TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2746, 12 July 1883, Page 8

TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL.

An adjourned meeting of the Timaru High School Baard of Governors was held m the Education office on June 14tb. Members present — Mr J. H. Sutter (Chairman), Yen. Archdeacon Harper, Rev. W. Qillie§, Dr Lovogrove, and IVr??^ Olulee, McKerrow, Goldsmith, and M me'ieHer. The Secretary, Mr G. 0. Mile 3 was also preseut. Mr R. A. Cliisho'm wioto apoligising for non-attendance. CORBESPOKDKNCB. A letter was received from Mr Walton, Mathematical Master at the High School, stating that lie had reeoived the offer of the head mastership of the High School, .Akaroa, and asking that the Board would grant him leave of absence to visit that town, as he wanted to have an interview with the governing body of the school. Air Gilließ moved and Mr McKerrow seconded — " Ihat the leave of absence applied for by Mr Walton be granted." — Carried. A letter waa received from the Timaru Borough Council forwarding the following resolution which was pasaed by them on Monday evening :— " That the Board of Governors be respectfully requested to return the specimens for proposed museum to the donors, as received by the High School from the Borough Council ; and that a copy of Mr Jonas' latter be forwarded to the Chairman of the High School ;" also, acopy of the letter received by the Council from Mr Jonas on the same subject. Mr Gillies moved, and Archdeacon Harper seconded — " That this Board will be glad to return the articles sent to the High School museum by the Borough Council, on the application of the several donors." In moving the resolution, Mr Gillios said that he was one of tho3e who had done a great deal m this matter when first proposed. Many of tho things taken over by the Board were not of much value, but since the collection had been at tho school it had been greatly added to. The Board conld not, of course, band over articles received since tho museum had been located at the school, but R3 regarded the arlicles handed over to them by the Council, he quite agreed to their being handed back, not to the Council however, but to the donors. The letter received was simply from one individual, and he therefore objected to the articles being parted with, but if the several donora wrote to the Board and stated they wished the articles returned the Board would return them. Tho motion on being put was unanimously carried. THE WOBKINa OF THB SCHOOI. The Committee appointed to enquire into the Btate and working of the school reported as follows : — "Your Committee appointed to enquire into the state and working of the High School beg to report : — "(I) That the school roll shows a total of 90 scholars m attendance, of whom 86 pay full fees. " (2) Since the beginning of the year thirteen have left, of whom one left for the University of Hew Zealand, one obtained a scholarship m Christohuroh, one had finished bis sohool education, one was only an occasional student, two left for the public school (Timarn), one waa removed as being too young for the school, having been admitted under protest, and the remaining sis left without any cause being assigned at the time. " (3) The present attendance, though lower than last year, compares favorably with other High Schools m places such as Timaru. " (4) The results of the education given m the school so far as the Committee could ascertain, were fairly good last year. An examination by qualified persons unconnected with the school was not held, bnt the Committee find that at the matriculation examination of the New Zealand University for 1882, out of 50 who passed six were from the Timaru High School. This as compared with other schools, is a good result. " (5) The Committee have also made inquiry, as far as they could, into the dissatisfaction alleged to exist m regard to the general state of the school, and accordingly wrote to the parents of scholars who have been at the sohool for the past two years, asking them to state freely whether they had any complaint to make, or whether they were satisfied with the sohool. Eighty-nine parents were written to, and of these forty-nine replied. The replies show that seventeen express dissatisfaolion with the sohool, and of these six ara dissatilied with the Sector, one of them, however, expressing his satisfaction with his children's progress ; four are dissatisfied with the progress of their children ; four are dissatisfied with the school m regard to its general management or discipline; two are dissatisfied with the Board's management of the school ; and one is an anonymous parent. On the other . hand, thirty-two replies express satisfaction with the BOhool. "(6) Your Committee also took evidence from the teaching etaff of the school. There are five tfachers, besides the Rector. They all expressed entire satisfaction with the timetable, the working of tho school and with the Hector. " (7) From the replies received from parents, it appeßrs that nine of them have removed their children from the school, at different times, being dissatisfied with their progress at the school. '■ (8) The Committee having given their best attention to the evidence they have received, beg to suggest to the Board that, m regard to the dissatisfaction with the sohool alleged to exist, it is sufficient that a copy of this report be forwarded to the Hector, and that his attention be drawn to the fact that definite complaints have been made by parents m regard to the progress of their children, the discipline of the school, and his own manner of exercieiog his authority, which have led to the removal of their children. Theßa complaints are not many m number, as compared with the evidence m favor of the Rector and the school generally. They are, however, of sufficient importance to justify the Committee m its suggestion to the Board that tho Hector's attention should be drawn to them. " The Committee beg further to BUggest that periodical examinations of the school by persons duly qualified, and unconnected witb the school, should be held every year, and that, until further evidence can be obtained as to the working of other schools, which the Committee will endeavor to present to the Board at an early date, the present departmental system should be retained. (Signed) " J. H. Sutteb, " Hinet W. Habpeb, " Gbo. F. Cuttles." The report as presented contained another paragraph, relating to the salaries of some of the teachers, but m view of a possible change m the etaff through Mr Walton having been offered another post, it waa agreed that this paragraph be struok out and the subject left for consideration at next meeting. The advisability of appointing an additional master, as recommended by the Rector m his lost report, was also postponed. After the report had been read Archdeacon Harper, speaking for the Committee, said that their best attention was given to the workAs it was out of the Committee's power to examine the sohool, they had to judge from result;. The Committee had gone into the matter thoroughly, and be begged to move — " That the report of the Committee appointed to enquire into the working of the school be adopted, with the exception of the last paragraph, relating to salaries." This was seconded by Or Lovegrove. Mr Gillies said tho thanks of tho Board were due to the Committee for their report, but on a general view of the matter be declined to agree with them. Of course, there must be some difference of opinion. There were ona or two points brought out by some of the letters received, which bad not been mentioned m the report. Members of the Board should be given time to peruse these letters, so that they could see . what the general feeling of the parents was. He thought it only fair to the Bector that when it was mentioned m the report that some parents were dissatisfied with his teaching, evidence to the contrary Bhould be taken." He also thought the Board should send to the Bector a different report from the one read. He was sure it must be a matter of satisfaction to the Board that the feeling of dissatisfaotion among the parents was not widespread. It seemed to him that the report would bear much harder upon the Bector than the Committeo thought it would. They had the statements of parents that they were quite satisfied with the Bector. Referring to

the School, Mr Gillies «aid that the discipline during the first year of the Hector's management was much strictor than at the present time, and the pupils got on better. Meinberß who were not on tho Board at that time were perhaps not aware of what was done. The Beotor and the other teaohers had piven up part of Saturday for tbo purpose of helping those obildren who were weak or behindhand m any subject. This course was continued for about two years, and then there came a change. He blamed the Board for this change, and said that instead of the majority of complaints being against the staff, by far tho greater number were against the management of the school by the Board. The Bector of this school was placed m a moro difficult position that any other m New Zealand from tho faot that they had tried, and so far with buccosb, to work two schools under one head. They were actually getting work that properly belonged to two rectors dune by one. It was said by some that such an arrangement would only result m failure, but it had not done so. The Board, while giving tho Rector this double work, had not encouraged him by raising his salary. In Oamaru, nhero a school had been started with something like 25 scholars, the master received £600 a year and a house, m which accommodation was provided for about 20 boarders. It was true Mr Dawson was allowed te keep boarders, but the fees heoharged were very small indeed. He worked simply for tho good of the Bchool. As to the question of making periodical examinations mentioned by the Committeo m their report, the Rector had more than onco suggested such a course, and oven named the gentlemen whom it would bo advisablo to get to conduct such examinations. It was really a high coropliaient to the Eector that the Committee had recommended just the same as he had done, and yet tho Committee had not suggested that his salary ehould be raised. In conclusion, Mr Gillies said that the increased attendance showed plainly m what estimation the Bector was held by the public at large. The hnrd times which had prevailed during the last year or two had of course come effect on the attendance. Referring again to the letters received, Mr Gillies said that the Committee should have taken no notice whatever of the anonymous one, for the reason that the pei-ion who wrote it was not the real head of the house. Mr Manchester asked the Chairman if the Committeo had confined themselves to taking evidence from tho parents of children now attending tho school. The Chairman replied m the negative. The enquiry embraced tho last two years. Mr McKerrow said the Committee were certainly to be congratulated on the result of their enquiry. The matter, m Lib opinion, was, however, much m the same position as at the beginning. He was proceeding to make personal allusions to members of the Board when tho Chairman ruled him out of order, and he sat down. After some conversation Mr Gillica moved and Mr MoKerrow seconded the following amendment: — "That the Board receivo the report and thank the Committee for the trouble they have taken m tho matter, and express regret that any dissatisfaction ehould exist with the school, but as it is evident from the report that it is not widespread m relation to the Bector, the Board simply acoept the record of facts and direct a copy to be sent to the Rector." The amendment was put and doolared lost. Before putting the motion the Chairman referred m strong terms to the complaints, and eaid they were due purely to personal feeling. He quoted from one of the letters received m which it was stated that Latin was taught at the school without any bookstall. This was perfect nonsense. The writer was m fact m perfect ignoranco as regarded tho sohool work, and was consequently not m a position to express an opinion on the school at all. He had repeatedly requested since ho had been Chairman that if any complaints were to be made they should be made to him. He had never received a eiogle complaint of any kind. The various things that had been eaid about tho school and the Bector were said by persons who were m sheer ignorance of the matter. It seemed that all High Schools m New Zealand, with the exception of that of Nolson, had been through a similar ordeal to the one the Timaru Sohool had just passed through. If parents attended more to their children's studies whilst at home, better results would ensue. Tho Chairman concluded by saying that tho Rector came out of the enquiry an innocent and an injured man. Archdeacon Harper's motion to adopt the report, was then put and carried. lEAYK 07 ABSBNOK. On the motion of Mr Gillies, the Chairman was granted leave of absence during the session of Parliament. The masting then terminated. An ordinary meeting of the Board of Governors of the Timaru High Sohool was held on July 4. Present — Yen. Arobdeacon Harper (Chairman pro tern.), Dr Lovegrove, Rev. W. Gillies, Messrs J. U. MoKerrow, G. F. Clulee, 8. W. Goldsmith and J. Manchester and Mr G. C. Miles, Secretary. Tho minutes of the previous ordinary and of an interim speoial meeting were read and confirmod. The Rector reported the attendance at the school to be— boys, 50 ; girls, 38 j total, 88. Mr Walton had taken advantage of the leave of absence accorded him to visit Akaroa, and he notified (m a letter transmitted to the Board by the Hector), that he had accepted a post there. There wore now two vacancies, to be dealt witb, if the school was to be opened for the next term with a full staff. One of the teachers was required for mathematics ohiefly, and the other for modern languages chiefly. The Reotor desired to draw the attention of the Board to the advisability of the scholarship of the teachers being guaranteed by University degree, and that as high a salary as possible should be offered m order to induce good men to apply for the posts. The janitor, he roported, had been ill and unable to attend to his duties for some days. Advantage had been taken of suitable weather to fill up gap 9 m the planting of the previous season, and somo extra planting, authorised by the Special Committee, bad been carried out. The school work was progressing satisfactorily, owing to special exertions on the part of the teachers. Mr Walton's letter, transmitted by the Hector, intimated that he bad accepted the post of head master of the Akaroa High School, and that he would not resume work after this term. It was agreed by the Board that Mr Walton's letter should be considored a resignation, although it was not exactly a formal one. An investigation of the probable means of the Board was then ms.de to ascertain whether any increase of salary could be afforded to the new teacher, and to Mr Walton for the remainder of his term. The Rev. W. Gilließ then moved, Mr Olulee seconded, and it was carried — " That the salaries of Messrs Walton and Stevona and of Mrs Cowan be increased, m accordance with the recommendations of the Committee as laid upon the table at the last meeting." Mr Gillies moved, Mr Olulee seconded, and it was resolved — " That the Chairman confer with the Rector m drawing up an advertisement calling for applications for the two vacanoies m the teaching staff, one master to be a graduate of some university, and to be either classical or mathematical master, at a salary of £300 per annum ; the other to have, if possible, a University degree, and to be a tcaoher of modern languages and drawing, at a salary of £200 per annum ; applications to be m by next meeting of the Board." A Committee, consisting of the Chairman and Meßsra Gillies and Lovegrove, was appointed to examine the applications, previous to the Board's meeting, and report upon them, with a view to assisting the Board m making a choice. Mr R. A. Cbisholm wrote resigning his seat as a member of the Board. On the motion of Mr McKerrow, seconded by Mr Olulee, Mr Chiaholm's resignation was accepted with an expression of regret at the Board's losing an old and useful member. The Rev. Mr Gillies suggested that Mr John Jackson, tbo Mayor, should be elected to fill the vacancy, as he was next on the poll at tho laßt election, and Mr Manchester moved and Mr Goldsmith seconded a motion to that effect, which was carried. Mr P. W. Hutton wrote, offering to sell two geological cabinets, at seven guineas, the contained specimens beiog given m as a gift to the ichool.

The offer was declined with thanks, tho cabinets being considered too small. The Secretary stated that the nmount m tho Bunk nt present waa £710 16a 6d, includ ing £500 which must be investod j ensh m hand, £99 4« ; reDts of reserves and fees outstanding, £227 ; agiinst which were present accounts to he passed amounting to£i43 18s. Messrs Oluloe and McKerrow were appointed a Committeo to invest the £500 lying m the Bank of New Zealand awaiting investment. Accounts were passod for payment amounting to £143 18) sd, salaries being £138 6s Bd, and sundry accounts £5 lla 9tl. Dr Lovegrove moved, and Mr Olulee seconded — " Thnt tlio salary of the Secretary be increased to £80 a year." The He". Mr Gillies opposed the proposal. The salary had been fixed at £60 after a full consideration of the wirk required to bo done, and be thought the Board could gat the work done for evon less than £i»0. He suggested that the Committee should re-consirler tho wholo matter. As the Board of Education were going to separate the offices of Inspector and Secretary, it might be possible to arrange for the Education Board's Secretary to do this Board's clerical wort, which he conveniently could do ai both Boards mot m the same room, the work of in-peoting the reserves being given to an expert. After Bomediscu'eion Dr Lovegrove altered his motion, to bring it into accordance with the recommendation of tho Committee, i.e., to increase the salary to £70 a year, and thus amended tho motion was carriod, Mr Gillios voting against it. A letter, dated 10th May, was read from Mr W. Langdown, lessee of one of tho Board's reserves situated nt Kakahu, asking for a reduction of his rent, tho marble which he commenced to burn for lime had run out, and the lime ho could now make there would not sell. Ho promised if the reduction were made, and he resumed lime burning, he would pay tlio full rent. Tho Secretary, who had visited the reserve, roported that after Mr Langdown had gone to great oxpenso m laying down a tramway, bridging the river, and erecting a kiln, the marble which he had hoped to be able to quarry for some years was completely exhausto 3. j Mr Gillies explained the tonne upon which Mr Langdown held the reserve. The land was originally let on an agricultural lease at £9 12a 6d per annum, but lime-burning being commenced there an extra rent of £50 per annum was agreed upon. It was apparently the extra £50 that the tenant wished to have reduced. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Gillies to allow a rebate of half the extra rent during the suspension of lime burning. Mr Manchester voted against this, on the ground that it was a speculation on Mr Langdown's part, and if ho had succeeded m making some thousands out of it he would have required the Board to adhere to the terms agreed upon. A short discussion took phco concerning the inconvenience tho Board were put to m not having their papers deposited at the placo of meeting, and a Committee, consisting of the Chairman and Messrs Clulee and McKerrow, wns appointed to make some arrangements to romedy this. For the last five years tho Board have met m the Education Board's office, and havo bad the ueo of gas, fuel, &c, for nothing. It was made an instruction to the Secretary that m cases where two members of ono family attended tho school, one of whom was tho bolder of a scholarship, the second should only be required to pay the reduced fee fixed for each of two childron of the same family. The meeting thon terminated.