Denbighshire Free Press

DENBIGH SCHOOL BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING. TUESDAY,, when, in the absence of the ] chairman (Mr J Harrison Jones), the! chair was occupied by the vice-chairman J (the Rev H Humphreys), and there were' also present the Rev H 0 Hughes, the Rev James Charles, Mr Edward Mills, and Mr C Cottom, with the clerk (Mr R Humphreys Roberts). HEADMISTRESS FOR HENLLAN SCHOOL. The Chairman stated that at a special meeting of the Board on Saturday they had selected Miss J A Clarke, out of a number of applicants to appear before the Board that day. They did not like the responsibility of appointing her on Saturday without seeing her, owing to the absence of three of the members of the Board. The Clerk read her application and also most excellent testimonials as to her character and high qualifications from the Rev J H Drew, vicar of St Mary's, Stroud, and the Clerks of two School Boards she had served, and also the excellent reports gained in the infant schools of which she had been headmistress. Miss Clarke having appeared before the Bo.trd, she was unanimously appointed, on the proposition of the Rev H Humphreys, seconded by Mr Edward Mills. SCIENCE LESSONS AT THE COUNTY SCHOOL. The Clerk submitted a letter from the clerk to t:je County School Governors to the effect that they had agreed to let the pupil teachers attend the science lessons on payment of 10s per term. He had received a siuiilar application from Miss Davies that her pupil teachers may attend. lie now advised the Board that they could not legally pay these fees, and had written to Miss Jones and told her that the County School were agreeable to accept. the pupil teachers on payment of 10s each per term, but that if th -y commenced they would have to bear their own expense until the Board had considered the question. The Chairman stated that when he proposed the fee at the County School Governors' meeting he- himself doubted whether the Board could legally pay the fee. The fee was very reasonable, and as some of their other teachers had been paying fees for tuition by correspondence, he though} it was only fair to ask the assistant teachers to bear this expense themselves. After a brief discussion the Clerk was instructed to write stating that the Board could not legally pay the fee and were of opinion that as the fee was so small that the assistant teachers should pay it out of their own pockets, or they and the head- mistresses arrange it between them. NEW CLASSROOM FOR FRON GOCH INFANTS. SHOULD AN EXPIRING BOARD COMMENCE NEW IBilLDINCS ? The Rev James Charles in moving that the Board provide a new classroom at the Fron Goch Infants' School, said he did so b cause of the recommendation of the Inspector. When the attendance was good, the classroom was too small. They knew how the schools had been closed in consequence of the Diphtheria, and it was said that the schools had something to do with it; at any rate it stood to reason that when the room was full, the atmosphere was bad and it got rather unhealthy. It was for the wellbeing of the infants that this classroom should be made, and that they should do all the could for them. He did not think the cost would be large, and he was sorry that he had not mentioned the matter some months before. He would propose that they take the necessary steps to provide a new classroom. Mr Edward Mills seconded, and said under section 85 of the new code, they were as a Board responsible to provide full accommodation. Mr Cottom Surely we, as an expiring Board at onr last meeting, or at any rate the last meeting but one, are not going to commence a new building. The Rev H Humphreys said he thought the classroom was not necessary. There is accommodation in the school for 250 infants, and the average attendance was only about 170. The Clerk 172. Mr Humphreys Yes, and we have accommodation for 250. The ventilation of the school, of which Mr Charles com- plains, is being attended to now. This classroom is only the recommendation of the Inspector and not a command from the Education Department. It came with; the report early last year, and the matter has remained in abeyance all these months. He believed that was the last meeting or nearly so before the new Education Act comes into force, and they should not move in the matter. Indeed, to do so now would be rather absurd after waiting all these months. Mr Cottom Is not our term of office practically at an end, Mr Clerk ? Do not we go out of office on March 26th ? The Clerk Yes, the new Education Act comes into force on the 2Gth March, and our next ordinary meeting would not be till the 31st. Mr Charles: But do we expire on that date ? Mr Cottom The Act says we do. Mr Humphreys Unless some reprieve comes to state that we are to go on (laughter). The Clerk Yes, as the Chairman says, unless the County Council have the sanction of the Education Department to alter the date. Mr Cottom That being so, I should think if we, at practically our last meet- ing, make arrangements for building a new classroom, it will be an action that the new authority would very much resent. Rev J Charles Bat we shall be in office for some time yet. Mr Mills said that they would be doing wrong and neglecting their duty if they did not proceed with the recommendation of the Inspector now. We shall be in office for months to come. Mr Cottom You, gentlemen, seem to know something that is unknown to as and the general public. Some months ago we refused to comply with the request to build a house for the head teacher of Hen- llan on the ground that we were an expiring body and should not undertake new work. That argument is still stronger now. The Rev H 0 Hughes But that r. 8 not so important as this is. ) The Rev H Humphreys It is nearly j 12 months since this recommendation—not an order-was made, and we have let it go all these months, and now at the very end of our term it is brought forward. Mr Cottom Yes, and if we go out of office next month we shall not have time ) even to commence the work, much less finish it. Rev J Charles I listened to the dis- cussion of the County Council, and they have formed a committee to make many inquiries which will take them six months. Mr Cottom But they cannot defer the date mentioned in the Act of Parliament they must get permission to postpone the date. Rev J Charles Yes, they will get that of course. Mr Cottom But how do we kiow they will ? Rev J Charles As a new member I did not know of the previous recommendations, but I happened to be in Love Lane school when the Inspector was last there, and he said there was nothing you want more than a classroom at Fron Goch. Seeing the prevalence of diphtheria, he (Mr Charles) thought it was important they should have good accommodation and carry out the recommendation of the Inspector believ- ing that it was necessary they should proceed with it, and if they did go out of office they must leave it to the new body to finish. What he slx-uld like to have done was to have it erected whilst the school was still closed aLd to have the classroom ready before the school was re- I opened, but he would not like to proceed in a hurry, but to take the necessary steps to commence the work. Rev H 0 Hughes What is the rule for providing accommodation, is it for the number on the books or the average attendance ? The Clerk The Inspector of Schools reported last year that when the attend- a ce is good the need for an additional classroom is greatly felt, and on the Education Department's report it said H.M. Inspector's report as to the infant school premises should receive careful attention." Mr Humphreys That is it. A recom- mendation. You have left the matter in abeyance for all these months, and now when we are going out of office vou bring it forward. Rev J Charles You do not know but that we can go on as a Board for six months. Mr Humphreys You cannot speak with greater authority than the -Act of Parlia- I ment, surely ? I Mr Charles You don't know but that we can go on for month?. Mr Mills Yes, perhaps for 12 or IS months. The Clerk Don't you think we had better wait until the next meeting, when you will know whether your duties cease on March 26th or not ? Mr Charles No, I would like to have a sub-comruittee and the architect to meet on the ground and see what is wanted and report to the next meeting of the Board, so as to commence the work. I Mr Cottom I propose that the matter be adjourned for a month until we see what our position is. We shall know by then whether we are going out of oilice or npt. Mr Humphreys I will second that. Mr Hughes But deferring it for a month does not help your argument. Mr Cottom It does. If we are going out of office next month it would be wrong to commence this work now and I am sure the new body would think so, but if in u month's time we know wi are going to continue in office for many months to come I we might be justified in taking up this new work. Mr Charles But how do you know we are going out of office now ? Mr Cottom I know nothing but what the Act say, and the Clerk has just told us that the County Council, according to the Act, takes over our work next month —on the 26th of March. Mr Charles I suppose the Clerk knows they can extend the time. The Clerk Yes they can apply to the Education Department to extend the time, and have done so. Mr Mills We are in office now, and we ought to do what we can and what is L needed to improve the school. Rev H 0 Hughes The Clerk sent us a note last week that we would continue in office for another six months. Mr Cottom The Clerk ? When ? I never saw anything of the kind. The Clerk said there must be some mistake. Mr flugbes In the circular he sent to us as to the new Act. Mr Cottom There is nothing in that about our being in office another six months. The Clerk and the Members perused the circular in question, but failed to find the statement, and Mr Hughes pointed to a paragraph which had given the impression, but which he found now was to the effect, until the appoiuted day has arrived, which in Denbighshire is not likely to be the 26th of March, the Schools will continue under their present respective managers." Mr Humphreys I think Mr Cotton's motion is a very reasonable one, that we should wait until we do have notice whether we expire next month or not. Mr Charles declined to wait, and said he must press his motion that day to pro- ceed with the erection of the classroom. After further discussion, the Revs J Charles and H O Hughes, and Mr Mills voted for erecting the classroom. The Rev H Plumphreys and Mr Cottom voted for the amendment. Tne motion of Mr Charles for proceeding with the work was therefore carried. A further resolution proposed by Mr Charles was also carried to the effect that a committee of the town members in con- sultation with the architect (Mr James Hughes), meet on the ground and take the necessary steps required, and that their report with a rough plan and estimate be presented at the next meeting. j THE USE OF HEJFLLAM SCHOOL. A letter was read from Mr John Edwards, Pandy, secretary to the Fenilan Mixed Choir, applying for the use of the classroom on Friday evenings for choir practising. They would undertake to pro- vide light, fire and all other necessities. The Clerk said he had replied suggesting that they should procure the old school premises for such purpose, because the School Board would at an early date pigs over to the County Council, and it would therefore not be desirable to use the school for outside purposes. Mr Humphreys said they had decided to use the old schoolroom. The Board confirmed the reply sent by the Clerk. RE-OPENIXGOF THE SCHOOLS REFUSED. The Clerk submitted a letter from the Town Clerk in reply to the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Board, in which it was stated that the Medical Officer I of Health could not recommend the re- opening of the schools at present. HENLLAX SCHOOLS. The fullowing monthly attendance re- ports were read :—Henllan mixed On the books 65, average 59 corresi-onding period last year 63, average 57.—Infants: On the books 43, average 34 correspond- ing period 50, average 37. THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Denbigh auxiliary of the above society was held on Tuesday evening, when the Mayor (A C Evans, Esq) presided, and was supported by the Rev D C Edwards. M.A., deputa- tion Rev J Charles, Rev Evan Jones and the secretary, Mr A Foulkes-Roberts. The Rector, owing to an engagement, was not able to be present until later on in the evening. There was a fair attendance considering that the rain poured in torrents all the evening. The meeting was opened by the singing of a hymn and the reading of scripture and prayer by the Rev James Charles, after which the Mayor introduced the lecturer to the meeting. He said there were two reasons why there was not a larger attend- ance, and that was to be accounted for by tho inclement state of the weather and by the fact that their friends the Baptists were holding some preaching meetings. There was no need for him to call their attention to the excellent work of the society, because thoy would hear from their friend, Mr D C Eil,w-,tr(Is, all the good work the society was doing. He trusted that an extra effort would be made in aid of the society next year, because it would reach its centenary, t" 100th year (applause). The Secretary read the annual report of the Denbigh branch work during the past year. The receipts, including a legacy from the late Mr Edward EUis of £ 15, totalled £ 48 18s. After meeting expenses and reserving a sum to clear off printing and advertising and other liabilities they had sent a contribution to the parent society of £ 37. The local depot at Mt Price Jones's sold 678 volumes cf the Scripture during the year, and a. grant of Bibles had been made from the parent society to Henllan-street school. Mr Chatles Cottom proposed that the report they had just heard read be adopted, printed, and circulated amongst the subscribers, a-id in a brief speech congratu- lated the committee on the gratifying nature of the report upon the local financial support received and the large number of copies of tho pure Word of God which have been sold at the depot. Financially they had gone forward for several years in their contribution to the parent society, and this year they had been able to send £37 up, being one pound more than last year. Mr Thomas Bellis seconded the motion in Webh, and it was carried. The Rev Evan Jones proposed that this meeting, humbly thanking Almighty God for His Holy Word, appeals to all who love the Bible to give tti(-! r assistance in its translation and circulation. He supported the motion in a brief and suitable Welsh speech. The Rev D C Edwards, M.A., seconded tho motion, and said he was glad to find thab the subscriptions in Denbigh had increased. The society would reach its centenary next year, and he trusted that they would make a special collection, apart from the ordinary collection, this cooiing year. He would not go into figures, but they had during the year distributed a great many more copies of the Word of God than previously (applause). He was glad to see the children present, and he asked them to remember that 12 copies per minute the whole year through were dis- tributed by this society in 2G7 different languages and districts (applause). The lecturer then described a very interesting trip he took through the continent to Italy, lecturing at different places in aid of the society. The various places, buildings, &-(, were shown by means of most excellent limelight views, which were capitally thrown on the screen by Mr E J Roberts, by means of his excellent lantern. It was a very interesting lecture made to serve the purpose admirably, the various continental depots of the Bible Society showing how great a work the society is ,.1. _J L L '1 t.. yo -11 lJ r-. I uumg m spreauiug tolle n'oru oi uoti, even in Rome! The lecture concluded with the singing of a hymn, From Greenland's icy mountains," and the collection in aid of the society's funds. Mr T Lloyd Jones, proposed that the thanks of the meeting be given to the officers, local committee, and collectors, requesting them to continue their services. The secretary had asked him to say that they wanted volunteers to collect in districts unsupplied or to replace collectors who desired after several years work to be relieved. They wished also to make an extra effort as they were approaching the centenary of the society. The secretary had told him that two ladies and one gentleman had promised their help as collectors, but they hoped that more would associate themselves with that good work. The Rev D Davies (Rector) seconded the resolution and said he thought he ought specially to mention the work done by their excellent energetic secretary, Mr Foulkes-Roberts (applause), and he did not think, speaking honestly and candidly, that they could possibly find a better secretary anywhere (applause). As to their treasurer, she was a wellknown lady- Miss Dora Towns!.end—who was not only a person to whom they could entrust their money with perfect confidence, but she knew also how to spend her own money in support of every good cause (applause). Their thanks were also due to the com- mittee and collectors. He bad great pleasure in seconding the resolution. Mr T J Williams proposed that the thauks of the meeting be given to the Mayor for his able conduct in the chair, and to Mr E J Roberts for so kindly and efficiently manipulating the lantern. j Mr E J Swayne seconded the resolution iu a few appropriate words. The Mayor and Mr E J Roberts briefly returned thanks. Letters regretting inability to attend wer received on behalf of Miss Dora Townshend, Miss Gold Edwards, and the Misses Lewis.