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veshire Education Authority. -.t OF SCHOOL MANAGE- MENT DISCUSSED. ln3 CO'!ilninee was held in -^lrl Hr' ^^verford'.veot, on I ruUy lMr- S- B- skeTch presiding), whe-n mere were also present: Mr. G. P. Brewer (vice- Plfinin^11'' MfS wrt,i Jh<jn:as> Ee^- James imulips, and \Y. Powj MP«r^ T Llewellin (flaythog), & £ Allen, C. W R Stokes, W p. Morgan. J. Whiclifer E' J. H. Griffiths, W. T Danes' lml vlh;lIr1S'TTonah Evans' J°3ePh Thomas', WH!,LsH,DrtT' I>'S- Uriffit" The Chairman remarked that the asper- oZ'aSl <uaP°n the Schoo] Attendance OSicers at the meetmg of the Standing Joint Commntee to the effect that hey had used he Police Courts as a "commission collect- ing court was quite unwarranted. They were only doing thei rcluty. Rev. J;),tnes Phillips concurred, and the were uaiy doing their duty. Ad Hoc Authorities. Letters acknowledging the resolution passed at the last meeting in favour of ad hoc education authorities, were received from Mr. Ponsonby (The Prime Minister's Private Secretary), Mr. Birreli, Mr. Wynford Philipps, M.P., and Mr. Owen Philipps M.P. Mr. Wynford Philipps stated that he had always been in favour of ad hoe authori- ties, but the Education Bill was alreadv over-laid, and he was afraid it would be impossible to get this amendment added to it. Remarkable Attendance. The Managers of St. Dogmell's Group tjught to the notice of the Committee the of Mary A. Johnson, who had attended school without missing for nine years "unng that period the girl had made 3,763 <1 endances, and had now reached the ~?vnnth standard. Mr. Jonah Evans said he hoped the Com- mittee would give this girl a substantial prize, not only for her own sake, but in nHcr +o encourage others. They had been day about prosecuting, but that +han prosecutions. (Hear near;. C The Chairman said that the Attendance Sub-Committee had considered the case, and recommended that a suitable prize be given. The suggestion of the Committee was that the sum of 5s. should be given in the form of a book. Mr. Walter Williams proposed that 10s. be offered, but there was no seconder, and on the motion of Mr. Brewer, seconded by -Air. Palmer Morgan, the Committee's sug- gestion was accepted. Apportionment of Loans. With regard to the apportionment of loans on Border Schools, Mr. Brewer reported that the Carmarthenshire Education Committee had accepted the principle of the apportion- ment of the rateable value as it stood at the time the loan was issued. Alleged Irregular Holidays. The Clerk (Mr. W. Davies George) said that the Board of Education had forwarded 0 reply from the Correspondent of the Letterston Non-Provided School to the Com- mittee's letter pointing out that the Letters- ton Non-Provided School had been closed on Ascension Day without the consent of the County Council Managers having pre- viously been obtained. This was a violation of the regulations of the Authority, and made it an irregular holiday. In this letter the Correspondent, Rev. John Rees, said: Without entering into the question as to whether the Local Educa- tion Authority had the power to invest the County Council Manager with any authority above his colleagues, or whether the Educa- tion Authority can command obedience to all their regulations my Managers respect- fully submit that Regulation XV. gives them full power to fix the eight weeks' holiday at their discretion, and that the discretionarv power of the County Council Manager onlv applies when the Managers fail to act in concert or after the eight week's are ex- hausted, and, moreover, that by the word- ind of the Regulation it is doubtful whether the Council Manager can grant more than half a day at a time. The plea put forward by the Clerk to the Education Authority that the annual ordinary holidays are those given at Easter, in the summer, and at Christmas,' is an after-thought on his part, and are not hinted at in the Regulation, nor are these observations correct as to fact. He has not mentioned Whitsuntide and other times, nor does he seem to be aware that a holiday is given to the school every calendar month on account of the local fair day .but all included in the eight weeks assigned by the Authority. Sometimes an entire week is given in the winter on ac- count of the inclemency of the weather, while a longer period is always given in the harvest time. The attempt to prove that because Ascension Day was not given last year, or in recent previous years, as a holi- day, and, therefore, not an 'annual' holi- day is pettish, and displays a little ignorance of the meaning of words. (" Oh," and laughter). It may be well to point out that since the abolition of weekly fees in elemen- tary schools, school holidays are no longer counted by consecutive days, but by the amount of days making ten attendances." The Clerk said he hoped the Committee would understand the last sentence. He confessed he did not. Mr. William Williams asked if the Board had declined to make any observations on the letter, and Rev. James Phillips said that if the Rev. James Rees' interpretation was to be taken, the Authority's regulations would become in-operative. In reply to a question from the Chairman as to what the Authority intended to do in the matter, Dr. Griffith suggested that as the letter required consideration it should be referred to one or two members. It was impossible to reply to it without delibera- tion. The Chairman said it was a question of whether the orders of the Authority were to be carried out, or whether each individual was to be allowed to put his own inter- pretation upon them. Rev. James Phillips supported Dr. Griffith's suggestion, and the Chairman said they could pass a resolution to the effect that if another holiday was granted without the sanction of the Authority they would refuse to maintain the school. There was something behind this; they might be sure of that. Rev. James Phillips: The Committee can do that. Dr. Griffith: And they can discuss it pri- vately. The matter was eventually referred to a sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Joseph Thomas, Rev. James Phillips, and Mr. T. Llewellin. Appointment of County Council Governors. The Clerk read a letter from the Board of Education, which had been received by the Clerk to the Narberth School Managers, and forwarded by him. It stated that, ex- cept as regards School Board representatives, .■the appointment of Governors would be made by the same bodies as before. With regard to the representatives of the County Council, it was pointed out that the power of appointing Governors conferred on the Council by the County scheme was not, in the Board's opinion, a power under the Education Act, 1902, and as such capable of being delegated to the Education Committee under Section 17 (2) of that Act. These re- presentatives will, therefore, continue to be appointed by the County Council itself. As to the representatives of School Boards, it was stated that under the second schedule (1) of the Education Act, 1902, the power of the Schol Boards to appoint Governors has been transferred to the County Council. This was, in the Board's opinion, a power under the Act, and as such, capable of being dele- gated to the Education Committee. If therefore the Council has delegated, the four representatives in question will, in future, be appointed by the Committee. The following representatives were ap- pointed on the Board of Governors of County Schools:—Mr. S. J. Watts W illiams, | St. David's; Mr. Samuel Roach, St. David's; I Mr. Albert David, St. David's; and Mr. W. R. Lewis, Caerforwy (nominated by Mana- gers of group); Brawdy, The Very Rev. Dean Smith, Capt. S. Roach, Rev. T. Davies, Solva; and Mrs. Lilian 0. Williams, St. David's (nominated by group). Haverford- I west: Rev. James Phillips, Mr. W. E. Morse, and Mr. R. P. L. Penn. Fishguard: Mr. T. Lewis, chemist, Mr. B. Thomas, jeweller. Mr. W. L. Williams, C.C., and Mr. W. James, draper. Milford Haven: Rev. W. Joseph, Mr. James Walkley, Mr. W. Evans, Robes- ton Hall, and Mr. A. G. Adams, Bramble. Narberth Mr. Williams, N.P. Bank, Mr. D. Davies, Maengwyn, and Rev. T. Phillips, Templeton. Rev. W. Evans, Tynon, was added to the list. The Clerk reported the V: following appointments for Tenby: Mr. C. J. Williams and Mr. C. W. R. Stokes by flVnby Town Council, Rev. J. Jones. St. T^els. and Rev. D. M. Morris, Penally, by Managers of N.P. Schools, Mr. W. G. Pascoil and Mr. T. John by the Guardians. Compensation to School Attendance Officers. Some discussion took place on a recom- i -i, lo tion by the Finance Sub-Committee he Education Committee, on this sub- ject, which was as follows: "The Com- mittee further considered the assessment of compensation to T. M. Eastlake and D. W. Lewis, and the communication from the Local Government Board thereon. The Committee recommended that credit be taken for the respective amounts of their salaries as clerk to the County Schools. A communication from Mr. W. J. Williams, Cardigan, was considered, asking that his annuity might be purchased, and the Com- mittee recommend that it be communed upon the basis of the actual value. The Committe recommend payment of lj years compensation to James Moodie, Haverford- west., £ 9 lIs. 6d. Recommended that the claim of Benjamin Evans for compensation be submitted to the sub-committee ap- pointed to deal with these matters. Mr. Brewer, chairman of the committee, said thtt if all annuities were purchased, I it would be a very serious charge on the county for one year. If this was only one < of purchase it did not matter, but if they yere establishing a principle it would mean a heavy burden. j Rev..Tames Phillips said that in the case of annuitants of small amounts the Com- j plittee should compound. Dr. Griffith contended that it would not be fair to the county to pay out of the rates large amounts, but small sums did not so much matter. The Clerk said the sub-committee did not intend to regard this as a precedent, but every case would be taken entirely on its own. merits. Dr. Griffith: I am satisfied then. The report was adopted. It was decided to pay the Haverfordwest Grammar School £21 6s .8d., grants received under Art. 28. Finance. The following recommendations were also made by the Finance Sub-Committee:— Tenby County School.—The committee considered a claim, £43 18s. 10d., for- the equipment of the manual instruction rooms at this school, and recommend that this be not paid until receipts are produced show- iiiir that the sum has been expended. Tradesmen's Accounts.—The committee recommend that instructions be given to tradesmen that their accounts against the Education Committee should not be out- standing for more than three months. Examination Assistance.—The committee recommend that a sum not exceeding P,5 be allocated for assisting the Director in ex- amining the papers worked at the Scholar- ship and Probationer Examinations. j Absence of Teachers.—Arising out of the recommendations of the Staffing Committee, the Finance Committee recommend that in the case of absence of teachers (except through illness) for more than two days, the Managers and the Director be notified I that if the absence continues for more man a week, the Managers should report to the Authority whether they recommend the pay- ment of salary for another week or not, and that the teachers be notified of this regulation. Referring to the Tenby County School, Mr. Stokes asked for payment of the £113 18s. lOd. on the understanding that he produced the receipts. He did not like to say the Governors was in forma pauperis, but they were badly in need of money. Mr. Brewer said that after Mr. Stoke's undertaking he would move that the money be paid. Mr. W. P. Morgan seconded. Dr. Griffith reminded the Committee that the receipts were to show that the money had ben expended on the right objeots. Mr. Walter Williams saw no harm. in ad- vancing the money to Tenby, as the Gover- nors of the School were awkwardly situated. Mr. J. H. Griffith, while sympathising with the Tenby Governors, expressed sur- prise that the chairman of the Finance Sub- Committee should move that recommenda- tion. Other districts were overdrawn, yet they had to produce the receipts before the money was paid. Mr. W. P. Morgan: None of us have asked for our portions yet. Tenby has spent theirs. The Chairman said it would be nothing less than a reflection on Mr. Stokes if they did not accept his assurance as sufficient. The resolution was carried, and the other recommendations were adopted. I The Holidays: Schoolmasters and their Salaries. The Chairman mentioned that the schools would be closed during August, and many of the staff, as well as the members of the Committee, would be taking their holidays. Under the circumstances it was decided, an the motion of Mr. Joseph Thomas, seconded by Dr. Griffith, that no meeting of the Committee be held in August. Rev. W. Powell said that teachers had complained to him that, although the schools were closed on the Thursday, they had not received their salaries. That had prevented many teachers from going on their holidays. The Clerk asked if the salaries were due before the 31st of each month. Several members replied, that they were not, and that cheques could not be signed until that day. The Clerk: Until the cheque is signed we have nothing to pay teachers with. Rev. W. Powell described this as very unfortunate," but the Chairman said the teachers would receive their salaries in the course of a few days. Dr. Griffith said it was impossible to pass the cheques until that meeting. He pointed out that under the School Board, with which he was connected, teachers were paid every two or three months, and he thought it would be a very good thing to make these payments every two months. Rev. W. Powell protested against such a suggestion. He said that people with large families could not put up with that. He thought it would be more honourable if teachers were paid in advance for the holi- day month. The Chairman, while recognising that Mr. Powell was actuated by the best motives and the kindliest consideration for the teachers, pointed out that the Committee were surrounded with difficulties, and could not possibly accede to the suggestion. It was decided that cheques be drawn for the teachers, attendance officers, and office staff for the month of August, and with- held until the end of the month. The Financial Grants. Mr. Stokes called attention to the termi- nal grants for the County Schools which the Governors would like to receive as soon as possible. He did not know if some ar- rangement could be made by which some fixed payment could be made as soon as the grants arrived. The Chairman replied that the Committee could not entertain Mr. Stokes' suggestion, because there was a resolution on the books to the effect that all cheques must be signed at the Committee meetings. Results of the School Attendance Prosecutions. The report of the Attendance Sub-Com- mittee, which was adopted, contained the following:-The percentage of average at- tendance for the whole county for the month of June was 84.6, as against 85.2 for the month of May. I Attendance Officer, District No. 4, wrote suggesting that arrangements be made whereby prosecutions could be dealt with often than once a month. The Committee recommend, when an Officer reports that a case of prosecution is urgent, that sanc- tion be given to any two members' of the Attendance Committee to sign the authorisa- tion for prosecution, if approved by the Director and Clerk. The same Officer reported that about 20 children from the Union Workhouse at- tended Templeton Council School, and it was decided to ask the Clerk to report upon the desirability of levying a contribution upon the Guardians towards the cost of educating the Workhouse children. The Committee decided to authorise the prose- cution of 29 cases for breach of bye-laws. The Committee considered the reports of the Attendance Officers with regard to the results of prosecutions during the month, which are as follows:—18 cases convicted, I seven cases adjourned, and seven cases dis- missed. Attendance Officer, District No. 1, reported that two fines, imposed in March last, had not been paid. The Committee recommended that a warrant be issued in these cases. The Director was instructed to report by the next meeting on a new scheme of arrears for Attendance Officers. The Committee considered the assessment of bonuses to Attendance Officers for the six months ended June 30th, 1906, and re- commend that the following payments be made:—James, Bevans, k3 8s.; 0. Bancroft, £1 9s.; J. Lawrence, £1 18s.; J. Williams, £1 lIs.; E. J. Thomas, 5s.; Josh. Griffiths, k2 6s.; Lewis Phillips, 15s.; James Rees, £ 1 14s.; John Griffiths, £1 14s; A. Collins, T. W. George, P-2 14s.; John Morris, k2 7s.; W. D. Lewis, Z3 5s.; A. Perkins, £ 5 2s.; total k28 8s. The Attendance Officers having agreed to forego their claim to bonus under the old basis, the Committee recom- mend that they be offered salaries of P-70 a year each, without bonus, to take effect from the 1st day of July, 1906. The Direc- tor reported that there was an available building in which an Infant School could temporarily be held. The Committee re- commend that the Director be instructed to write to the secretary of this buiMing as to terms, and that he report to the next meeing. nieeing. Highev Education. The report of the Higher Education Com- 1 mittee contained the following: The Board of Education submitted a list of Secondary Schools for the observations of the Authority: Fishguard, Milford Haven, Nar- berth, Pembroke Dock, St. David's, and Tenby were stated to be eligible for grants under Par. 4 of the Regulations. No ob- servations were made. The Committee re- commend that the Education Committee made no difference in the treatment of Pro- bationers or P.Ts. as to the payment of fees between the Grammar School and the other County Schools, and that a letter to this effect be sent to the Governors of the Gram- mar School. A claim was received from the secretary of the Technical Instruction Classes at Pembroke Dock Centre, for grants for the Session 1905-6. The Committee re- commend that this claim be not entertained. A complaint was made by the Managers of Group 4, concerning the result of the last K.S. Examination. The Committee recom- mend that a copy of this letter be sent to the Governors of Pembroke Dock County School, and that they be asked for their observations. The Committee recommend that sanction be giveft to the application of the Headmistress of Tasker's School for an extra half-day in Cookery next session. The Committee recommend that the Cookery Teacher should not next term be asked to take Elementary pupils, but that she be asked to do all she can to make the necessary number of attendances this year to qualify for grant. The Committee recom- mend the payment of the Lecturer's fees, £8 8s., and travelling expenses £5 lis. 4d. in connection with lectures on bacon cur- ing. The numbers attending at each centre were: Broad Haven, 170; Johnston, 30; Letterston, 55; and Narberth, 20. Plans of Technical Instruction Rooms.- Taskers: The Committee recommend that the Governors of the Haverfordwest Gram- mar School be written to, asking whether they intend to provide a room for manual instruction in addition to the proposed laboratory, and if they do so, whether they would arrange that these rooms would be j used for County purposes. Narberth: The j plans were produced and approved. St. j David's and Milford: The plans were pro- duced and considered, and it was decided in each case to send these plans to the C.W.P., and then submit them to the Boajd of Education. Tenby: Letters were read ? from the Board of Education and from the Clerk to the Governors. The Committee recommend that a reply be sent to the Board of Education with reference to the service of the loan to be borrowed for the Technical rooms to be built at Tenby to the effect that, in addition to the grants from the Government or otherwise earned by the Governors for the use of the rooms by Elementary and Technical pupils, the L.E.A. propose to make grants from time to time out of the 2d. Higher Education rate to all the County School Governors for Technical Instruction, which will appreci- ably increase the income of the County Schools. Amending Scheme.-The Committee de- cided to submit the Amending Scheme, as printed, embodying the clause now appear- ing between brackets, as deferred," on page 5 as part of the Amending Scheme. Fishguard Cookery Classes. Referring to the Fishguard cookery classes, Mr. W. P. Morgan, chairman of the Committee, said that the cookery teacher had complained of this work being thrown upon her, and the sub-committee thought it would be invidious for one school to be selected for these lessons. By next Janu- ary they would be able to organise cookery classes throughout the whole county. The matter was simply in abeyance for the pre- sent. He moved the adoption of the re- port, with the exception of the paragraph referring to the Amending Scheme. This was seconded by Mr. Jonah Evans, and agreed to. The Amending Scheme. The adoption of the clause dealing with this matter having been moved and secon- ded, Miss Ada Thomas moved an amend- ment, providing for the capitation grant to the Haverfordwest schools being Z2 15s., instead of Z2 10s., which would not be suffi- cient to enable them to carry on the school properly. She regretted that she waS not present at the Committee meeting. Mr. W. T. Davies seconded. Mr. W. P. Morgan said this question was discussed at Tasker's School meeting. Last, year the number of pupils in both Haver- fordwest schools was 130, and fhat would increase the revenue of Tasker's School to £315, provided that the same number would be in attendance next year. This meant an additional £65. Every school having over 100 pupils would increase their income. Mr. Stokes appealed to the Chairman to defer the matter until the next meeting. He had not realised that they were going to discuss the scheme that day, and had left his notes behind. Dr. Griffith said he was in the same fix as Mr. Stokes, and Mr. Whicher, he believed, was in a similar position. He was unable to discuss the matter that day. Mr. W. P. Morgan had no objection to the scheme being deferred, and he moved that it be discussed that day two months. Dr. Williams said that the scheme had been deferred time after time, and some of the schools were suffering. The school in which he was interested would benefit by the amended scheme to the extent of iC120 or Z130 per year. He thought Mr. Stokes at any rate would be in favour of the scheme being considered that day. Mr. W. P. Morgan said that Pembroke Dock, Narberth, and Cardigan would not benefit by the Amended scheme, yet it was they who were anxious to push it forward. Dr. Williams pointed out that the scheme would have to be approved by the Board of Education, and he moved that it be adopted that day. Mr. J. H. Griffith seconded, and expressed surprise that Mr. Stokes should want the matter again deferred. It would be to the advantage of some districts to have the scheme postponed, but to the disadvantage of others. Mr. W. P. Morgan pointed out that every County Council would be very much better off next year, and that all would then be able to hold their heads above water. It was decided that-lhe Amending Scheme be discussed at the next meeting, five mem- bers voting against. St. Ishmael's School to be Handed Over. The only item of interest in the report of the Buildings Committee was the read- ing of a letter from the Rev. R. Jackett, agreeing to transfer the St. Ishmael's N.P. School to the Education Authority on cer- tain conditions. These were that the chil- dren were to be given religious instruction, the Managers to have the use of the school as heretofore. The offer was accepted, and it was decided to advertise the school.

- LOCAL POLICE COURTS.

i DUNGLEDDY.-Saturday. j

HAVERFORDWEST.—Monday.

. NEYLAND.

The Government and Pembroke…

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