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children of the Edmonton district attending Enfield schools during the year was
249, so that there is in Edmonton one child in the public elementary schools for
5.7 inhabitants (reckoned on the nett population) ; it was 5.5 last year.
There were 174 less children attending school than last year, and 731 less
than in 1915.
There were no partial-exemption scholars.
The number of children who obtained labour certificates enabling them, if
they wish, to leave school at an earlier age than 14, was 79; it was 124 last
year.
Expenses. Five precepts in March for £14,950 for elementary and £50
for secondary education ; four precepts in October for £18,633 for elementary
and £50 for higher education, in all for £33,683, were served on the Overseers
to meet the requirements of public education for the year ending March 31st,
1919 ; the amount last year was £25,130. Besides, a very large necessitous
grant has been received from a sympathetic Government, amounting to £47,850or
about a four-shilling rate ; compare this with £16,375 (a nineteen-penny rate)
for 1914-15-16-17, and with £9,216 for 1913, which was equal to only an eleven,
penny rate. At the Council meeting in October, it was suggested that when
submitting future estimates, particulars of receipts and expenditure under the
various heads should be furnished by the Education Committee.
On 4th February a special Council meeting was held at the request of
Councillors Rowe, Elms, and Shortland, to consider the resolution of Councillor
Geo. Rowe :—" That so much of the resolution passed by the Council on 26th
day of April, 1904 as purports to delegate to the Education Committee the
powers of the Council under the Education Act, 1902 be rescinded." It was
seconded by Councillor Sorrell. On being put to the meeting no one supported
the resolution, not even the proposer !
In April the Council resolved that, owing to the heavy rates for elementary
education, it is impossible for Edmonton to bear the burden of secondary
education.
On 28th May the Council resolved that " The Works and General Purposes
Committee be instructed to consider the advisability of making bye laws for
regulating the employment of children and for the regulation of street trading
by persons under the age of 16, under Sections 1 and 2 of the Employment of
Children Act, 1903, and to report thereon to the Council." In June this Committee
appointed a Sub-Committee to draft the bye-laws under the Employment
of Children Act, 1903, for regulating the employment of children in Edmonton.
However by December, the Education Act, 1918 had transferred the subject to
the Education Committee.
In December the Education Committee asked the Council for one of the
two huts (left in Pymmes Park by the Military) for urgent educational purposes.
The Park Committee recommended that the application be not entertained, but
the matter was referred back to the Park Committee for re-consideration.