WALTHAM.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11877, 26 April 1904, Page 10

WALTHAM.

About forty householders attended the meeting in the W_ltham -choolliouse. Mr G W° Russell was voted to the chair. The Committee's report stated that the number on the roll at present waa a record, and the Inspector's report showed that the pupils were receiving thoroughly efficient instruction. The average attendance was 511, against- 444 the previous -<*e_r. ..erious anxiety had been caused, by the insufficient accommodation; repeated applications to the Board for additions to the infant room had been fruitless. The Board had requested that the roll number should not be allowed to exceed 478, although tlie roll number had only once fajlen below 504 during tlie past seven years. If the Board's request was acceded to, 137 of mc present pupils would have to be selected and sent from the school. The Committee, being of opinion that it had no power to refuse admission to any applicant, strongly opposed the proposed step, and refused to comply with the request. It was the Committee's duty to place dearly before the householders" the retrograde effect the Board's proposal would have on the school and the serious inconvenience that must result to parents living in the district. Dealing with other subjects-, the report stated that the ihstrucbress in cookery had submitted a very encouraging report. A very favourable report had been submitted on the swimming class. The cadet corps was increasing in popularity. Tlie football club liad won the Athletic Association's banner. The Visiting Committee had repeatedly called attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the south and west walls of the school. Representations had been/made to the Board frequently, but no action had been taken. The staff, tlie Committee, and the Board had worked harmoniously. Tlie report was adopted. The Cl-airman said that the Commi.tee was perfectl*- right in the action it nad taken ia regard to the Board's request, which was monstrous. Mr C. Aldridge moved that the meeting should emphatically protest against the contemplated reduotion of numbers of children attending the school, as it considered the step not warranted by the circumstances, seeing that any available accommodation at other schools would be required by their own pupils. Mr A. Clifford seconded the motion, ■ which was carried unanimously, and it was decided to forward a copy to "the Board. It was also decided, on the motion of, Mr C. V. Harvey, seconded by Mr Clifford, that tlie meeting should endorse tlie Com- _ mittee's protest in regard to the Board's 'neglect as shown in the damp walls, and urge that steps should be taken to deal permanently with the matter. The balance-sheet showed a credit bal- . ance to incidentals of £39 9s lOd. . The Chairman moved—"That this meeting of householders is of opinion that the amendment of tlie law which lias removed the power of granting funds for additions or new schools from Education Boards to the Education Department is undesirable, believing that such a policy is opposed to the principles of local self-government, and is practically unworkable." Mr H. Wraight seconded the motion, which was carried. -It was also decided that the authorities should be urged to take steps to establish a superannuation fund. A Tote of thanks was passed to the headmaster, the second master, and other members of the staff, and a similar vote was passed to tlie Committee. A motion in favour of establishing a District High School in Christchurch, moved by Mr Wraight, and seconded by Mr diffofd, was earned. Tlie following Committee was elected: — Messrs Harvey (Cliairman)., Beslev. Clifford, Ditford, Eldridge, T. S. Mortloch," Wraight, Ssars, and Gow (treasurer). On behalf of the staff, Mr T. ftughes returned thanks for the complimentary vote. ,