GREY MAIN SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 June 1930, Page 12

GREY MAIN SCHOOL

COMMITTEE’S MONTHLY MEETING

The monthly meeting of the Greymouth Main School Committee was held last evening, there being present Messrs R. Barrowman (Chairman), W. G. Scott, G. Herring, A. J. Fairmaid, R. .1. Williams, J. McDonald, and I-I. Herring (Secretary). A deputation from the Cobden School, Messrs Grams and Scorgie, attended, and outlined the views of their Committe eon the proposed extension of the Dental Clinic service. The Main School Committee forwarded a circular some time ago to all district schools, pointing out that the numerous requests received for treatment of scholars outside the Main School had given rise to the proposal that the Clinic at Greymouth be extended and a second nurse engaged to cope with country and suburban patients. In order to have backing for the request, the circular stated, it was necessary to have the numbers of pupils at each school likely to need dental service. The outcome of the circular was several replies from schools, and the deputation from the Cobden School. Mr Orams stated that the Cobden School was sympathetic with the movement to extend the service, but would like to see all the Clinic work, if enlarged, under the supervision of a committee representative of all schools receiving treatment. Cobden School were prepared to co-operate with the Main School in organising the larger Clinic and establishing a proper committee. Such a committee would be able to control all the work in the district and would have strong backing to any request made for an additional nurse, or for finances. Mr Scorgie stated that although no reflection was meant on the capabilities of the Committee at present controlling the Clinic (the Main School Committee) the Cobden members were of the opinion that a directly representative body would meet all questions of control better. Representation could be based on the roll numbers of the school, and in« the case of isolated schools could be gained by proxy. Mr Scott was in sympathy with the suggestion of a representative Committee run separately from the work of the present Committee, which had stood a loss on last year’s work in connection with the Clinic. The secretary (Mr H. Herring) pointed out that despite the fact Ehat the present Dental Nurse was getting through a tremendous amount of work at the Main School she was still fully engaged there, and was unable to cope with outside work. The Inspector, Mr Rice, had visited Greymouth and discussed the matter, suggesting that the schools in the district be circulated regarding the extension of the service, and that if tills were decided on, a Central Committee could control the work, having the whole of the arrangements, including finance, in their hands. Each school would be represented on'the Committee according to roll numbers and would also contribute to the upkeep, on that basis. When Mr Rice had suggested obtaining the numbers requiring treatment, Mr Herring continued, he had stated the approximate figures, and the Inspector had then expressed the opinion that they would have no trouble in obtaining a second nurse. The suggestion had been that the uurso be stationed in Greymouth and the Main School Clinic enlarged. The Chairman pointed out that any additions to staff or building at the Clinic would be for the benefit of the country schools. The Main Committee was quite satisfied with present arrangements as far as their school was concerned.

They had tackled the question from quite an unselfish view, stated the Secretary. After considerable discussion, it was decided to communicate again with Runanga and Blackball, and ascertain the number likely to require treatment and if this, added to the figures supplied by schools whose Committees replied to the circular, was sufficient to warrant applying for a second nurse, to do so immediately. At the resumption of the ordinary business of the meeting, the Chairman extended a welcome to Mr R. J. Williams who has been absent for some time owing tn an accident while on holiday in Auckland. Replies to circulars sent by the Committee to various schools in re-' ferenco to the extension of the Dental Clinic service were read and • received. ■

The Canterbury School Committees’! Association forwarded extracts of the, annual report and balance sheet. The affiliation fee was passed for payment to the Association. Accounts amounting to approximately £5O were passed for payment.

The Chairman’s action in sanctioning the closing of the school for tlie British Rugby game was endorsed. It was decided to have an inspection of the Main and Blaketown Schools by the Committee on Wednesday, June 25.

Mr Williams drew attention to the fact that Mr Forbes was a native of New Zealand and the first product of the State Schools of the Dominion to ; ■attain the Premiership. He moved that the Committee show its appreciation of this fact on its minutes. He stated that Mr Forbes had been a schoolmate of his at Lyttelton, and he had expected the Lyttelton Committee to show some mark of appreciation. So far he had seen nothing indicating that they had done so. The motion was carried unanimously. The Headmaster (Mr S. Lorking), reported as follows: —At the end of May the roll numbers at the Main School were 284 boys and 276 girls, and the average attendances for the month were 270.2 boys, and 260.5 girls. At the Blaketown School the roll numbers were GO boys and 45 girls, and the average attendances were 55.6 boys and 39.5 girls. As the term holidays occurred in May there is nothing of importance to report for tbo month. The caretaker is in need of new brooms, whilst the School requires new towels and waste paper baskets. Two clocks require mending.