GRAFTON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 96, 25 April 1893, Page 2

GRAFTON.

The annual meeting of tho householders in the Grafton districb, held lasb evening in the school building, was fairly well attended, although very littlo interest was exhibited in the proceedings. Mr b. Keid presided, and tho reporb of the Committee Was firsb dealt with. In it they had much pleasure ir. stating that the general work ol the school had been of a very satisfactory character. Tho school had obtained a higher percentage of passes ab tho annual examination than any other city or suburban school. This reflected the greatest credit on bho head teacher and Ins assistants. Tho presenb number of children on fcho roll was 576-306 boys and 270 girls. The highest weekly average attendance last quarter was 496*8, and the lowest weekly avcraeo 375*8. The Committeo drew abtenion "to the fact that one-fifth of tho number of .hildren on tho roll were con-tint-idly absent. Thin was a -j/aous drawback to th* progress of bhe school work, and fehav roanecttuliy urged tho parents to send

their children to school whenever home circumstances rendered it possible. During bho pasb year the Committee had carried out several improvements which were much required for the comfort and well-being of the childiV.. The lower playground was in a very unsatisfactory condition, bub tho Committee had reason to hope that tho Board of Education would take tho matter in hand very shortly. During the early part of tho year seme correspondence arose in consequence oi a proposal to build a school ab Eden Terrace, on a site within about 700 yards from their school. The Committee had folt it their duty to oppose the proposal, on the ground that ib would injuriously affect the attendance ab bhe Grafton School. They were also of opinion thab it would not fulfil the object for which ib was mooted, viz., to relieve the overcrowded state of the infant department at Newton East. The receipts for the year had been £163 Is lOd, including a balance from lasb year of £55 3s. The expenditure had been £118 19s 2d, leaving a credit balance of £44 3s Bd. Some discussion ensued on the report. Mr Neild took exception to the fact that none of the children had been prepared or gone up for the scholarships. He censuied bhe headmaster for his acbion, and bhoughbbhab bhey should impress upon bim the necessity and importance of giving children facilities for passing in the scholarships. Mr Boone and Mr Clarke objected to Air Neild's reflections on bhe headmaster, and considered that the latter had done his duty. The latter speaker drew attention to the fact that several children were now in course of preparation for the scholarships. Mr Neild replied thab the matter had not been reported to the Committee officially, and he reiterated thab in bhab omission bhe schoolmaster had grossly insulted them. Mr Neild was informed that the mabter had been menbioned, although casually, and in his hearing boo, and bhe discussion was then droppod. The election of a new Commibtee (11 were nominabed, 9 only were required) for the incoming year resulted as follows :—; Messrs J. Young, C. Layer, S. Clark, J. W. Boone, Hewson, Gideon, Hedger, McGregor, Hume. Aba subsequenb meoting of the new Committee Mr Clarke was reelected chairman.