SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Evening Star, Issue 15478, 28 April 1914, Page 7

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

LNXHAL MEETINGS LAST SIGHT. XUGSt STRUCT. There wa* a ▼ mj uhh attendance, only 0 house bolder? being present. Mr D. WfeLart, chairman of the committee, occupied the chair. The Cnairman briefly outlined the work of the school daring the year. The rapid improvement made by Mrs® Cooper’® pupils in the infant classes was a matter for sincere congratulation The examination results for proficiency certificates in the Sixth Standard were highly satisfactory. Thirty-eight pupils obtained the full pass. t!{& result plainly showing the teachlog was of a high order. The now heating system recently installed throughout the school had proved most successfuL The speaker hoped the householders would visit the idbool and see for themselves the improvement in tliis direction. The school jubilee had bees arranged for Winter Show Week, but the executive had now decided to postpone the celebration until the Summer Show Week. The Chairman concluded with a kindly reference to the janitrix (Mrs White) for the attentive manner in which this lady discharged her duties. Ilia "report and balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of Mr J. T. Cooper, •wooded fay Mr J. W. Blackwood. Th following committee were elected Messrs W. Fleming, C. E. Keast, H. H. Wise, T. Sanders, D. Wishart, J. W. Blackwood, J. T. Cooper, S. Peden, and Mr® Cameron. The committee met afterwards and appointed the following officers:—Chairman, fe D. Wishart; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. H. Wise; works committee—Alessrs Cooper, Keast, and Sanders; financial committee and savings bank trustees—Messrs Wise, Blackwood, and Cooper; visiting committee for Alay, Alessrs Cooper and Peden; delegates to the School Committees’ Association—Alessrs Sanders, Cooper, and Airs Cameron. FOBBHRY. " At the annual meeting of householders of the Forbury School district there were 73 present, Air W. Fleming presiding. The Chatman traversed the annual report, drawing attention to several portions, particularly that relating to the number of bequest® the school had received, notably Mrs Reid’s generosity in providing a prize fund, and the gifts'of ex-scholars. The good work, dome by Air Duncan Wright wa® eulogised, the chairman’s remarks being greeted by applause. The sanitary arrangement* of the school, said to be second to non © in Dunedin Or Suburbs, were favorably commented on. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The matter of securing a piece of land adjoining the school, which had been offered to the committee at a reasonable figure, caused some discussion, one householder’s opinion, that it was not required, as the school was “not a high school, and never likely to be,” causing much amusement. The following motion, moved by Air Trevena, was carried unanimously :—“ That this meeting of householders of the Forbury School district regret to hear that the’ Alinister of Education has refused to sanction the purchase of th© section adjoining the school, especially, since the committee had promised to raise a considerable part of the purchase money; and since the land is urgently required for school purposes, this meeting would urgently request the Minister to reconsider bis decision.” The election of the new committee was then proceeded with. In addition to the members of the retiring committee, Air W. Dixon was the only one nominated. The ballot resulted as followsH. Trevena 57, P. Johnson and C. A. Lucas 55, S. B. Smith 55, W Fleming 52, B. APKitterick 51, 6. P. Stewart 50, J. E. Often 46, W, Dixon 41, W. B. Steel 53 votes. Air Dixon generously offered to retire in favor of Mr Steel, hut the offer wide dined. A vote of thanks was accorded Air Site] for his past cervices. At the first meeting of the flew committee, held at the close of the householders’ meeting. Air W. Fleming was elected chairman, Air W. Dixon secretary, and Air J. E. Offen treasurer. GEORGE STREET, let the absence of the chairman of the cemnitito. (Mr W.-C. Hopkins) Air R. Ferguson presided. Before moving the adoption of the report the Chairman made feeling reference to the recent sad bereavement sustained -bv Mr Hopkins, and a . notion of sympathy was passed. Speaking to the report, the chairman made pointed reference to th® Education Board’s regulations governing the appointment of extra’ teatbcTS to the School staff. Th© average attendance for the four quartets ended March last (602) was sufficient -to entitle them to obtain the assistance of two more teachers, hut the average must be obtained fox the font quarters if; the one school year—January to December. The speaker concluded by making a strong _ appeal to &e parents present to send their children icgcfarly to school. Appreciative reference was made to the work of the acting head master (Air J. AI. Nicolson). who, in the absence of Air Patterson On three months’ sick leave, continued te> supervise the teaching in a most capable manner, as evidenced by the school being graded “verv good.” Mr J. Wallace, in seconding the motion lor the adoption of the report, paid a tribute to the’ various ministers who taughtthe morning Bible classes. —The motion was carried The following were nominated for the committee: —Messrs W. C. Hopkins, G. Chadwick, H. Brownlie, J. S. Hunter, J. Wallace, W. W. Knox, R. Ferguson. G. Spence, G. D. Wilson, and H. Bucher. The first'nine were elected. The new rr-mmittee afterwards met and appointed the following officers :—Chairman. Air James Wallace; treasurer, Air C. Chadwick; the office of secretary to be decided next meeting. KENSINGTON.

The attendance of householders at Keneinerton easily quadrupled that at any previous meeting of the kind in the district. The ladies were in strone force —perhaps tn the majority—and took more than a passing interest in the proceedings. Mr X. H. Dalton, chairman of the committee, occupied the chair, and expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large number present. The report (already published) and balance-sheet, which disclosed an extremely healthy state of affairs, gave general satisfaction. There were 17 nominations for the nine ■eats on the committee, and the result of the ballot showed that the 10 highest on the list were Messrs A. R. Lambert, T. Cole, J. Bead. T H. Dalton, F. O. Shacklocfc, J- Boston, R. I- Mollison, H. M. M’Lauchlau, R. Miller, and D. Edgar. Mr Cole’s election was challenged on the ground that he was neither present nor had his nomination in writing been received. The chairman upheld the protest, and declared the Other nine gentlemen named to be duly dented. During the absence of the scrutineers a “ meeting within a meeting/’ so to speak, win held, the Chairman suggesting that it flhbuld be a good opportunity for discussing the somewhat vexed question of the day upon which the annual school picnic should he held. “Firing the day” is generally i delicate matter, and it proved as troubleprime as usual 6n this occasion. Saturday, Friday, Wednesday were in turn proposed ahd voted upon. Eventually it was proposed bv Mr Shaddock (who declared that usual “ picnic ” was largely overdone and hid lost its novelty) that it be an instruction to the incoming committee to substitute a country excursion in lieu thereof, selection of the day to depend upon rilcomsWicea. This was seconded by Mr D. Patterson and carried. A vote of thanks to the outgoing committee and to Mr Stewart and his staff was ettrfed with acclamation. The, new committee met afterwards, aftd made the following appointments: . Chairman, Mr Dalton; treasurer, Mr i*ffib*riij works committee— Messrs Sh*Atnefe, MtAnchlaa, ahd BufetOn; yifcitmg committee, Messrs Bead and Shack J-xri; 'delegates to School Committees’ AsDalton, Boston, and Bhaifckhg; savings bank trustees, Messrs: tjmibeit atad Mififer. The second Friday if i&th. month was fixed as the meeting

MORNINQXON. -x Mr J. W. Patton (chairman of the committee) was called to the chair. The meeting was held in the poorly-gaslit Gymnasium Hall, and about SO householders were present, including a few ladies. Printed copies of the report) and balance-sheet were provided, and their adoption was agreed to after a few of those present had spoken .to it. The Chairman said the people of Motnington were deeply indebted to the ministers of the district, who attended on Wednesday morning and gave Bible instruction to the senior pupils. The school was second highest on the list for average attendance throughout the Otago school district. A fife and drum band bad been formed, and its members were being tanght to read music. One of their teachers— Miss Cairns—would shortly retire on superannuation. The show of flowers, fruit, and vegetables had been a great success; it was proposed to extend the school garden by the formation of a rockery. He regretted that one of their number, Mr H. B. Moody, was suffering a severe illness. He had been a very active and zealous member of the committee for many vears.

Mr J. P. Simon was pleased with the report. He counselled the committee to seo that none of the powers of school committees were curtailed. It would be a great loss to the community -if the power of selecting school teachers were taken away from them. It would lead to a weakening of interest in thenschool and in educational affaire. A vote of thanks, expressing appreciation of the services rendered by ministers of the district, w&s carried on the motion of Air Simon, seconded by Alt D. Nicol. On being called upon to reply, the Bev. Air Qreenslade said he was a newcomer to the district. He had great pleasure In teaching his standard, and had found the discipline excellent. The work of Biblereading was an important one, and it was encouraging to find at the annual meeting that their assistance was not forgotten. A vote of thanks to the head master and teaching staff and to those connected with the School garden was agreed to. Air W. Davidson (head master) regretted that the first assistant (Mr Service) was absent through illness. In point of number® Morning ton was now the largest hill school around Dunedin. The desire of the teachers was to turn out men and women of good character—to impress upon the pupils the idea that they should serve the community, and to regard their lives as for unseltish work. It was a great privilege given to teachers to unfoldl the personality of the little Ones who came under their charge. They were there to turn out good men and women. Air G. A. Skene said they had an excellent school garden. The committee wished the parents to call some Wednesday or Saturday afternoon and see their garden work. The children were obtaining a knowledge of horticulture—how to sow seeds and how to look after them. The Chairman announced that no written nominations had been received for the new committee, and after nominations had been received the vote was taken, resulting in the return of the following gent l ©- men:—J. Hope (40), 6. Lamb (38), P. Carolin (55), G. A. Skene (36), T. K. Moody (36), B, Bentham (33), J. W. Patton (o2), J. A. Haslett (29), J. Thomson (29). Alessrs j. Ford and D. Henderson were also nominated. The committee met subsequently and made the following appointments : —Chairman, Air Patton; secretary, Air Lamb ; treasurer, Air Bentham; works committee—Alessrs Thomson, Carolin, and Aloody; delegates to the School Committees’ Association—Alessrs Patton, Hope, and Bentham. KAIKORAI. The meeting was advertised for halfpast 7, and at a quarter to 8 there were 14 people present, including the members of the committee. A few others cam© in later. Air Aloir was in the chair. He referred to the annual report (already printed), which was taken as read. Air Aiatheson read the balance-sheet, which snowed a credit balance of £sl 19s, but t his had since'been paid out in connection with improvements to the playground. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet Air Aloir referred to‘the improvements and additions that had been made both in and out of the school building. H« eulogised the work of the teaching staff. The attendance should be larger, but some parents preferred other schools, in spite of the high record of the Kaikorai. Air Duncan Wright’s Bible class work was much appreciated by teachers, committee, parent®, and children. Air F. Wilkinson, in seconding the motion, extended his congratulations to the staff, and had a few hits at the name of the school, though he recognised it would be almost hopeless to ■ attempt to alter it. A ladv householder spoke favorably of the tone and manners of -the children attending the school. Mr Wilkinson and the chairman, amid applause, spoke in generous terras of ihe lecture© delivered by the secretary of the Navy League on behalf of the school branch, and advised the parents and others to attend them when there was an opportunity. There were 12 nominations, including two ladies (Airs Pinfold and Alie Hamilton). The result of the voting was 46 follows ; —Alf D. Scott, Mr Aiatheson, Air F. Wilkinson, Air Aloir, Mr Wilson. Mr Wardrop, Aire Pinfold, Mr Ritchie, Mf G. J. Wilkinson (who tied with the next candidate, and was declared elected on the casting vote of the chairman),- Airs Hamilton, Atr Ferry, and Air C. W. Wallen. The first nine Constitute the committee for the coming year. CAVERSHAM.

In the absence of Mr W. D- Snowball (chairman of the outgoing committee), Mr R. H. Todd was voted to the chair. There were about 50 householders present, including a sprinkling of ladies. The report of the year’s work was read by the secretary (Mr 0 Thorn), and the financial statement by Mr T. A. Brown (treasurer). , The Chairman, in moving tne adoption, emphasised the urgent need for a new up-to-date school. The present building was overcrowded and inconvenient and as evidence of the latter disability, he mentioned that the school consisted of four detached buildings, the original portion being built just on 60 years ago, and the subsequent piecemeal additions were not at all satisfactory. At present the gymnasium had to be used to house one class, and was thus not used for its legitimate purpose. Mr Todd made mention of one Or two pleasing features in the report—the rank of the school (second among, the City schools, with an average attendance of 642), the school Choir of 100 members (whose concerts last December were excellent/ and profitable), the generosity of the Cavershom people towards their school and its activities, and the excellent work of the school Mr J. M. Brown seconded the motion, and protested against the gymnasium being used as a class-room. He thought it a great pity that gymnastics were not taught the boys and girls of the Caversham School. One or two others spoke to the motion in similar strain, and it was then carried. . The election of the committee was then taken. MessrS W. D. Snowball, R. W. Rutherford, <3. J. Thorn, T. A. Browm, A. IMmSOft, .R. H. Todd, F. Ford, T. Graham, and Sanderson were elected. Mr M. Stevenson waS thfe odd man out. The only other business besides the passing of the customary complimentary motions was the carrying of the following resolution That this meeting of householders reaffirm the resolution passed last year regarding the necessity for the erection of a new ahd up-to-date school in place of the present building, Portion pf which is the oldest in the Dunedin district. Thby express their regrit that the Education** Board declined the request made to them in this connection by the outgoing committee, and instruct the incoming committee to make emphatic representations to the board on the subiilt *’ this was aiorisd by.M* f. X. Sidcy, M.P., seconded by Mr Jas. Wright, spoken to by about a dozen of those present, and carried - unanimously. The new committee met afterwards, land derided to meet on the .jjefion'd Monday of the month, and the officers will bi appointed at the fiezt meeting.

MAOANDREW HOAD. Twenty persons (including one lady) attended last night's meeting. Mr John M’lndoe presided. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report. Hie said the committee had worked harmoniously throughout the year. The school accommodation had proved inadequate. Two now class room* had been erected, but further extensions were required. A large' portion of the school ground had been asphalted, and it was hoped that the drainage would soon be completed. Bent from the hire of the hall totalled £44, and the committee had been able to carry out improvements almost without assistance from parents and pupils. It was expected that £45 would result from the recent bazaar. The tuition had been satisfactory, and the pupils had made a good showing in examinations. ~ The roll increased to 646. and thus the school had advanced a grade, and become entitled to another teacher. As a result. Air A. W. Alloo had been appointed, dud he gave evidence of proving a valuable acquisition to the staff.

Mr H. Henderson asked, why the school picnic had not been held, while scholars had been given a holiday in order to attend another picnic.-— lt was explained that a school picnic had not been held because previous picnics had resulted in a financial toss, and as there was ‘still a great deal of work to do in connection with the grounds it was necessary to husband resources. A holiday had been given on the occasion of the trades' picnic for the reason that the attendance at school on that occasion would have been so email as to seriously prejudice the grad© of the school. Mi- Henderson also complained of the bad state of the ground between the gymnasium and For bury road, but it was pointed out that the committee had done everything possible to have the state of affaire remedied, and, indeed, the portion cornulained of was not within their Jurisdiction.

The report was adopted unanimously. Air MTndoe stated that pressure of business prevented him from accepting renomination for the committee. Messrs C. W. Fisher (secretary) and Jas. Kirby (committeeman) had also decided to retire. Eleven householders were nominated, and after a ballot the following nine were appointed i—Alessrs Peterson, _ Wright, Herring, Bell, Bewley, Blackie, Riley, Braithwaite, and Rev. F. T. Read.

Mr H. Henderson moved and Mr W. Wright seconded a vote of thanks to Mr MTndoe and the retiring committee,—Mr M'lrdoe responded. He said that he had missed only one meeting in six yearn., and regretted that it was necessary to withdraw. It had been a pleasure to work with the committeemen. He also said they would go a long way before so good a secretary as Mr Fisher could he found. That gentleman had done an immense amount of work, and had done it thoroughly. The new committee appointed Messrs Bevvley and Bxaithwait© chairman and secretary respectively. ■ r-. MUSSELBURGH, About 25 householders attended the above meeting. Sir J. Hands (the chairman of the retiring committee) presided. In speaking to the report, the Chairman congratulated the householders on a busy and progressive year. He desired to thank the ladies of the district for the help they had given in raising funds for the improvement of the school grounds, and the clergymen of the district for the interest they'had taken in the Bible-reading class held weekly after school hours. '1 he incoming committee would have to consider the advisability of'discontinuing the school picnic, which had Leen a considerable drain on the school funds for some years. He thanked the staff for the interest they had shown in the school work and the welfare of the scholars. Mr C. Stevenson seconded the motion fdr the adoption of the report. Mr G. C. Israel congratulated the committee on a successful year. The behaviour of the children outside the school was a credit to the staff, arid a sure guarantee of the order and discipline inside. He commended the library to the attention of parents, who should encourage their children to use it. He was pleased to see the acknowledgment of the services of the board's officers, which was well deserved, and not. too frequently acknowledged. The report was adopted. The following were elected a committee for the ensuing year’: —Messrs Harris, Cameron, Hellyer, Ewing, Jacobsen, Stevenson, Walker, Dunning, and Wilson. Messrs Broad artd Card no (two of the retiring committee) did not seek re-electron, and a vote of thanks was tendered them for their past services. It was resolved that it be an instruction to the incoming commitee to discontinue the holding of a school picnic. Mr Kaye (one of the school assistants) gave an exhibition of some of the lantern slides used by him in illustrating and teaching the lessons in the Fifth Standard. Many of the elides were manufactured by Mr Kave himself, who is, it was stated, the first teacher in this district to use the lantern in school work. A hearty vole of thanks was accorded the demonstrator, who was congratulated on the forward Step he had made. The newly-elected committee met at tne close of the householders’ meeting, _ and elected Mr D. C. Cameron as their chairman* Mr A. Walker as secretary, and Mr H. Hellyer as treasurer. RAVENSBOUBNE. The annual meeting of householders was held in the fechoolhous© last night, a fair Humber being present. . After the routine business, the Chairman (Mr J- Dunn) moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. In doing so, he referred in complimentary terms to the work done during the year by tire head master and the staffs and to the P * minent positions occupied by two of Me scholars in the recent examinations. He also stated that the committee during the vear had made a special donation to the library fund, which, with the board and Governmmt subsidies, had resulted in a considerable number of books being added to the library, including a complete set ot the ‘ Children's Encyclopedia.—The motion was carried. . , The following were nominated as the new committee, the first seven being elected Messrs Powell, Robb, Harndgo, Dunn, Crosbio, Mullenger, Gordon, and Baird. . , , It was resolved, as remits for the consideration of the incoming committee; “That children who have failed to■ pass their standard be debarred from paitxci paling in prizes on completion of a second vear " “ That it he a recommendation to abolish the collecting of pen-and-ink ""'Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring chairman, secretary, and comnHATa subsequent meeting of the new committee. Mr Harridge was elected chairman and Mr Dunn secretary and treasurer. MORAY PLAGE. Sphere was a capital attendance. Prior to the election, parents were enabled to view a thoroughly-representative exhibit of the Glass-work of the senior pupils. This exhibit was very highly commended by ad- The speciffiehs 6! writing and drawing reflect credit on Mr Thbmsoh, first assistant. ~ . , Mr C. B. Thomson presided at tne householders’ meeting, and moved the adobtion of the annual report and balanoeshegt This was seconded by Mr A. Greig, who spoke at considerable length bn the work of the staff and the cleans linass and health bi the school and scholars. The following Were, elected a committee Messrs C. B. Thomson, A. Greig, J- Kroon, M'Gill, Stevens, A. Miller, M'Farlane, Hill, and Pattison. At a meeting of the heWly-blebted cbiiamittee Mr M’Gill was elected chairman, Mr M'Farlane secretary, and Mr 0. B. Thomson treasurer. ST. LEONARDS. There was no meeting at St. Leonard® last night, only two householders turning to

ANDERSON BAY. There were) about 12 ■ householders present at the meeting at Anderson Bay. Air Youngson presided. , In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet "the.Chairman said that ho desired to place on record the good work don© by the staff during the past year. He regretted very much the apathy of the residents in not taking, a greater interest in the annual election!'of a committee. \ . . , It was resolved, on the motion) of the Rev. A. Chmeroh, that a minute be placed on the hooks In connection with) the services tendered by Air Jeffery during the many years of his Connection with the school as its head master, and desired to extend a heartv welcome to the new master. Air T. Contis, and also the first assistant, Mr Allen.—Mr Courts, burned thanks for the kind remarks, and felt sure that, the work of the school would proceed in a friendly manner. The following motion, proposed by the Rev. A. Cameron, was earned;—“ That this meeting of householders urge upon the Education Board the absolute necessity of adding permanent increase to the accommodation of the school.” The following were elected a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs A. Youngsou, W. G. North, J. Somerville. S. Eaton, A. Wallace, W. Bennett, A. Williams. Mr Youngson was subsequently reelected Chairman, Mr Williams secretary. Air J. Somerville treasurer. MAORI HlLt About 24 householders were, present. Mr S. N. Brown (chairman of fire retiring committee), who presided, regretted the paucity of attendance, which he attributed to a mayoral election meeting in the Coronation Hid I. The annual report and balance-sheet, were read by Mr E. H. Allen, and their adoption moved by the chairman, who said that the school had mad© progress, but not to the extent he had. anticipated. One of the chief barometers in any district was the attendance at its public school, and he did not think it a satisfactory feature that in such a borough as theirs the net mcrease did not keep pace witih. tiio beauties* of the district. "When he saw the increase in Other suburbs he was disappointed with the results of Maori Hill School—in the matter of attendance, at all events. It afforded the retiring committee satisfaction •to know that it had nothing to do with the .efficiency of teachers, as in that respect the school was in a much batter position than ever it had. been. If they had the residential. population, the teaching alone would be an inducement to families to settle in the district. That was shown by the proficiency examinations, every one of the 27. pupils who had. been sent "up for the proficiency certificate having passed. The Fife and Drum Band, Mr Brown said, was now a concrete fact, and the 30 members were equipped Vfith the beat of instruments. A concert would shortly be given, when the progress of th© band would be demonstrated. He referred, to the library which was ofi the eve of being established, and said that each class room would have a library for itself. As a result of a deputation to Air Duncan Wright, Mr Brown said that that gentleman had agreed to continue his work throughout the year, and the number of pupils who attended the classes had risen from about ■ 70 to 150, and this, he thought, would bo very satisfactory to Air Wright, and encourage him in his work. Air I). Leslie, who seconded the motion, said that the committee had had the matter of improving the grounds before them for some time, and they were hoping that as the result of the approaching concert they would be able to do something in that direction, as well as in assisting the band. A Householder suggested that in place of the school children being sent round collecting for school purposes, a circular should be issued amongst ratepayers. He favored the latter course, for he believed the former method was not good for the children.

The Chairman confessed that at On© time he had had scruples on the point also, but experience had taught him that the principle of putting round the bag was infinitely better than placing the plate at the door.

The. motion for tho adoption of the report and balance-sheet was carried. Before proceeding to take nominations for the new committee, the Chairman said ho wished to .give a word of praise to his colleagues for their co-operation. Each one had vied with the other to further the progress of the school, and the committee, as a whole, had done excellent Work.

The following were nominated as members of the new committee, and the number not exceeding the number required they were declared duly jelected:—Alessrs S. N. Brown, C, Reefer. F. G. Gumming, E. H. Allen. P. L. Clark, P, Young. J. .L. Grimaldi, D. Leslie, and R. Anrnit. Air J. Barber moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the staff for their services during the past 12 months. This was carried by acclamation, aiid Mr Fitzgerald, head master, said the resolution would be appreciated by his staff, who had worked for the welfare of the school.

At the conclusion of the meeting the new committee met and appointed Mr BroWn chairman and Mr Allen secretary. St. CLAIR. Not more than 20 persons were present when the statutory business was transacted. Many entered later on. Mr G. Ruhen presided, and bead the report and moved its adoption. Mr J. H. Hancock seconded, and congratulated the committee on winding' np in such a good financial position. Nine members of committee were wanted. The seven members of the old committee were re-elected—viz., Messrs G. •Ruhen, W. Speight, j. B. BrUgh, j. R. Rogerson, A. 0. Lambert, and J. Shaw, and Mrs Routledse—and Messrs C. J. Moody and It. Kilpatrick Were chosen to complete the number to which the school is now entitled owing to its having gone up a grade. No others were nominated. It was decided after discussion (reported in another column) to instruct the new committee to try to get the Education Board to dispose of the new site. Mr Hancock moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee. This was seconded by Mr J. Braithwaite and carried. Mr Ruhen, in returning thanks, spoke in praise of Mrs Routledge’s services as secretary and of Mr Pope’s efficiency as head master. PORT CHALMERS DISTRICT HIGH. The annual meeting of householders attracted a large attendance, a number of ladies being present. The annual report, as published, was read., and adopted on the motion of Messrs J. M'Lachlan and R. Jack. When it came, to the election of the committee three more candidates thin were required were nominated. AH the old committee, with the exception of one who did not Stand for re-election, were returned, the voting placing them in the following order Messrs A. M'Donald, t. M‘Nie, J. M‘Lachlan, H. Montgomery, Rev. W. M. Giant, R. Jack, J. Mill, J. Emerson, and A. Sutherland. Mr J. M'LachJan was. re-elected as chairman, Mr J H. Harland as clerk, and Mr J. R. Facer as janitor. . ARTHUR STREET SCHOOL. The Annual meeting WAs attended by 10 hbU’seholdferS,, Mr W. R. Brugh, who was elected to the chair, expressed his Opinion that the usually small attendance At their annual meetings 'was due to the fact that the householders had. every confidence in their committee, fie thought they might well be pleased with the report, and also the balanoe-shefet, which showed a credit balance of £63 Os lOd.— Mr A. Burt Seconded the motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which was carried.

Mr Murdoch Mackenzie Spoke of the splendid work done by Mr D. Wright in connection with the Bible class. The outgoing cothmittee —Messrs W. R. Brugh (chairman), A. Btitt, J. Edgaf, 4. BfchitJiers (secretary), M. Mackenzie, 0- H. Find, j. Kehifaitz, vvfia. Sfidtt, aM E. Cameron —were re-elected. GREEN ISLAND. The following were elected a committee : —-J. B, Oit, D. Taylor, R. Duncan, H. Cflaijk. W v Wfnn, W jdhn|lt>H, W, Watjsoh. it titwrturrttfi ’W»

ALBANY About 80 householders attended. Mr Jas. H. Wilkinson, chairman of the late committee, was voted to the chair. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said that the keen interest taken by ■ the householders in the affairs of the Albany Street School augured well for the future. He would like to mention, because it was omitted from the report, that _at the Dunedin Competitions Society’s festival the physical drill squads—two. of girls and twb of boys—-were awarded first prises, , and that the still holds the banner of the Competitions Society for, calisthenics. It might appear as though rather much prominence was given in the school to things outside the school syllabus. This idea was disproved by the fact that at the last examinations the whole of Standard VI. obtained proficiency certificates and two obtained Education Board scholarships. This, you will all agree, is satisfactory to all. The school attendance throughout the whole year had been most satisfactory, particularly SO a® there was a mild scare about infantile paralysis, which, strange to gay, did not affect the attendance at all, as the attendance of the scholars, while the sciiro,, Was at its height, readied the highest average. He would like to emphasise the needs of the district for a new. school, and incidentally to thank the Hon. T. Fergus for his continued advocacy of the needs and interests of the district. In conclusion, he would like to say that much of the credit for the satisfactory condition of school affairs was due to the head master (Mr Jas. Rennie), whose initiative, untiring zeal, and painstaking efforts were such an asset in advancing the welfare of the school. Tire motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was seconded by Mr IV Main, and carried unanimously. Tire following motion, moved by Mr Restieaux, and seconded by Air Ford, was carried unanimously '“ That this meeting of householders of the Albany Street School district again urge upon the Education Board to take into consideration the providing of a new school suitable for the requirements of .the district.” Mr M'Cullock, chairman of the South School, Invercargill, who was amongst those present, spoke of the pleasure the visit of the Albany Street Drum and Fife Band gave them, and said that while the band Were in Invercargill the boys behaved themselves splendidly, and their conduct reflected great credit on those who had charge of them. Mr Mitchell moved, and Mr Guthrie seconded—“ That the retiring committee be re-elected.” There being no other nominations, the chairman declared them duly elected, and took the opportunity of saying that it was most gratifying to the committee to feel that their efforts on behalf of the school were so much appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks to the committee for their past labors Was then carried.

The committee are as follows; Messrs A. Brooke, J. Abernethy, A. Black, A. Burk, Alex. Dempster, W. R. Smith, J. H. Wilkinson, J. Main, W. Aitken. At the conclusion of the meeting Air Rennie thanked those present for the kindly reception of references to the staff in the report and also in the chairman’s speech to the work of his staff and himself, and also for their generous financial support of all movements for the good of the school. Votes of thanks were then passed to the head master and his staff and to the chairman.

The newly-elected Committee met'after the householders’ meeting, and elected the following officers :—Chairman, Mr Jas. H. Wilkinson; secretary, Mr Alex. Dempster | treasurer, Mr W. Aitken; delegates to. Schools* Conference, Messrs Jas. H. Wilkinson, J. Abernethy, A. Black; trustees, Messrs Jas. H. Wilkinson and W. Aitken; Works Committee, Messrs J.’ Main, A. Burk, A. Dempster; Gymnasium Committee, Messrs A. Brooke, A. Burk, W. R. Smith; Requisites Committee, Messrs W. R. Smith and W. Aitken. The night of meeting was fixed for the second Monday in the month. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. The annual meeting was attended, by about 70 parents and friend®. Mr T. Arnold was voted to the chair; - The election of officers was immediately proceeded with, and resulted as follows : Me#* ‘' HY ' Arnold ■' (44); Rev. W. H, Roberts (39), B. E. Sinclair (29), Wm. Mowat (35); Wm. Mitchell (34), G. Calder (38), and D. J. Calder (40), and Meadames Begg (41) and Elliott (58). Unsuccessful candidates were Messrs A. E. Tyrrell)’, L. 0, Jefooate, T. Egley, W. 11. Steele, Rev. Carlisle, and G, S. Thomson. , Mr M'Outoheon spoke in support of a motion urging ithe (abolition of giving School prises. He claimed that it was a bad system, in which the brightest pupils only secured laurels, to the detriment of duller minds, whi&h were not helped forward. The system created discontent favoritism, and a ton© of intellectual snobbery.—The Rev. Mr Roberts spoke strongly against the speaker’s remarks, and said that he had failed to grasp that school life constituted a miniature world, in which the scholars were prepared for the advanced competitive age in which we lived and always would live. In life there would always be prizes and blanks, and it Was at School that pupils should learn to achieve the outlook upon life. If the children failed to realise that this was a Competitive world until later on in life it was far more severe upon them.—The motion lapsed. Mr G. S. Thomson vigorously attacked holne work, and moved that it ho abolished in Connection with the school. He insinuated that at present the children got mental cram instead of mental training.— Mr Plamank (head master) said it was the first complaint he had ever heard, and he defied anybody to prove that mental cram was forced upon the children. As,a matter of fact, to-day Children had a “ milk-and-water ” life. Not an average of 15 minutes was spent by any pupil in home work, and, moreover, it Was not compulsory. Wheti given to pupils they were given their own option, and about' 50 per cent., generally did the work, and he thought it was those willing pupils who should be eiicdlitaged for endeavoring to assist themselves. (Applause.)—Mr Thomson then withdrew his motion, which, had been seconded pro forttia, explaining that he understood home work was compulsory, and therefore wished to apologies.—The meeting • then enthusiastically recorded their gratification to head master and staff for their work during the year.—-The head master acknowledged the compliment. LAWRENCE. Thebe was a largo attendance of householders at the school committee election, held in the Town Hall last evening, the attendance being the largest for many years past. The report presented by the outgoing committee showed that there had been no improvement in the attendance during-the year, though it was gratifying to note that in the primary department the average attendance for the i&st quarter was higher than it had been for the two preceding quarters—viz., 141, as against 133 for the December quarter. The attendance in the secondary department for the MarCh quarter (31.6) gave a very little margin on which to retain the services of the two teachers in this important department of the school The accompanying balance-sheet showed that the receipts Horn ttll during tM year totalled £205 10s 10d,' and the expenditure, £l2B 16s sd, leaving a credit balance of £77 14s sd. The report and balanOe-sheet were received and (adopted. Ten candidates Were nominated for the seven vacancies on the Octmnittee, the Milot.fesulting in the election of Meters J- M'Grae, J. Nome, w. R. Smyth, E. G. Brown©, J. Brooks, E. Robertson, and R. Gray. The outgoing committee wer thanked for their, service®,' a special vote bfeihg also passed to the chairman (Mr David MTntosh), who did not seek re-election. —At a subsequent meeting Ml Nome Was elected chairman and Mr Gray secretary of the new committee,