TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11735, 18 September 1906, Page 2

TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

1 The usual monthly meeting of the Town Schools Committee was held last evning at the Eduoation Board's room. Present: Rev. J. P. Kempthorne (chairman), Rev. J. H. MacKenzie, Messrs Firth, Lamb, Condell, W. S. Snodgrass, and Boyes. Mr Craig sent an apology. Minutes of the last ordinary and two special meetings were read and confirmed . , .. . - Outward Qorresporidence was read* and inward correspondence' dealt with as follows:— , . . The Education Board advised that it would pay for the_ gas ... used ,iot technical classes only, also that Miss Downe would be excused from attending the pupil teachers' examination on account of ill-health. The Aromoho Committee asked, the co-operation , of the local Gomm'ltr tee, in a protest against the frequent; Change ol school reading books. Tnis Committee also asked an endorsement of its opinion that the annual pass examinations by head teachers should be held iij the same month throughout the: Colony! i> A discussion ensued, and the general opinion , was that it would be educational retrogression if any action was taken which would tend to check the preparation of new and suitable books. Too frequent change was, of course, not favored, but on the whole it was considered not advisable to endorse the protest of the Aromoho Committee, especially as the communication was vague.

Two members of the Committee thought the protest should be endorsed.

On the subject of the fcppoiiitvnent of a Truant Officer, Messrs GibbS and Kpapp both considered that such an officer would do good, though it was stated that truancy was deoreas* ing' . ; The Committee, in view of several notorious cases, and it being the opinion that such an offioer would prevent a good deal of irregular attendance, favored such appointment. A return, was given, showing that the expenditure on fuel this year was the lowest for several year^j , , The school returns showed^ that the Boys'. Pnntral Sbhool attendance averaged 90.8 and that of the Girls' 91.9.

Several minor requirements were authorised for the various schools.

The Chairman reported that he had made arrangements, and the larger schools had been well hosed out, and that a bet er job than scrubbing had been the result. Aocounts amounting to £25 7s lOd were passed for payment.