THE SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 16092, 18 April 1916, Page 7

THE SCHOOLS

HIGH STREET.

" HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETINGS. There were greatly diminished attendances at .the annual meetings of householders held last night in connection with . the election of school committees. Firstly, there was no " live" question for consideration, and interest was taken out of the • proceedings by tho fact that nominations tor the incoming committees for the urban schools closed a week ago. The latter frievance was emphasised at some of the ouseholders' meetings, as the reports below will show:— ARTHUR STREET.

In moving the adoption of tho annual report and balance-sheet, .Mr W. R. Brugh (who* was voted to the chair) referred to the regulation that the chairman should review tlje work of the past year, and said it seemed the beginning and end of a iarce for him to try to lecture the five or six gentlemen who had sat with v him every month for the past 12 months. The balance-sheet showed an income totalling £176 Is 7d, including a credit balance of £22 13s lid at the beginning of the year. Tho year closed with a credit of £4l 3s Id. The question of uniforms for the hand and other matters that required consideration had been held over, as they considered this was _ not the time to attempt to get sufficient money for such purposes. Mr E. Cameron, in seconding the motion, referred to the retirement from the committee of Mr Scott, who had rendered the sohool excellent service for a number of years. i The motion was carried.

Only nine nominations, the requisite number, had been nominated for the committee, and they were declared elected. They are:—Messrs A. Burt, James Edgar, E. Cameron, X M. Mackenzie, J. Kemnitz, Alex. Struthers, 0.. H. Pinel, J. W. Scurr, W. R, Brugh. Mr Scurr (who takes Mr Scott's "place) was formally welcomed to a seat on the committee. On the motion of Mr Scurr, it was decided that that meeting place on record their appreciation of the work done by Mr W. Scott on the school committee. Mr Kemnitz, Mr Mackenzie, and the Chairman all spoke of the verv valuable work Mr Scott had done for the school. ' At a subsequent meeting of the newlyelected committee Mr Brugh was reelected chairman, Mr Struthers secretary, Mr Edgar treasurer, Mr Pinel hall representative, and Messrs Brugh, Kemnitz, and Scurr delegates to the S6hool Committees' Association,

GEORGE STREET.

Mr Jas. Wallace, chairman of the outgoing committee, was voted to the chair. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the Chairman stated that the year had been a successful one in every respect except in the matter of attendance. Every largo school had its up 3 and downs in attendance, and this was a "down" year with George street. The staff were to be congratulated on the ■work done during the year. Besides tho usual scholastic work, swimming and physical culture had received attention. A sound body was necessary, as well as a sound mental equipment, and the pupils of the school were well looked after in this respect. The boys had shown this by their success in the playing fields, and the number of names on the roll of honor showed that the school training was carried into after life. He made an appeal for more funds for school purposes generally, and for the band uniform fund in particular. A record could be claimed in the matter of attendance of members of committee. For years no notices of regular meetings had been sent out, and still the average attendance had been over 96 per cent., thus showing that members took a keen interest in the work. Mr W. C. Hopkins, who seconded the motion, thought it was a pity that householders did not take more interest in their school, and attend in larger numbers. It was a mistake to alter the Act in the direction of preventing nominations of committeemen on the night of tho householders' meeting. Mr F. W. Clayton and Mr T. A. Patterson (head master) emphasised the importance of physical training and the medical inspection of the children. Mr Patterson advocated the establishment of dental institutions in connection with our schools, as a great deal of. our. troubles could be traced to defective teeth. This was proved by the number who were rejected from this cause in the medical examination for enlistment. The motion was carried.

It wax announced that the only nominations received for committee were: Messrs W. C. Hopkins, G. D. Wilson, W W. Knox, H. M. Brownlie, T. Long, F. W. Clayton, J. S. Hunter, E. Ferguson, and J. Wallace. These gentlemen were declared elected.

At a meeting of the new committee Mr R. Ferguson was appointed chairman, Mr F. W. Clayton secretary, and Mr G. D. Wilson treasurer. The" night of meeting was fixed for the first Tuesday in the month at 7.30 p.m.

ALBANY STREET.

Fully 100 householders attended. Mr J. H. Wilkinson, chairman of the late committee, heing voted to the chair. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the Chairman said that the keen interest taken by tho householders in the affairs of the school augured well for the future. The committee had been especially alert regarding all sanitary arrangements, both in and around the_ school, during the threatened outbreak of infantile paralysis. • The report was adopted, and the ballot for the incoming committee was then proceeded with, and resulted:—Messrs .Sinton 77, Abernethv 75, Aitken 75, Wilkinson 73, Houston 72. Smith 72, Burk 70, Dempster 70, Main 68 (elected), Mrs Rosevear 18, Mrs Pearson 16. At the conclusion of the. householders' meeting the committee met and elected Mr Wilkinson chairman, Mr Dempster secretary, and Mr Aitken treasurer. Delegates to the School Committees' Association—Messrs Abernethv, Houston, and Wilkinson.

Only five men attended at the High Street School Hall for the purpose of taking part in the householders' meeting. •Mr D. Wishart (chairman.of the old committee) formally moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the latter showing a credit balance of £33 4s. He declared Messrs G. A. Martin, A. W. Potter, J. T. Cooper, F. E. Tyson, Robert Ewing, J. W. Blackwood, Josiah H. Lane, H. H. Wise, and himself elected for the ensuing year.

MORAY PLACE. There was a small attendance. Mr W. S. Pattison occupied the chair. In moving the adoption of the annual report the chairman traversed the main items contained therein. It was a most satisfactory report, he said. Excellent work had been done by the head master and his staff. The band had done well, and in this connection Mr Pattison paid a tribute- to Mr Swann, who had taken charge during the absence of the regular conductor (Mr Lake). The'prompt precautionary measures taken by the Works Committee of the school when the infanti.o paralysis scare was in evidence was commended, the chairman declaring that the school was now in as sanitary a condition as it was possible for any school to be.

lr v ,' H ll,ei ' the motion. Mr A. M'Oill said ho would like to make lb quite clear to the parents that Moray Place School, though situated in the centre of the City, was so constructed an to be perhaps the healthiest in Dunedin.

The motion was carried. The baknee-aiheet, showing «- credit balance of £73 lis Bd, was adopted. Ihe ekction of the committee resulted as follows .--Messrs W. S. Pattison, J. S^ 00 ' a G - £, Swann > A - M'Gill, H. M'Cleery, A. Miller, A. Greic, Q W Hay, C. B. Thomson. g

Mr Miller, m commenting upon the small attendance' of householder at the meeting, expressed the opinion that interest ,had waned since the new system of electing. «nuintte«nen had been intro22°!*'■ .gf bought that the old system

After the general meeting the committee met and elected their officers as follows t —Chairman, Mr Alex. Greig; secretary, Mr G. T. Swann*, treasurer, Mr W. S. Patttson ; Works Commitko, Messrs Thomson and M'Gill; delegates to School Committees' -conference—Messrs M.iller, Swann,. and Greig.'

KENSINGTON.

There was a, small attendance of householders, Mr R. Miller presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the Chairman commented on the various item's in the report, laying particular stress on tho arrangements which were being carried out to safeguard the health of scholars. The balance-sheet, read by the treasurer (Mi- Lambert), showed a credit balance of £7B 5s 2d.

Mr Dalton, in seconding the motion, stated that when Mr Stewart took charge the number on the roll was 178. Now it wa3 402—a fact largely due to the popularity of the staff and the alteration of the boundaries, .they now having a much larger district to draw from. '1 he motion was carried.

For the new committee 10 nominations were received, and the following were elected:—Messrs H. M. M'LaucMin, R. Miller, J. Read, J. Ruston, D. Esplin, J. L. Stevenson, J. W.. Symonds, T. H. Dalton, and J. Davie. Whilst the scrutineers (Messrs Lambert and Stewart) were carrying out their duties Mrs M'Lennan gave a recitation ('Puttin' lh the Cries') in an acceptable manner, earning the applauso which greeted her effort. The matter of the election of school committees was brought up by Mr T. H. Dalton, who moved—"That this meeting of householders.protest against the present system of electing school committees, and urge on the Government the desirability of reverting to the former system." In tho course of Ms remarks' the mover stated that great difficulty was experienced in procuring nominations. Mr Ruston seconded the motion, which was carried. Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring committeemen, the scrutineers, and the staff. In responding •on behalf of the latter, Mr Stewart stated that the staff did not work for popularity, the, welfare of the school being their sole object. He returned thanks for the appreciative remarks made, and also to the committee for the keen interest they had taken in the school.

The singing of the National Anthem closed tho meeting. The first meeting of the new committee takes place on the 19th inst.

MACANDREW ROAD

There were about 30 householders present.

Mr G. F. Bewley, voted to the chair, said that the report and balance-sheet showed that the outgoing committee's work had been very good. The attendance had increased by 24 during tho year, making a total roll number of 677. Four years ago the number was something like '4OO. No doubt the increase was partly accounted for by the shifting of population their way, but it was also largely the result of the school's fine record. The average attendance for tho year being 630, tho school went up a grade, and that meant an increase in the teaching staff. The committee had done all they could in the direction of gotting more accommodation for the Fifth and Sixth Standards. The children in those standards were not able to sit in the comfort which the Government should provide. It seemed that the Minister hoped that the new school to be built at St. Clair would relieve the pressure, but he (Mr Bewley) did not think it would so work out. The school was losing the sen-ices of Miss Woodhouse. This young lady was a very capable teacher, and though sorry to lose her the committee congratulated her on her appointment to the staff of the Waitaki High' School. Mr and Mrs Low, who had resigned as caretakers, carried, with them the committee's best wishes. The chairman went on to ask householders to assist the committee to prepare the roll of honor by supplying missing names of expupils who had* gone to the front. Only 70 names were known so far, and there must be double that number. He also referred to the school's success at the athletic sports, mentioned that the Biblereading classes had been very largely attended, said that the playground was now one of the best in and about Dunedin, and called attention to the balance-sheet, wherein it appeared that the year started with a credit of £7l odd, and there was Tiow, after spending £36 on improvements to the grounds, ovct £lOl in hand. Mr W. B. Huston moved the adoption ot tiie report, and this was seconded by ilr C. Banc and carried without discussion.

The election resulted as follows:—G. F. Bewlev 26 votes, A. Blackie 24, J. Y. Peterson 22, A. W. Duncan 22, W. Wright 21. D. H. Cunningham 21, B. Wingficld 20, J. Riley 19, A. E. Titchener 15. ■The other candidate, W. B. Ruston, polled 12, and said he would stand again another time.

The new committee elected Mr Bewley chairmnn and Mr Riley clerk and treasurer, and appointed the second Tuesday as the meeting night.

FORBIJRY,

Under a score were present at last night's meeting. Last year about 180 attended. Mi S. R. Smith was voted to the chair.

The' Chairman, in referring to the annual report, said it would be noticed that the attendance had been good. As regarded their si,aff, the echool seemed to be always changing their teachers, which was a good sign, as it showed that other schools were eager to obtain the benefit of the Forbury 'teachers. The work done by Mr Duncan Wright in his Bible class had been appreciated. The inspector's report was very favorable. In reference to finance, an important item of revenue had beer, lost, owing to losing the custom of the Cadets, who now had a hall of their own. There was a credit balance of £9l to go on with. Two concerts had been held in aid of the band and prize funds, with very satisfactory results The band •uniforms, which had cost £l2l, were paid for, and as in addition £24 odd had been subscribed for prizes it would be seen that the householders had liberally supported them. Patriotic funds had benefited by over £l2O, which showed that the school wee doing their share in this worthy jectMr W. Fleming moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr P. Johnson and carried.

The Chairman then moved—" That this meeting place on record their appreciation of the large number of ex-pupils who have enlisted for the front, and express their deepest sympathy with tho parents and relatives of those who have made the supreme sacrifice."—This was carried bv the audience standing. The Chairman announced that ho had accepted the following nominations for seats on the committee:—Messrs S. R. Smith, P. Johnson; W. Fleming C A Lucas., R. M'Kitterick, E, J. Barwelf 1 V- , H - JV F oulter - Th is left two vacancies to be filled.

Complimentary votes to the slaff and also to the retiring committee were earned.

It was resolved that the name of Mr A Campbell be recommended for nomination to one of the vacancies on the committee A vote of thanks to retiring members of committee—Messrs W. B. Steel, J. Off en anfl G. P. Stewart—for sen-ices rendered in tn© past was carried.

MUSSELBURGH.

Aboirt 60 householders attended the meeting in this district. Mr D. C. Cameron, jun., the retiring chairman of committee, occupied the chair. In. moving, the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the Chairman noted the steady growth of the school since 1905 Starting with 70 scholars, the roll now numbered 614, with an average attendance of 571. He thanked the local ministers for their services to the school in conducting a weekly Bible class, which was ; much appreciated hy scholars and parents. The school bandwas in need of uniforms, but the mills at present were engaged on war contracts, and unable to Bupply the necessary'tartan. Tho committee trusted that by the timei the uniforms could, be'-procured at least £IOO

would be- in hand towards the cost. The school occupied the position of being the largest Dunedin contributor to .the funds iov Dr Barnardo's Homes. lie trusted" that the action of tho outgoing committee- in regard to school boundaries would be appreciated,-.a& a very large area had been added to tho district. A matter for regret was the absence of Mr G. C. Israel from the present meeting. His death had removed a very true iriend of tho school—one who took a keen interest in nil things pertaining to its welfare. Tho Rev. R. Scott Allan seconded the motion, and complimented the committee on the way they had safeguarded the interests of the school. He thanked them on behalf of the local clergy for the right given the ministers. to conduct a Bible class, and acknowledged the help of the staff in that respect. Sister Agnes had frequently acted as a helper in this work. Ho trusted that what had been done in the way of Bible reading in the school would entitle them to a similar privilege in" the future. t

The report and balance-sheet were adopted. - . The election resulted in the return of tho old D. C. Cameron, J. Harris> H. Harris, W. Dunning, W. Jacobscn, A. Walker, M. Priest, G. Adess, and A. Wilson. Mr Pitts was tho only other candidate.

While the ballot was being counted several matters of interest to tho school were discussed.

Mr A. Allen proposed, and it was carried—"That the hearty thanks of this meeting of house'horders be tendered to tho retiring committee."

A vote of thanks to Mr John White and his staff was unanimously agreed to. At the close of the- householders' meeting the new committee met and elected Mr D. C. Cameron chairman,' Mr A. Walker secretary, and Mr H. Harris treasurer.

ST. CLAIR,.

I\lt W. Speight (the chairman) moved the adoption of the annual -report and balance-sheet, which showed a credit of £77 7s 3d (£SO of which is reserved for the new school ground), which was agreed to. Tho following wero elected a committee, no ballot being necessary:—J. B. Brugh, R. Buxton, H. C. Campbell, E. C. Oayzer, T. Fleming, A. Kilpatrick, 0. J. Moody, L. D. Ritchie, W. Speight.

CAVERSHAM.

Half an hour (apart from the time employed in counting the votes) sufficed for tlie business of the householders' meeting in the gymnasium. In ,the absence of the chairman of the School Committee, Mr W. D. Snowball was voted to the chair, and the attendance numbered 40, including a sprinkling- of ladies. The chairman's sola comment in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet was a. reference to the excellent attendance record of the school" for the year—9s.4 per cent. Mr R. H. Todd seconded the motion, -which was carried without any discussion. The election resulted in the return of Messrs "VV. D. Snowball, J. M. Brown, A. H. Hayward, A. E. Jefferson, E»~T. Kennard, J. B. M'Coimell, L. Sanderson, R. H. Todd, and F. Wilkinson. Mr F. Ford, the late secretary, was the other nominee, and Mr Todd voiced the regret of the committee at his enforced retirement. The customary vote of thanks to the chair and the outgoing committee dosed a quiet meeting.

ANDERSON BAY.

The meeting was held in the school hall, about 30 being present. Mr Youngson occupied the chair. The annual report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. On the motion of the Rev. A. Cameron, seconded by Mr James Fairbairn, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the head master and staff for the efficient manner in which they had carried out their duties, also to the retiring committee for their interest in the school during their term of office.

Ten nominations were received for the vacancies on the committee, but one of the candidates being outside of the boundary as defined by the Education Board, was not eligible for election, so no ballot was necessary. The old committee—Messrs A. Youngson, A. Williams, A. Wallace, R. Harneiss, W. Bennet, W. North, F. J. Campbell, N. M. Harris, and G. Kirkwood —were declared elected.

The proposal for forming a school band was discussed during the meeting, but was not received favorably by the committee or the head master.

MORNINGTON.

There was an attendance of 40, including a few ladies. Mr E. Bentham. chairman of committee, was voted to the- chair, and the- printed copy of the reporl and balance-sheet was taken as read. In moving the adoption of the report the Chairman said that two of their teaching staff had gone to the war, and the position of one of these was filled temporarily by Mr M. Holgate, a former pupil of the school. Of 35 presented. for the proficiency certificate 31 in all had passed. The band was being trained by Mr Campbell, and. the boys were getting on well; they had spent £SB on the band last year, and this year about £2O vill be required to buy new instruments, etc. The""'flower show had drawn, the opinion from the judge that it was one of the best for flowers and vegetables he had seen. The sum of £27 was collected for the prize' fund, and he thanked Messrs C..E. Statham, M.P., C. F. Mitchell, S. Solomon, and Sincock for special prizes. The gymnasium had been improved and painted at a cost of £46. He thought it an anomaly that the balance-sheet had to be made up to December 31, while the committee held office till April. The bal-ance-sheet showed a balance in hand of £4l 10s, the total expenditure having been £257. The report was adopted. A letter dated March 3 was read from Norman Thompson from Ismailia, Egypt, gratefully acknowledging receipt of a parcel from the school. Parcels had been sent to ex-pupils at the front, and it was mentioned that S. Prout had convened meetings of old boys. Two other ex-pupils had written saying that thov had received their parcels, but some others had not been delivered.

Mr W. Davidson (head master) said that when the board's memorandum re infantile paralysis was received he had obtained the assistance of two public health officers, who thoroughly fumigated the buildings. Everything ' was kept clean, and disinfectants were liberally used. Physical and medical experts had examined tho children of Standard 11.. and two classes of those who were considered lacking in_ development "were gU vn phvsical exercises every day. He referred to the common complaint" of adeno>ds. and thought it might largely be prevented if parents -would' take the trouble to see that their children breathed through the noso and not the mouth. Mr P. Carolin also referred to the frequent cases, of enlarged tonsils, and thought it might be described as the adenoid plague. On the motion of Mr Ford, the Head master and committee were thanked for preparing a roll of honor of those at tho front tho number being 150. . ' The election of committee resulted in the return of Messrs E. Pincock (32) R Benthnm (31), J. W. Patton (29) J Hone (27), M. Haig (26), J. Thompson (23) G. Lamb (21), J. A. Haslett (19), F. M. Shortt (18), all being members of the old committee. The other nominations were Messrs J. H. Ford and D. Henderson.

The new committee subsequently met and appointed Mr E. Sincock as'chairman, Mr M. Haig secretary, and Mr J. W. Patton treasurer. Messrs Pattonj Thompson, and F. M. Shortt were appointed a Works Committee, and Messrs R. Bentham, J. Hope, and E. Sincock delegates to the School Committees' Association. Meetings of the committee will be held on the fourth Monday in each month.

KAIKORAI

Twenty-seven householders attended. Mr G. Moir presided, and in mcA-ing the adoption of the annual report said that the report was a very satisfactory one. The attendance had been very liigh, and the work was of high-class order.' Referring m to the school's roll • of honor, he said that it was only & temporary one and something more worthy would be put up later on that would help to keep the memory of the men green for ever. He said that this war was deplorable, and

that while their sympathy was towards those who had died, yet their anger was towards those who wero the cause of this war. Speaking of tho possibility of tho outbreak of infantile paralysis recently, he said that every precaution against the disease had been taken by tho spreading of a disinfectant throughout the rooms every day. Ho said tho pupils had shown a, groat deal of practical sympathy towards the various patriotic affairs in connection with the war. They had spent a good deal of timo in connection with that matter, and had already subscribed close on £IOO to patriotic funds. The finances of the sclfooi were in very satisfactory condition, and this was due to the householders' splendid response when an appeal was made for funds.

Mr Allmitt (head- master) spoke of the benefits that were to be derived by the children from the physical course, prescribed by experts for them. The children of to-day were to be bolstered in every possible way to develop physically and mentally, as well as morally. Several instructors had been appointed by the Government, at very great expense, to teach the various schools. Experts had visited the school during the past few weeks, with the hope of finding cripples or decrepits in the school. Their idea was- to catch the third-class children, and to see whether they could find 30 pupils of this kind. Out of 27 boys they only found 9, and the defects of *the 9 boys were not serious. These cripples and decrepits were then put into what is termed the "corrective" class. He was afraid that some parents thought that it was against the interest of the children to put them in this class. He thought it was a foolish position to take up. He hoped for their sympathy in every way, and* he felt sure they would find it was'a step in the right direction.

The following were elected to the committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs A. Ferry, G. Moir, R, War'drop, Wz-Wilson, D. Scott, F. Wilkinson, M\ W. Johnston, P. L. Ritchie, and H. Ma-theson.

A motion of thanks was passed to the outgoing committee and to the teachers of the school.

WAKARI

Following were elected a committee:— Messrs J. Torrance (chairman), R. Hemingway, H. Hutchings, J. Hood (secretary and treasurer), H. M'Culloch, C. Clark, and W. Armour.

NORTH-EAST VALLEY,

The chairman (Mr D. Colder) explained that the sparse attendance (which at no time exceeded 30) was to be attributed to the fact that owing to the hew regulations all nominations far the committee had to be in before the meeting took place. In the present instance there were just sufficient nominations to make a, ballot unnecessary. This fact naturally led to a loss of interest on the part of the householders. He drew attention to the way in which the attendance of scholars wan improving from year to year, the year under review beginning with a total of 599 and ending with 614. The meeting would be pleased also to note that during 1915 the children of the school had. contributed to the patriotic funds the sum of £120; also that its roll of honor now contained tho names of 150 ex-pupils, and there were more to follow. The householders would Tegret to read in the report that 13 of the names inscribed were now amongst those who had laid down -thenlives for the Emnire.

On the motion of- Mr Theodora Arnold, seconded, by Mr Mowat, the .report was adopted.

The treasurer's report was also adopted. . The nominees for the now committee— Messrs B. E. Sinclair, T. Arnold, D. J. Calder, Wm. Mowat, W. Mitchell, Geo. Calder, Henry Thompson, and Mesdames M'Arthur and Begg—were declared elected.

On the motion of the chairman a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the teaching staff. Mr Flamank resnonded on behalf of himself and assistants. Mr Sinclair moved, and Mr Harvey seconded—"That this meeting of householders protest against the present system of nomination of members of the School Committee seven days before the election, and trust that at the next election of committee tho old system of receiving nominations at the householders's meeting will ; be reverted to."—The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Arnold moved, and Mr Sinclair seconded—" That the School Committee apply to tho City Council for a, grant of £lO in aid of the North-east Valley Public Library, sufficient funds for the purpose of the libraTy not being available irom subscriptions, and the withdrawal of tho Government subsidy having rendered some other assistance necessary if the library is to bo continued."—Tho motion was carried.

Mr Mowat moved, and Mr G. Calder seconded—" That this meeting of householders take advantage of the occasion to protest against the renaming of the Main North road and changing it to Green street."—Carried.

Votes of thanks were passed to the secretary, and Mr Calder was invited to speak on lim 50 years' reminiscences on the School Committee. A song by Mr Rawlinson and a recitation by Mr Hy. Russell closed the proceedings. At a meeting of the new committee Mr, G. Calder was elected chairman, and Mr* J. J. Bardsley secretary and treasurer.

RAVENSBOURNE

Eleven householders attended at Ravensbourne. Mr J. Duitn was voted to the chair.

The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion. On the motion of Mr D. A. E, M'Ewan a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the retiring committee, cleft, and chairman. When the question of tho election of a committee was mentioned, the Chairman frankly admitted that there was a certain amount of informality about the whole thing, and stated further that, as a matter of fact, only one gentleman—Mr M'Ewan —was really elected. The others—members of the old committee—had on the night of the nomination agreed amongst themselves that it would be unnecessary r° I IT l the formal Papers, but had since found that such a procedure was compulsory, and that nominations had to be made on the prescribed form. The only tiring to do was to declare Mr M'Ewan elected" and proceed to take steps to fill the other six positions. It had been agreed at a meeting of the committee held earlier in the evening to suggest that the names of the old members who desired nomination should be forwarded to tho board, together with a recommendation that they should be elected. Of course, it would at the same time be competent for anyone else to forward other names to the board also.

After some little discussion Mr M'Ewan moved, and Mr T. Harridge seconded, that the meeting proceed to ballot f-.-r s ; x names which could be forwarded to the beard together with a Tecommondat'on that they be appointed members of the committee.

This motion was carried, but a ballot was avoided by Mr R. Gordon, the retiring chairman, declining nominat-'on. The names to be forwarded to the board are Messrs G. Crosbie, J. Dunn, J. Robb, J. D. Cameron, A. B. Powell, and P. Christensen.

The Chairman complimented the meeting on arriving so unanimously at a satisfactory way out of the difficulty.

CONCORD

Thirty-seven persons present. Mr E. J. Reeves occupied the chair. The report showed that the average attendance had risen from 108 to 152 during the year. The contributions received consisted of £3O 15s lOrl for oatriotic and other funds, in addition to £43 4s, which completed the payment on the school piano m one year. The echool garden was dea creditable pkce of work, and the children were , successful in securing first place in the schools' competition held m connection with tha Green Island Horticultural Show in February. The Navy League were well represented, having 36 members in the school. A large quantity of material for the hospital chip and soldiers' comforts was provided/and the boys and girls were thus doing- their share to help those who were taking a more active part in the war. Appreciation was expressed of the skilful maimer in which, the

teaching staff had carried out their duties, and of the way in which tho children had been disciplined. The report - and balance-sheet were adopted, and tho following committee elected for the ensuing year: —Messrs H. A. Christie (chairman), R. J. Chambers (clerk), W. Johnston, J. Mitchell, J. Morrison, T. Samson, and W. H. Steele.

GREEiNTSLAND,

Mr Taylor (chairman of the late committee) presided. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, and a vote of thank® to the outgoing committee, and also to Mr M'Donald and staff, was carried unanimously. Mr D. Buchanan was also accorded a vote of thanks for his management and instruction of the school band. A vote of sympathy with Mr R. Duncan in his family trouble was passed. Mr Duncan, who is retiring from school committee work, was the oldest" member. '

The following were elected as the new committee:—Messrs James On- (22), H Harrawa.y (21), Taylor (21). Jackson (17), Clarke (15), Steele (15). Wilden (14), Ton'luns (14), Her bison (13).

MOSGIEL.

There was -a small attendance. Tho report was adopted on the motion of the chairman (Mr J. Williamson). A vote of thanks was aooorded the re-, tiring committee for the capable manner in which they had carried out their work. The-following, being the only candidates, were declared elected committeemen): Messrs J. Williamson, T. W r alsh, J. Lo?an W. W. Turnbull, H. Miller, °F. Smeaton. A. Cameron, A. Davidson The committee, are one short of the required number, and tho board will appoint a ninth.

ST. LEONARDS,

There was an exceptionally good attendance, a large proportion being ladies. Mr CJccch presided. The annual report and balance-sheet were approved, and the following elected a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs O. V. Davies, H. Miller, D. Russell, J. C. Seelye, and C. R. Gooch. There were six mominations.

PORT CHALMERS.

Mr J. M'Lachlan (chairman of the retiring committee) was voted to the chair. .There was a very moderate attendance. The, committee, in the course of its annual report, stated that the school attendance for the various quarters had been as follows:—June quarter—Primary roll 455, attendance 429; secondary roll 25, attendance 24. September quarter—Primary roll 456, attendance 419: eecondary 25, attendance 23. December quarterPrimary roll 460, attendance 427; secondary 25, attendance 22. March quarter— Primary roll 461, attendance 436; secondary 25, attendance 24. During the year several changes had taken place in the staff, and all tha new. teachers appointed were giving satisfaction. The inspectors' report -following on the examination was good. In Standard VI., out of a roll number of 41, 37 gained proficiency and 4 com-, petency certiiicales. In the secondary department there was the largest class the school had had for years, and four ,had passed the Public Service examination. In patriotic work the school had been foremost in helping at all times to raise funds for our boys, and had also given a concert, when about £22 was handed to the Women's Patriotic Fund. The school band, under the able directorship of the rector, had been ever prominent in playing whenever called upon. Since the 'commencement of the war the school had sent about 153 ex-pupils to fight for the Empire, and the committee were pleased to sav they were upholding the traditions of their race. Death had claimed a few, while others had been wounded. Reference was also made to the outbreak of infantile paralysis and the precautions that had been taken against its epread. The bank balance was £27 lis 2d.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, tho Chairman said that tho work of the year had been very satisfactory. The. school had always been in a sound financial position, and" the policy of the committee had invariably been a guarded one. The Tector and his staff had done exceptionally well, the results attained in the senior school comparing vexv favorably with those achieved in the Dunedn High School. He thought the people of Port Ohalmers did not sufficiently realise the value of the secondary department of tho school. As to the patriotic work, the school should bo very proud of the number of men who had gone to the front. An honors board was being arranged for, and this would be erected in due course. The speaker alluded to tho work of the ministers of religion in connection with the Bible classes, to Mr M'Kenzie for his work in the school gardens, to the school band, and also to his fellow-members of committee.

The Rev. W. M. Grant, in seconding the motion, touched briefly tipc« the absolute unanimity that had pervaded the operations of the' committee. Ho stated that the fine response of tho ex-pupils of the school to the call of Empire showed the fine work that was being done in the building of character.

The Rector (Mr G. F. Booth) read the roll of honor of the ex-pupils of the school who had given their services to the Empire, some of whom, he stated, had made the-major sacrifice. The list was headed by the name of Lieutenant-colonel A. Bauchop, C.M.G.

All the members of the outgoing committee were again nominated, and, no other names being put forward, the committee were re-elected as follows:—Messrs J. M'Lachlan, Rev. W. M. Grant, J. Mill, W. Thompson, J. Osborn, R. D. Jack, J. Emerson, J. C. Isbister, and A. R. Sutherland.

On tho motion of Mr Grant, seconded by Mr John Mill, a vote of appreciation of the services of Mr James Gray and an expression of sympathy with him in his illness was carried unaimously, and the hope was expressed that he would soon be able to resume his duties.

At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr J. M'Lachlan was re-elected chairman, and Mr J. R. Harland reappointed secretary: Messrs Thompson, Sutherland, and tho Rev. Mr Grant were appointed delegates to the School Committees' Association.