MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 September 1931, Page 6

MEETINGS

GREY VALLEY FARMERS’ UNION

The ordinary meeting of the Grey Valley branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held at Ma'wheraiti on Monday evening, Mr. W. Clayton presiding over a good attendance." Before commencing the usual business, the Chairman referred to the death of the late Mr. John Phelan, who, he said, was a fine specimen of the hardy band of pioneers who opened up the West Coast. A motion of condolence with his family was passed in the usual manner.

Replying to a request from the Union, that mining regulations be/uplifted from all lands suitable for farming on the West Coast, the Minister of Miners stated that jie could not give effect to the request in a general way, and asked for a reliable description of specified areas which should be excluded.—lt was decided to reply requesting that all river-flats be exempted. It is understood that this information has already been supplied by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, for Westland.

The Minister also stated that the Warden, may, when issuing a license, make it a condition that, so far as practicable, the surface of the land must be left in a fit condition for agricultural or pastoral purposes, or in other words, the soil must be replaced on the surface. To carry this out, was, in the opinion of several members who had worked on dredges, an absolute impossibility.—lt was decided to reply to the Minister in this strain and also to bring the matter under the notice of Messrs O’Brien and Holland.

With regard to the Waimaunga Experimental Farm, the Minister of Agriculture wrote stating that it had been decided to give up the farm, and concentrate experimental plots in the different localities. —Members were keen Iv •disappointed in the step taken by the Department; the whole undertaking from beginning to end, has been a sorry demonstration of expert farming by a Government Department, neither political party being any better or worse than the other. Comment was made that as this farm is advertised for lease by ballot, and although the buildings thereon are stated to have cost £2,400, without counting the cost of fencing—which was considerable—and other items, it is loaded with £6OO only, for improvements. It is hoped that the Department will be as generous to their many farmers with Government mortgages. The balance-sheet of the Waimaunga Farm would make very interesting reading. The Grey Power Board wrote in connection with private wiring, in I view of the introduction of power to the district, the opinion being, that their proposal was a step in the right direction, that is, that they intend to secure a contractoi* to do the whole of the wiring at one time. It was decided to again communicate with the Postal Department regarding improvements to the Black water Post Office. I

Mr A. Bradley presented the balance sheet of the Farmers’ Ball, which disclosed a splendid credit balance, which has been donated to the Ikamatua Hall fund, there still being a small amount owing on the hall. The President eulogised the good work done by Mr Bradley and his committee, the ladies in particular coming in for special praise, and he moved that a vote of thanks be recorded in the minutes, which was carried b’ l ' acclamation.

Mr A. Doig, Chairman of the hall committee thanked the Union for their handsome donation, and said, that as soon as finance would permit, it was intended to improve the hall by the addition of a supper room.

REEFTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

[OUB OWN COBBISJ’ONDBNT.]

' REEFTON, September 10. The monthly meeting of the committee of the Reefton District High School was held last evening. Present: Messrs W. B. Auld (chairman), H. Campbell (secretary), D. Panckhurst, C Dobson, Chas. Potter, N. Lawn, Jas. Paterson, Rev. T. .W. Parsons, and W. S. Pratt, headmaster. The Chairman (Mr W. B. Auld) before the business of the meeting, referred to the death of Mr W. S- Austin at one time headmaster of the Reefton School, and proposed that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs Austin. Mr D. Panckhurst seconded the resolution, which was carried in • silence. Correspondence was read from the Nelson Education Board regretting that the Board could not see its way I clear to alter the amended plan and expressing the hope that a grant for the building of the main school would soon be made. It was decided that the Committee were not satisfied with the reply from the Nelson Education Boayd regarding the amended plan of the new school, and the matter of a reply was left in the hands of the Chairman and Secretary. It was decided that the Chairman of the School Committee at Blacks Point be approached and asked to meet the Chairman of the Reefton School Committee with regard to den-1 tai clinic matters. Also, that all other outside committees be communicated with, pointing out the financial posi-l tion of the Dental Clinic, and that re-

presentatives be asked to meet to discuss ways and means of carrying on the clinic. The headmaster’s report presented showed that the Secondary Department’s roll numbered 47, left during term one boy and three girls, average attendance 43.2. Primary Department roll number 205, admitted 3, left 1; average attendance 179.1. The school re-opened on Tuesday, and despite adverse weather the attendance was good. All urgent repairs to the school have been attended to. The electrical disturbance of Tuesday night had

fused the power point and blown all the fuses in the Dental Clinic. The presentation of accounts in connection with the fancy dress ball showed a satisfactory credit balance. The Inspector’s report at the end of the term examinations showed the total roll strength of 257, of which 227 were presented for examination. ,The Inspector’s comments were as follow: Primary Department: The efficiency of the school lies between good and very good, and generally speaking, is very capably managed. In some divisions a veiy good standard of work has been obtained, more especially so in the senior and infant divisions.A very good tone prevails. Under difficulties, efforts have been made to improve the schoolroom environment, and the rooms, including furniture, are as clean and tidy as circumstances permit. The probationer attached is re-

ceiving a good training in'class and school management. Secondary Department.—The organisation Is very good. Next year a special course for non-academic pupils is being arranged- There is a fine tone, and the pupils are well interested in their I studies. The quality of the instruction in general is good. It was decided to solicit subscriptions from past and present pupils of I the school to erect a memorial tablet to the late Lieut-Colonel W. S. Austin.