BOARD OF EDUCATION.

West Coast Times, Issue 2836, 6 May 1878, Page 2

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Thursday, May 2, The Board met at tho office at 8 p.m. Present— Messrs Patten, Greenwood, Revell, Paterson, Plaialed, Morgan, Seddon, and tteid. Tlie minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Resolved, " That Mr Patteu do hike tho chair for the present uKtiug." The outward correspondence was read.

The following letters and telegrams were read aud dealt with.

Telegram from J. Ilislop, Secretary Education Department, Wellington, re first meeting of the Board. Received.

Telegram from J. Ilislop, Secretary Education Department, Wellington, in reply to a telegram forwarded by the chairman, stating that he (Mr Hislop) had already requested the Nelson Board to pay the salaries of teachers, &c, up to the 30th of April, and that after that date the Westlaud Board would receive the capitation allowance, and have to pay the teachers.

Letter from the same, re regulations for examination and classification of teachers. Received .

Letter from the same, re books to be used in the Board's schools. Received.

Letter from the same, re. appointment of Mr Price to be o Commissioner under " The Education Reserves Act, 1877." Received.

Letter from the Secretary Orwell Creek School Committee, with reference to the school at that place. Received, Secretary to reply.

Letter from the Chairman Arahura School Committee with reference to the appointment of truant officers to carry out tho provisions of the compulsory clauses of tho Act.

Resolved, " That the Chief Commissioner of Police be communicated with, and requested to allow police officers to assist Local School Committees in carrying out the compulsory clauses of the Act by furnishing the committees with information as to children not attendiug school."

Letter from the Totara Local Committee, asking for a contingency vote of £20.

Resolved, " That a contingency vote of £20 be grauted to the Totara Local School Committee, subject to audited accounts of last contingency vote being forwarded."

Letter from Chairman of the Bruce Bay Committee Btating that at a meeting of the committee held on 9th February, they were annoyed by the disorderly conduct of a person named Murphy, and asking what steps he should take to prevent a recurrence of such annoyance. Received,

From the same, stating that the committee had decided not to bring the compulsory clauses of the Act into operation. Received.

From the same, stating that Mr Archibald M'Bride had been elected a member of the committee, in place of Mr John Euros, resigned. Received.

Letter from Mr J. J. Clarke, with reference to the collcctiou of rates in Ilokitika, and asking for some remuneration for collection of certificates of exemption, under clauses 14 and 16 of tho Act.

Deferred until the collectors send in their books, and the amount exempted is ascertained.

Letter from the Secretary of Nelson Education Board, stating that there are no liabilities belonging to the Grey Valley portion of the Educational District. Also, enclosiug a list of reserves. Received.

Letter from the Chairman of Greymouth Committee, stating that the committee recommend Catherine Brown for appointment as pupil teacher at tho Greymouth School." Resolved, " That Catheriae Brown be ap-

pointed pupil teacher at the Greyraouth School."

Letter from the Chairman of Arahura Committee, stating that the coniinifitep rqcpminend Mjas Cox for appointment as assistant female teacher at the Greym.ov.th School.

Resolved, " Thafc Miss Cox be appointed assistant teacher at the Stafford School."

Letter from the same, recommending the Board to appoint Mr M'Kay to be assistant teacher at the Kumara School.

Resolved, " That Mr M'Kay be appointed temporarily to be assistant teacher at the Kumara Sohoql, at the salary fixed by the Board's regulations for the second division of the third class; and that he be granted a ' License to Teach ' for six months, at the expiration of which time he will be required to obtain the Board's certificate."

Letter from L. D. Eaßton, assistant teachev, Ilokitika School, requesting the Board to grant him a classification, and enclosing certificates from the Edinburgh University.

The Inspector recommended that Mr Easton be placed in the second division of the second class, and be promoted to the first division, on completion of two year's satisfactory service.

Resolved, " That the recommendation of the Inspector regarding the certificates of Mr Easton be adopted by the Board,"

Letter from Mr R. Edmunds, teacher of the Maori Gully School, tendering his resignation. Also, a letter from the Secretary to the Local Committee, stating that Mr Edmunds had forwarded Ids resignation to the Chairman of the Committee, as required by the Act. Resolved, « That Mr Edmunds' resignation be accepted." A petition from parents -of children at Maori Gully, requesting that Mr James Crotty may be appointed teacher at that j place. Received. The Inspector reported having visited the Paroa district, and that the committee recommended the appointment of Mr Laban to the Maori Gully School. Hcsolvod, "That Mr Laban be appointed toacher at the Maori Gully School, should ho satisfy the Inspector .is to his ability to fill the position. In the event of the Inspector not being satisfio.l, that Mr Brownley bo appointed; and until his arrival that Mr Tindall bu temporarily appointed at a salary of M per week." Letter from N. Goulding, assistant teacher Ross School, forwarding his resignation; also letter from the Secretary Totara Local Committeo, stating that Mr Goulding had forwarded his resignation to the Chairman of the Committee. Resolved, "That Mr Goulding's resignation oC teacherahip at Ross be accepted. Resolved, " That Mr Laon Kicbardson be appointed assistant teacher at the Ross School." Letter from the Chairman Bruce Bay Committee, slating that the committee were willing that the Board should engage a teacher for the Bruce Bay School. Resolved, " That Mr Nielsen be offered the appointment of teacher at the Gillespie's School, at a salary of £150 per annum, with house allowance, and that his expenses in {roing down be paid, subject to his retaining the position for six months." Letter from the Secretary Kanieri Local Committee, stating that the committee had decided to recommcud the Board to appoint a female assistant teacher to the Blue Spur School. The Secretary was directed to inform the committee that the attendance at the Blue Spur School iiad not reached the number which entitled the school to an assistant. Resolved, " That the Kanieri Local Committeo be authorised to engage the services of persons capable, of teaching aeiviug at the Blue Spur, Woodstock, and Arahara Road Schools, salary to be £12 per annum at each school. Letter from the Secretary Kanieri Local Committee, enclosing a letter from Mr Vincent, teacher of the Arahura Road School, asking that his salary may be increased, and that, he may be allowed an assistant teacher. Resolved, " That the Kanieri Committee be informed that Mr Vincent is not entitled to an assistant with the present average attendance ; and that his present salary is as high as that paid to other teachers in similar positions,"

Resolved, " That applications be called for the situation of pupil teacher at the Arahura Road School."

Letter from Miss Neads, acting assistant teacher at the Stafford School, asking the Board to make the appointment permanent.

The Secretary was directed to inform Miss Neads that the committee h ive already recommended a person to the Board for the appointment.

Letter from Mrs Tindale, teacher at Dunganville, asking tho Board to allow her to retain charge of the school until after the June examination.

The Secretary was directed to inform Mrs Tindale that a teacher was appointed, but that she may retain charge of the school until tho arrival of the new teacher.

Letter from Mr O'Neill, teacher at the Greenstone School, requesting the Board to grant him the usual amount for house allowance for the past two years.

Tho Secretary was directed to inform Mr O'Neill that the Board could not grant the request.

Letter from Mrs Gordon, Wallaend School, with reference to her classification.

Resolved, « That Mrs Gordon be informed that if she will obtain and forward copies of her previous certificates, or will present herself to the Inspector for examination, the Board will be able to take the matter of capitation allowance into consideration.

Letter from the teacher Goldsborough School (deferred from last meeting of the Board), complaining of the remarks made by the Inspector in his yearly report.

Resolved, "That Mr Mulhearn be ininformed that tlie result of the examination of the Goldsborough School, warrants the remarks of the Inspector in the annual report."

Letter from the head master, Hokitika School, with reference to average attendance at the school, and payment of capitation allowance.

The question was deferred, the Inspector reporting that he was about to briug up some suggestions on the subject.

The question of appointment of Chairman of tho Board for the ensuing y.car, was then

taken into consideration. The unanimous desire of the Board was that Mr Patten should retain the chair ; though some members were opposed to his retaining both auditorship g, n d chairmanship,

Resolved, ''That Mr Patten be elected Chairman of the new Board."

Resolved, " That with reference to Mr Patten's electipn as Chairman, he being also Auditor, the Secretary telegraph to the Secretary Education Department, Wellington, and explain to him the method adopted by the Board in passing and paying accounts, and the manner in which the bankiug account is operated upon." The Board adjourned at 12 p.m. to 10 a.m. the following day, Friday. Friday, May 8. The Board met at 10 p.m. Present — The Chairman, Mesara Eevell, Reid, Seddou, Paterson, Greenwood, Plaisted, and Morgan. The following letters, &c, were read and dealt with . Circular from N. J. Habens, Inspector General of Schools, asking for the addresses of the various teachers in the district, so that he may forward a circular with reference to their classification, Resolved, < c That in answer to the Inspector General's account of 23rd April, 1878, the Secretary do write to him pointing out that the "Westland Board think it very undesirable that the Inspector General should communicate with the various teachers in the district without the intervention of the Board, and would urge the desirability of sending all such communications through the Board in future." Telegram from Mr Oscar David, Melbourne, intimating his iatention of accepting the appointment of teacher of gymnastics and military drill, in the Board's schools. Resolved, "That Mr Oscar David be appointed teacher of gymnastics and military drill under the Board, in accordance with the terms of the Secretary's letter of 2 1st March, 1878." Memorandum from the Secretary Education Department, Wellington, requesting the Board to arrange, with the Commissioners appointed under the "Education Reserves Act, 1877," for handing over Utlcs, book 3 papers, &c, relating to the reserve. Resolved, " That the Secretary be authorised to hand over all books, papers, &c, to be Commissioners of Reserves, and to give them all the information required."

Letter from the manager of the Bank of New Zealand, agreeing to an overdraft on certain terms. Also, from the Secretary^ Education Department, Wellington, re financial matters.

The Secretary read a telegram of February 2nd, received from the Government, in which they express an intention of placing a special vote for Westland on the next year's estimates.

Resolved, " That the Secretary write to the Minister of Education to the following effect, 'That the Board having carefully considered their financial position, have come to the conclusion that the wants of the new portion of the district must go unprovided for, unless the Government are prepared to assist the Board by guaranteeing the Bank the amount they are willing to advance, in anticipation of the proposed vote of the Assembly, for new buildings, and special vote for Westland. "

Letter from the Chairman, Greymouth Committee, stating that the committee by resolution had expressed their sense of the unfairness of the Inspector's report ; and that in their opinion the teaching given in the Greymouth School was sound and thorough

Mr Greenwood moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Revell, " As the Greymouth School, according to the Inspector's report, stands first of all the schools in the district, both as to nuinhers and efficiency, the Board regrets that the Inspector should have thrown out insinuations as to the soundness of the teaching there ; and should h.ave expressed the opinion that it would have been better for the head master to have departed from the instructions given by himself, at the beginning of the year (1877) as to classification atd examination in the several standards, without stating the grounds for such an opinion at the same time.' '

This resolution upon being put to the Board was declared by the Chairman not carried, when Mr Greenwood demanded a division, with the following result : — Ayes : Itevell, Greenwood. Noes : Reid, Morgan, Paterson, Plaisted, Patten.

Letter from the Inspector of Works stating that contract for the Hokitika gymnasium is completed ; also that the apparatus was all fitted up with the exception of one small item. Received.

Resolved, "That tho matter of the furniture for the new wing to the Hokitika School be referred to the Building Committee, with power to call for tenders and accept the same."

Letter from the Chairman Hokitika Committee, stating that the Committee con-3i-Jcred it necessary that the Board should provide a a residence for the head teacher of the Hokitika School. Also, asking for a vote for contingencies. Resolved, "That the consideration of the request of the Hokitika School Committee for additional vote for contingencies be deferred until the account of the expenditure of the last vote is before tho Board."

The Secretary -was directed to inform the Committee, that the Board had no funds at their disposal for building residences.

The Board adjourned at 1 p.m. to 2 p m.

The Board resumed at 2 p.m. Present— The Chairman, Messrs Revell, Greenwood. Seddon, Reid, Paterson, Plaisted, and Morgan.

Resolved, " That a Building Committee be appointed, consisting of Messrs Reid, Mueller, Plaisted, Revell, Seddon, Paterson , and Greenwood.

Resolved, " That a Finance Committee be appointed consisting of Messrs ReiJ, Plaisted, Paterson, aud Mueller— three to form a quorum — all cheques to be signed by two members of the above committee, and the Board's Treasurer."

Telegram from the Government, not approving of Chairman of Board, being also Auditor.

It was decided that tho Chairman should be allowed, until the next meeting of the Board, to decide whether he would retain the office of the Chairman of the Board, or Auditor. Letter fromD. M'Qregor, contractor for

Kanieri School-house, requesting the Board to allow him an extension of time for five weeks, for completion of the contract.

The Inspector pf works recommended that the request be granted, The Board granted the request.

The Secretary brought undor the notice of tho Board, an account Bent in by the Kumara Public Hall Company, for rent due. Tho matter waa left to the Secretary to arrange. Letter from the Chairman, Arahura Committee, with reference to the site for the Teacher's cottage on tho Greenstone Road. Resolved, "That tenders be called for clearing site and erecting Schoolmaster's cottage op Greenstone Road. Also that the Secretary write to the Waste Lands Board, and ask them to make a reserve of one acre. Letter from Messrs Young Bros., enclosing specifications for additions to Stafford School house, &c. Referred to the Building Committee. Letter from Messrs Learmont and Spence (who carried out the contract for the Woodstock School-house, thrown up by A. Creber) asking the Board to recoup them a portion of the loss incurred in carrying out the contract. The Secretary to inform Messrs Learmont and Spence, that the Board cannot grant the request.

Resolved, c< That for the future bondsmen be required in all contracts let by the Board."

Letter from Clegg and Taylor, contractors for additions to the Hokitika School-house, requesting an extension of time for one month.

Resolved, "That the Board decline to grant any further extension of time to the contractors for the additions to the Hokitaka School-house; and that the penalties be enforced."

Letter from the Secretary, Kanieri Local Committee, stating that the committee had by resolution determined to recommend the Board to build Teachers' residences at or near the various school reserves in the district. The Secretary was directed to inform the committee that there were no funds available for tho purpose. Letter from D. Donald, Benlah, Grey Valley, offering to sell a building to the Board. Secretary was directed to enquire the price. Letter from the Secretary Greymouth Committeo, stating that the committee had decided to request the Board to erect a cottage in the school reserve for the caretaker. Resolved, «' That tenders be called for the erection of a care-taker's cottage in the Greymouth School paddock, and that Messrs Itevell and Greenwood be empowered to call for, and accept tenders," Letter from Samuel Frankpitt, Red Jacks, Grey Valley, offering to sell a bouse to the Board. Deferred. Letter from H. Phillips, head teacher Kumara School, requesting that a certain