SCHOOL ELECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 88, 14 April 1927, Page 16

SCHOOL ELECTIONS.

MEETINGS OF HOUSEHOLDERS LACK FIRE OF FORMER YEARS. >;llds of district discussed. The fact that the administration of the numerous schools in the Auckland province is proceeding smoothly was demonstrated last evening when the annual meetings of householders lacked a good deal of their usual fire, and the attendances in the majority of cases were below par. The City Schools Committee, which guides the destinies of three institutions, attracted the meagre attendance of twenty-one persons, while at Ponsonby, where residents were once up-in-arms, only two people were present in addition to the committee. In other instances the meetings went by default. Belmont, which is faced with the matter of transport, produced some lively discussions at a meeting which attracted about eightj householders, while Eclendale drew upwards of sixty interested suburbanites. Amongst the various subjects discussed was the matter of school stationery, accommodation and playing areas and school baths, but resolutions of a pointed nature were few and far between. Results of the elections follow. AUCKLAND CITY. The Auckland City meeting at the Nelson Street school was attended by about 20 householders, Mr. T. Sparkes presiding. The report, stating that the year's school work had been satisfactory, but that the committee s finance was unsatisfactory, owing to dwindling school attendances, \y-as .received. Remark was made on the unsuitable nature of the Napier Street playground, and it was decided to again press the matter on the attention of the Education Board. A resolution was also passed requesting the Education Department to close one of the three schools and distribute the pupils at the other two in order to keep up the teaching standard.

, The following committee was elected:— Messrs. W. Millar (chairman). G. Tvlcoat (treasurer), R. Appleton, A. Mathews, It. McGregor, A. E. Hall, C. M. Holmes. W. Holmes. A. J. Strntford and O. Mcßriuc tsecretary ). . I NEWTON. Excellent results were obtained in each of the three schools, and the committee has sent congratulatory letters to the headmaster of each institution, states the annual report of the Newton Committee. Additional seating accommodation has been proTided in the playgrounds, and these facilities would be extended as soon as possible. The new building at Newton Central, which was now completed, was a fine structure of five classrooms and offices, and it would be opened on April 22. This building had taken a good deal of the plaving ground levelled the previous year, but the position would be relieved by the laying of a culvert through the grounds. With £500 from the Department available enough level space should be provided for all forms of athletics. A full meeting of householders and parents of the Newton district was presided over at St. Peters Church by the veteran chairman, Mr. J. .Tenkin. who has been associated with the Newton schools from within a year or two of the erection of the Newton East school, which was closed yesterday after doing service since 'the seventies.

Mr. Murdoch jnoved that the Education Board should be urged to use the monevs! accruing from the sale of the Newton East school property for obtaining space and improving the playing areas of the Auckland schools, particularly the city schools. Mr. Brinsden explained that plans had been prepared, and in about three weeks the work would be started on Improving the playground of the Central school down the gully, for levelling and improving which the City Council, Drainage Board, and Education Department were each contributing £800. This announcement was greeted with applause, and the motion was carried. The meeting also carried a motion urging the Government to do everything possible for the encouragement of the teaching of swimming to primary school children. Mr. C. S. Morris pointing out that in the past ten years 500 young lives had been lost in New Zealand through drowning, and that many of them would have been saved had they been able to swim.

The following committee wa's elected:— The Rev. T. Halliday (107 votes). Messrs. F. W- H. Brinsden (107), W. MUls (100). H. P. Carlsen (102), J. Baird (101). G. K*rr (!>5), W. E. Mincham (95), A. Davie (87), T. J. E. Bowles (81).

PONSONBY. Tn the absence of any controversial question, either religious or sectarian, the Ponsonby meeting was one of the quietest ever known. Only two householders, except the members of the committee, attended and the proceedings were brief. Mr. R. A. Row presided, and the retiring committee was re-elected. It consists of Messrs. R. A. Rew (chairman), T. Aitken, W. T. Brown, S. 11. Leyland. R. C. Renner. W. J. Searle, S. Takle, A. E. Wetherill, Captain 11. H. Sergeant, and IS. A. Cleal (secretary). Special reference was made in the report to the establishment last year of a dental clinic, which, it was stated, was proving of great value. Reports for the four schools controlled by the committee may be summarised as follows:— Pousouby.—Roll total 568, attendance 520. A splendid scholastic record, four junior national scholarships having been gained. Also won Moore Hockey Cup and Blakey Swimming Trophy. Richmond Road.—Roll 674, attendance CI 2. Seventy-eight proficiency certificates, including whole of sixth standard, and hockey shield won and a tie made with Beresford Street school for first place in Rugby. Bayfield.—Roll 574, attendance 516. Maximum result obtained in proficiency exam., not one failure being recorded. Won Clark Memorial Cup for all-round sport, girls' basketball shield, Walrond swimming cup, Hedlund cup. and Long shield. Curran Street.—Roll 527, attend»nce 496. Excellent record for a newly-estab-lished school. One scholarship and 53 proficiency certificates. B grade Rugby football banner won, and school in possession of Nicholson shield. Stetvenson shield, K.P. trophy, and Leys Memorial Cup for swimming. GR&tf-LYNN. Nearly 200 householders wrere present at the Grey Lynn district schools' committee meeting, held in Richmond Baptist Church. The report stated that the year had been one of progress, and that the work had been satisfactorily carried out. Under the exchange of teachers" scheme, the services of Miss Allen, of Winnipeg, had been secured. An attempt had been made to lighten the burden on the parents by providing pads and exercise books at cost price. llic finances were in a satisfactory position. all the money at the committee's disposal not having been spent. The latter fact was due largely to voluntarv work According to the inspectors report *h" order, discipline, and tone of the Richmond West school were good, the school bein" satisfactorily organised and well managed' The attendance was regular, but punctuality was lacking. A* the Grey Lynn school the standard was distinctly good, the tone and order being highly satisfactory.

At Richmond West the roll had totalt-l 523 at the beginning of the vear and 5-r. at the end, an average of 486. Of the 41 pupils presented for the proficiency examination 35 had secured certificate l ! In addition four had secured competency certificates, while two had gained certificates in outside examinations. A feature of the year was the establishment of the nucleus of an infant school. Deposits in the savings bank totalled £119. At Grey Lynn the attendance had averaged 625. At the Standard VI. examinations in December 52 pupils had been presented, 46 of whom had gained proficiency and five competency certificates. Four pupils had qualified for junior free places. A school savings bank had been established with 200 depositors, and the amount now in the bank was £180. Tributes were paid to the services of the secretary (Mrs. A. Warnock), who was retiring after four years, and the treasurer' (Mr. Scott). Discussion took place concerning the charging of 6d per unit for electrie light and power, the price being considered excessive. The matter, was referred to the incoming committee, with instructions to confer with other school committees with the idea of obtaining a redaction. It was also decided to recommend the new commute to consider the question of drainage from the dental clinic. 'The new members were elected as follow: Metsdames E. Henderson, F. Swan and A. Vanghan, and Messrs. H. P. Haines, G. H. SSS? 4 ?^ l^^ Martin ' w « H. Newton, A. Poott and W. a. Shearer.

MOUNT EDEN. KOWHAI HIGH SCHOOL CRITICISED. Remarking upon the small attendance (there were only 18 present), the chairman of the Mount Eden School Committee, Mr. S. E. Chappell, said he did not know whether to take it as a sign of confidence in the committee or that the householders were apathetic. He had much pleasure in presenting the report and balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £36 7/1 of assets over liabilities. This, because of the dividing up of the district, referred only to the Valley Road School. Good progress characterised the work of the school, and an extract from the inspector's report placed on record appreciation of the work of the late headmaster. Mr. Brown, who always had the confidence of the inspectors. In school sports the cricket team, with only one match to play, was undefeated, and swimming had proved very popular, so much so that during the eight weeks of the season some of the scholars had reached championship form. The girls had found basket ball popular, and the savings bank scheme introduced to encourage thrift showed that there were 135 contributors in the school, with an aggregate credit of £136. This was due largely to the encouragement given the scholars by their teachers. The retirement of the headmaster. Mr. Brown, was a distinct loss to the school, but in liis successor, Mr. Douglas, the committee had every confidence that the good results and reputation the Mount Eden School had held iu the past would continue. The committee had approached the Education Board touching the erection of a new school In place of the present old one, but though Mount Eden figured third on the list of schools to be replaced with a new building, no grant had yet been made.

The committee had expended £08 C/ 8 upon improvements to the grounds, but there was still work to do, and a portion of the eastern wall required attention. The year had been quiet and one of harmony.

Mr. R. H. Potter, in congratulating"me committee upon the report, referred to the Kowhai Junior High School. He thought that the committee should get a report dealing with the education given at that school to scholars sent from Mount Eden. When the Kowhai School had been introduced it was promised that the scholars who were drafted from other schools would receive a better education, and he thought the committee should get reports dealing with the individual scholars sent from Mount Eden. They would then know if the special education they received was better than they would have received had the higher standards continued at Mount Eden.

Mr. Chappell said he thought there was room for improvement in the system of teaching in those schools to which- tne scholars from primary schools graduated. He mentioned that there were four grammar schools in Auckland, and they had three different systems of teaching Latin. He thought there was room for improvement. and was of the opinion the junior high school scheme would not spread, but at tne same time he felt that if parents would visit the Kowhai School and see some of the work done by scholars they would conclude the children were not losing anvthing.

Mr. Potter: The scheme of establishing junior high schools was only an experiment, anil I maintain equally as good results would have been obtained if the Education Board had added another room to Mount Eden and established a Standard VII. 1 have heard reports detrimental to Kowhai School, and I think every parent is entitled to know whether a child is getting the promised better education.

On the motion of Mr. Potter, it was decided to ask the Education Board to furnish a report as to the special education scholars from Mount Eden are receiving at Kowhai Junior High School, and whether the promise held out that children would receive better education than if left at the primary schools is being borne out by the results. There being only nine candidates nominated, all members of the outgoing committee, they were declared re-elected. Mr. Chappell was re-elected chairman. MAUNGAWHAU. About 20 parents met at Maungawhau school last night, Mr. James Mars taking the chair. The outgoing committee's report showed that good progress had been made in all directions an<l their funds showed a credit of £29 5/11. The inspectors' report for the year said : "This is an excellent school." Votes of thanks to the headmaster and staff and to the ministers who had held Bible classes in the school under the Nelson system were passed. It was decided to approach the Minister of Education to ask him to formulate a scheme whereby school children throughout New Zealand could be supplied by the Government with stationery at cost price. It is improbable that a dental clinic will be installed this year, owing to the high cost and the fact that the Government has not enough nurses to take charge of morel clinics. The following committee was elected unopposed : —A. D. Whitehead, W. G. Lange, G. E. Spooner, R. J. Mills, H. C. Chapman, J. L. Alkman, J. G. Turner, H. C. Mutton (secretary) and James Mars (chairman). Mrs. Mueller, who did not seek re-election, received a hearty vote of thanks for her past good services. EDENDALE. At the meeting of Edeadale householders Mr. T. Carrie presided over a large attendance. The annual report was a record of a successful school year, and mentioned ! that a dental clinic had been established : at the school. The following committee : was elected:—Mr. J. Carrie (chairman), 1 Mesdaines Kussell and Waugh. Messrs J . Biscoe, F. A. May, F. T. Williams, W. R ; Goudie, A. Gear, C. A. Cartright (secre- . tary and treasurer). A resolution was . carried authorising the trustees to direct • £IS4 subscribed for school baths, to the i improvement of the school-ground for plav . purposes "

BRIXTON ROAD. About CO householders attended the fust meeting to elect a school committee. The Uev. A. J. Greenwood presided. The headmaster and staff were thanked for their good work during the year, and the following committee was appointed: Messrs. A. \V. Brockie (chairman), A. G Brebner, S. E. Forbes, C. D. Hartnoll J.' Maskell, A. Paull, H. N. Preston, J. Kussell, and Mrs. O. E. Hunter. MOUNT ALBERT. The householders' meeting at ' Mnuni Albert was well attended, Mr. A. M. Wilson presiding. The new committee, elected unopposed, is: Messrs. B. Brigham (chairman), A. W. Dicks (secretary), E. H. Page (treasurer), J. P. Blair. G. Fillmore, H. F. Garland, T. Ivel, F. J. Mansell, A. Menzies. The annual report states that the attendance has increased from 573 in 1926 to 630 this year. The organisation of the school had been a matter of considerable difficulty, several changes in classes being necessary. In spite of these difficulties, according to the inspectors, the standard of work was quite good. The trouble was lack of accommodation, but the Education Board architect had been instructed to call for tenders for effecting alterations to the school. In the primary division provision was being made for folding doors, while extra seating accommodation was being provided in the grounds. It was thought the time had arrived for the establishment of a dental clinic at Mt. Albert. MOUNT ROSKILL. The report of the committee was read to a small attendance, and it was decided to ask the new committee to take steps to secure a swimming bath for the school. The following committee was elected :— Mrs. Bensell, Messrs. H. S. Anderson. A. S. Bullen, K. I). Kelsey, J. Patterson. W. Stainton. A. Thompson, A. Warren and P. W. Whyte. GRAFTON. There was a fair attendance of householdors. the chairman. Mr. W. J. Edmunds, presiding. The annual report stated that the average attendance had been 521 out of a roll of 566. Complimentary reference was made to the work of the teaching staff under Mr. G. Jones. A good deal of work oj. a permanent nature had been done in improving the school grounds. A growing interest in the school activities on the part or parents was noted, and by their co-opera-tion over £100 had been raised for the scnool funds. To encourase thrift amongst the children the Auckland Savings Bank »l,„' t r s r ted n a s > stem . of banking SO IM7 £ rom 0ct °°er. 1926. to March fiinn in/'± h X amount deposited totalled 144 iJ fii'Jl he .. nnm ber of depositors being t t\ } i pOTt tne school had acain out ud shfwed fS „T he sM account The fnlin^* 1 * ba *» n <* of £12 6/2.

MEADOWBANK. presiding. ' *J- B - Paterson

REMUERA. Upwards of 20 householders attended the meeting at the Remuera School. The chairman, Mr. B. L. Bagnall, congratulated the staff on the excellent results on the scholastic, side or the school's activities. A tribute was paid to the work of Mr. \V. J. Parker, who had retired from the committee "after a membership of 33 years. Agitation was still being made for a new school near the foot of Victoria Avenue, said Mr. G. Brownlee, but the Department did not appear to have the necessary money to build. There was not much chance of tbo project materialising during the coming year. Reference is made to the scholastic and athletic attainments of the children in the annual report of the Kemuera School Commitiee. It Is also stated that during the year a considerable amount of work had been done on the school grounds, a contract involving the expenditure of £011 having been completed. Extra work was required, however, and successful working bees hud been organised to put the grounds in satisfactory order. During the Christmas vacation £3!) had been spent on retarring and sanding the greater portion of the asphalt playground. The grounds were now in flrstclass order, and compared favourably with any in Auckland. In conclusion it is mentioned that Mr. W. J. I'arker, who had been a member of the commit tec for 33 years, was not seeklug re-election. Mr. Parker's record of long and valuable service was unique and much appreciated. 1 The committee elected was :—Messrs. G. Brownlee (chairman), \Y. E. M. Huy (deputy-chairman), B. L. Bagnall. A, \ Burcher, VV. J. Culpan, E. W. lnder, \\". \V. Murray, A. M. Patersou, and N. 1". Wyatt. Mr. A. E. 11. Uarrison was re-elected secretary and treasurer. PARNELL. In spite of the unsuitability of the present site and building, good work was done at Parnell during the year, and the headmaster (Mr. F. Murphy) was congratulated on the result. The pupils were very successful in the examinations, 44 gaining proficiency certificates. The election for committee resulted :—Mescratnes U. A. Blood worth (secretary), A. Cross, C. M. Neal, E. M. Watkin, and Messrs. G. Cameron, E. Collins. C-. Pocock, C. Nadin and J. \V. Mitchell (chairman). NEWMARKET. There were 545 names on the Newmarket roll during the year, the average attendance being 471*. The year was a successful one. both from a scholastic point of view and on the sports side. No election was necessary, the old committee being re-elected with the exceptions that Mrs. M. M. Drcaver replaces Mr. E. Williams. Mr. T. J. Watts was again chosen as chairman. EPSOM. More interest was taken in the Epsom meeting than in many of the other districts. Mr. K. G. Clark presiding over a fair attendance. The school had a remarkably successful year. The number en the roll was 663, the average attendance being 041. The meeting decided to set up a committee to further improve the grounds and | rovidc a swimming bath. Excellent work in laying out the ground was done by M. 11. Hull, au ex-committeeman, and keen appreciation was expressed jof his work. The old committee was returned unopposed.

ROYAL OAK. The Roval Oak election resulted as under : Messrs. A. J. Pople, K. H. Insull. S. Velio. T. S. Lamont, F. P. Hewitt. B. C. Blakvy. V. C. G. Potter (old members), \V. G. Mulholland and S. L. Barry. ELLERSLIE. At Ellerslie the following resolution was adopted :—-"That the Auckland Education Board be asked to expedite the erection of a permanent classroom for 'he infant department, in view of the approaching winter." The committee elected was : Messrs. W. G. Bartlett, J. Clarke, J. M. Crosher, E. G. Eckett, A. Ferguson, K. D. Gay, A. Hcwson, H. J. Higham, and A. E. Thomson. POINT CHEVALIER. The attendance at the Point Chevalier meeting totalled well over 200. Mr. M. J. Coyle presided. The following committee was elected : — Messrs. F. G. Rose (chairman), S. G. Croo 1 .;- bain, M. P. Hooper, P. D. Leah, H. Mattson, W. J. Molloy, T. Courtenay, H. E. Buckley and F. Dyson. The committee's report, details of which have already been published, and aUo the report of the headmaster, were adopted. Complimentary references were made concerning the work of the committee and the headmaster and his staff. Following the adoption of the report, a helpful discussion on school matters took place. During the year the sum of £208 was spent on school improvements, and some of the work is still in hand. Despite this heavy expenditure the sum of £35 remains, and will be available for the new year. AVONDALE. Mr. J. B. Clark presided over an enthusiastic attendance of 160 householders, when the following committee was re-elected:— Messrs. H. A. V. Bollard (chairman), J. B. Clark, H. Harrison (secretary and treasurer), J. M. Somervell, T. J. Brown, A. Priugle, J. R. Johnston, W. A. Selton and G. R. Desmond. A resolution was passed congratulating the staff on the success of pupils In the recent scholarship examinations. The necessity for a swimming bath la tiw district was urged by several speakers. An inquiry, it was stated, revealed that only 20 per cent of the 700 children u the roU could swim. It was decided to recommead to the incomiug borough council that facilities for swimming be provided in the district, while a further resolutiou recommended to the committee to consider the provision of a shallow bath in the school grounds for the benefit of infants. NEW LYNN. The New Lynn report points out that the average attendance at the school is about GOO, and of this number nearly 350 are supplied daily with cocoa as the result of the energy of the committee in having gas installed. Over £80 had been sp-nt during the year on improvements to the school grounds, which were now in a nt state for the winter. During the committee's term it had been instrumental in obtaining a promise from the Education Department to build two additional classrooms, : and when the work is completed It will | greatly assist to relieve overcrowding at ' the school. Fifteen nominations, as follows, have been received for the vacancies on the committee: —Messrs. R. Whittaker, R. Wells, ' J. A. Yearbury, W. Parker, A. T. Reim.in. J. Hurst. A. H. Stainton, A. Brear, W. P Rankin, R. P. Ward, S. Crabb and MesdaMe* ; S. E. Fellding. E. Crabb and M. J. Kiddle

The New Lynn election resulted : Mr? Feilding, and Messrs. R. Whitaker (chair man), K. Wells (treasurer), W. J. Parker G. T. Reiraan, J. Hurst, J. A. Yearbury, A Brear and A. H. Stanton (secretary).

ONEHUNGA. There was only a moderate attendance at the annual meeting of householders held last night in the Orphans' 11a 11. The Mayor (Mr. .1. E. Cowell) presided. The candidate who headed the poll received 35 votes, and the lowest had 18. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. C. E. Goodc. the retiring chairman, for the valuable services he had rendered during his long term of office. The following committee was elected: Mesdaiues Fielding and Pickering. Messrs. J. Ballard, J. Campbell. W. J. Colledge. C. Garnham, W. H. Hay ward, W. Pritehnrd, and 11. K. Strong. Mr. U. R. Strong was appointed chairman, and Mr. YV. H. Hayward deputy-chairman. There were ten candidates for the nine vacancies. TE PAPAPA. Tre first annual report of the Tc Papapa School Committee states that the school roll continued to increase, and a fairly good percentage of attendance had been maintained during the year. Owing to the fact that there was a shortage of dental nurses, the committee hud met with little success in their efforts to have a clinic established in conjunction with the Onchunga school. During the coming year improvements could be effected to the school grounds. The Te Papapa committee for the ensuing year will be: —Mesdaiues Jnmiesou and Stncey, Messrs. R. G. Speight, T. G. Harrtman, C. Garside, F. Laugton, R. G. Barnes, H. Dawson and '.he Rev. F. R. Jeffreys. MANGERE. There was a satisfactory attendance of householders at Mangere, when the following committee was elected :—Messrs. M. B. Kirkbrlde (chairman), S. Rlcknrds (secretary and treasurer), W. Massey. W. Wakefield, G. A. Kent, M. Rennie, F. H. Forward, Lk Jones, A. 8. Goosman. Messrs. Rlcknrds and Wakefield were appointed delegates to the School Committees' Association.

The report revealed a satisfactory state of affairs at both the Bridge and Central schools. The former was fast becoming overcrowded, but was not sufficient to warrant application for enlargement. The committee had advocated free stationery, but rands would not permit of that policy "being h,S i nt ,° c, £ ct - bnt stationery was pur pupil*! a SoW at wn °l<*ale rates to the

DEVONPORT. Mr. J. K. Hnrty presided over a fair attendance of householders at Devonport, when the following committee was appointed : Messrs. J. K. Harty (chairman), E. L. Skinner (secretary), F. >V. Beck (treasurer), T. E, Good Inc. J. R. George. A. L. Jones. R. N. Melville. A. \V. Parker, and Dr. H. C. Bennett. The annual report showed that the receipts were £'6~>2. and the expenditure 13-4, leaving a credit balance of V2S The roll number for the quarter ended March 31 was 538, and the average attendance 501. The Inspector's report was again satisfactory, and reflected credit on the staff generally. The general tone of the school had boon well maintained, and excellent results hud attended the examination*. STANLEY BAY. Nine nominations have been received for the nine vacancies on the Stanley Bay School Committee: Messrs. h. S. Bates, E. Bone, C. M. Browne, L. A. Cusworth. V. C. Fisher. I*. J. Sheehan. B. 8. Woolacott. V. \V. l>arrock and Mrs. Amelia E. Stretton. The annual report states that the roll number stands at 250, and the percentage of passes in the examinations was very satisfactory. According to the Inspectors the standard of efficiency generally was fair. The school grounds had been well maintained, and It had been decided that a { grant of i. 300 from the Department should be lookwt upon as new money and be spent solely upon improving the surface of that portion of the park reserve. VAUXHALL. An indication that Yauxhall residents arc satisfied with the present administration at their district school was given by I the sparse attendance at the annual meeting, and the fact that the following com! mittee was elected unopposed : Messrs. H. Ellis. A. L.. liriffitb, 11. E. Hunt, W. B. O'Brien. G. T. Samson. J. K. Turnbull. \V. K. Wurren, H. 11. Wutkins, and K. Eangley. The report stated that the attendance at the school was 337. us compared with 305 the previous year. The inspector had reported that the institution was under very capable management, while the children applied themselves to their work with commendable diligence. The buildings, the report added, had been properly maintained, while a contract hud been let for the felling of a number of pine trees in the grounds, owing to the fact tbrft they had become u source of danger to the pupils. BELMONT. Mr. LeltcU presided over a large gathering of parents iu the Belmont >Vuoul lust evening. In the course of his address, the headmaster (Mr. Harrison) touched on the traffic problem, which was causing so much consternation in the district. He remarked that during his term of office at the school he had estimated that tbcre had been over a million passages of children to and from the school, while not one accident had occurred. He wished to thank Mr. Smith, of the Yellow Bus Company, for the courteous manner in which he had always provided us many buses as bad been asked for.

The election of a school committee was hold, and resulted in the following being chosen for the coming year:—Mr. Ernest Liliy (chairman), Mesdumes Gaudin and Williamson, Messrs. Alexander, Clo6C, Dowle. Frauds, Tldman, and llowc (treasurer). Mr. J. L. Nettleton was elected secretary.

A peculiar position arose over the election of the ninth committeeman, the scrutineers finding that Mr. N. llowc and Mr. W. F. Marshall had polled the same number of votes. Lota, were drawn for the position, and Mr. Uowe was duly elected.

TAKAPUNA. Over 200 people were present at the Takapuna meeting of householders. Mr. E. C. Cutten presiding. The annual report mentioned that there were over 500 children attending the main school and about -PP, at Mllford. The success of Takapuna children in the scholarship examinations was favourably commented upon. A scheme of improvements for the grounds of tho Milford School had been prepared, the estimated cost being about £300. £50 or this was already in hand. The election, for which 17 candidates presented themselves, resulted in the return of Messrs. H. L. Bell-Booth. E. P. Fenwlcl B. Gibbons. J. M. Hall. T. Hanna. L, J. Minogue. J B, Penning. C. B. Wood, and A L. Webber. Mr. T. Hanna was elected chairman. Mr. C. E. Wood secretary and -Mr. j. k. Penning, treasurer. BIRKENHEAD. A fair amount of interest was evinced liv householders at Birkenhead. Mr. Jas. !*• McPhnll, member of the Education Board' presided. *»>~»u. n * rb ? , re P° rt , an . (l fln °ndal statement were adopted, and the work of the outgoing committee was referred to in high terms of appreciation, the services of the secre- ** C ' LUiDS ' be ' DK "« lectau J f A recommendation was made that the incoming committee take steps to provide increased playground facilities for the children s recreation, such us swings and similar qulpment. There were fourteen candidates for the nine seats on the committee „JF h, 7 resulted in the Bible-in schools ticket of live ull being returned. „. E . ,et<l: Jonn Mai-Donald. 27; Robrt O White (chairman). 26* ; G. Ma eke v •»■• • Mrs. E. Mackey, 22: Henrv D. Botes' £'1 : Mrs. Constance A. Drummoml, 20 ; Miss G M. I ranks, 19; Joseph Taft (Swcretarv)! 10: Mrs. Elizabeth Grade. 1B». Unsuccessful : John William Canfv, !(;•; E H Ix>gle, 16; Mrs. Louisa Rose l."i»; Henry Itobt. Campbell, 12; Leon Turvey. 8. (• Denotes members of toa retiring comNORTHCOTE. The attendance at Xorthcofc was appreciably smaller thun in previous rears. The Mayor, Mr. C. A. Deuxberry, " presided. The report and balance sheet were adopted. It was stated that 29 more pupils were required to obviate the risk of the reduction of the grading of the school. Pupils under Ave years would not be placed on the The suggestion that two representatives or parents of scholars be added to the management committee of the junior high school was endorsed. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee for the work accomplished. Four nominations were received a week ago—Mesdames A. E. Taylor and C. M. } ,l o; ~I eesrs - W - J - Neville and <". M. Lello. These were duly elected. A further tour names were recommended bv the meeting to the Education Board to All the remaining live seat.,. These were Messrs. Lj i, -«'^?. b .- T, JS?- H ™»">- "• Martin, and R. McGhle. There remains one short of the full complement.

MANGERE EAST. The eWtion nt Munpen- Knst rcMiltoil • Messrs. J. Clark (rhulrinaii >. V. (.'utfiHd.'l) Knv N. McDonald. W. \V. Massev. K. A. lillisou and H. Hannah. HOWICK. Hnnick residents appointed the following committee:-Messrs. F. A. Irvine (.hairman) J Shaw, K. Specrs, It. <.;. Wvmcu and J. Nicholas. TE AWAMUTU. h ? l he " d,Dn »« p «'-8 report Hhowed that the roll Jiumber in the secondary department a total of 424. agnfntt 3»3 Inn year. Klffht pupils had been presented at the matriculation examination, and 100 per cent wZ had resulted i„ , hc proflflencv ««mKit failed ' P " WCrC ~resen,eU - «»*> only two The following resolution was earrled bv 18 votes to 14:—"That the Department be asked to make Rwimmlnj: compulsorv whensuitable facilities are available, exemption to be by doctor's certificate. Twelve candiates were nominated for the nine vacancies on the committee, and the following were elect-d :—Mrs. \V. a. Wood Messrs. G. S. Clarke. A. A. Reese C \v Kicket. It. Ross, G. Smith. A. G. Weathcrell U. Melrose and A. J. Tailbv.