SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 April 1924, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

GREY HOUSEHOLDERS’' MEE' m There was a time when the annua, meeting of householders of the Grey School Committee incited public attention —but as wajs the case aft the previous annual meeting only the necessary nine candidates were nominated and last evening, apart from a nominee to the committee, only one householder, the Rev. T. N. Cuttie, attended. The Chairman of the 'Committee (Air J. Tennent) presided and there were also present Messrs R. J. Williams, H. Herring, J. Weaver, W. E. G. Pullin and AV. B. Scott. After a quorum had been secured the business of the meeting was proceeded with. The secretary (Mr W. F. G. Pullin) presented his annual report which stated : — , . “The roll number showed a very satisfactory attendance as follows: Main School 537.5 out of a roll of 609, Blaketown 93.9, out of a roll of 93.9. Total 631.4 out, of a roll of 702.9. The Watkins Medal given to the pupil gaining the highest number of. marks in the Proficiency Examination was won by Master Colin Smythe. In the Proficiency examination 32 gained proficiency and 14 oompetejncy. Miss [Lily Ferguson won the first prize for the essay given by the Canterbury Education Board. The Navy League Essays Standard VI were won by Jesisie Christie 1, Marjory Smith 2. Colin Smythe 3. Standard y. Benjamin Swbrd 1, Frank Mills 2. In the school competitions given by the A. and P. Show held in the month of February the children did exceedingly \well gaining 31 prizes. The school has a staff of 1 Headmaster, 13 Assistants and 6 Juniors and the Committee congratulate them on their good work. The First ‘Assistant |(&7r Wilson) left to take up the position as Headmaster of North Brighton. The school could ill afford to lose such a valuable man who took such a deep and kindly interest in the children’s welfare and was so keenly interested in the /sporting pi|'|e (of their nature. The Committee desire to thank the Headmaster (Mr H. H. Allison) and his staff for the excellent work done by them during the year and also the • great assistance rendered to the Committee’s finances by the various efforts made to raise funds for the improvements at 1 school durum ihe year. The Committee gave the children, parents and teachers a day’s outing to the Hokitika Exhibition where a most enjoyable day was spent under ideal weather. The Committee expressed its thanks to the Chairman and members of the Canterbury Education Board for favours received from them during the year. To the Chairman of the Board, Mr H. Bignell, they tender thanks for the interest he. has taken in the school and its requirements during the year and also to Mr C. Bignell, the Board’s foreman for the attention to work required about the schools. The Committee desire to thank the Caretaker for attention to duties during the year, and also the Press for its attendance. The balance sheet showed a debit balance of £69 Is 7d which the Secretary stated was £llO less than last year's debit. A quotation was asked by the Rev. T. N. Cuttie as to the number of candidates who sat for the Proficiency examination. The Chairman Said that about 76 sat. “And only 32 passed?’’ asked Mr Cuttie. “Some gained competency.’’ “Even so,” said Air Cuttie “that •seems a very small percentage. ” “It is certainly• not very creditable,” agreed the Chairman. All’ Cuttie said there was something seriously wrong. Either it would be found in the teaching or perhaps in the method of promoting the children from the other classes. The Chairman said that Standard VI had had a chequered career. It had had as many as five teachers since Mr Wilson’s resignation v ‘r Williams, who was to succeed Air Wilson, came with good cmaiihc H ions and it was hoped that the position would be improved next year. “It is a matter to which the Committee should give its attention,’’ said Mr Cuttie. (Enquiries made to-day show that 52 and not 76 was the number of candidates who sat). The report and balance sheet were adopted on the motion of Air Heinz, seconded by Mr Weaver. The election of the incoming committee was then taken. Rhe nine candidates nominated, Messrs J. Tennent, W. F. Pullin, A. Weaver, R. J. Williams, 11. Herring, W. B. Scott, AV. G. Aitken, A. Lamberton, and T. B. Baty were declared elected. The Rev. T. N. Cuttie moved a vote of thank's to the outgoing Committee and wished the new Committee success. The attendance of householders wa-s poor, but there was one consolation, it showed that the Committee had the confidence of the public. The motion was carried. Subsequently the Committee ~reelected Mr Tennent as Chairman and Air Pullin as Secretary. Next Friday was fixed as the new Committee’s first monthly meeting night.

COBDEN. At Cobden there was a small attendance at the annual meeting of householders. Mr C. Grams presided. The Secretary-treasurer (Mr AV. R. Moore) read the annual report and balancesheet, showing a credit balance. The report being received, the Chairman invited questions. Air E. M. Williams asked if anything was being done to improve the school grounds. The Chairman said that £34 was in hand, which must be spent bn the grounds to earn Government subsidy. Air Williams asked ifThe Committee had any scheme of work. The Chairman said the Committee were conferring with the Agricultural Instructor, because any work done must have the approval of the Board’s officer. Air AV. R. Moore moved that the sum of £34 be set aside for. ground improvements.—Seconded by Air E. Al. AVilliams, who said they had a very fine school, but it was necessary to do something with the grounds. The motion was carried unanimously. The matter of transferring a credit balance in the Picnic Fund Account was freely discussed, but eventually both motion and amendment moved in connection therewith were lost, and it was decided that the money be spent on the specific object for which it was collected. The report was adopted. The Technical School rookery classes received some adverse criticism. One lady considered her child would receive more instruction in five minutes at home than at present imparted at the so-called cookery classes. She considered her child would spend her time to more advantage at the primary school. Other ladies present expressed a similar opinion. The baking of scones, pastry, and the cooking of an Irish stew provided a menu /or the

discussion/ much to the interest of those present. Air Sexton moved that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to make inquiries respecting the cookf ery classes. —Seconded by Air W. Williams and carried. The Chairman announced that. no 1 written nominations had been received 1 for committee, and that it would be necessary for the meeting to recommend nine. The following were nominated:—Alesdames F. H. Eggleton, J. AlcCabe, C. Sexton; Alessrs H. Alc- ' Lauchlan, C. K. Millar, C. Grams, W. R. Moore, J. -Duncan, T. Sotheran, E. Al. Williams. There being one in excess of the names of the gentlemen were put in the hat and one drawn by a lady, this proving to be that of Air Williams, who withdrew. HOKITIKA. (Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, April 29. The last meeting of the old School Committee was held last night. Present : Alessrs A. C. Purchas (chairman), AV. H. Shannon, W. D. Mackay, AV. E. Richards, G. Heinz, S. J. Preston (hon. sec.), and D. Stevenson. The caretaber, J. Roseveare, tendered his resignation. —Resignation accepted with regret, and a letter of appreciation /for past services forwarded to Air Roseveare. The Chairman’s annual report was submitted and approved. The annual meeting of householders was held at 7.30. There was a small attendance. This was probably due to the fact that there were not sufficient

nominations received for an election. The Rev. A. C. Purchas was voted to the chair. The Chairman read the annual report, which showed that the attendance for the year had increased from 405 to 444; the examinations were also satisfactory. The report was approved and adopted, on the motion of Air Jarman, seconded by the Rev. J. F. Jack. The Secretary (Air Preston) read the balance sheet, which was very satisfactory, giving a credit balance of £44 10/5. The Chairman stated that nominations for the Committee closed on Monday last and only one nomination, Mr R. J. Pedder, was received. The matter now rested with the Board to either call a .new meeting and fresh nominations or to appoint eight gentlemen to act. Air R. Wells had asked that his name be sent on, The names of any other gentlemen desiring to act would be sent to the Board. On'the motion of Air Mackay, it was resolved to forward the names to the Board, which will take the necessary steps. Air AV. H. Shannon said that before closing he would like to refer to the good work done by Air S. J. Preston on the committee. The parents and general public were greatly indebted to Air Preston for the zeal he had displayed for education in Hokitika. Mr Richards endorsed what Air Shannon had said. The office of secretary which Air Preston had held for some years was no sinecure. He considered the Act should altered to allow cf the secretary receiving remuneration, as the school committee was the only public body which did not pay its clerk a salary. The Rev. J. F. Jack regretted the old committee had. not sought reelection. Some of the members had been on the committee many years, and had done good work. He hoped they would consent to act. He moved that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to them. —Seconded by • Air • J armau and carried.