KAIAPOI.

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

KAIAPOI.

The retiring Committee's report showed the roll number for the year as 454, a decrease of eight since 1902, and the average attendance .n*- 403, a decrease of thirteen, ehitny due to illness. Tlie gradual decline of tlie roll number was notable. Since 1896 it had fallen from 542 to 451, a total decrease in seven years of 88. Illness had affected the attendance of teachers from two weeks to three months. The examination by Mr T. Hughes was exceptional as the Inspector was a stranger to the children, and three of tlie teachers were ill ; yet he was well pleased with the work under thooe trying circumstances, and reported in high praise of the work. The High School commenced on April Ist, 1903. with 19 pupils ; the number increased to 25 after tlie examination, but had now returned to 19. Tlie Committee regretted that parents did not take more advantage of it in sending the pupils on who passed Standard VII. The prize fund entertainment and picnic to Sumner were both successful. The cadet corps had fifty complete uniforms, and had turned out well at two general inspections. Manual and technical classes had been formed. The buildings and premises were in excellent condition. 'Ihe total receipts for the year had been: —Salaries, £1212 15s lid ; incidentals, £97 18s 2d; special, £2 7s 5d ; balance, £27 10s Id. The prize fund had a balance of £11 5s in hand. The following Committee were elected:—Messrs G. A. Ellen (Chairman), H. Blackwell, P. Sullivan, H. Parnham, A. T. Clark, A. Pearce, 11. Backwodd, S. Thorne, A. Johnson. It was revolved to approve of the School Committees' Association's resolution in favour of a Superannuation Fund for teachers. Votes of thanks to the teaching .staff and to Mr Feldwick, who has been twenty-one years ou the Committee, were passed. A fortnight's holidays will be granted from Friday.