EAST CHRISTCHURCH.

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

EAST CHRISTCHURCH.

The annual meeting of householders of East Christchurch was largely tended, Mr W. C. Aiken oresiding. Tims annual report stated thafe the work of the two seiiools had been highly satisfactory, especially in the case of tlie mam school. No fewer than eleven scholarships had been carried off br the school, although tlie average attendance had been low owing to the abnormal prevalence of sickness. During the first two quarters tlie attendance at the main school averaged 914; in tlie third quarter it was 926, and in tlie fourth quarter h. rose to 967. Regret was expressed at the illness of Mr Scott, head master. Tlie PhUlipstown school attendance suffered considerably during the early part of tbe year through sickness, but was now quite satisfactory. Some very necessary improvements to this school and its grounds had been carried out by the Education Board. The sum of £i 5 was "-fill owing on the school piano, and the Committee would be glad to receive subscriptions towards paying off this" liability. Tlie school swimming carnival had passed j off satisfactorily, and the bath had been well looked after. The cadet corps now numbered 72, the largest- school eade,t corps in the colony. £11 15s was earned in capitation last "year. During the year tlie Committee had'to exercise the greatest care in the management of tlie finances, but could show a credit balance owing to the special Government grant of 9d per head.

The balance-sheet showed receipts for the year £314. 5s 4d, including £t9 15s 3d brought forward from last year. The expenditure totalled £_67 9s 9d, leaving a credit balance on March 31st of £46 15s 7d.

Mr J. Jamieson (Chairman of the Committee) moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, and Mr F. B. Sapsford seconded this. In reply to a question, the Chairman, stated that during Mr Scott's absence through illness Mr Winter Hall had been appointed a member of the staff, and he thought the school was to be congratulated on the appointment. The report was then adopted. It was decided to write to Mr J. G. L. Scott, condoling with him in his illness, and expressing the highest appreciation of his services to the school.

Mr D. Lumsden moved in favour of the establishment of a superannuation fund for teachers. Mr Sapsford seconded the motion, remarking they were in tliis colony starving education, by not offering sufficient inducement to the best men to take up or continue in the profession. The motion was carried. Mr Lumsden then moved to the effectthat School Committee elections should take place in the day time instead of at night. The motion was lost.

On the motion of Mr G. F. Henry, a hearty vote of thanks Mas accorded the teaching staff for their work during the year. Mr Owen, acting-headmaster, replied, and referred to the improvements in the new syllabus in regard to examinations. He also mentioned the fact that on the ohildren being transferred to the higher standards after the examination, parents were likely to liave a heavier call on them for new books than in the past. Sir Roberts moved to the effect that the meeting considers the time has arrived for a uniform set of school books for the' colony. Tlie motion was carried. A motion recommending the Committee to procure a typewriter and establish a typewriting class, was also agreed to.

The following Committee were elected: —Mr J. R. Brunt, Dr. H. Liglis, Messrs A. C. Andrews, F. B. Sapsford, J. Jamieson (chairman). T. J. Archbold, G. T. Henry, J. Matthews, and D. Lumsden.