EDUCATION BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XII, Issue 3217, 29 August 1878, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD.

The monthly meeting of this body was held in the offices of the Board this morning. Present— Mr W. H. Watt (chairman), Messrs J. W. Peake, H. I. Jones, Sansou, J. Duthie, and Rev. Mr Ross. Th,-* minutes (of the previous meoting were read, amended, and adopted.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A letter was read from the Education Department re attendance at schools. * A circular was read from the Education Department instructing the Board not to go too extensively into expenditure on additional school building, and requesting certain returns for the information of the Minister.

A letter was read from the Education Department relative to the Inspector's salary. A letter was read from the Education Department relative to construction of school furniture, and covering plans for the same, for the use of the Board. A letter was read from the Education Department re the sale of school site at Normanby, stating that the Minister before sanctioning tho sale would havo to be informed of tho particulars. Circulars were read from the Education Department re the appropriation of the Library Grant. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Kohi School Committee, announcing the temporary appointment of Mr McCormish to the Kohi school as teßcher.

A second letter was read from tho same re a proposed alteration in the terms of the Act relating to compulsory education.

A letter was read from Mr Stent Chairman of the Waitotara School Committee, requesting the Board to make application to the Government for the Ferry Reserve of 10 acres at Waitotara for school purposes. Mr Duthio stated that this application had beon made, it being considered desirable to act in the matter while Parliament was sitting, without delay. A letter was read from the Wanganui School Committee re the amount of cooperation required of them in the establishment of military drill in the school ; also, requesting the refund of a small amount paid on behalf of the Board. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Mataongonga School Committee, stating that tho school-house in that district having been built by subscription among the settlers, the Commmittee decline to co-operate in erecting additional premises. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Waverley School Committee, covering tenders for the erection of a school house in that town.

A letter was read from the Turakina School Committee re tenders.

A letter was read from the Maxwell School Committee, informing the Board of the appointment of Mr Scott to that school.

A letter was read from the Mataongaonga School Committee, refusing to sanction the removal of Mr Mair, and asking how the proposed change would benefit Mr Mair.

An application from Mr E. T. Collins for an appointment under the Board was received.

A number of other letters were read relative to the appointment of teachers, increase of salaries, allowance for teachers, house rent, and other matters in connection with the individual requirements of teachsrß and persons desirous of becoming teachers.

In connection with the feregoing letters the following resolutions were passed :—: — Moved by Mr Duthie, seconded by Mr Mr Sanson — That Mr Heslop's attention be drawn to his memo 381, of 23rd May, enclosing a pro forma statement of funds, showing as to be paid by Government £100 towards Inspector's salary and £40 for travelling expenses, whereas in statement of 4th July, closing funds for the past quarter, only £75 is allowed for this i purpose, and requesting payment of the difference. Carried. Moved by Mr Duthie seconded by the Revd Mr Ross and carried — That in reply to Mr Heelop's memo, the Board would explain that on account of the extreme and urgency for additional school accommodation throughout the district it is resolved, in anticipation of future building grants, to proceed to erect the more pressing schools and residences at once, the cost thereof to be paid by bank overdraft, and hence the present deficiency on that item, but the Board has since adopted a revised scale of salaries with a view to limit its expenditure by its revenue. In connection with a letter from Mr Powell, announcing the death of his son, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Jones seconded by by Mr Ross — That the Board express their deep sympathy with Mr Powell in the death of his son, and desire to record their cordial satisfaction at the result of his services while in the employment of the Board. The Board then adjourned for lunch. At 2 o'clock business was resumed and a sample desk, prepared by Mr Donald Ross, on a plan given him by Mr Fouliss, the Inspector, was examined. Mr Duthie moved and Mr Sanson seconded, and it was carried— That it be explained to the Department of Eduoa • tion that this Board having.incurred a deficit through the salaries of the staff and teachers when the Board came into office, being on a scale exceeding the revenue of the Board, also from the payment of debts due by the previous Wellington Board, from purchase of Board room furniture, printing, and other initiatory expenses. That this Board has now taken steps to prevent such a loss recurring, and under the circumstances aßks that a special grant of £500 be made to cover a deficit which has arisen from circumstances almost beyond the control of the Board. Mr Ross moved, Mr Sanson seconded and it was oarried— That the Secretary .be instructed to draw up a statement of all properties conveyed to the Board with

a list of those properties for which there are no deeds, to be ready for the next meeting of the Board.

Mr Sanson moved, Mr Ross seconded and ie was earned — That the Kolii School Committee be informed that this Board will appoint a teacher to that school as soon as the services of a suitable person can be obtained. Resolved on the motion of Mr Sanson — That in accordance with the wishes of the Kohi School Committee the Minister of Education be requested to havo clause 89 amended so as to read " That the children residing within three miles of a school instead of two, attend such school.

Kcsolved on the motion of Mr Duthie — That the Chairman of the late Patea Board be asked to confer with the late Secretary to the Board for the purpose of adjusting and closing nil accounts.

SECONDARY EDUCATION. Moved by Mr Sanson, seconded by Mr Peake, and carried — That the Secretary write to J. Bryce, Esq., M.H.E., requesting him to have section No. 575, containing 44| acres, situated in the town of Bunnythorpe, in the County of Manawatu, proclaimed an educational reserve for the purpose of secondary education.

IMPROVEMENTS.

Moved by Mr Sanson, seconded by Mr Ros?, and carried— That an additional sum of £16 be granted for improvements to the school at Palmorston North.

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Duthie, seconded by Mr Ross — That a sum not exceeding £52 be voted from the building fund for the Ncmanby Committee to defray cost of following items:— Say for levelling ground, £2; porch, etc , £30 ; desks, £20. Carried. Recommendations from the Waverley and Turakina School Committees relative to tenders for improvements to the schools named, were adopted.

APPOINTMENTS.

With reference to a letter from the Matnongaonga School Committee re the removal of Mr Mair, Mr Duthio moved, Mr Jones seconded, and it was carried — That unless under exceptional circumstances no teacher be removed from one school to another except after a months notice to the Committee, and but at the voluntary request of the teacher. Mr Collins application was referred to the Inspector.

Resolved, on the mption of Mr Ross — That Mr Jones be empowered to treat with Mr McWilliams relative to the site at Mars Hill.

In connection with an application by Mr F. Watson, it was resolved — That Mr Watson be informed that in fixintr the ealary of 3rd class certificated assistant teachers,allowanco was made to cover the former houso rent, and if Mr Watson passes for a higher certificate in Feburary he will bo entitled to an increase, or the Boaivl will favourably entertain his application for a district school when a vacancy occurs. Carried. The Board then adjourned for dinner.

TEACHERS EXAMINATION.

At 7 o'clock the Board resumed, and Mr Fouliss, the Inspector, made his report on proposed promotions and appointments. Further, Mr Fouliss spoko of an examination which he proposed holding for the classification of teachers and assistant teachers on the- 13fch September in the girls' school in the Avenue. Mr Foulis detailed his scheme for the examination, and asked the Board to appoint Mr Ross assistant supervisor.

Mr Foulisa' recommendations in connection with the examination were adopted. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INSPECTOB RE

APPOINTMENTS. Moved by Mr Duthie— That Mr Southwick be appointed to the Upper Tutaenui School, subject to the approval of the Committee.

Seconded by Mr Smson. This resolution opened up a somewhat lengthy discussion, Mr Duthio contending that teachers in the employ of the Board should receive the first chance of promotion in preference to strangers. The Chairman thought the question of teachers, appointments should be Jeft to the Inspector. Mr Duthie thought that the Board should exercise an active control over appointments, and not leave everything to the Inspector. Mars Hill — Appointment of Mr Quinlan confirmed.

Hawera — Appointment of Mr Mair confirmed, subject to arrangement with Mr Thomson.

Waitohi — Appointment of MissStevens confirmed.

Nonnanby — Appointment of Mr Hill confirmed, subject to approval of Committee.

Taonui— Mr Seaton's appointment confirmed.

Mars Hill— Mr E. J. Collins appointment confirmed.

The tollowiug appointments were made subject to the approval of the committees interested :—: — Maxwell — Mr Scott's. Mataongaonga — Mr Harry.

Marton — Miss Wakefield (assistant.) Kaitoke — Mr Thompson. BEES BEQUEST.

Moved by Mr Jones — That Mr Peake be appointed member of the Committee in place of Mr Bryee. Seconded by Mr Ross, and carried.

SETTLEMENT OP ACCOUNTS BETWEEN WELLINGTON AND WANGANUI.

Resolved — That the Board agrees without prejudice to withdraw any claims for adjustment of accounts between the Wellington and Wanganui Boards, and will if the present Wellington Board agrees, allow matters to stand as at present.

NEW DESKS.

Moved by Mr Sanson — That tenders be invited for the supply of desks like sample approved of by the Board. Seconded by Mr Jones and carried.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR WANGANUI.

Mr Rosa moved — That in accordance with the request of the Committee of the Wanganui Grammar School this Board take the necessary steps to convert the Grammar School for boys and girls into a High School for boys and girls respectively, and said that the proposal had the imprimatur of the Wanganui School Committee. He thought there could not be two opinions as to the" dosirableness of establishing a High School in Wanganui. They ought not to aim at too high an ideal at first, but to establish what was easiest. What was wanted was a kind of upper division of the present school. Mr Peake thought it necessary that the Board should commence at once and convert the present school into a High School and thus giving the means of higher education. The present school would be a stepping stone. He agreed with the proposal and would Second the motion.

Mr Jones said when the scheme was mooted at a previous meeting he was opposed to it thinking it, was somewhat

premature. Before supporting the proposal he would like the Board to kn >w fie number of scholars eligible fur j entering* such a school. It must be admitted that an examination was necessary before admission, and he pointed out that at the last examination in Wanganui only one boy passed the Fourth Standard. He was rather of opinion that the project was premature but he would not oppose it. Mr Sanson would have liked to have had a little more information, whether the school was suitable, and whether it was intended to carry on the ordinary school in the same building as tho High School. He thought tho Board should not hastily take up such a scheme. Ho had moved in the matter, it- was true, but his action had been forced by other members moving in the matter. The Board should know the number of eligible pupils, and decide as to the cost of sue h higher education. He would also like to know whether attendance at a higher school would count in the capitation grant from Government. (Mr Duthie— Yes.) The Act was not quite clear on the point. He also thought that when the new schools were put up in the district many scholars would be sent to take advantage of the fifth hour. He would support the motion, but would like more information.

Mr Watt was glad the motion was brought forward, as it carried out the wishes of the Committee. He agreed with Mr Jones that it was rather 'no premature, and that not much coiud be done yet, although perhaps something ought to be done. He did not see much chance of a High School being supported by the town alone. There was a good deal to be done in finding out what support the school would receive before taking any action. There was no data before the Board as to tho probable revenue of such a school, and the expense of teachers would be large. The buildings he thought would be sufficient. Mr Duthie rather differed with the other members of the Board as to the advanced school not being so urgent a .necessity. He thought that even something better than a mere upper division of an ordinary school was required. Such a school as Mr Ross had sketched out would not give the sort of education that was required for this district. In the early days of the settlement tho settlers were more anxious to make homes and get on, but now that many were fairly prosperous and the burden of the struggle somewhat over, they were desirous of obtaining for their children a better class education, so as to enable them to take up a stand in society. Such a school was a necessity in a district with a population of nearly 25,000, and now was the time to go into it and discuss it calmly. The district ought to have a school able to impart an education sufficient for all the requirements of a life in the Colony. Mr .Ross says commence in a small way, but if they went in for small things they would remain with a small beginning. He would rather go in for a high ideal, but if it could not be obtained then he would be satisfied with the school proposed by Mr Ros». Why not wait till they saw the result of an application to Government for an endowment. Nearly every day they heard of boys being sent away to Nelson or Wellington to finish their education, and when new settlers came here one of their first questions was as to the schools. He had even known settlers leave the district in consequence of the want of education. It was true there were a certain nnmber of private schools, but they did not give the higher class of Education that was necessary. He thought this Board had a strong claim to go to the Assembly. No district in the colony was so badly off for endowments. As to the revenue of such a school there would be a certain amount derived from the Rees scholorship ; then if th«y would ask the endowment ; and finally it migh be possible to arrange with the trustees of the Industrial School Estate as to induce them, by* offer of joint governorship, to amalgamate with the Board. The Bishop of Wellington had the cause of education at heart, and some amicable settlement might be made with him. Of course if he declined they would have to trust to a change of Parliament t) bring about a change in the administration of that estate. Such a change was inevitable. He would warmly advocate the Board aiming at establishing a high class school, and not merely an upper division of an ordinary school. Mr Eos?, in reply, thought at least forty to fifty pupils would be at once entered for a high school. He was opposed to commencing too high, as witness the pretensions of what are called Colleges. He considered the country were earnest in the matter, and that if the town did not move, the country would.

On the motion being put, five voted in favor, and one against. Mr Duthie said he would withdraw his motion. He was anxious that the Board should have left the matter over for a short time, but as the members had decided to be satisfied with a District High School, he would not press his motion for an endowment.

Mr Sanson woulil advise Mr Duthie to still press his motion, as the endowment that he possibly had in viow would probably quickly pass away. After some further discussion, Mr Duthie consented, at the request of the other members, to move in the matter. He argued with great force the advantages of such a plan, and moved — That the Southland Boys' and Girls' High School Act of 1877, with local alterations, and the Board of Education as Governors be adopted as the model of a bill for this district. — That the Solicitor be instructed to prepare a copy of such a Bill for introduction to Parliament.— That Mr Bryce be asked to take charge of the Bill, and that the other members of the Houso of Representatives from this district be also asked to assist in passing ' the measure during this Session. Carried. Mr Sanson seconded the motion and it was" put and carried unanimously.

OARLYLE DISTRICT IIIGHSCHOOI/.

Mr Dutbio thought that the necessary steps should be taken in nccordonce with the letter from the Education Department.

Mr Sanson moved — That Messrs Jones Duthie, and Peakn be a committee to confer with the Cariyle and Hawera Committees in reference tojthe conversion of the school into a District High School. Seconded by Mr Ross. SCHOT.AHSHIPS.

After considerable discussion in which the question of admitting those who were not scholars in the schools under the Board to competion for the scolarships, was freely canvassed, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Sanson — That a Committee consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Duthie, Jones, Peat, and the Rev Mr Ross, with the Inspector, be appointed to deal with the question of scholarships. The Inspector stated that there would be £100 available for purpose of scholarships.

This was the last business before the Board, and on the motion of Mr San s on the meeting was adjourned until the last Wednesday in September.