TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11964, 18 June 1907, Page 3

TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the abovenamed Committee was held last (iveninp, there bein ? present— Rev. J. H. MacKenzie (chairman), Rev. J. P. Kempthorne,, Messrs Frankly n, Webley, and Boyea. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs Savage and Walter Snodf?ras3 The minutes "were read, and the correspondence read. The Charman reported the success ful tenderers for tbe new school building in Sbelbourne street were busy on the site. Some discussion ensued as to the distribution of the special grant to School Committees.— Resolved on tbe motion of the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, seconded by Mr Boyes, that letters be sent to the Marlbcrougb, Wellington and North Canterbury Boards to ascertain bow the special grant was distributed in those districts.

Keaolved on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Boyes, that the Board be informed that in future the Committee would apply to the Board for ballot papers, as the Act showed the Board had to conduct the election of School Committees. Resolved to send to the Board Mr Jacob's account for £8 19s, for painting. — Mr Webley reported that tho work had been executed satisfactorily. In future he would recommend that three coats of paint should be used. The sobool returns showed— Boys' Eastern Division, 515 on the roll, 471.5 average attendance, or 91.3 per cent. Girls' Western Division, 619 on the roll, 532 average attendanoe, or 86.1 per cent. The prevalence of colds, whooping cough, and the elder girls being kept at home to assist ia domestic duties, were given as reasons for the lower average attendance in the Western division. Resolved to procure two loads of gravel from Huffam's quarry as a trial. Resolved that the Chairman inquire as to the practice of taking children into the porch to teach at Tasman street ; and if necessary to obtain one kerosene heater for that school. Some discussion ensued as to the slow combustion coke stoves, and it was stated that too much coal was bein<{ used to light them, and that if the practice was continued the stoves would be ruined. — Resolved to draw the attention of the Head teacher 3*o the matter. As regard abeutees from the bchools, it was resolved to send a number of parents notices, and in one case to prosecute for continued absence. The frequent absence of junior teachers from their duties was discussed. It was considered the schools were being affected by same, and if continued, a medical certificate would have to be procured, and a deduction in pay would have to be made in order to supply a substitute.—Resolved that the Chairman consult with the Head teachers on the subject. The Committee carefully considered the six applications forwarded by the Board for tte p ! sition of pupil teacher.— Resolved that the names of Miss Constance Palmer and Miss Johnston be recommended to the Board in the order named ; also that if Miss Palmer be appointed that her appointment date frcm June Is., she for a time having filled a

vacancy in the Town schools. Tbe lists of the scholars attending private schools claiming exemption certificates were received. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £19 5s 3d.