SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1920, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MONTHLY MEETING

HELD LAST NIGHT

The usual monthly meeting of the Grey School Committee was hold in the schoolroom last night. Present,: Messrs P. Mackenzie (chairman), J. Tennent, D. McGregor, Sherratt, R. Williams, W. Blair (secretary)/ Apologies for absence were leceived from Messrs Parfitt and Weaver.

The Rector reported as follows: —I have the honour to submit the usual monthly leport on this school: —

''Since reopening after the influenzaepidemic, the attendance has improved, but still there are many absent through sickness. The a\ erages are as follow : Secondary Department, 68 out of a roll of 72 ,• Primary Department, 467 out of a roll number of 519; Biaketown, 86 out of a roll number of 104; totals, 621 out of a roll number of 695.

"Application was made to the Borough Council for the lease or purchase of a section adjoining the Beard's workshop, but I believe the request was refused by the sub-committee. Personally, I think this is much to be regretted, as the pupils would have beautified the spot, and incidentally have been trained in habits of neatness, methods of gardening, and scientific agriculture generally. The Board would, T am sure, either have leased or purchased the site, and fenced it, so that no expense would have been incurred by the local Council, and the spot would have interested many outside the school. The plot suggested by one of the Councillors could not be protected, as it is off the main road. This section lies near the

Scouts* Hall. "The West Coast branch of the Teachers' Institute wish permission to erect a tablet in the entrance hall, in memory of th? late Inspector, Mr Smith, the expense tj be borne by the Institute. "Miss Dunn asks for permission to hold a children's social in the Biaketown Gym-

nasium to raise funds for the annual prize distribution. The date suggested is 3rd September. "It has been the custom in the past to supply all pupils of the school with pens and nibs. This entails a heavy expense, and is not a common practice in other schools. I find that in many cases no care is taken of them by the children, and they use nearly three times as many as they would if they purchased their own. They could be sold at cost price and no one would feel the small amount required. "As so much time has been lost this year, I recommend that only one week be granted for the September holidays. "The flag-rope is worn out, and the caretaker requires a hard broom and an axehandle.

"P.S.—Attached is a list of books which should be in the High School Library. If funds allow, they would be much appreciated :—Already supplied : Les Jeunes Parisien, Le Chien Volant, Pochnntas, Yvon et Fiuette, David le Traffeur. Suggestions for new books: New Zea'and, Citizen, Nature in New Zealand, Introduction' to World History, The British Empire in Pictures, Man and his Work, Physiogiaphy (Huxley and Gregory)."

It was moved by Mr Tennent, seconded by Mr McGregor, that the Rector's report be received. Mr Wililams moved that a deputation attend the next meeting of the Borough Council in order to explain the matter in connection with the purchase or lease of the ground adjoining the technical school. The ground was wanted for the growing of flowers and \egetables in order that the children could see for themselves Nature at work. Mr Mackenzie moved and Mr McGregor seconded, that Messrs Tennent, Sherratt, and Williams interview the Council at the next meeting concerning this matter. Mr Blair moved that the Committee "cut out" the supplying of penholders and nibs free, and that the pupils be supplied at cost price.—Seconded by Mr Sherratt and carried.

It was decided that Mr Alison's proviso re the holidays be given effect to, the holidays to bo during Competition week. It was decided |hat the flag-rope, a hard broom and an axediandle be provided as suggested in the headmaster's report. Mr Tennent moved that the Rector procure the books given in the list.— Seconded by Mr Sherratt. Mr Tennent moved that permission be granted to hold a social as requested. Speaking in regard to Mr Tennent's motion, the Chairman said that Miss Dunn had brought the matter forward that afternoon and had said that as books were expensive, they desired to have a Christmas Tree. The tickets had been provided by Mr Weaver." The school in Blaketown was in very fine order. Mr -McGregor seconded Mr Tennent's motion that Miss Dunn's request be acceded to. It was decided that Mr Kent be approached in regard to th ecompletion of the honours roll at the school. It was resolved that the Teachers' Institute be permitted to place a memorial tablet to the late Inspector Smith in the main entrance vestibule. It was decided to asphalt the site for the proposed bicycle shed after the erection of the shed. Two days' leave of absence was granted Mr G. McKeazie to sit for his commission. Regarding the visit of the English footballers, the Chairman said that he had lef; the matter of a holiday in the hands of the headmaster, and the holiday had not been given, evidently on account of the very bad weather. From the Canterbury Education Board acquiescing in the arrangements regarding retaining Miss Sfcruthers' services on the staff of the Grey District High School.

From the same, confirming the arrangement under which Miss E. A. Murdoch, assistant mistress, was granted a week's leave of absence owing to illness. From the same, confirming the arrangement under which Mrs Wise, assistant mistress, was granted a fortnight's leave of absence owing to illness. ;; : From the Borough Council requesting the x Committee to appoint, three members for the purpose of forming a Finance Committee to devise the best meana of obtaining money for baths.

Mr McGregor moved and Mr Fhwrntt seconded, that Messrs Aldridge, Williams and Tennent be appointed.