for good jimu could be delivered there at 5s 6d or 6s a hundred. At Motupipi he found that a teacher's house would be very desirable.' Miss Anderson had considerable difficulty in obtaining accommodation, and had over two miles to walk to school. The chimney at the Motupipi School was dilapidated, but the Committee had enough money to do that work, and he said that if they undertook it he would support a grant for a stove. He had also inquired into the advisability of providing a school at the Long Cutting, but he found the effect would be to materially weaken the Lower Takaka School, which he thought should have baen built at the junction which might have been a mile nearer the Long Cutting. The longest distance a child had to go, however, was three miles, and that was over the best rosd in the district. It was true some young children at the Long Cutting, did not go to school, but he could not rcconini'ind tbe Board to spend motiey on a new school at present. Theu be had been interviewed with leference to building a new housj f .ir the master at Lu\er Takdku,' but he thought the bouse, with necef sary repairs, would last a long time. He thought a word of praise was due to Mr E. Sparrow, who himself built an ai•'< d school at West Takaka. Mr Sparrow e( U< plaioed that no notice had been taken of tins school by the Inspector. In addition to contributing £20 and assisting to erect the .school, Mr Sparrow had allowed his daughter to teach in the school for a year without remuneration. The attendance had averaged 9-6, and he thought Miss Sparrow should be paid. He hoped the Inspector would visit the school the next time he was at Takaka, and he expressed the opinion that Mr Hodgson would be pleased with it. He did not know whether the Board would grant Mr Sparrow any assistance, but he thought that gentleman was entitled to something to line the school. Then he had been asked whether the Board would grant capitation for a household school at Peterson's sawmills, where there are some three or four children, and as the road was quite impassable for a cart, and the worst in the district, they were unable to attend school. He thought the Board might grant capitation if those people provided a school. In reply to Mr Clayden, Mr Hurstbouse said the cost of new school and house at L ng Plain would be about £300, and of teacher's house at Motupipi £150. The Inspector said there was no neglect on his part in not, visiting the West Takaka School, which was a household one, for it was distinctly understood that children attending such schools should present themselves at the nearest ordinary school. On the motion of Mr Clayden. a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hursthouse for the trouble he bad taken. It was then resolved that tbe Board could not comply with the request to provida a school at the Long Cutting. Also that the applicants for a household school be informed of the usual conditions on which such schools are allowed. Mr Tarrant moved that the sum mentioned by Mr Hursthouse be granted, for erecting new school at Long Plain. The Inspector had previously recommended this work. After a long discussion the motion was carried. Mr Harkness then said he had been appointed by the Board to endeavor to bring about a reconciliation between the Neudorf School Committee and Mr Hill, the master. He wrote to Mr Hill asking him whether he thought a reconciliation possible, and also to the Chairman of the Committee. Mr Hill in reply said he did not think a permanent reconciliation possible, bat hoped an armistace would be granted to allow him to look about for another appointment. After that he waited on Mr Hill, and the result of their conversation waa that Mr Hill had now- sent ih his resignation, to take effect at the end of the year. Mr Tarrant said there was a lette- from a parent of one of the children attending the school, and also a letter from Mr Hill tendering his resignation.. It was resolved to accept tbe resignation, ssme to take effect at the end 6t the year. A hearty voteof thanks was accorded Mr Harkness for the trouble taken by that gentleman. A letter from Mr Sutoliffe was then read in which the writer exclaim d how he had been engaged in the temporary charge of the Oovtdnle Bchool, and had been paid. j Mr Hursthouse said bis opinion was Vx Sutoliffe wae-not entitled to p.rt of the money that had been paid him, bat whioh should have gout to Mr Boyea. Ultimately the mattax wai wttUd by a

resolution that Mr Boyes be paid a fortnight* '1 salary. .'■.■"■..■■-•.. A letter from the Westport Committee re- t ferted again to the applicarion for » vote to erect shelter sheds for he children. Reference was made to the previous remarks of Mr Hursthoase, and it was denied that the Committee had purchased school prizes out of Committee allowances. A return'rom Captain Leach, the Harbormaster, was enclosed, and this showed the number of wet, days in the year to be 139. or 1 in 2_. Mr Hursthouse moved that the Board sees no reason for altering its decision. What hehad said at the previous meeting was that probably this Committee had done as some otters had done—had expended Committee allowance in prizes, and that the Committee paid its Secretary, Mr Clayden said the last letter from the *? Committee stated there were 200 wet days in ■ the year. . Mr Phillips said that evidently it rained very often, 'Hid he considered it necessary to provide for the shelter of children. He moved that the application be granted. Mr Clayden said notice of motion must be given. , , .... The matter was then allowed to stand till next meeting. ... ' Miss Fanny Jordan was appointed proba^ tioner at Motueka, and William Lloyd probationer at Denniston. A letter from the Town Schools Committee expressed regret that Mr James Hodgson had resigned through ill-health, and recommended he be paid 3 months' salary in recognition of his long service, It was also recommended that Mr Sadd be appointed head master of the Haven road School at £250 a year, that Mr Worley be appointed first assistant at Bridge street at £175, and Mr Veysey second assistant at £160, that an assistant, teacher be appointed to Haven road at a salary of £110, and that Miss Bolton be appointed an assistant at H*ven road. A petition signed by 89 parents was then , read. This petition stated that the resolution of the Town Committee was only carried by the casting vote of the Chairman, and attention was called to the understanding when Mr Chepmell was appointed head master at Bridge street that when vacancies occurred these should be filled by younger men .at a salary not exceeding £175. The petitioners also stated that Mr Veysey had occupied his present position nine years, and had often taken charge of the whole school to the satisfaction of the parents, the Committee, and the Board. Mr Shephard said this was an illustration thsiif a petition were got up for any purpose you could get it signed. He thought that if possible they should carry out the recommendations of the Committee, for ho had no doubt they had given very careful consideration to the matter. He said it appeared to him that the petition had been signed by many who were not parents of children attending the school referred to. He thought the recommendations of the Committee were wise. They would save about £90 a year, and men who had done good work in the past were considered. He first moved that Mr James Hodgson be paid three months salary. Agreed to. . Mr Shephard then moved that the remaining recommendations be agreed to. Mr Tarrant asked whether Mr Worley had done any work during the last year or two that would justify the inspector in saying he was competeht for the proposed post. Be believed Mr Worley was previously appointed to that position, and that he did badly, and if so he thought it would be unwise to put him there again. He thought it would be better first to move that Mr Sadd be appointed to the Haven Road. Mr Shephard agreed to this course. , Mr Clayden was sorry to say that, on public grounds, he was borind to dissent from the motion. He thought the Board would be doing a great injustice to the Town if they made lhi3 appointment. With due deference to Mr Sadd, who h^d been in illhealth, he did not think HiW__%, to take command of a large import.»lPiiiife ? ife was that all. They nadj&gfl^mwfe several men looking for maintained tte &^ c >■ o.ea to ail t UMion wilh or ;_ • ■&&$& • advertise for i 0 6ile lottar a g . eat fl -Mr Denckt. -»?« .—. _w Bnr , fl „ rp . Mr Clayden suggested, they wduUl have to raise the salary for Hampden street. Evidently the Committee did not wish to touch the salary of an old teacher, or they would have reduced it to £175. The Committee were as well able to judge as they, and he did not think they should interfere. As to saying Mr Sidd had been on the sick list, that might happen to anyone; but he was in good health now, and was a great disciplinarian. Mr Hursthouse could not agree with Mr Dertcker, and would like to see a younger man appointed. He believed they had other teachers equally competent, and he failed to see that they should be guided by the Committee, that body having been equally divided. Besides, he saw the names of the late Chairman, Mr Graham, and of Mr Levestam on..the petition. Mr Clayden said ho understood that had all the Committee been presens the recommendatiou would have been very different. Mr Phillips taid he would be influenced by tbe saving effected. Mr Clayden could not see that there would be any Baying. Mr Shepherd said that might well be, he was it t accountable for Mr Clayden's want of sight. Thc^ Chairman said it seemed to him that the recommendations were very reasonable. He thought the Board had always given attention to the recommendations of Committees, unless there were strong reasons to the contrary. He should, support the recommendations. The amendment waß then put and lost by the casting vote of tha Chairman. Aye*: Messrs Clayden,.Hursthouse, Harkness and Tenant. Noes: Messrs Shephard, Dencker, Phillips, and the Chairman. The original motion was then carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. Mr Shephard then moved that Mr Worley be appointed first assistant at Bridge street. No doubt there was an unfavorable report concerning Mr Worley, but that was afterwards modified, and since then that teacher had received very favorable reports. He believed Mr Worley had made good progress towards the D certificate, and he worked honestly and fairly, indeed, they had no more conscientious officer in their service. Mr Tarrant asked the Inspector's opinion of this teacher. The Inspector said Mr Worley had done well sb a teacher in tbe 3rd Standard. He was tried in the higher Standard a few years ago, and did not do so well, but he h*d worked up w*ll, and was a conscientious teacher Of the two named he should prefer Mr Veycey for the 4th Standard, for he wa» used to it. Mr Clayden moved that a master be advertised for. Messrs Clayden, Tarrant, and Phillips voted for the amendment, and the rest of tin members opposed. The original motion was then carried. Mr Shephard then moved that Mr Veysey be appointed second assistant at Bridge street. Mr Hursthouse said they had better accept the whole. It was true tho Inspector told them they would get into a mess, but they could get out of it as well as they could. , As the Board was ready to do what the Committee dictated they had better dissolve them, selves. Mr Tarrant thought Mr Hursthouse was altogether wrong in saying the Committee dictated to them, they did nothing of the sort. Mr Hursthouse:. I withdraw. The question was then put and carried. Mr Shephard moved that it be agreed to appoint an assistant at Haven road, salary to be £110. Mr Clayden moved that the name of Mr Wm. Dencker be recommended to the Committee. Mr Tarrant moved that the salary be fixed at £120, but this was negatived, and the motions of Messrs Clayden and Snephard were agreed to. On the motion of Mr Phillips, the salary of Miss Bradley, mistress at Brighton, was increased to £72. Mr Tarrant moved that a sum not exceedinn £375 be voted for a new Bchool at Waiioangaroa.—Considertstion deferred. An application from Miss SnnderUnd. mistress at Black's Point for an increase of salary was deferred till the annual revision ot salaried. A iotter from Mr M'Ginnity referred to the fencing,at Kaituna.—Resolved that the write* he referred to the interpretation clause of the Fencing Act. (We an compelled to hold over the remain, jig"portion ©I oar report; till next ime.J .