BOROUGH SCHOOL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 124, 7 March 1935, Page 3

BOROUGH SCHOOL

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE.

BAD DRAINAGE OF ASPHALT.

Tlio Ashburton Borough School Committee met last evening, when there were present—Dr. J. Connor (chairman), Alessrs W. C. J. Osman, W. G. Welsh, AV. K. Waters, L. W. Christmas, N. L. F. Wood, N. Alilner, and W. H. Sarney. In reply to the committee’s protest against the closing of schools ill the afternoons last month, the Canterbury Education Board advised that it had been informed by the senior inspector that pupils would not suffer and if committees and head teachers had been given discretionary,powers it was more than likely that the result would have been chaotic, with some deciding to close and others remaining open. Members felt that they had acted in the best interests of all concerned, particularly of the children, in following the lead gi.ven by the Alinister (the Hon. IS. G. Smith).

The headmaster (Mr H. Colq.uhoun) reported that the roll number was 410, while the average attendances for the four weeks ending March 1, were 380, 379, 383, and 373. There were 57 admissions during the month. There had been numerous alterations in the staff, All* Sprosen relieving at the school for only 10 days. Messrs S. W. Gower and B. L. B. Pemberton had joined the staff. The school and , County schools’ swimming sports had been held, and when the school was closed in the afternoons swimming was organised, and the children were profitably engaged. Alias Clark had 40 new pupils in Primer 1., and required some handwork material.

Air Alilner submitted a brief report for the visiting committee, and Dr. Connor and All* Osman were appointed a committee for the eifsuing month. Air Waters stated that the drainage off the new area of asphalt was not very satisfactory. The slope should have been made to one end only, and not to both. It was decided to construct a sump at each end of the pavement to carry the storm-water away, and the chairman and Alessrs Waters and Welsh were appointed a sub-committee to make arrangements.

It was agreed to ask the Education Board to attend to the reconstruction of the heating system, as the winter was approaching. All* Osman reported for the Ashburton West Dental Clinic, and stressed the difficulties without a nurse in attendance. Dental Cl/nic Committee. Prior to the school committee meeting, a meeting of the Ashburton West Dental Clinic Committee, was held, Air W. O. J. Osman presiding. Advice was received from the District Dental Superintendent (Air A. D. Brice) that Nurse F. A. AlcCrostie had tended her resignation. It was reported by the secretary (Air C. H. F. Alaynard) that a successor to Nurse AlcCrostie would probably be appointed at the end of the month. Figures for February were: —Operations 190, attendances 100, patients re-examined 33, new patients nil. It was stated that 118 more children should have received treatment before the end of February, and the position was most unsatisfactory? The resignation of the nurse further accentuated ,tlie trouble.