EDUCATION BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144666, 28 April 1915, Page 7

EDUCATION BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Board of Education was commenced this afternoon, when there wore present; Messrs. H. Trimble (chairman), A. Morton, £. Marfeil, E, Mackay, A. M. Bradbury, J. Young, R. Masters, A. H. Halcombe, and G. A. AJlum. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The Chairman reported that during the interim he had had to make the following temporary appointments:—Bird Road, Miss’ U. Hunt, assistant; Puugarelui, Miss M. Fleming, assistant; Huiron, Miss M. Evans, assistant; Tongaporutu and Ahititi, Mr. H. Hamilton, sole teacher. The appointment of an auditor for the school committees' accounts having been overlooked at the last meeting of the board, and as the accounts had to be audited before the 26th instant, 1 appointed the secretary, it having been the custom of the hoard in previous years to appoint him. K.UMATA SCHOOL GROUNDS. The Chairman also presented the following report;—At its last meeting the board decided to allow the school committee to occupy for two years the unused part of the school ground, on condition that it should bo properly_farmed and at the cud of that period laid down in grass. The committee is of opinion that the term is not of sufficient length to enable the work to be properly done. At the committee's request I visited the school and found that the part of the ground, under discussion is very badly grown over with fern, and there arc patches of blackberries. I would strongly recommend the hoard to extend the term of occupation to three years; the land is valueless in its present state to anvone excepting an owner 'of young steers, and it is hardly practicable to graze it with that class of cattle. A portion of the land should he planted with shelter trees after it has been cleared. .Should the hoard adopt Hus recommendation 1 would suggest that the Agricultural Instructor be asked to inspect the land from time to time and report to the board. OVERSEER’S REPORT. The overseer (Mr, C. H. Moore) presented the following report: Warca.—The additions and alterations to the school were all completed with the exception of placing the radiator stove, owing to having none in stock. New-all.—The painting of the outside and sundry small repairs were attended to. Pnniho.—The painting of this school outside was also completed. Waiau.—At the request of the Waiau Committee I furnished them with a plan and full particulars lor a shelter shed. The Committee now wish the board to do the work and also agree to pay their share ot the cori 1 would ash for instruction in the matter, Kiore.—The new school is well on and will be finished ibis week, including a shelter shed. Omata.—At the request of the committee, 1 visited the school to go into the matter of dividing the shorter shod. The committee wished to extend tile shed about Bft., and would bo willing to pay part of the cost. As this would giro ample room for both boys ami girls and also allow for a space across one corner for garden tools, etc.. I would recommend that the work bo carried out. The cost would not exceed £O, including asphalt floor and partition. The committee also wish to have a ladder for school purposes, in the matter of replacing one of the tanks, it is quite unnecessary' to do so at present as there is no likelihood of any shortage during the remainder cf the voar. The whole of the water from-the hack, roof is conducted into the present tank, Tataraimnkn.—ln making the grant the department, provides for the new work only. 1 would suggest that it is still necessary to carry out the complete idea in regard to the school. As the teacher is using the wash-house for a bedroom, 1 would respectfully recommend that it he matrhlined, as it is attached to the residence and would make a fair room. The present porch at the school I would .suggest hu removed to the back of the residence and turned, into a wash-house. This could bo done at very little cost. As there is some difficulty" in s-'ctiring nccomnudation for the children whilst building operations arc on, I would respectfully suggest that the chapel authorities ho approached with a view of securing one ol the places ot worship to carry on school. I hog to point out Unit the board’s school's; are always available for church services when required. _ The suggested lent will he very unsatisfactory in boisterous weather. This is rather an urgent matter, as 1 propose to start the work next week. Technical College Extensions. —As instructed. I .have prepared plans for this proposed work. A .separate report on this matter is submitted. General -Subsidies on school ladders: As it is quite necessary to Have ladders at the schools to clean out spouting, etc.. I would respect fully suggest that the hoard subsidise up to half cost on certain conditions any committee not having a ladder; a sample extension ladder to he obtained for the board’s approval with a view to letting a contract for the required number.