HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22083, 4 May 1937, Page 3

HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETING

FENDALTON SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT CAUSES CONCERN Some concern was expressed and many suggestions were made for raising the funds of the Fendalton School when a clause in the report of the chairman (Mr H. C. Hurst) stating that, because of broken time this year, it was proposed not to hold a fete or school concert, came under discussion at the annual meeting of the householders of the school last evening. The chief objectors to the proposal, Mr N. D. Bowman and Mr C. A. Tucker, both expressed concern for the finances of the school should the fete, which was undoubtedly an important,source of income to the school, be discontinued. Mr A. R. Blank, the headmaster, in urging that the fete should not be held, said that the school was one of the finest in the Dominion, and he feared that its reputation would be jeopardised if the fete were held, because with the lack of time this year the children would not receive the best attention if the staff had to divide its time. He suggested that there were other ways of raising money for the school. Suggestions made by the householders for replacing the fete included a house-to-house canvass for funds; an appeal to parents for subscriptions; and a bring-and-buy day; but after discussion, on the motion of Mr A. E. Byrne, it was agreed that the committee was in the best position to act. On the motion of Mr Bowman, with Mr Tucker as seconder, it was unanimously decided that the matter be left to the discretion of the committee with a strong recommendation that if funds were required the fete should be held. Replying to a question upon the proposal to have a dental clinic at the school, the chairman said that all he CO ,H Id say was that a sub-committee which had approached the Education Board had been told that "the plans had been prepared and the matter was well under way." Acquisition of More Land Replying to criticism about a marquee an which a class was held because of the increased attendance and the shortage of classrooms, the chairman gave his assurance that the marquee would be replaced as soon as extra land could be acquired. The committee had been making enquiries during the year to acquire this additional land, and the matter was still being considered by the committee and by the Education Board. A satisfactory financial position was announced by the treasurer (Mr L C B I e .x S) '. ln his financial statement! a deficit of £6O 0s 9d was shown in the general accounts, but in the special accounts for the school year, income and receipts were well in excess of expenditure, and the school was ! able to show a credit of £142 18s Hd after the deficit on the general account had been balanced. Chief Items in the special accounts were £l7B f£ m J« e i et f' S 6l from donations to the ground fund, and £3O from the concert; the chief expenses being £59 for installing a radio, and £57 for picnic, prizes, and sports material. Votes of appreciation of the services of the committee and staff members were passed, and appreciation of the Pressed. °* the householde " was IT-