HUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3207, 3 April 1917, Page 4

HUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

THE MONTHLY MEETING

Tho regular meeting of tho Feilcling District High School Committee was held last night. Present : Messrs. D. J. Murray (chairman), G. Fitzpatrick, 11. Mclntyro, J. Collingwood, and 11. Burnu,

Mr. J. Timnicliffe tendered his resignation as caretaker of the school.— Accepted with regret. Tho now appointment was left to llio new Committee. TJio Headmaster forwarded £2 17b 6d collected by the Secondary Department teachers and pupils 'for purchase of library books. —Tho donation was forwarded for subsidy. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. Tho attendance in both departments is at present very good, tho secondary averaging 9.7 to 98 per cent, and the primary 93 to 94 per cent. For tho quarter just completed, tho primary average is 416, tho highest for tho last two years, whilo tho secondary is 05.8, somewhat lower than for the first quarter last year. Swimming has been, well taken up tin's year, and despite an unusually cold February, 42 pupils havo learnt to swim this season, 46 pupils have ■swum for distanco certificates—three of whom swam from two to two and a half miles—and eight pupils gained certificates of proficiency in life saving and one an elementary certificate. I am particularly pleased with these nine life-cavers, for all swimming should culminate in this work; the work lias been in hand in previous years, but this is the first year certificates have been gained. In compotition with outeido schools, from Palmerstori to Wanganui, our swimmers have not been speedy enough to win. Mr. Belfitt'e assistance in everything , connected with the swimming has Boon always willingly and ably given and the thanks of the school aro due to him.

The cricket season lias been a successful one in the primary department. The coaching has boon in the bands of Mr. SteVo James, and by persistent work and encouragement he has brought tAvo teams up to a very creditable level of play. Five matches have been played so far, and four wins have been scored. Winter sports are now in hand and teams organised for tho commencement of regular play after th'o holidays.

In the secondary department, the boys had tho best of weather for the stock camp and behaved themselves Well there. Mr. F. Maeon continues to place the school under deep obligation to him for the great help he is rendering in the practical horticultural instruction he gives the boys. He not only places his plant and land at the boys , disposal, but gives them his whole time when, they are working at hsi place. Hβ has provided over 400 rose stocks for practice in budding, demonstrated the culture, and treatment of roses, chrysanthemums and dahlias, and has given instruction in layering and leaf propagation. This knowledge rmist prove of great value to the boys.

On Saturday a band of primary girls organised a small sale of work in the quad, and raised over £3 10s for patriotic pui'poses.

The drain reported last month has had work done to it, but is still far from satisfactory.

As this is the last general meeting of the Committee, I wish to express my thanks to the members for the interest they havo taken in the work of the school during the year, and the sympathy shown in all the work of the school. It is having its result in the steady earnest work of. the teachers and the consistent progress of tht-, pupils.

The Committee passed votes of thanks to Mr. Belfit for his care and attention to the children at the baths; to Mr. F. A. Mason for his great help in horticulture, and to the teachers for encouraging the children in sport.