THE SCHOOLS FROM WITHIN.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1186, 22 July 1911, Page 10

THE SCHOOLS FROM WITHIN.

NEWS AND NOTES. Tho annual inspection of the Woodville School took place on July G and 7 last, when there were 28G pupils present. The total number on the roll is 293, and tho average attendance last week was 254—accounted for by the severity of tho weather. Miss L. IS. Loringe, of Norsewcod, was appointed relieving teacher on the staff. Apparently, comments a New Plymouth contemporary, referring to the observance of Arbor Day in that district, tho usual holiday muddle extends even to schools, ns tho Central School is taking the holiday while tho West End.School is not. The Xgamoko School Committee (Norsewood) has held a very enjoyable "social" in the Foresters' Hal], in aid of the school funds, tho financial results being highly satisfactory. Tho school "social" and. dance held in the hall at Omahu (1I.B.) was a distinct success. Despite most unfavourable weather, the residents. for miles around turned out, scarcely a house being unrepresented. Under the direction of Mr. Katane Pokarua, the Omahu Native choir sang a number of songs, several being of a'sacred character. These were undoubtedly the most popular items of the evening. Several .of tho girls who were singing came from tho Hukarero School. Notwithstanding tho fact that some of the pupils of the Mosston School have had to be located in a tent during the year, the school children have been remarkably free, from colds and infectious diseases (states a district contemporary). The Wanganui Education Board has nondecided to provide adequate school accommodation for the Mosston children.

At tho monthly meeting of the Lansdowue School Committee last week, it was decided to forward a letter of congratulation to tlio headmaster and staff of tho Lansdownc School in connection with the honours obtained by pupils at the Masterton elocutionary and musical competitions last week. The monthly "report of the headmaster stated that the number of children on the roll- was 17G, and the average attendance 158.

Subscriptions towards tho shelter-shed fund for tho Lepperton School (Taranaki) "havo como in very freely, and the committee intends to put. the- work in hand as soon as tho board's overseer has been out to adviso what should be done.

At tho monthly meeting of the Martoh District High School Committee, it was reported that the Education Board's officials had been down to inspect the new school ground, nnd a rough plan had been prepared for the board. Tfio new school grounds' subscription list showed that «t!225 had been subscribed out of the JE2SO required. The list must bo closed on Monday next,

.-' A number of school truancy cases in the Taihapo district were dealt with by the - magistrate. last. Wednesday, fines of 2s.be.ing imposed.in. the majority of cases. In ono.case.j.whero , defendant was out.of .work -.and .had no.moncy, the inspector paid the fine. .

The Dannovirke North School Cadets were looking forward to having the Shooting Shield presented to them, last Wednesday afternoon, but wero disappointed owing to the authorities failing to send tho key with the box in which "the shield was enclosed. The function had tb.efcfb.rc to :be putsoff till the key arrived.. ■■'■■ <■'■ '■■■At''S meeting of the New'' •'"Tl.vmo.ufn Central School Committee on Tuesday evening la.st the state of the banking'account disclosed such a depressing state of affairs that the chairman (Mr. V. P. Corkill) said ho had seriously thought , ' of requesting that all pupils should bring a picco of firewood to school with them daily, so as to save the expense of buying firewood. The attendance- at the school just now is about 92.5 per cent, of the roll number—sßS. Preparations aro in train for an entertainment to bo given next month in aid of tho school funds.

Tho Ma'hora School Committee (Hawke's Bay) and tho sub-committee appointed from tho Hastings Borough Council have discussed tho question of a, municipal grant towards tho cbiistructim of swimming baths in connection with the school. It was decided to write the Minister for Internal Affairs askiug if the balance remaining in hand after erecting the Coronation ..memorial fountain in Cornwall Park could bo devoted towards the swimming baths.

A meeting of the Manaia School Committee was held last week, when the headmaster reported that tho attendance was 118 for last quarter. Tho inspector's report was also very satisfactory, showing that the work in the different rooms all that could bo desired. In connection with the charge made by tho truant inspector of the insanitary state of the school property, a letter was received from the board stating that they did not intend taking any further action in the matter. After considerable adverse discussion on the action of the board and also tho action of the chairman in publishing the matter in .the press without first inquiring into the matter, if. was decided that the chairman and Mr. Snowdon should bo a deputation' to wait on the Board of Education at their next meeting in connection with the alleged false report, of. the truant inspector.

Arbor Day was celebrated very fittingly at the King's Road' School. Hutt, when about six hundred trees and hedge shrubs were planted in the school grounds. A number of pupils, parents and teachers, and members of tho committee were present. Mr. Baldwin, chairman of the committee, stated that, the School Committee intended to lay out a garden in front of the school and negotiations have been entered iuto with tho Education Board for asphalting the paths around the school, and should tho committee's tfequest be acceded to a sum of about JSO will be spent, on improvements within the next few weeks. , '

At tho monthly meeting of the Hawera District' High School Committee tho headmaster (Mr. Strack) reported the attendance continued to be good, although thero were about a dozen attending irregularly. Tho truant'officer had visited tho school and warned several pupils. Inference was uiode to (he success of the school at the recent winter show, • The money won in prizes last, year and that gained this year Mould carry a subsidy, and tho headmaster proposes to devote this money to erecting n'suitable fence around the flagpole to en-close-a, space for a girls' flower garden. Paths were badly-needed around tho school buildings and to the outbuildings. It was decided to observe Arbor Day on August 9. A letter of thanks is to- bo forwarded to Messrs. Morshead aud Hurrell for donations of plants, and also to the Department of Agriculture for collection of weeds. It was decided that tho headmaster arrange with tho teachers for tho concert to be held about tho end of October.

Measles is reported to havo seriously affected Hip nverago attendance at Port Ahuriri School during the past month, only 270 out of a roll of 315 being noted in the headmaster's report, to the committee. The annual inspection of tho school commenced yesterday, and will be continued on Monday and Tuesday .next. At the monthly meeting of tho committee a letter was read from Captain Wain, of tlw Salvation Army, who applied for permission to address tho pupils ono day in the week on smoking and gambling. As these subjects wero provided for in tho school syllabus it was resolved that no action be taken.

At- the monthly meeting of tho Stratford School Committee held this week Mr. D. M'Millan tendered his resignation as a member of the committee, on account of his intention to leave tho district at an early date. The resignation was accepted with regret, the. chairman paying Mr. M'Millan a high compliment for the excellent work he had dono during his term of office. A resident of tho district wrote offering i< set of parallel bars for salo at half price, ho having no further use for them as he was'leaving the district at the end of July. The committee decided that it could not incur the liability, but nno member was heard to remark in an-nsido-that-if.the .writer liked to hand over the apparatus as a gift his kindness would ever be remembered.