SOUTHLAND EDUCATION BOARD.

Western Star, Issue 2178, 9 February 1898, Page 3

SOUTHLAND EDUCATION BOARD.

» The monthly meeting was held on Friday. Present : Messrs G McLeod (chairman), W Macalister, D L Matheson, G Froggatt, J W Bain, G R George, T Mac Gibbon and J Cowie. The nominations f om the committees to fill the ordinary vacancies on the Board were as follows —Messrs G R Gsorge 89, T Mac Gibbon 44, J A Hanan 22, W B Scandrett 19, Rev W "White 19 and Dr Mulholland 15. The inspectors’ report on the class books for use in the schools submitted to them was adopted, and their recommendation that the Southern Cross geographies be authorised for use was approved. The inspectors recommend an amal-

gamation of city and suburban schools

in the matter of drill and it was resolved that the Board heartily approyes of the suggestions ; a copy of the report to be sent to the Minister ef Education and that he be asked what assistance the Government would give in the matter; the inspectors’ letter to be reported on by a special committee within two months. Members were of opinion that the suggestion was a cap ital one, Mr McGibbon stating that it was painful to see the miserable gait of many of our young fellows—and the gnls for that matter too. Their ca r riage was something abominable. Many of their youngsters did not re cognise the flag under which they lived and he thought an ensign should he provided for each corps.—Mr George said they had *uch a corps in Wanganui and they shonld communica l e wit h them for information.—Mr Macalister that it would have a good moral effect as well as being an excellent physical training. It was really a matter of systematising thedrill as similar training is carried on at all the town schools but the suggestion wonld give it a much largerscope as well as to improve it.

The commission of the Board appointed to recommend the most suitable site for a school at Te Tun, reported in favour of the reserve, and the recommendation was adopted. The Executive Committee reported that the following appointment bad been made : —The inspector’s report on the Riverton committee’s letter asking for a change in the date of the annual examination be adopted:—That the Flints Bush teacher be furnished with a copy of complaint preferred by one of her school commissioners. That a commission of tbe Board consisting of the chairman and Messrs Macalister and George he appointed to visit Ore'i Plains district, confer with parties interested and report re complaint preferred against the teacher That the immediate attention of the head teacher in Orepuki School bo directed to the danger from fire caused bv the growth of grass and weeds in close proxinity to the residence, and that he he requested to take immediate steps to remove the cause of danger, and that the committee’s be directed to the condition of tho spouting at the residence.

The Executive recommended that the architect be instructed as follows;

Fairfax : To supply cupboard. That the inspector be instructed as follows : Hamilton Burn : To report on correspondence relative to the selection of a school site. Eastern Bush : That consideration of the committee’s application for the erection of an addition to the residence be held over for three months Elderslie : That fresh tenders for fencing the grounds be invited. That further consideration of the following matters be held over till next meeting of the Executive committee: —Winton ; letter re corporal punishment. Technical ‘School: Archrect’s report. Waianawa: Petitions for and against removal of school to a"site in the township. Aided schools; Mr George’s motion re payment of teachers in aided schools

The report as a whole was adopted. On the motidn of Mr George it was decided that the inspectors and architect furnish monthly reports of their movements.

Mr George remarked that in December, 1895, Mr Bain who was then chairman gave notice of motion that it be an instruction to the Executive to consider the matter of allowances school committees, together with the cost of beeping the buildings, fences, etc. in repair, with a view to report on the whole question. He asked if anything bad been fdone in the matter. — Mr B iin said that tbe matter was still on t ie order ppr but they had never reached it.—Mr George said that he had prepared a statement of the capitation allowances paid to the committees by all the Education Boards in the colony, and thus showed the payments of the Southland Board to be generally lower than those of the others. He laid the statement on the table, and while unwilling to take the initiative in the face of Air Bain’s motion behopedjthe Executive Committee would take up the consideration of the matter at once.