St. Leonards National Schools
The Committee of these schools in their reply to the Rev. J. A. Hatchard’s charges of misappropriation of funds having refuted those charges (see pages 57 to 59), the following additional particulars ought not to be out of place.
At their meeting on the 10th of January, 1860, it was resolved that the plans and specifications for the enlargement of the schools be sent to the Education Committee of the Privy Council for approval, and to ask what amount of grant would be allowed on the same. Also that subscription lists be opened for about £400. Instructions were given to Mr. Young to write to Mr. T. Burgess respecting his encroachment. (The said encroachment was an excavation from his stable or coach-house yard in Gensing road, under ground attached to the schools, without permission.)
Mr. Elijah Marsh was appointed collector in the place of Mr. Willard, who had resigned. Resolved that the Girl’s schoolroom be lent to the St. Leonards Glee and Madrigal Union on conditions that they bear their own expenses, bring no friends, do not smoke, take all precautions against fire, and leave the room as they find it. The application of the Rifle Corps for the use of the school was refused, with regret, owing to the difficulties that would accrue.
At a meeting held on Feb. 14th, 1860, the Rev. J. A. Hatchard was appointed on the Building sub-committee in the room of the Rev. G. D. St. Quentin who had resigned.
On Feb. 28th, the Rev. A. Maclennan was appointed on the sub-building committee on the proposition of the Rev. W. Tilson-Marsh.
On the 24th of April, it was resolved that there was no objection to Mr. Carey building a warehouse adjacent to the schools.
At the meeting on the 11th of May, it was resolved to accept Messrs. Hughes and Hunter’s supplementary estimate, making a total of £127 4s. for alterations; also their estimate of £214 16s. 3d. for building new Infants’ Schoolroom, and Messrs. Carey’s and Avery’s estimate of £46 11s. for new desks, seats &c., as proposed by the Committee of Privy Council.
On June 23rd, a communication was received from the Education Council to the effect that £88 2s. 6d. would be the grant towards the cost of building the new Infants’ Schoolroom, fittings, &c. Resolved that a letter be written to their Lordships, soliciting further aid on account of enlarging the old rooms as they had suggested. To this application a further grant of £21 was made. The sub-committee reported that £268 18s., making with the Government Grant £350 0s. 6d. had been received. It was therefore decided that Hughes and Hunter proceed with the work as quickly as possible.
On November 30th, the youth Ernsting’s apprenticeship as a pupil teacher was sanctioned, the period being two years, with an -
