EDUCATION BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4066, 13 June 1882, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The Education Board met on Monday. Present; Yen. Archdeacon Govett (chairman), Messrs. Andrews, Faull, J. Kelly, Lawrence, Syme, Veale, and Wade. Architect's Report. — The report by the Architect was read, which stated that the school building at Midhirst is in hand, and is expected to be completed in contract time. The fencing of the Omata School site is about two-thirds completed. The fencing of the High School site will be finished to-day (Monday.) He recommended that the gaps in the furze hedge be stopped by three-rail fencing. The contract for painting the several schools is nearly completed, and Mr. Okey, the contractor, is entitled to a progress payment of £60. The Opunake contract has been completed in a satisfactory manner by Mr. Smith, who is entitled to a balance of £9 2s. Bd. Cottage at Urenui. — A memo, was read f rom tho Education Department, Wellington, stating that the cottage at Urenui which the Board had asked to be placed at its disposal had already been handed over to the County Council. The Government, however, would offer no objection to the Board having the cottage if the Council is willing to give it. — Mr. Syme moved, " That the County Council be asked to convey the cottage at Urenui to the Education Board." | A n Enquiry. — A letter was received from i the Education Department asking if the dismissal of Mr. Thomas Donnelly was of such a nature that a statement should be made of the case to the Education Department, in order that the Minister might decide whether it was necessary to cancel the teacher's certificate. — The Secretary was instructed to reply thnt it was not considered necessary to furnish the statement. High School. — A letter was received from the Head-master of the High School requesting the Board to state the holidays allowed the pupils attending the High Sc'iool at the end of the quarter. — It was decided that the holidays should begin on 24th June, and that the Chairman confer with the Head-master relative to subdividing the sohool terms.— The Headmaster also suggested the advisability of forming a preparatory c'ass in connection with the High School. — The Board agreed to establish such a class, and ordered that a noiification to that effect be ad/ertised. — The Board also decided, on the suggestion of the Head-master, to have printed circulars addressed to parents calling attention to the absetrce of pupils from the school. No. 3 School Committee. — A deputation of No. 3 School Committee waited on the Boara in reference to matters in dlspite between the Board and the Committee. The following resolutions were agreed to : — (1) That the Board agree to the recommendation of No. 3 Committee re transfer of teachers ; (2) that it is desirable that a Central Boys School be built in the Town of New Plymouth, and that the Chairman make enquiries about the purchase of a suitable site. Dancing in Public Schools.— A. letter was read from Mr. W. J. Wells, stating that the Local Committee had refused to grant permission to hold a dancing class in the Upper Mangorei School. He, therefore, applied to the Board for permission. — The Secretary was instructed to forward a copy of a resolution of the Board passed in June, 1881, as follows: — "That no school-house be used for public purposes, unless the consent of the Chairman of the Local Committee be first received." Upland Road School. — A letter was read from Mr. T. Clare, Chairman of the Bell Block School Committee, stating that he estimated the cost of an additional room — 12ft. by Bft. — for the use of the teacher at the Upland Road School would cost £24 6s. — It wa9 decided by the Board that the Architect should arrange with Mr. Wade for the purpose of building the room. Charges against a Teacher. — A letter was received from Mr. Powell stating that a public meeting had been held at Tataraimaka with reference to certain charges made against Mr. Evans by Mr. Swanston in a letter to the Minister of Education, and that the meeting unanimously agreed that the charges were unfounded. Increase of Salary. — A letter was read from Mr. Appleyard, caretaker of the High School, asking for an increase of salary. — The Board agreed to give him 2s. a week extra for six months. Tenders. — The following tenders for Omata School entrance gate were received: — E. Prat;, £4 55.; H. George, £4 55.; and Johnson and Lo.ve, £4 9s. 6d. — Mr. Pratt's tender was accepted. High School Endowments. — It was resolved on the motion of Mr. ANDREWS, " That the Chairman be instructed to write to the members for New Plymouth and Taranaki re High School endowments. School Prize*. — A letter was read from Mr. C. W. Govett, stating that some years ago a scheme was arranged by which the teachers of the different Board schools received deposits from the children, which were placed in the Savings Eank. The scheme was found to give teachers and trustees so much trouble that it was discontinued, and every depositor was paid off with interest where entitled to it. The interest on the aggregate investment of the small Hums under £1 amounts to £8 16s. 10d., and the trustees — Messrs. Crompton and C. W. Govett— left it to the Board to decide how the money should be expended, at the same time suggesting that the money should be spent in prizes to be offered among the children attending the schools. Accounts. — Accounts amounting to £133 18s. 3d. were passed for payment. This concluded the business.