EDUCATION BOARD.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12131, 25 July 1907, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeti^-' cf the above Board was held ja?t < veiling. Pre>sent: Messrs. Pirani (cnairman), Bennett, Dixon, Purnoll, Smith, Guth-io, Fraser, and G. Carson. Leave of absenco was granted to Mr. F. M. Spurdle.

CASH STATEMENT— Tlie cash statement showed a credit of £1682 19>. 4d. on general account and a- debit of £30, with liabilities of £872 on maintenance account.

APPOINTMENTS.—Tho following appointments were dealt with:—Mangamahu, selection of H. O'leen confirmed ; Glen Oroua, selection of W. G. Gibbs confirmed; Wangamui, selection of Mis? Blennerhia^sstt confirmed as first assistant for St. John's; Stony Creek, appointment of MissGebbie confirmed ; Ohingaiti, Mrs. Stansell appointed until end of year.

LINTON—From W. Ranlun, asking if drill and instruction ■were compulsory subjects, and pointing cut that his child was not receiving instruction in theso subjects; resolved to ask teacher if instruction! is being given in these subjects.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE Leave of abserioa was granted to E. A. McNeill (Wanganni D.H.S.) for three months; O. M. Dorset (Rewa) for one month; H. ,L. Spratt (Hawera), 10th June to 31st July; N. Goldsbury (Beaconsfield), two weeks; E. V. Black, two or thre3 weeks; J. T. Blair (Wangianui District High School), three weeks; J. T. Ro'bson, three- days; F. E. S. Rockel (Toi Toi), extend, from July Ist to 23rd August.

QUEEN"B PARK—The Chairman ex- ? plained that at a. meeting of the Build- ' ing Committee it was decided that the j lowest tenderer should ba asked to ten*der for a, portion of the work. Mr. .Spurdle had dissented from this, decision, considering'that the thing should ba thrown open for fresh tenders. He (Mr. Pirani) had requested the architect to attend thb meeting and explain the position.—The architect (Mr. T. H. . James) explained that the proposition w.as to erect the whole of the left wing a.nd two-thirds of the right wing, leaving the rest of the building to be completed at some future time. This would give sufficient accommodation! for the present so far as teaching was concerned, and would really meian spreading the erection of the complete buidling over three years.—The Chairman moved that the tender of Messrs. Ashwell and Hamilton for the five rooms in brick be accepted, providing the Government grant the difference between the cost in wood and brick.—Mr. Carson seconded the motion.—Mr. Dixon olbjectod, on .-the ground that some of the country schools would.suffer severely, especially where latrines were urgently required. He would like to see the matter stand oveir for twelve months.—Mr. Pirani briefly replied, dealing first of all with the Board's financial position and expressing his convictioni that not one I country school would suffer in conse- | queiice of this very necessary expenditure.—Mr. Dixon ©aid that if he had the Chairman's assurance that the necessary works would not suffer he would not oppose the motion.—The < motion ! was then put and carried unanimously. CHFEF INSPECTOR'S REPORT.— Tbo Chief Inspector, Mr. G. D. Braik, reported as under:—l have the honour to present my report for the period ■commencing June 18th. and ending on July 20th. The Inspectors have renewed their annual visits, and will consequently be extremely busy till the end of the year. They are of opinion that in view of impending changes in the regulations for the inspection of schools it would bo well if all promotions of pupils were deferred till December. Pupils would of course be advanced in. their studies aftor the Inspector's visit -as usual, but the classification of the school for next year would be determined by the results of the teachers' examinations for the present year. If this suggestion should 6o.mm.end itself to the B'jard, eteps will ba taken to have it acted upon. Technical Instruction :—Northern District: Mr. Hintz reports, among other things, the conclusion of a most successful series of lessons given by Mr. Grant at Manaia. Factory and farmers' classes in dairying have, owing to several causes, been greatly reduced in attendance. The experience- gained by Mr, Browne, the instructor, will prove invaluable in the formation of such classes in future. The question -of the appointment of a- special instructor in commercial work is referred to, and there is little doubt but that the success of the work in the future will depend to a great extent upon the quality of the instruction. If the different soh-cols in tho district will guarantee the pupils, the Boa-rd might safely engage the instructors. A course of hisiruetion for young farmers which might possibly he arranged for next year is outlined by Mr. Hintz. Central District: The monthly report read at the meeting of the Wanganui Technical .School Committee is submitted by Mr. Varney. The report shoAvs that the woodwork room is almost completed; that the completion of the engineering room is delayed by the non-arrival of certain machinery from England, and that liberal grants have been made by ttie Department for the further equipment of the school. Mr. Varney is making a plucky effort to keep at the school '& lathe worthl £50. which will have to go if that sum be not raised. A highly satisfactory report comes from Marion, where the Technical School building is almost finished. From Bulls comes the report that 87 students have joined the classes there, and that there is a movement afoot to secmro sufficient funds to ereofc >a laboratory. Mr. Vnrney .states that Waverley contemplates starting classes, and that work of a technical nature is being done at Taiihape, Hunterville, and Turnkina. Southern District: Mr. Amos states that there are. in his district in all 430 pupils enrolled, while Glasses presently to be established tat Foxton will augment the number. Like Mr. Hintz, Mr. Amos considers that more should bo done in the direction of technical instruction; for farmers, and bothi aro anxious that courses m veterinary science should bs offered in their respective districts at or.cc. If they will guarantee constant employment for a competent instructor 'in veterinary science \'or a period of 20 to 21 weeks, the Board might possibly be induced to adveitise for such an instructor in the -principal centres of the colony. Agriculture : Mr. Grant refers approvingly to the educative value of the Pahnerston Sh'cw. Having completed his work at Manaia, where he had an enthusiastic group of students, and in Mr. Law an enthusiastic coadjutor, Mr. Grant now undertakes a class at Bulls, with another in prospect at Marton. Dairying: Mr. Browne details thei methods of work employed in the school classes as the course- of instruction draws ffco .a close. The factory and farmers' classes have been completed with the exception, of one at Elthiam. On Saturdays Mr. Browne* takes a class oF eight teachers at Hawera.—The report was adopted.

MANGARIMU.—The Chief Inspector reported that the regulations precluded this school from being inlade a. side school to RangiwaTiia.—Report adopted.

TECHNICAL DAY CLASSES—The report of the Conference of School and Technical School Committees re day classes at the Technical School vras rend ■and received.—On the motion of the Chairman, the matter of arranging these classes was referred to the Chief Inspector, with poweo* to act. ACCOUNTS—Account to the amount of £894 16s. lOd. were passed for payment.

TEACHERS' SALARIES—On the

suggestion of the Chairman it was resolved to ask the Edaicat ion Department to ascertain what ttaa Pot Office would charge for handling teachers' salaries. —Mr. Dixon gjave notice to move at next meeting that in future the Board ■pay exchange on teachers' cheques. AWAHOU.— From Department re grant for enlargement of residence, stating that applications will be considered wtih others.

KAITIEKE TOWNSHIP.—From the Lands Department re school site, stating that tho site would be pegged off. It waa resolved to make an application for a forty-school.

WANGANUI D.H.S.—Frc-m Wanganui Committee, forwarding petition re admission of irJants to tliia District High School, and stating that a, subcommittee had teen appointed to wait on the Board.—Held over, Committee to ba notified of dats of next meeting. BEEKEEPING.—On the motion of Mr. Smith it was resolved that the Agricultural Department be asked' when and for how long Mr. Hopkins could be spared for the purpose of giving instruction in beekeeping.

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.—This Bulls, Rpngoitea, and Sanson Committee wrote re establishment of District High Schools.—Referred to Chief Inspector to report.

COMMISSIONERS. — Commissioners were appointed1 for Maxwell. Bea-cons-field,, and Kawhat.au.

WESTMERE.— From Committee re addition to school site.—Referred to Mr Carson to* report. GLEN OROUA—Application to bs made for grant foi" teacher's residence

PUKEOKAHU. — Application for trees.—Resolved to reply that Board cannot supply. TERRACE END.—From Committee re unsatisfactory drainage.—Mr. Bennett said there was good cause for complaint, but it was not as alarming as ha rl boen represented. He thought that both this case and the case of Campbell street required immediate attention— Mr. Bennett to attend to matter.

HAWERA From Committee, applying for new single-seat desks.—Referred to Mr. Dixon to report. SOUTH MAKIRIKIRL— Letter asking if the Board would object to a public hall being erected on school site1, and. if not, would the Board contribute towards cost.—Permission granted, pro^ viding the sett-Isms fenda in an eighth of an acre.

FOXTON.—On the recommendation of Mr..Fraser,' it was resolved that 20 desks be supplied. WANGANUI D.H.S.—On the recommendation of Mr. Carson, 20 desks to ba supplied. STRATFORD.—Application for w.asli>house and bath.—Application to be made for grant for bathroom and washhouse, a bath to'lbe supplied in the meantime

NlKAU.—Application^ for grant for echcol library.—Committee to be informed that applications, for grants for libraries will be considered at end of year. OWHAKURA.—From committee re clearing site- for residence.—Grant of £15 to bo made for stumping and 'clearing, land also fencing materials applied for. CADETS.—Letter from Major Aitken requesting Board to apply ito the Department fc-r permission to hokl a camp for cadets in the vicinity of Wellington, and also for subsidy of 4s. 6d. per head towards # crast. —Permission granted and application to be made for subsidy. THE LAKES.—Fro-m G. F. Day, re establishment of school.—Mr. Day to hs informed that Beard is willing to grant capitation if the settlers will provide BRUNSWICK. —From Commissioners ro payment of sewing mistress.—To be informed that sewing teachers are paid by the Government, not by the Beard. 'PATENT INSTRUMENT.—Dr. Levin go waited upon the Board re an apparatus for facilitating the study of astronomy and survey work.—Resolved that the Chief Inspector be asked to report at next meeting. ELTHAM.—From Committee re additions and repairs.—On the motion of Mr. Dixon it was resolved that £25 be voted for girls' shed, £2 for removing l>oys' shod ; that the platforms be taken out of three rooms; tint the gate be altered as required; and that £1 for £1 up to £20 be granted for metalSYMPATHY.—On the motion of Mr. Carson, seconded 'by the Chairman, it was resolved that the members of the Board place on record their sympathy with Mr. Fraser in the recent bereavement sustained by him in the death of 1 liig mother.