SCHOOL COMMMITTEE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 4955, 5 January 1883, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee was held yesterday afternoon. Present — Messrs Drew (Chairman), Laird. Crawford, Carson, and the Rev. J. Treadwcll.

Girls' Hion School. — A letter was re* ceived from the Secretary of the Education Board, and en losing plans of the proposed extension of the (Tirls* High School, and ask* ing the Committee's approval. A second letter wns read from Mr Browne,statingthat the sum placed upon the estimates was in consequence of a former application on the part of the School Committee for an exten- , sion of the school. — Mr Laird said that he did not remember that any formal application ■ had been made to the Board for extra accommodation, and it was needless to consider the, plans, as the Board completely ignored them. — Mr Traadwell was of the same opinion as Mr Laird. — The Chairman explained ' that the Board had obtained a grant for the ; p.chool extension and new building, and they ~ should at anyrate discuss the plans. — Mr Laird said he would not obstruct the Committee, but he certainly would not look at the plans. — The plans were discussed, and' when certain alterations to be pointed out %Oj the Board by the Chairman have been' effected, they would be approved of. "' Fourth Master. — Three applications for the appointment of 4th master at the Boys' ' High School were received, and it was de- .', cided to refer Mr D. Strachan for the vacant 1 position. Testimonials. — The application of Mr i Ellis, who is at present in charge of the Okoia School for a testimonial was enter* tamed, and it was agreed to forward the > usual certificate. The late head master of the High School, Mr Francis, also applied for the usual recommendation, and the following is a copy of the certificate granted to Mr Francis : — The Wanganui School Committee have the pleasure in saying that Mr J. P. F. Francis held the position of head master in the Boys High School for rather more than twelve months ; that the Com- '■ mittee believe him to be in respect of scholar* ship thoroughly qualified for such a position ; and that he discharged his duties with assiduity and conscientiousness. At the same time the Committee feel themselves bound to say that Mr Francis showed himself lacking in the power of administration and government, which is so indispensable in one at the head of a large public school. The Education Board and the Committee. — The chairman stated that one of the members of the Education Board. Mr Notman, is reported to have said at the last meeting of the Board that the knowledge of the disorganisation of the High School did not come from the Committee, but from the member of the Board. The fact was that the Committee were aware of the disorganisation months previous to it being mentioned to the Board, but they were unable to get hold of anything tangible to frame a complaint on. — No fnrther opinion was expressed, and often one or two accounts were past, the Committee adjourned.