TIMABU SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2571, 7 December 1897, Page 3

TIMABU SCHOOL COMMITTEE

An ordinary meeting of the Timaru School Committee was held last evening. Present— Mr J. S. Keith (chairman), Messrs Mills, Montgomery, McNab, Harris, Lane, Vogeler, the Rev. W. Gillies, and Ooe(hon. secretary). The chairman shortly reported on what had occurred during the month. A letter was read from the Education Office, asking for one or two rooms m the Main School for the purpose ol holding the scholarship examination m on the 22nd inst. — On the motion of Messrs Gillies and Lane the Committee unanimously granted permission. From the Board of Education enclosing a cheque for £22 18s 3d for incidentals for current quarter. A letter was received from Messrs Hutton and Co. re their selection of books, etc., suitable for prizes, and a catalogue was also forwarded. A letter was read from Mrs E. Jones m reference to the attendance at.the school of one of her sons, and a memorandum from the headmaster m respwct thereto. It was shown that the boy had (through illness) missed half a day, and was thus entitled to a second-class certificate. tSome discussion took place on the matter, it being eventually left to the chairman and headmaster to deal with. A letter was read irom Mrs M. G. Grahame respectfully asking the commitee to grant her a testimonial.— lt was unanimously resolved that the chairman, Messrs Mills and Keith draw up the testimonial. The headmaster's report showed that the average attendance had been 317.3 boys and 291.1 jjirls. Sickness was again interfering much with- the attendance. Some pupils lost their chance of a firstclass attendance certificate during the last month. During the month 50 well bound volumes had been added to the library. The books had cost more than the. amount (£5) donated by the committee, but if the management was left m his hands he saw his way to add an equal number of books every year without asking for any grant. The teachers were making an effort to beautify the school walls, Miss Avison having made a good commencement m the infant room. The Rev. W. Gillies had presented two engravings and he (the master) thought that they ought to be framed before they were put up. Three pupil . teachers, Misses Grandi, Cuilmann, and Montgomery leave at the end of the year. They had done good and faithful service, and he regretted much that the school was losing them. It would be necessary to nominate three for appointment to take their places when the school re assembles. It was unanimously resolved that the headmaster be thankei for the interest he has taken m the school library and that the future management be m his hands. On the motion of Messrs Lane and Coc a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Gillies for his present, and the committee commended his example to all friends of the school. The question relating to pupil teachers was carefully considered, and it was resolved that Misses Alice Campbell, Mary Byers and Sarah Findlay be recommended to the Board of Education for appointment, It was resolved that the school break up on the 17th December and resume work on February Ist ; that Mis Keith be asked to present the prizes, and that there be no speeches on breaking-up day. The judges for writing, drawing, mapping, and sewing were selected, and Messrs G. Pearson, Huttonand Co., and the Rev W. Gillies were heartily thanked for handsome special prizes, and the donor of £1 towards the dux medal was also thanked. MrMcNub reported on behalf of the visitors on school matters and others requiring attention during the holidays, and Messrs Mills and Vogeler were appointed visitors for the month. The chairman reported on the school bank— Deposits £10 8s Id, withdrawals .£9 14s 4<i ; total to credit £150 4s sd. Accounts amounting to £8 17s 6d were passed for payment. Several matters relating to prizps, etc., were discussed with the headmaster. The meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.