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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 .^" RETURN Fob C0PIX8 of CorrespoQclence, and other information, relative to Schools in the Ottawa District, which may have taken place between the Superintendent of Education, Canada East, and the Inspector of Schools for the District of Ottawa, since tlie date of the Inspector's appointment RETURN To AX Addkess from the Legislative Assembly, of the 2'2nd ultimo ; For copies of correspondence, and other inlbr- mation, relative to Schools in the Ottawa District, which may have taken place between the Su^)erintendent of Education, Canada East, and the Inspector of Schools for the District of Ottawa, since the date of the Inspector's appointment. By Command, GEO. ET. CARTIER, Secretary. Secretary's Office, Quebec, 24th April, 1855. Ottawa, Aylmeb, 4th August, 1852. Sir,— I beg to inform you that Mr. John A. Hughes of Aylmer, has been appointed by the School Commissioners of the Municipality of Aylmer, their Secretary-Treasurer, in place of Mr. John R, Woods, resigned. I regret to state that the affairs of the Corporation of Aylmer, have been very much mismanaged. There are several heavy claims upon that body, which remain unliquidated, and it will require several years of good management upon the part of the Commissioners, to extricate the Corporation out of the diffi- culties with which it is surrounded. I iiave been twice in'Templeton but have been unable to see all the parties, I proceed thither this day, as well as to Buckingham, and will transmit you, upon my return, a general report of the state of Education throughout the District of Ottawa. 1 beg to request that in any of your future communications with the Com- missioners, you will be pleased to correspond with Mr. Hughes as Secretary- Treasurer. My principal reason in requesting this, is, that the moneys may be applied to the purposes for which they are intended, viz ; the payment of the Teachers. I have the honor, &c., (Signed,) J. B. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONEY, S. I. Ottawa, Aylmer, lat September^ 1862, Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that during the months of May and' June last, i visited the diiierent School Municipalities in this County, in co - formity with your Instructions and with the Act 14th and 15th Vict., oh. 97, and. daring the moi.th of July, I paid another visit to several of those Municipa- J.t e., proceeding we.ter y a. far a, .he Township of Clarendon, and eas"e ^^as wh.,' "r '^/"S^*"'' b^«!^^« that I aided lo .he election of Schoo Commissioners where the law ha. not been in operalion for several years past. I may "tate however that in my interference at the Elections, I by no means endeavoured to contro he electors .n the choice of individuals, i contented myself vviHpoint! ing out to them the Jaw, besides endeavouied. 'to inculcate the pr nci| L of the seFection of such persons as manifes.ed an anxie.y to carry out the . rov?sions of the School Act, in addition to being possessed of good liierary al.ainm.'n s I regret .o have to state that Education has been retrograding rnThrCountv for several years back. I will not in this preliminary repoK mention 2 mv ™'lt^o? ^t'l '^'' '^'.\-Sre^^-^on, reserving my ^emirks thereon, un 1 my general report, which you will receive about the 26tli instant. thnt i hnrr""!"; &T'^^ however, upon the present occasion, to have to report of h if ^-^ f '""f ''^"'^'^y ^"^S'" to shew themselves, and that severa Isehool A ??:'''''?/'',*' were formerly most clamorous in .'heir opposition to the School Act, have lately come forward and displayed much alacrity in carrying the provisions ol that Act into effect. ' ^irrying tl,o J*"^ "''^^ "^. •™/ ""'''^^ difficulty has been in the Township of Clarendon, L.inrZ"S^ n"^' '"Tu ,"«''"'-^ '^' '^^- ' '^^^^ ■""'^^h pleasi^e, however,""' able cff ^^i h.h""f I "" ^«"""''?'"""^ '^'' Magistracy, ind the most respect- able of the inhabitan ts, have named the undermentioned gentlemen as School Com- vouThIs Fv n' -^"^^hip and requested me tc^ transmit their, names, through you to Hi. Excellency th^ Governor General, soliciting their immediate appoint- ment. It appears o me that a large majority of the population are desiVJus t„ conform without delay to the School Act, as", hey already feel the consequences accruing from their children growing up in a state of ignorance. ^ Ihe lownship of Musham, which is situated north of the Township of Hull and only about twenty miles from Aylmer, containing, by the late censura pop - latum of over 1000 souls, is desirous of being erected into a School Mu. icipZy. nomiri '^^^' I ""'lerstand, called upon you for that purpose, and the pa e nominated as School Commissioners are unexceptionable. ' ^ ^.,,..\e....f -_.i William Dickson, of Mansfield, Patrick Wlialinr John Coghian7of Walthaur 8 i II t " " (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, Aylmer, 1st Sept., 1852. S.I- Ottawa, Aylmbr, 11/A November, 1852 ceivc.5from^y":,;^;^^;rL^^^^^^^ ^T''^^''-' ^-^'"^ amounts re. traced to A. Cullen Esq .T P nf V S "" the.r whereabouts I have at last about the 25th OctS^fr ?ast afto; Jhiil 7 "' "j''? ^':'""^'"^^ ""^'" '"^^ '"y hands Corporation iwlvas d:.^^:^^ n'^^^^^ %^ -^--f the considerable useless waste of public Lnev but with ,t^'"'" '""•' S'^^vTreasurer, appear to have been correctKr kL Mr ' nl '^^,«. e*«Pt'"'Mhe ancouuta item expended, and exa Kothin. ^ntevyi' 7"^'""" '""^'^'"^ ^^' «-«'7 Commissioners have at nresont?w?<^l 1^ ^' ■ '"^ "''^" commission. The of regret, should ^ho/U dep U^of Srnrirr-f '"?' """J '•' ^^""''^ ^^ * """"er tobepIadngtoomu^hLa^^^^^^^ communication. ^ ' "''* ^ ^''"" *'^^*^'"' *» "» some future I have the honor to be, &c., (Signed,) J. J. RQNEY, J. B. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. ®- ^• OrncB or Inspkctob or Schools Atlmkr. 24th Detmmher lAA* biB,~The inhabitants of the Township of Law north of Wi.t«i;«i^ »u ,..« Ga.meau, ha,e ded^d ,hK,„gh ,hei, ^.t.X'^.""' tS^^™,,'^ ■r^ be set apart as a Afunicipal.ty for School purposes, and have nominated the four following individuals as eligible for School Commissioners, viz :-M. M Ma the w Brenan, Joseph Dayley, A. McDonell, and Caleb BrookL I would therefore most respectlully direct your attention to this matter, and I bee to state that the parties so nominated are respectable ana competent, that it would add materially to the advance^ment of Education in that Township to have it set apart as a Mu- nicipalily for School purpoNCs. ' I would most respectfully suggest as a fit and proper person, for the remain- ing Commissioner the Rev. Thomas O'BoyN-, who 'has mateHally c,dvaneed the cause of education m the adjacent Township of Wakefield, which is also a part of his mission. " I commence to-morrow my third general visit through this District, the state of the roads precluding the possibility of my beingable to accomplish that task at an earlier period. ' It is with much pleasure I have testate that there is a considerable aueinen- tation to the number of schools m this district. I have endeavoured, however m every instance, m accordance with your general instructions, to inculcate the principle of having as few schools, as is consistent with a due regard to the educational wants of the population, and to have these schools superintended by- well qualified teachers. The inefficiency of the means at the disposal of the Commissioners, operates much, however, in the meantime as a barrier to the realization oi this end, as men of Education are better remunerated at almost anv other occupation on the Ottawa, than following that of instructor of youth The insolvency of three out of the eighteen municipalities in the District gives me at present much anxiety. My utmost exertions will in the meantime' be directed to devise some scheme (o enable those municipalities to extricate themselves out of this dilemma, and I trust it will be effected in a manner both satisfactory and conducive to the public welfare. I enclose herewith the recommendation of the Rev. Mr. O'Boyle. I have the honor &c,, (Signed) J. J. RONEY, J. B. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. ®"*'°°' ^"'^''''''- Aylher, 5th January, 1853. ^ Sir,— I have the honor to transmit herewith the Returns of the Municipal; fiesof Aylmer and the Allumettes Island, as well as those of the dissentients of Aylmer. The schools in the Village of Aylmer are conducted by teachers of fair tal- ent, and those in the Allumettes Island by men whose capacity as teachers i& equal to those in almost any other rural section of the District. The law is in operation in every Municipality in this country, with the ex- ception of Onslow ; the inhabitants of which township, however, elected their Commissioners at the proper period, and in accordance with the Statute • it is hence probable that steps may be taken against them for neglect of duty, as the inhabitants are much exasperated at their conduct. The Returns of soine of the distant Municipalities may be a little better than usual this season ; but as the law is only in ^ts initiation there, I beg that you will grant them a little indulgence. I have the honor, &c., (Signed,) J. J, RONEY, Dr. Meiltear, S. E., Montn^al. ^'^^' *°'»**''^'' Ottawa, AvLMBii, 24/A January, 1863. Church, S. T. of the Municipality of Hull, for the last 6 months of !852 Having carefully examined all the Schools in the Township of Hull unnn te"n T'"""' ^r ".S- '^' P"'* ^ '"''"'''^' ' ««" bear testimon'^- to the Lt tH here has been a marked improvement in the Teacher's qualification "as wellas in the manner of conducting the Schools. '^-anuns, as weii as I have only returned from the western section nf mv n;«nri„» „ i i ,l- Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. I have the honor, &c., rSigned) J. J. RONEY, S. I, UvLhy 22ndJanuary, 1853. SiR,~I beg herewith to enclose the returns of the different Schools in one- ration in this Municipality, and have to request thai you will transmit the same to the Superintendent of Education. ^ I beg also to advert to the fact that Schools have been in operation in this 7;r? ?-£'";' ^° r^'^'"^ y^"?' ^^«^'"S '° "-^ non-o^peratioio" the Law, the Teacher's safarj is not entirely liquidated, and I will thank vou to represent this circumstance to the Supc;rintendent. ^ The Schools for the past 6 months having been visited by you as Insoector you can report their progress. ' ' i"8pecior, J. J. RONBT, S. I. I am Sir, Your obedient Servant, (Signed,) GARDNER CHURCH, S. 1. Hull. Ottawa, Aylmer, Sth February, 1833. ♦ %~J.^f •'' ^^^i^"""" t« >-eport that during the past monlh, I made another tour of the D^f .ct of Ottawa, and that the statistical information Called for in your letter of the 23rd October last, will be forwarded in due time. ^ Ihe state of education in this District altho' not perfect, has much improved during the past 6 months, the number of schools has multiplied at last twoSFdS considerable attention has been paid to the qualifications of the teachers "'*''*"'* • u ^"^'"""•ciPaHtiesofihe Petite Nation and St. Andr6 Avellln, there afi SIX «:hools 5 of which are m operation, and well attended, the teachers bein^ wel! qualified to teach the ordinary branches of a common school Education. Ah& every exertion has been paid by the Commissioners of St. Andr6 Avellin to com- ply with the Law, two schools being in operation for the greater part of the latrc months still owing to the settlement being in a primitive state, and the imDrove- mcnts of the settlers of small dimensions, being Lareely suffici;„t t LS X wants of the ponulatum. I wmiltl ,r,«of ^^„^^„,c.S\.. f , i • ""HF""^^ ."»^ f .u A ^tny'^iT- i ,;» — "- •"•'"i .vapectiuiiv iccuiniiicnd thai iDe uruviHiun* !;L thtf-t^'^ V"'-\'^- ^°' ""•l^^'^''^" 5. ™«y be extended to that muEa Uy' and that It may for the past current year be exempted from taxation and receive hi re(j 6 nmnths^of 1852 You V 1^^ S^^^^ fur the ,. one school in tlmtMuncHre^ period .Acre has been I have c<,nfidcnce that mattcrs'^Sltw go :^:rr\KT upoteirt-^^^^^^ -ssed of a knowledfc of the Sicitrhr'^^^ll'/i";; !""/"" ^ he pos- lind enough to dirJctu-eii^t^::;? ■;;:;:,:; i I have tlie honor, &c., (Signed,) Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONE Y, School Inspector. „ J Atlmer, 2nd April, 1853. you atToTr'ora^r '^ir^^^^^^^ ^'^ ne.xt .orning after I saw forming me of the illness of my vounaestTon J. ■ ^^^^ t^'^ffraphic dispatch in- parted instantly. ^ youngest son, who is not yet convalescent, so I de- numberof 70„,80oopi.,s,L^d llLa„swrw?fS'"'"'''''''J° ""'' '^'""'" "> '^^ n.ail. I depart i„L ™r„gX ,h,7e,U ™,T„r' "' ' "" '"" '" ''■"' '»' ''« I have, &c., (True Copy.) (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. Ottawa, Atlmer, 9th April, 1853 •ral of t;L"u2i^:i"S' Ss iouT'^'V^^^^^'^'/ °"^'"«^ ^« «»«'« '''at sev- tion for aid towards he er^et!,n ? V Vt '^m^'''""" '^ y""'' favorable considera- fcam, a fine two sty bulSLs reenl^n! t^!i '" '^f V"^^^ ^^ BuckfnJ- missioners. The buildLl s fntnlrJ ? ' and conceded to the School CorS- in the municipality of Hull.'^n? "n' '^'L^J^f ^l^f • . .^here are besides one .heen, all new buildings, and which have-bee;' l7,:LoZToi'S%Zrt many inM.nces m this DiMrict n.nch i,n,„«,i,i„„ h.?s'l,oe„ nrSse I J beg to state that the stat». of th« schools in the nowivpreclod m.i.iir-moll.io- A Report has been forwanh-d tome for transmission to vou but it I, ,?,.fco .vc nvpo.nl o. form and as ,he mails are very irregular at thr^a "on otlKvl; ^ hat distant part of the Ottawa, a considerable period of time wodd ransK before a communication could be received, not only owing toThis case b t a io -• ""ill* Di.«i-^uui, iLisijiiire, en Fort William Post Office, Ottawa. Iitie/i';^£''°riT*''^^'",'"l'^'"'*'"'"*'''''^'"'^« ^'^^^ boon to those municipa- ■ties, It w.,uld be a decided encouragement to their acting with renewed zeal in the cause of education for the future. ^ renewea ztai in «««»rer of the dissentient body, instead of Mr Se^aLSy"^ '"''"" ' Co^rni^^^ioncrs, which has caused umbrageto I find renewed zeal and unanimity every day pervadine all classes of tho I beg to request that should the municipality of Clarendon not vet have re- ce.ved lis share of the school money for the past si v months, t^at U reel ive you lavorable consideration as school aflairs in that municipality are ^11^^ amicably settled. One District alone out of the seven that constitute the muS pality was the cause of the trouble there. niunici .nmmn J '"'7" ^"^ P.^''^'! ^" ^^^ ".P^" ^"'^ ''^ '^'« ^''^^^'"'^ to-morTow, no further communication will reach me earlier than the 25th instant. I have the honor, &c., (Signed,) Dr. Meilleur, S. E-, Montreal. J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. ^ I < Ottawa, Atlhbr, Uth June, 1853. thp ni^,'Z!\fnjf^ ""^ "'"•*'*' pleasure to state that the cause of Education in nil; f.K ^^"^^ continues to improve, and I have confidence that ere tU close of the present year, a much larger proportion of the juvenile population will be in actual attendance at School than heretofore. puiauon wm ,«o,J^n *^ff disastrous and calamitous fire upon the upper Ottawa, ^as u r _.. re m..,,,^,pa:iucr, u-.iig destroyed Dy the conllagration. Owins to this crcurnstance I fear that I will be under the necessiti of soliciting ^in the r favor, for the last half-year, an indulgence in their favor and that the municipali- 8 WdtSi^^ifctctst^^^^^^^^^ ?-^- «hose of Mansfield and 9lh V. ch. 21, and section 10 ^^^^^^^^^ the let equivalent to tlie Government Gmnt ^ ' ^^''^ Scholastic to raise an by thl^Ttrllrf;r.£Tol'i>; %^Z' C,f ^°" ? ^'^ — -eived for distribution, our proportion "ssSerthlnh '^P^^l^i-on be the criterion which we hope to receive willst 11 brutufe^^^ be and the increase 18 it would inspire our municipa iUes with sf,l °' ""' ^^T'^ ^"' ''"^^ «« i* system, that it could not fail to KoLhvp nf th '°"^f«d confidence in the In reference to this pom i ff"^^^^^^^ paragraph from the Presenfment „f the Grf nH l ^°"r ^u •'"! °" ^° '^e following fore his honorchief Justice Sand It rhp !;t? "'^f"['*'^' ^'^'"«t' delivered be. held here last week. '* ** ^^^ sittings of the Court of Queen's Bench ''^i^elL^^7Ei::Z:\lVs^^^^ Queen wouW remark that " improvement, but in their oDiSonthJ^- ^TP "'^"'f^^ts Palpable signs of ;; the common school ga„ tL^ nZjaUo^ oH? ^'''' ""L^*'^^'" ''' d"« «hare of over ^,h of the eLe'oTj^TrC^n^^^^^^^ opmionbein the like proporUoT this would ^ '" thei? "the cause of Education ^ ' tins would no doubt operate favourably for aidf^r''fiur£^;„\;^^^^^^ fhetrt'difn^^^"^'- ^"-^'^--"-'^-t-t for ation, as several WhemuniciShefh^^^^^ '' particularly entitled to consider- their own expense. '"""'^'P^^'t'^s had erected comodious school-houses at dent/o th'e^l^t-r Jf^Tm'mi^sS^^^^^^ municipalities, antece- marks until my return. ^ ™°"^''' ' ^'^^^ making any further re- ■1^. Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. I have the honor, &c., (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, S. I. ;. -. Ottawa, Aylmer, 25th July, 1863. n,y d|r&7ere:rnt^?^^^^^^ ^^e enclosed on Your other communication vrill be answered probably to-morrow. Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. I have, &c., (Signed J J. J. RONEY, S. I. gjj^ r K , ^""^^^^ AyLMBR, Wh /tugU8t, 1863. itS11jMJa^^-.l;* 9 I. OQ Examiners for the District of Ottawa, and I cannot but say that the formation of such a Board has been a desideratum long felt in this District and its erecdon can thTs d^trictf""' ' ""^ '''' ""^ "''"■'''' ^^"-^"'^^^^ *« '^' -"«« "f EdSon ?n oK ?^u ^•=°*'^"1<^" ^^^»"? ' >ve the honor of nominating for your annroval arc about he best educated, intelligent, and nearly all desirous of oaSZir iE[ act?ve ZlTl \.r''''' ^.^•''"?' ^"'- * "^^y ^ «-» «'ate that one o^ tim A?r A Wnght, has hitherto mamfained a coolness in promoting the cause ancUs he is a yo.mg gentleman of very considerable influencl;, I am a^.xious to .'in him over if The names of the gentlemen whom I propose are as follows:— Ihe Keyerend James Hughes, Cur6, of Aylmer. TU u" 11 i°*l? •l?'^"«""> Church of England Minister. The Honorable D. B. Papineau, Aim6 Lafontaine, Esquire, Prothonotary. J. F. Taylor, Esquire, J. P. ^ Alonzo Wright, Esquire, J. P. John Starrs, Esquire. n.,, ^^''!^%''/ *''t'! gentlemen are Protestants of various denomination'' viz- the Sfsr^Tof Ot';;i"'rt^^^^^^ ''''' ^^'^^^ four are cSicr-TS: Pm;.«f«n ' by last census, was about two-thirds Catholic; and cme-third Prot^ejtant, consequently all the denominations will be fairly represented on 4he forwardTd1nKwd:;s^'^'*^ '" "'^'"^ "^^ "^^ ^"""^''^ Report, which will be I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, I. S. Aylmer, 2dth May, 1858. C6nmyXL^fJf^^ -'' *^'''"y absence in the lower section of he i^ouniy, IS the cause of its remaining so long unanswered. Prown tTI^ '•^co'nmend in my line, the appointment of John Starrs of BuckiuKham nis name, in onlei to have the French Canadian race fairly represented on the Boaril auaded would act • "^ "'''"''' '*i"""^ "" ^''"' «''^""«^ '^' *»'•'"" ^ «'" P"' nnlJfS^ gentlemen, whose appointment I suggested, are made irrespective of anv glitical or religious sect whatever, and^I am jisuaded are the mosKgibLfn the I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal P. S.— L. M. Cout eflScient member of the Boiml Esq. (Signed,) Sheriff of the District, would J. J. RONEY. likewise lake an 10 . „ ,, Ottawa, Atlmeb, Wh ounmry, 1854. after a l^Z ^0:^:70" fc onJeTt^i^f T "' ^^^^ ^'^-^ '-' ----"^^ . I must not only expresVmv su n 1 k » ^"* '''^^ P"^ '»'o '"y hands. ^' chainnun of the S.hSol CoZissEri o • h^^ to.vou by Donald McGillfs, consoling that none of the Xr cZ^u«-^' ^"'1™'"^' '''^"'^ 5 it is, however, question, and I can assure you tfat n^i? 'TtP ^""'^ 'P'^ ^^e document in Iheir nume thereio. It need^not be suDnn,pf. f'""' '''•'"''' ^"^ '° ^^^'^ «« "^ ^ffi'^ wnten by Mr. McGilJis himse f he is wKl • ^° l?^'T *^«' '^'^ ''""er was mem. It was concocted bTf ^artv an^ for Lnf '''^'' °^ P?,"'"^ ^"^'^ ^ ^»««- niade^a loo] upon the occasion ^' ^^^ P^'P''*^^ 5 ^' McGillis being -y la^r^p^ fh^t^'rhfd'prSed' t" fhe ^r^*"'f '??'• . ' -^--^^ y«" - t^e matter in question, and ahhouah .£ p. Allumettes Island, had investigated comply wi.h L letter'of ic law ti ithe mT' -^"^1^^^ "°^ '" ^^^'^ '"'^"-"^e of giving a larger amount "o a certaileho^TV^ i'^^"".^ ^''^ ^^"'^ ''>« c«»se sented to refund it at the end ol the ve^r - °'''""* ">«" '' wasentiiled .0, con- to all parlies, and that I wHl see wllfh?. '. ° f "a"g«™«nt which was satisfactory Mr. McGHlis' charge rpI^M^„r '''"^''^^ complied with. ^ Island -nee last F:3y:^lTonV7n^;t';'■"" "' ^'^^' ^'^''^'^ "P- ^^e his own letter addressed^ oyoa In an.?; k" ^''^^'^'^'^ ^^ »>''"««^f *« although I repaired to the M um^ebal vln"^. ^'f^'' u \^f' '"""'" ''^ «"*^«« t»'at, arrangement of the matter "^^ ° question, « I left without effecting an the l^t!'Z'^-.^^::jtV't:^^^ ^! 't - P-» of the duties of . of Visiting such of ,he CommlssiSas 1 1^ An? ? iw ^^^ ^ '"'''''^ '' « P«'°' visitation of all a part of my duty ' "°* think a general of m[ MS^rill^^ar^terSr ^^--^-^at the allusion with any pert of the Province excentZ i? A ^^"^'^^ ' ^^ »^ unacquainted cure the signatures of t^eitL of X -,.^PPf' S"'''^^ '^°''°"' ^'^d I ian pro- resides, and will do so, o p^ov^ tha educat on n.^''*'''' '" ^'^.'^'^ ^^- ^^^^G'^'i' during the past 18 months education never progressed so well there as donce[:r C^eSlemarXXtp^lSrattt^^ '%^ "^^^P^P" — P"- tnct^has since done ample ^^^S^t^:^::!a\^:^:i 1^:^:^^ you ^ifpe'St^lL^i^L^^Crrrai^r^^ "^ "«^'^ -<^ ^«'«ham, that they receive their share of tK • i .• *™ *^ anxious as they are to see vance myself until thevcTuldrlr.ii^T'^'''" ^T'^ ^""^ ' ^^^'^^ them an ad! Municipalities, and SicirSr/tt^'^™"-.-'! '^ d'ffi^^'t in those remote the School CoilimissCrsf «py^m;\as7vi^^^^ rcol"i; ''' ^" ''' V^'"™ ^^ I will use every exertion without d.T^nv i^V ?u ^ °"'y ^^^ '^^^ of them, but and forwarded to you ' ''^' ^" ''^''^ ^''^ P'"°P«r documents made out eve, I l,a.e reason ,„ „„„„ w;it''Lla^d-':;£'°r;?.^'"'''''™'' """"■. I-""- fo ca ot t t Dt aoc nie Pro futi and Dr. Edu( table byJM Dr. Rj by Me appear 1 t 11 ou, stulo Of educalion in these ■w„M,Vi?::"f.:°""'°''"S ">»'•"«>■' thup,o.|«r ous ,.u,o of ed„ca,ioi i„ ,he,s .wo MSpalwr. prosper I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY. Ottawa, Mansfield, 10/A February, 1854 accrui'^To'Slf;;,;,^^^^^^^^ would remit the amount nience? ^ ^ °' Mansfield and Waltham, at your earliest conve- prov,^,t,7rhni^x:/„;;Se^AoT"irc" ?' "t"".?r''»'"y -* "-» fulnre. " '"" '^°'' '^ *""■. "hap- 60, will bo attendod to in and tutfoS ;:uXTi>v;h'or:trtr"'°" °=°''°" °' -^ "'"""•• I have the honor to be, Sir, / Your obedient servant, (Signed,) Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONEY, School inspecter. Ottawa, Aylmer, Maij, 1854. Education in ?h: oLnToVo;"."?' '"'"'^' "^ ^^^^'^ ^P^' -' ^^e state of tabief !.i„7;^;jf:^e^:rr;;'bSi;^rrarrT"N^ Ti" ^^^^ ^^« «»««'^*'-l by Mail. "^""^ '^ '^'her considerable to be transmitted I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. c... ••'"> Officb op School Impbctor, Aylmbr, Ut July, 1854. -in the ^^^^^^^^U^^ailon published in pamphlot form appears in the 4.h clause of thef h^l Act of IS^g?' "^ " "'"^ ^""P"^'""^ "«'"'« by Messrs. Derbishire & Debarats, i 12 In alluding to the assessifients the word " In operation » is introduced ins- tead ol .inoperative, whicii renders the clause in question contradictory and • I have the honor to be, ' Sir, Your very obedient servant, (Signed,) Dr. Meilieur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. Ottawa, Aylmer, 26th April. 1854. Sir,— Having been anxions to inspect minutely, every section of this District 1 am somewhat longer than usual in transmitting my Report accompanied by my They are now completed, but being somewhat bulky, I have deferred trans- mitimg them by ma»l, from the circumstance that it is necessary for me to be in Quebec upon the opening of Navigation. As the first boat leaves Bytown on Tuesday first, my returns will be deposit- ed in your office on Wednesday. , 1 have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed,) J. B. Meilieur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. ■ Ottawa, Aylmer, 2ith January, 1855. SiR,--EncIosed is my report for 1854, 1 have done my best to have my tables lorwarded by this days mail, but have been unable, owing to my anxiety to pro- care an exact census of the population. They wil' be forwarded by to-morrow's mail, and I trust no public incon- venience will accrue from the delay. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your very obedient servant, (Signed,) Dr. Meilieur, S. E., Montreal. J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. Ottawa, Aylmer, 12th Mixrch, 1865. Sir,— Owing to a protracted absence in the lower part of the county, and river Desert, your letter was only put into my hands this evening. I was astonished at your not receiving my Statistical Returns, but from a letter I received simultaneous with yours, the circumstance is easily exnlained. I transmitted the Statistical Reiurns to you duly by A. McDonald,'Esquire, of the Chats, when on his way to Quebec six weeks ago, but as he did not touch troduced ins- id ictory and NEY, Inspector. i7. 1854. this District, anied by my ferred trans- me to be in 11 be dcposit- VEY, Inspector. ary^ 1856. le my tables xiety \p pro- ciblic incon- JEY, Inspector. 'ch, 1855. county, and but from a A vnla inorl Id, Esquire, id not touch ' 13 waiSiyrn'otwrJi-ir"™'"* '° M'-M*o„.ld,a„d ,hey will b. for- J trust no public inconvenience will accrue therefrom I have the honor to be, Sir, Your very obedient servant, J. B. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, Ottawa, Aylmer, \sl December, 1853 iL' tlo'„"'nL';s^i'adsTn^l*'z;lT"■n ■■' r ^^^^^^^^ grievanc-e, bo, St^t^tlV'Z^CSl^l Kr "od IZT.. """'''""' '!"' .s n.y intemlon ,„ devote the entire of ThLt reaJnTrltllc, '"''"'^' ''°'' '' The increased grant for Educational purposes, which this Distric, 1,». ,i, j xr,tTKtturirai"S ire'd^rHa^i^?:4^^^^^^^ h's;^llsrrft'»„r"f^^^^^^ pal Taxes, are analagous to the «' Old Country" system of Tovo?; i^ ^^"n'ci- opposition. v^uuniry system ol laxation, hence the Immediately upon receipt of your letter. rpl«t;v« »„ »h" r-I f r ! - - poseb, I communicated the same to' the different" Mu"nicinaimp,ln,:M T''"'"K P^»;- I I*! m 14 Municipality has erected a very fine two story building, intended for a model school, I would hereforc most respectfully recon.mend that the amount be fonh with transmuted to Mr. O'Ne.l, Secretary-Treasurer of the Municipality, or to R. Le/i"due^"""'' '' ^'" """ ^'^"^"^ ''"'''"^ '^' ^"''^'"«' *"S to^^honl the it is a matter of regret that buildings towards which the Bureau of Educa- tion has contributed one half of their actual value, and that are intended for Educa- tional purposes, should by the mismanagement of Corporations be sold and alienat- ed from the purposes for which they were originally intended. This has frequently occurred in th^l)'stnct owing to the illegal acts of the Corporations, par,?cul y in the years 1850-51. If action were taken by the Legislature in this' matter 3 .f%^hu.7." '"^ •' ?r " '"? "" ^V''^'"»« ,^hat have received aid from the Bureau of Education, it would undoubtedly be productive of material public irood. A etter of yours'^boanng date the 5th Oct., and addressed to Mr. John Wricrht one of the Trustees of the dissentient body here, has been put into my hands, and I feel It my duty to put you in possession of certain f^icls connected wifh that body. The school house referred to was one of those that had been formerly deeded to tile Royal Insiitu ion tor the promotion of learning, and had always been in the posses- sion, and solely attended by the children of PmtestaiUs in this Village" who^-onsti- tute one-third of the entire population. After the separation in 1851, the School CommissioMeis allowed the dissentients to retain the possession of it, and as I stated m a f^.rmer, the cause of the insolvency of the Corporation was die illegal acts of the Commissioners o 18o0.51, and upon their failure to be re-elected as Commissioners in 1851-52, dissented and contested successfully their own roll of Kates, which had undoubtedly been illegal. The municipalities of Alhimettes, Chichester and Sheen, and the township of Mansfield, suffered greatly last summer, owing to the destruct^e conflagration on the Upper Ottawa, which destroyed property to the amount of £60,000 I regret to state that no less than four school buildings were burnt in those municipaliries, two of which were perfectly new, and many families, in fact a majority of the suf' ferers, were left perfectly destitute. I have for these considerations, to request that for this season, at least the municipalities of Chichester and Sheen, Mansfield and Walthom, be treated as indigent municipalities, and receive their share of tlie Gov- ernment grant for the scholastic year, ending in the month of June, 1852. aonie difficulties occurred in the municipality of Alumettes, relative to the distribution of the grant, and which were transmitted to you, but upon my recent visit to that quarter, I am happy to state that I adjusted the matter in a manner satisfactory to all parties. It ,s to be regretted that your department already over- burdened, should be troubled by trivial correspondence of this nature, and which might very easily be adjusted by the Local Inspector. f. o,iT" "^'I • T' '"""'*^'P«''''f » it i^ exceedingly difficult to get the Commissioners to adhere strictly to the exact letter of the law, for the first year, and I have found m every instance this to be the case. I am therefore reluctantly under the neces- wty of reques ing that Masham be relieved from the necessity of raising an equiva- pnt to that whicli the municipality has a right to receive from your department, and that It be treated as an indigent municipality for the year ending 1st. Jul ', 1853. In the township of Hull, which is composed in about equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants, matters have not, I regret to say, been conducted by the Corpora- tion m a satisfactory manner to the former denomination. I think I am iu^tifi -d however, in saying that both parties will agree at the next election of Commission- ers, and a fair proportion of both denominations be returned by mutual consent to the Corporation, "^ Relative to your letter, of the 18th July last, enclosing the communication o*" JVlr. bardntr Ciiurch, i lust express my opinion decidedly'azainst any amount of the public money being given to the Commissioners, at a per . that no law was • in 15 for a model It be forth- ity, or to R. i whom the I of Educa- for Educa- md alienat- 3 frequently particularly matter, and the Bureau od. >hn Wright hands, and that body. ?ded to the the posses- \rho consti- the School t, and as I the illegal ;-elected as 3wn roll of jwnship of igration on . I regret licipalities, of the suf- ?quest that isfield and f tlie Gov- ive to the my recent a manner eady over- and which missioners lave found the neces> in equiva- ment, and ui ', 1853. r Catholics i Corpora- justifi-d, mniiKsion- :onsont to sication of imount of aw was in mannj; high y dissatisUtorv to H^^n 3 'V TT' ""'^, '"'f^'"' '""""". ""d in a nations. AltLugh ifr j! ^ P emrC^^^^ t'e population of variou's denomi- period, I neither ^can find Rec;n s of tfe K,,.r«Tthr^^^ '^"""*f '''« thing whatever, to show that thej wistl t^ eo^pW ihh t^h^'aw^r' "" ""^ have to speak on this matter so plainly and decidedlVarai^r.st hn C ' ^ •'^^''"^ '" . e Fabr,q„. School f re, f„,a p^IXf o^^a dTonwo';";;," "r'^M," "'"■ ol £25, and overy volume has been road frcauenllv Th. e^' ,^ ""■" ers in Ihe diflerem Municipalilies have brenTnn, »,r ,1 ^^'T'u C"™">i'slra- you, lelter, and I have no Soabi bin Tey w°n Tav^il i "^ °! ""' ,°"?'™" "' I have the honor, &c., Dr. Meilleur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, S. I. PP*^A> Aylmer, mf, March, 1853." por.,t'4'wttrat oTnS'J ^:S!^ tlT^ '^ ^-''^ «- tor of Schools for this District, but aho witf Z l?!f- ?' . u^,'*'' ^^^ «« ^""'Pec- to be filled up as complete rasno'sil^ transmmed me, will have a tendency to atJ^el.Zte he 'svstem of r ^"^«™1"«" ^s I think more particularly in this District ^ Common School education, rnos:^e^Z^J^':^^Z^^^^y,^:^^ educational purposes to I Canada ; the area of that par Th erected for .H^^^^ 'f °''' ^°"°'>^ '" '^°^" 1^ 2,000 square miles, an extent of terrl^^l.f.h^'T' P^'P"^'^^" ^^'"^ about principalities, and althougrthe pSatLTs con 'rj^^Kl'^'"^ ""^ "^ ^''^ ^^"»«n ants being 24,000, or 18 to the Za?e mile T,^^^^^ '^' ""mberof inhabit- populatiou is scattered operates preiudlciTuv'tn ^hi ' >' "'"'""' °"7 ^^^'^^ the besides large Blocks of wild landsTe n the i.n I f;^^"f^Y}^^' «f education ; exceptions, resist the law Notvv5tL.^^5- u' of Cap-talists, who, with feW the srate of education, a^The s^qtl w f h^^•s nriZ^' ^':r^7 disadvantages, courag^ng as it might, under the' ci«a„c";, be ""^ '° ^'''^'^"^^ "«' «« ^^«■ the e^^^ac^lf l^;r U- ji;^;^ ^unty of Ottawa, i„ all which, with .hat the fault of th. non:opera^!:„^fr,:;[;Tn'SnXr S ^/Z^^i 16 »-■ Commissioners, who were legally appointed, arid against whom the inhabitants are so highly exasperated that ihey are determined to bring them to justice for their non-fulfillment of their duties. The total number of pupils in this District, between the ages of 5 and 16, as nearly as I was able to determine, and which will be perceived by reference to the statistical tables, are 6,167, and the total number of pupils actually attending school are 1,462 ; and the entire population of the county is at present about 24,000 souls ; consequently, the attendance is to the population in the ratio of 1 to about 16. This proportion is infinitely smaller than in many more compact places, but when the extent of the District is taken itno consideration, it is very surprising that it is so large. The following results will appear upon persual of the statistical tables : Number of schools in the entire District under the control of the Commissioners g^ Number ofModel Schools '[ 2 Number of Schools under the control of the Dissentients 7 Number oflndcpendent Schools [[[ 3 Average salaries of male teachers £5Q Average salaries of female teachers with board 20 Pupils of french origin attending schools 308 Pupils of British origin attending schools .' II54 The greatest desideratum felt, is the want of good teachers, and until a Nor- mal School be established in this section of the Province, we cannot expect that this want will be remedied. The establishment of an Academic Institution in this District, is of the utmost importance, and the inhabitants of Aylincr, which is the County Town, are adopt- ing measures for the attainment of that object. Such an institution would go far towards counteracting the want felt in this District by the non-existence of a Nor- mal School in the Province, and would preclude the necessity of the parents and guardians of youth being obliged, at considerable expense, to send their children toxhe City of Montreal and elsewhere, to comjilete their studies. I would most respeclfiilly state tljat in my opinion, it would tend materially to promote the public welfare, to have a board of examiners appointed in this district ; the distance and expense of a journey to Montreal operate as a barrier against teachers, resident at a distance, proceeding there to pass an exar ination, and obtain a diploma. I would also beg to state, that it would operate advantageously were the 2l8t clause of the Act 9 Vict., chap. 27, repealed, which requires a property qualifica- tion for School Commissioners. I have endeavoured, as far as possible, to recommend a uniformity of school . books, and it aftbrds me much pleasure to have to state, that the series of works published by the Irish National School Board are in all but universal use. I regret to state, that several Municipalities have, up to the period of my ap- pointment, overstepped the bounds of the Law, and imposed a larger amount of taxation than the act allowed ; the consequence was, that legal disputes ensued and the rate payers succcsfully resisted that which was illegnlly imposed. Hence, several Municipalities have involved themselves in difficulties, and owing to their inability to fulfil their engagements with the teachers, the school-houses belonging to the insolvent corporations have been seized and sold to liquidate the debts of the Municipalities. This is more particularly the case in the Municipalities of Clarendon, where four buildings have been acid ; while in Aylmer, two are unde? seizure, and one on the Calumet Island. 17 64 2 7 3 £50 20 308 1154 it is essentially necessary to limit the powers of the Corporations .ounts of the assessments, still I think' an exeess of 15 rfor cent While I think relative to the amounts would most respectfully suggest that four pence :e for JJailiffs, is an insufficient remuneration for . ™i v: T . , . "V ' """ ^ woum most respectfu v su.'fest that four n a^m^e, wh.ch ,s the legal allowance for Bailiffs, isL insu^fficrenrremuneratioi; h.rrJ^ J'^'T ^""i"''' '" ""^''y '""'■''' I>'stricts, that female teachers are nreferrcd • anH exist, I have done nothmg to discourage it, but have, on the contrary acted other" I cannot but admit that many of the teachers are imperfectlv Qualified hnf « In no school in the County is instruction limited to rcadine or writing u,l,:i» S3;Ks;Sn;:£.'=tiif t^s -hr£ all th^ i^^ '"•'"'*' ^^""^'^^ y^^'^^ ^^^ ^^^y municipality, in the District visited all the schools in operation there, examined the teachers both malo nrwl fXni T i purposes Ts the'LTt "ffi^P'^'^ ^ ^'^ T"u^" '^"' -^«^« ^^ Coml^ Scho"! purposes, is the most efficacious that coufd be devised for a country like Ca- ceivete,7he7aw! '° *^^™°"«»«^y i«""g« of the Municipalities, it will be per- ana that the contributions will be commensurate with the value of the estate ^' ■i 1 18 Remarks. To find the number of pupils between the age of seven and fourteen, subtract mult nealr"" ' """ " ^'^ ^""^ '''"^''"' '^^ remainder will give the It is to be regretted that very little attention is paid by the inhabitants to pub- lic exanunation in this District. uauuoiua to puu. The amount has in almost every instance, been raised by voluntary contribu- tion ; and 1 have not ascertamed the amount received by the different Municinali- ties, as their respective share of the Legislative Gram. "'"^rent Municipali- I have the honor, &c., (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, S I. Ottawa, Aylmer, Ut May, 1854. ,„-.K^f;^- ^'flV.^^ ^T"""" '° *'^u""'* herewith my annual Report, accompanied with statistical tables relative to the state of education in this District for the last i<2 months My tables are not so complete as those of last year, but I have taken some pains to ascertain the exact number of pupils in the different municipalities be- tween the ages of 5 and 16, from general principles in many instances, and not from census returns, the method adopted by me was as follows : the rLtio of in- crease in this District for the past 10 years is now pretty well ascertained, being about 10 per cent per annum, and the proportion that the youths between thi ages ofS and 16 bear to the lative population being about 33,4 percent, and although the increase m population was somewhat greater during the past than formerly, still I have not taken this circumstance into consideration, in my cal- culation of said census. ' Although the number of schools in operation is not greater than durinff the past year, this circumstance is not to be attributed to any apathy on tlie part of theComnissioners ; but to a desire to limit the number of schools in each muni- cipahtjr, not however to limit them so that the public will suffer, but to enable the Commissioners to place themselves in a position to meet their engasements with the teacher, without which instructors ofyouth cannot be obtained particularly in this section of the Province. "^ While adverting to the remuneration of teachers, I will not I trust be consid- ered out of phce here if 1 should state that there are several very efficient and well qualified teachers on the Ottawa, who have abandoned that pursuit owinc to the inadequacy of their salaries, they can at present obtain at almost any other occupation one dollara day, and in many instances more can be obtained by working men, while persons competent to keep accounts and overseeins works can easily obtain from 60 to 100 per cent, more, it is not therefore to be supposed that the teacher, under the surveillance as he generally is of uneducated Commis- sioners and subject to their dictum, will submit patiently to his lot, but will avail himself of every opportunity to ameliorate his condition. To remedy this therefore, as well as to improve the existing state of things IS a matter of some consideration and one that I take the liberty of olTerine afew remarks on, •' e 1st. 1 would recommend a literary qualification for Oommissioners as recom- mended by you in your Report to His Excellency d:e Governor General, of 8th September, 1852. ' V ' w I m V' 19 2nd. A repeal of that clause of the common school Act which restricts the Cor* porations to raise the sum of 5 per cent only, over the Government allowance, and to enable them to raise a sum commensurate with their works. 3rd. A general election of school Commissioners every year, this may be objected on the grounds that they will only be commencing to obtain experience in their duties, when their term expires, but in answer to this objection it might be stated that if the public have confidence in them, they will re-elect them. 4th. An increase in the Government grant for common school purposes, and a lib3ral grant for building purposes and libraries introducing a measure to pre vent the alienation of buildings or the seizure of libraries that have received aid from the Government. These are a few of the remedies that I would suggest as an improvement on the existing state of things, and I may state that I have consulted several of the most influential persons in this District upon this matter, consisting both of clergy and laiiy and of every denomination of belief. It has been suggested tome by a gentleman who has devoted much of his attention to this question, the Rev'd Joseph Hughes, of Aylmer, that another im- provement on lheprej«ent law would be to allow every school that is in operation for a period of 9 or 10 months in the year, and that had an average attendance of about 20 or 25 students, not however less than the former, a share of the Gov- ernment grant, he would however dispense with Commissioners in toto, leaving the jurisdiction to Inspectors, whom he proposes to be responsible to the Super- intendent of education. I think I am correct in stating that the general results of the state of educa- tion in a District may be satisfactory, although there may be minute errors con- sisting of disappointments on the part of Commissioners and teachers, and perhaps defects in both ; our organization however, as established in rural and other municipalities in Canada, furnishes a vast field for the expansion of administra- tive knowledge, and is a grand preparatory school for developing the talents of those destined hereafter to oucupy a high position in the admmisiration of affairs in this Province. It is pleasing to be able to state that although the majority of the Commis- sioners is illiterate still there is a conciousness on their part of the state and character of the schools ; and a sincere determination on their part to effect a reform is universally prevalent. It affords me much pleasure to state that my exertions to obtain a uniformity of Class-books have been attended with complete success, the series published by the Irish National Board of Education are in general used on the Ottawa. There is however this great defect in our public schools, viz : the want of school maps. Libraries, and Philosophical Apparatus, the former are almost unattainable, particularly a map of Canada, there being none published with the exception of Mr. Bouchette's, that is not replete with inaccuracies, and with three exceptions there are no libraries in the district. The benefits arising from the increase in the amount of the school gi'ant for this district, are only yet beginning to be seen, and I trust I may safely assert that during the last six months of the present scholastic year, there will be no munici- pality in the district of Ottawa that will not avail itself of the Government boon. It would tend much to stimulate the friends of the cause in this district to renewed exertions, if a small sum were appropriated for building purposes therein, as well as for aid towards Libraries ; I have held out some hopes on this score and I trust that no disappointment will accrue therefrom. It is much to be regretted that in rural districts there are few school ex- aminations, every individual seems to be too much occupied with his own affairs to devote a moment's liesnre to any philantbrophic public matter ; in villages and populous districts the contrary is however the case. 20 A Journal of Lducation eslablishwd in ihe city of Monfreal and published at a moderate rale in boili lansjiia^es would do iniich towards th.. Inielleciii;.l ad- vancement ol ihe'leHchers, and I am under the impression that few of ,'i,m would be found m Ihe Province who would not only become subscribers but contributors to such a publication ; besides many friends of the caus.. would also be found who would become contributors as well as subscribers, it miithx not only be made uselul, by this means, but in a pecuniary point of view no loss would besuslamed by It. The board of Examiners for the district his held its first sitting and apnoint- ed me their Secretary. " *^^ I regret io slate that act of incendiarism took place in the Municipnlity and Township of Bristol, similar to that v lii,:h f had ij.e disagreeable duty of advert- ing to m my letterotthe 30th March, \8fl3. a second school-house built bv the Dissenlienls of that fownshrp, and situated upon the site of the old one havine been burned, no clue can be obui. d Io the depredators, although a reward has been offered for their apprehei.vii, might I suggest the propriety of the Execu- tive onenng a reward for the same object ? ^ r j The esiabli=etfh'r, but the Teuchers t-mploycd are well qualified and the pupils making considerable progress. Bristol. There are three schools under control in this inunicipulily, and one vacant, there is no difficulty existing here, the . . being strictly complied with. Buckingh m. There are three good schools under the control of the Commissioners in this Municipality and four under that ot the dissent -its in this munii palily, all in a healthy and well working state. The lodel teuliool in the vil age has an excel- lent library, maps and philosophical appn -tus. Caluv There are at present only two schools in ope it ion, and those of a very in- ferior kind. The inhabitants here are not only apattielic, but evince no disposi- tion, either l(, (Comply with the school act or '> 'ucate their children. TempMon There are it present only three schools is. ration here, and those of a very I find it difficult to get the iu bitanis to comply \\ ilh the Act. Waterlijo. One school i 1 operation as heretofore,' boii anguages being taught. The teacher is well qi. ilihed, and the attendance nurr' rous. mediocre kind. Fetile Nation. viz : St. Andre Arellin, St. re two schools numerously There are thrc Municipalities in this seignio-- , Angelique and fioi secoura, in each of which ther attended and well onducted. In fact I have much ratification in stating that in no section of this district is Education more attende to than in this Seigniory, and much credit is ue to the Hon. L. J. Papineau a well as the late Hon. D. B. Papineau and P. -> McKay, Esquire, for bringing a bout this desirable slate of things. This towns- \ip is not eutficiently populated and the settlers are loo far apart to have a Sehoo . The entire population does not exceed 100. One school only ment of another is thei Masham. operation, but the only obstacle towards thi inability to procure a Teacher. -j.ablish- Manafield and WaUham. One school in operation in each of these Townships. Chichester and Sheen. Two schools are in i Deration in this municipality, but only one school-house, the other building havi ig been demolished by the destructive conflagration which ravaged with such violence on the upper Ottawa ou the 16th May last, the Sheen School- house is one of the first structures of the kind in the County, and the teacher is well qualified. One School under control in operation, and one Independent School. J 22 Wakefidd. Eardley. ^^^^IVo good Schools are in operation here, and the Law is strictly complied Lochabar. teach classics. ^ ecclesiastic, who is of course competent to Litchfield. BO, for .he capacity of .he Tcach?r::t„Xln°he DisuL'. ""'""' '" """■'"'"^' Muit"n.;v,\hrs;o°frtiTa.i;rTL°?"^ fadon exisling „„ .he pari of oifcSon of tt^JT.-" "" ^'"V' <•"""'»- Clarendon. Onshw. phrenzie to advance their material interU^^ qmi h actuated by adverse oi,c,.,„„a„oe,,, clacaUotu 'n'^ tckla,^' a^: S Tt'i ' „*.? I have the honor to be, Sir, Your very obedient servant, J. B. MelHeur, S. E., Montreal. (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, School Inspector. S. E. C. E. -Jt^--M^j.,£!i--. ^\y-\ 23 ■ Ottawa, Aylmer, 1st January ^ 1855. Sir, — In transmitting this, my yearly report forthe year now last past, I have endeavored to adhere strictly to the spirit of your circular of the 22nd June last. The immense size, as well as the large population of this district, has caused me a little more delay in procuring correct statistics for this Report than I antici- pated. At certain seasons of the year, owing to the state of the roads, it is al- most impossible to communicate with the remote Municipalities, more particu- larly those of Maniwaki and Sheen ; hence the delay of this Report. The result will show that while the district is increasing in population, and rapidly increasing in its material resources, education is progressins: in the same ratio. The number of pupils attending the different Common Schools in the district, as well as other institutions, and the increase in the number of those educational establishments, is a complete demonstration of this fact. In fact no section of (Canada has advanced in those particulars with more rapid strides than the Ottawa, but its great extent optTates highly prejudicial to the rapid progress of education. The liberality displayed by the Government in proposing and carrying through th Legislature an increased grant for educational purposes, cannot but be gratifying to the friends of the cause, and it is to be hoped that the liberal action ot the Legislature in this matter will be duly appreciated by the inhabit- ants of both sections of this Province. It cannot, however, be denied but that, from the advancement of this Province in wealth and population, it was justly entitled to this increased grant, and it ia to be hoped that ere long the grant will be still further increased to a sum which the ardent friends of the cause desire, viz., £100,000 per annum. It may be piesumptuous in me adverting to this point, hut I am under the impression that I am not acting in a manner incompatible with my duties. The immense sums of money voted by our Legislature for the construction of public works in our Province, and which is highly necessary to develop the resources of our great, prosperous and rapidly increasing country, require the services of numerous corps of competent Engineers and Surveyors, besides those connected with the learned professions, the Senate of the country, agriculture, mechanic- ism, education, &c., would all have to seek extraneous aid commensurate with their calling, could their own country not supply them with the rudiments of a good sound Common School education. To attain that object, therefore, is the duty and should be the aim of all who wish the welfare of their country. It might perhaps be of utility to increase the powers, as well as the duties of public functionaries in connection with the department of Education. I will not here advert to what I would consider a limit to there duties and powers. A uniformity of school books is highly commendabl!» and I have spared no pains to impress that point upon the minds of the Commissioners in every muni- cipality in this District, and 1 h^ve much gratification in stating that my exer- tions to accomplish that point have been entirely successful. It would add much to stimulate the exertions of the inhabitants of School Districts, were an additional sum granted for building purposes. I regret that the district of Ottawa got no aid whatever towards libraries last year, the brief time that elapsed from the period that the municipalities were aware of the Grant, and the fund being exhausted, precluded the possibility of anyone in^this district availing themselves of this loan although the municipali- ties of Buckitigham and Aylmer complied with what was requisite, but on ap- grant, it might be preferable to lay aside the amount to which each district is en- titled, until it has sufficient time to comply with departmental regulations. the gt^ZfZ^etlLtxt^^^^^^ ^\™»«h required in Aylmer for lies who constitute two thirds nrtlZZi ^P'^^J^^^^ academy here. The calho- that of this yniageXoUnlttZf^l^^^^^^^^ tarian Institution. " '"^"^seives of an Education in such a sec- be pr£^iTol^!^::^i^^ l^ie^uar ^'^ ^f^- «>--' ^^ would a sum of money equivalent lo.h^nnr^Kr"'^'"''.'"'' ^"^ « months of the year school Inspector'an^Cotn s ioners keTpt^^^^^ '" ^f "«' at.endancef X Many of the best friends of EduoSiorScfve nf fl^'^'j"^'?"" """'' '^^ ««h«oJs. '^'^'t il^ K^^eif !ur •''«''- -oft -S^^^^^ °' ''-' ' ''- of such a nature .it'wel^uIuLVpTri^^Vcl^T^"^ t^'' °"* ''° '-'^''"^ ^re hoped however that the increased eran win T T^^ ^^ procured, it is to be I. will be my duty ,o repoTt iSdiate v in fr*"^* 1'"""^^ '^''' S^'^^'^ce. ties and to request thai they feceiv^TeStU .^T' ""^ T' P"°' '"""iclpali- the 5th sect of the Act U Vict., chap 60 ' "P°" ^^^" compliance with gjap p;:L?^rS'!Sir?i^'S^,i: tS^^^^^^^ -^ ^" ^o"^ 'an- public welfare generally, and wou'-^ dZlZT "' ?^"^ation, as well as to the MunicipalUy of Aylmer. Aca^^Vr^f th\^'5lrmrst^^^^^ ^^'-•-' -d Mathematical . the Commissioners, and one under the d?ifentren.s"t'i?''.r"'T''- "'" = «"« ""^^^ dent female schools. I reeret th^tTL ^- .^ ' * . °^'^^''» ^^ing free Indepen- for the guidance of the parties iiterested, tU-» rr- n n \ A "■•"■"■j""> '"' "'^ f^uiuaiitc m uie parties vn that His Excellency the Governor General has been pleased, in virtue of -Clause oi tne Act ii Vict., chap. oO, to erect the new Township of Low, v.o i uv ot Ottawa, into a separate scholastical municipality, whose limits will be the saine which are already assigned to the said Township. the 1st Co mtv I hoi ing cai tiei th{ me 31 His Excellency was also pleased to appoint Reverend T. O'Boyle Mathew Brennon, Joseph Daly, Andrew McDonnel and Caleb Brooks, School CommissionPM for said Municipality. "uc« I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. Roncy, ilsquire, Aylmer, County of Ottawa. MEILLEUR, S. E. C. E. Education Oefice, East, Montreal, llth February, 1853. Sir,— I think it to be my duty to send you the enclosed copy of a letter whirli I have received on the subject of School Affairs, in your jurisdiction because k deserves your immediate and particular altentiorr, as School Inspector Please to endeavour to cause every subject, even any pretence of "complaint to disappear entirely. Your last communication was duly received. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. RONET, Esq., School Inspector, Aylmer, County of Ottawa. MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. Education Office, East, Montreal, 2nd April, 1858. Sir, — Please to transmit your report as soon as possible. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, T T n r- ^ MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. J. J. RoNEY, Esq., ' Aylmer, County of Ottawa. .1 , Education Officb, East, Montreal, lith April, 1853. Sir,— In answer to your letter of the 9ih instant, received this day, I have the honor to say that the recent Act, appropriating a certain sum to assist in the build- ing of School Houses, being wholly at the disposal of th. Governor in Council, I can but recommend to His Excellency, to come in aid to the Scholastic Munipali- ties, mentioned in vour letter, to thf* pi'' "f nrantimr tUom « .a «<* .„:-i i r-_ that object. I will not fail to do it. With regard to a grant asked in favor of the New Scholastical Municipalities, mentioned in your letter, it can be made only after a new division of the General 32 Treasurer of that Municipality, on the 7.h of March iK ' '^' ^'"''''^ I hope you will renew your efforts to set the School Act to work in an offoc tual manner, throuzhout vour iiirUrllpflnr. o.wi »u. -. t "" cttec- ^ I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. RONET, Esquire, MEILLEUR, S. E,, C. E. School Inspector, Aylmer, County of Ottawa. Education Office, East, Monfreal, Slst October, \853. SlR.-The School Commissioners of Bristol, have transmitted to this Office a docutnent m support of ihe.r demand of an aid for the buildi,,^ ofa Lho ,1 iw Bu the amount to be granted for that object, in th6 District ofVuawt ^^10^ S ded .n the n.anner communicated to you, since several months, and the remainder of the suni uppropr.uted to assist in building being wholly placed etewhere I "ave nothmg le't .t my disposal to come in aid to B,-ist"ol, except we can take from some ::Jif !n:'pt;^^;nxnittr "^^^-^^ '- '^-- ^ •- i- ;-« hous:^^::;! i:rili^ '^ '-' '-''"' ^""^^' ^"- '> - ^--'. -^ the vame of .id I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. Education Office, East. Montreal, 10th December, 1853. SiH,--According "to your demand, accompanying your report of the Ist instant, I have the honor to traramit to you herewith thf list of varTous shares in «"""^l^g'«l«t've grant o the Municipalities under your inspectL will bP roniSS' ^^""'^'P^l>ties to which you refer, in same document, they o7lL'yhTltfo?'thl"f.;f'^^^^^^ ''^--'^- .otheenac'men^ I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, t t t>^ « » . MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. J. J. Roney, Esquird, ' > « *-. School Inspector, Aylmer. 33 Education Office, East, Montreal, btk January, 1854. Sir, — I think it to be my duty to refer you the enclosed letters, so as to induce yen to loose no time in assisting to set the parties interested into the right path. The School Commissioners of Mansfield cannot legally rlaim an} share of the Government grant lor the last six months of 18o2, because their scholastical Municipality was not included in the division of said grant then in force after the general census of 1844. They can claim their share of said grant only since and for the year 1852, as being included in the new division of said grant, aficT the last general c 'nsus. Please to make them understand that, and convince them that I have no legal power to do otherwise, for I am bound to divide the said grant between all the Municipalities in proportion to their respective population, after the last census, according to the 35th clause of the Act 9, Vic, cap. 27. Willi regard to the difficulty in Allumetles, on account of the manner in which the School Commissioners have divided the School grant, it is evident they have acted contrary to the 14th clause of Act 12 Vic, cap. 50, and that 1 had no power of redress, especially because when I was informed of their manner of acting, it was too late to interfere. I was informed of it on the 10th October last, by a letter from Mr. McGillis, dated 26th September. However, I think the School Commissioners can be made liable to an ac- count, for they have no right to pay a single penny to teachers of independent schools. I hope you will endeavor soon to repair to the place and advise with the parties concerned, and let me know the result of your visit to both places, at your earliest convenience. There is no time to be lost. 1 have the honor to be, Sir Your obedient servant, J. J* Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. Chichester, January, 1854. Sir, — The School Commissioners of Chichester an 1 Sheen, beg leave to re- present : That on the 16th May last, the day of the calamitous fire which visited this section of the country, the school house that had been erected by the inhabitants of division No. 2, was totally destroyed, together with stoves and books belonjf. ing to that school. This misfortune is much to be regretted as the school at the time was in full operation and in a very prosperous condition. This deplorable event of course was the means of putting an end to the school which had beea regularly kept and attended for 6 months, up to that period by more than sufficient scholars to entitle them to the Government bounty, as in such cases provided. The Commissioners are of opinion that although the full time was not completed to legally constitute a claim on the Legislative grant for the teachers salary, (which ' is in consequence still unpaid) that the division is justly entitled to its propor- tion, as an equal amount has been raised in the division by voluntary contribu- tions. ' The school house was valued by yourself at £30 currency. Therefore if compensation could be made for it, the inhabitants would feel themselves en- (gfiv,-*igo*f>iw. 84 couraged o rebmld and Mart a new, as without sunh assiMance they are unable to do so he.r own individual losses having left them in destitute circumstances ■Jid unable to do so without this assistance ircumsiances oblige.''""''''^ *"'"*'°° *° *'''' '"''""' ^°^ ^ '^P'y at first convenience will Sir, J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. Your obedient servants, (Signed,) JOHN McDONALD, JAMES McCOAL, THOS. HARRINGTON, AUGUSTIN PERRAULT. t< tc Ottawa, Chichester, 13/// February, 1854. Sib,— The enclosed memorial from the school Commissioners shows that a fine school house was burnt during the dreadful conflagration of last summer and the inhabitants are now so prostrated by that calamity, that they are unable for somctimeyettoerect a suitable building. The building destroyed was in mv opinion worth about £30, it is alleged to have cosrf £39 ; Ind I always found thJ •chool in active operation and conducted by a respectable and worthy teacher Mr. Donaghue The inhabitants have only been able to erect for themselves temporary buildings to save them from the inclemency of the weather, and con- sequently could not be expected to erect another suitable school building Mr. Ponpore, the proprietor of the Chichester mills, besides giving a consid- erable donation to the last building, gave also 1 acre of ground fofthe same Under these circumstances therefore I would most respectfully suggest that If It could by any possibility be done, it would be an act of the greatest public utility, besides of charity, to give the amount accruing to this township for building purposes to enable the inhabitants to erect a new building. Mr. Ponpore has charge of the Government appropriation of last session for the opening out of public roads in the upper section of this county, and conse- quently would in every way be a responsible person ; should you be able there- fore, consistently with public duty to accede to this request, I would most respect- lolty recommend that the amount be transmitted to that gentleman. I must apologize for communicating from every municipality, but I find it necessary to do so as I proceed on my route. In fact, in those remote localities we must endeavour to be as indulgent and liberal as possible, and is consistent with public duty, aim I am gratified to say that there is a growing tendency in these remote parts of the Ottawa in favor of the law. = o j Dr. Meilleur, S. E. &c., Montreal. I have the honor to be, &c., (Signed,) J. J. RONEY, School Inspector* I 1 35 Education Office, bast, Montreal, 1st April 1854. Sib, — I have to request you to be pleased to send me with the least possible delay yOur statistical tables, fur I need them immediately to complete my report on education for the Oovemment. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, J. «T. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, S> E< C> £i Educatiou Office, East, MoNXEEAL, 3rd April, 1864. Sir, — ^I am sorry to be obliged to trouble you again about existing difficulty in Allumettes, and I may add that I am sorry to be troubled again myself about it. It should have been settled before this time, and you will remember that I have referred to you to that effect all the documents ( received in this office on the subject. I refer to you again the letter enclosed, and I beg yon would be pleased to endeavour to settle amicably the said difficulty, at your earliest convenience. I now write to Mr. P. Phelan that I have referred' to you his letter. I have the honor to be, sir. Your obedient servant, J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, 8. E. C. E. Education Office, East, Montreal, 12th May, 1854. Sir, — I most sincerely regret not to have received as yet, your report now due for some time, together with your Scholastical tables. I cannot complete my report for parliament, for want of said documents, and a member of the executive was here to day, requesting for all the necessary infer- mation on the subject ot public instjruction. I have the honor to request again, therefore, to send me for: with, your re- port and scholastical tables. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. Boney, Esquire, Ayliucf. MEILLEUR, S. E. 0. B. ZemSS-jseiZUi^i^ 36 Education Office, East, Montreal, 15th July, 1854. SiH,— Some typographical errors having taken place in mv oim^u, xr « I send you another copy of it corrected. ^ ^ circular, No. 9, „_ '^^'^ newspaper you have handed to me, the other dav ia a nr^f f .u apropos oi the said circular, and that we should do everything in luJ^i ""^ ^^^ silence the opponents, by setting the school Act to work ^CylhL eZtuaUy I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant. J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLIEUR, S. E. C. E. Education Office, East, Montreal, \m September, 1854 I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant. J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, S. E. C. E. ' I V Education Office, East, Montreal, I6th October, 1854 is-"-----— ^^^^^^ I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, '^* MEILLEUR, S. E., C. E. JjtJ* Boney, Esquii^, School Inspector, Aylmer. af ^0.9, )f the er to ally. ppa- ' i V L 3.1 ;on- ya BoOCAVIOIt 0t9ICfi, £ast, Mqnfreal^ I9th Jantutry^ ISh^. Sib, — ^I am still waiting for your report and statistical tables for 1854^ and have to request you therefore, to send them to me, at least the said table without delay, otherwise I shall h^ye to report you . the Government. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant. MEILLEUR, a K., C; E. J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. Education Opficb, East, ' Montreal, I3th February, 1855. Sm^ I have to request you again to transmit me the statistical tables which you owe me for 1854. You easily understand that I cannot report to the Legislature without com- plete documents, and that, if M. M. the School Inspectors neglect to send me, in time, those which they are held to transmit to this Office. I will be in the im- possibility of fulfilling my duty. I hope you will be pleased to send me without delay the statistical tables you owe me ; I need them immediately, and my labor is suspended for want of them. , , ,. I know that, in transmitting your last report, you wrote me that you would send me your statistics the next day, but I never received them. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, MEILLEUR, S. E., C. £. J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. Education Officb, East, Montreal, 11 th March, 1856. SiB,— In answer to your letter of the li;th instant, received yesterday, I have the honor to say that I have not, as yet, received your statistical tables, nay not even one since you have been in office , which puts me to a great inconvenience. ^ In the mean time, I regret having to say that the inhabitants of several muni- cipalities of your jurisdiction complain of your insufficient administration. I avail myself of this opporlunitjr to draw your attention upon the inclosed complaint against the School Commissioners of Calumet, and to request you to be pleased to endeavor to redress the grievance complained of, at your earliest con- vom Anno ani\ malrn mft rptmrt.. -~r-- Some inhabitants of Clarendon, praying for an aid for a school house, and complaining of tiie inefficiency of voluntary oontributions for the support of ele- mentary schools in that Municipality, I consider it to be my duty tu refer their 38 w ?'*'"* J°^°"' '•?, ^?Pe that you will be pleased to endeavor to set the school law to work effectually in that Municipality. ' m. I?^ ^u "^^ '^''^3''^ * "''*="'*'■ °'^'^^'^«'l ^y the government, which I recom- mend thus by anUcipation, to your most earnest attention. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. Roney, Esquire, School Inspector, Aylmer. MEILLEUR, S. E. C. E.