PARNELL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 95, 23 April 1901, Page 3

PARNELL.

Householders of Parnell met last night in the Oddfellows' Hall for the purpose of electing a school committee. Dr. Laishley presided. The annual report stated that the average roll for tlie year had been 665, an: increase of five, with an average attendance of 567.7, an increase on the preceding- year of 24. Two candidates had been presented from the school for scholarships, Uriah Forgie and .Nelson Mitohei, ami though neither succeeded in gaining scholarships, they occupied good positions on the list, and were entitled to certificates of proficiency. Uriah Forgie shortly afterwards gained one of the Victoria scholarships offered by Mr Giles, of Giles' College. At the annual school examinations in July -125 children, of a roll number of 144 in standards I. to VI., had presented themselves, of which number 353 passed and 72 failed. There were six in standard VII. and 24-1 on the roll in the priroer classes presented, making a total of 694. The management of the school had been favourably reported upon by the inspector, and it was stated that good methods were practised and well applied and impressed. During the year Harry Powell, Seymour Robinson. William Armitage and George Powell received first-class certificates for good attendance. The kindergarten work had been carried on in the form of basket work and plaiting under the direction of Miss Astley and the pupil teachers- The committee strongly urged parents and well-wishers of the school to contribute volumes to the extension of the library, and suitable articles, instructive or historical, to the school museum. A matter under consideration was that as to 1 he ways and means of establishing carpentery classes in connection with technical education of the scholars, and a rceommendation was made to the incoming committee to deal with the matter. The statement of accounts showed receipts.£l23 2/5, and expenditure £120 17/4, leaving a credit balance of £2 5/1. The report and accounts were adopted as read. There were eleven candidates for nine vacancies on the committee, the ballot resulting as follows:—Rev. Hugh Kelly, 45: Messrs I. Hill, 44; J. Gilmour, 41; J. Tighe, 35; F. Knight, 34; J. Petford, 32: W. S. Collins, 31; J. Earle, 31; W. Johnston, 29; J, Mills, 28; J. Jickell, 22. The nine candidates standing lirst on the list were declared duly elected.

The Chairman referred to the change in the system of electing members of the Board of Education. He considered it cumbrous and expensive. After some discussion a motion that the new system of election was undesirable was negatived.

Rev. Hugh Kelly moved that the Government' be. urged fo take a referendum on the subject of Bible reading in schools.

Mr Jickell seconded the motion, which was carried almost unanimous-

Mr I. Hill moved, "That this meeting strongly protests against the amount of home lessons given to the children attending the public schools, and urges that it be reduced to reading and memory work." After discussion the motion was put to the meeting and unanimously adopted.

Votes of' thanks to the outgoing pnivmHtee. the head master (Mr Sco+l) and the staff of the school for the manner in which the school work had been carried out during the past year, and to the chairman, were unanimously adopted. The Rev. Hugh Kelly drew attention to the many years' services of the retiring chairman (Mr W. Thomas), and on his motion a special vote of thanks was accorded that gentleman for his valuable services in the interests of education in the Parnell district. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings. At a meeting of the committee, held subsequently. Rev. Hugh Kelly was appointed chairman. Mr T. W. Killip srrrctnrv, and Mr J. Petford treasurer.