EDUCATION BOARD.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12206, 1 April 1908, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting ofthe Education Board was resumed yesterday morniusf. Present: Messrs A. T. Maginnity, J. B. Shepherd, W. N. Franklvn, T. Baigent, -J. Munson, and F."W. Smith. INSPECTORS' REPORT. The Inspectors' annual report on the schools in tbe Nelson educational district was read.

On Mr Baigent's motion the Inspectors were "requested to draw the attention of certain committees to tbe number of times the schools under tbeir control had been opened. t was stated in tbe report thafc each school should be opened at least on 420 half days in the year, and m one case a school had boen opened, without reasonable only 360 times.

JUflt was resolved, onAthe Chairman's motion, that the attention of the Education Department be drawn to the clause referring to the Wellington Training College, and that the Board expressed the hope that the scheme will be extended, as the Board is of opinion that it would be of great. educational advantage. HMr Franklyn moved that the Board compliments its Inspectors upon the able and instructive reports submitted, which it highly appreciates; and, farther, the Board thanks the Inspectors for the valuable Information on educational matters contained in the report. | This was seconded by .Mr Baigent, , and earned. j

it was resolved that copies of the report be forwarded .to all teachers in the Nelson educational district.

The inspectors' reports for the month were read. Chief Inspector Harkness drew attention to the small attendance at the Fern Flat School, and recommended that the Secretary of the Board be instructed to prosecute all parents who did not send their children to school regularly. It was resolved that the Committee be informed that if the attendance does not improve during tbe current quarter the Board will be compelled to take drastic measures to enforce regular attendance.

The Inspectors reported on the proposed " amendments of the scholarship regulation.-.. It was reoommended to make the examination foi the Junior National Scholarship the examination for the Board's junior scnolarship. This* had now been done by all the Board in tbe Do-ftin.ot. except Grey? and Nelson. By the amendment act of last year the age for tbe Junior National Scholarship had been raised to 14 years, and the standard to Standard VI., instead of as before, 13 years and Standard V. The reconimenations were adopted.

The Inspectors were instructed to arrange for new desks -for the Westport School, to replace those tbat were worm eaten. £: The monthly report' on the technical schools] read. The Chairman considered it was of a hopeful nature. DEPUTATION. T Messrs George Baig'ent and White, of Pigeon Valley, waited upon the Hoard in reference to the enlargment of the Pigeon Valley school, and objecting to that school being made a side school to the Wakefield School. It was stated that some children would have to walk ten miles a day if Ihey had to attend the Wakefield School.

The Chairman pointed out tbat by attending the Wakefield School the cbildren would have the advantage of technical education.

It was resolved, on Mr Franklyn 's motion, that Mr Griffin be asked to supply an estimate of the cost of adding -ten feet to tho length of tbe Pigeon Valley School, and of widening the school. g The Marlborough Education Board applied for the services of Mr Bruce, Agricultural Instructor, as lecturer for a winter school tn be held in Blenheim next month. Tbe application was acceded to.

In reply to a letter from tbe Department, it was resolved to send a copy of the Inspector's memo giving a full history of the establishment of the Whakarewa school for tbe Minister's information.

(The application for inspection and examination of Sacred Heart school by the Board's Inspectors was granted.

Tbe Lower Takaka Sobool Committee invited the Chairman to open the new Distriot Higb School (about tbe end of April), at Lower Takaka and also asfeeci that the Board hold its April meeting at Takaka. The Chairman stated. that he had accepted „the invitation and informed the committee that the Board would be unable to meet there as requested. Members intimated their intention of attending the function, and tbe Chairman stated tbat in all probability the Hon. Minister for Education woulld also, be present.

The following appointments were made: Nelson, pupil teacher, Misa ii . Small :f Sandy Bay. sole, teaohes Mr T. Nr Hewlett ; Birchlield, fresh applications to be invited as Miss Street withdrew.

The following resignations were accepted : Lower Takaka, assistant, Miss F S. Jordan: Sherry, sole teacher, Miss G. A. Richards: Inangahua Junction, sole teaoher, Mi9s J. lienyon; Nelson, pupil teacher, Mr E. C. Bell. I* The Aoting Secretary informed the Board thafc the cost of postages for the first year since the introduction of official stamps was J67G 10e. In reply to a question he stated tbat teachers were never called upon to pay cost of postages for returns forwardd to the Board.

fi Mr Franklyn's notice of motion in reference to affirming the desirability of uniform school books, to be issued free of charge, was postponed for a month.

|Mr Shepherd's potion that a sum of £0 los be granted to the (Japleston School Oommittee for completing their drainage system, and water supply, was seconded by 'Mr Munson and carried. Mr Smith was added to the Technical Committee in place of Mr Lock. The Board rose at 3.45 p.m.