HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 February 1939, Page 12

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MONTHLY MEETING

[OUR own correspondent.] HOKITIKA, February 7. The monthly meeting of the Hokitika School Committee was held la'st evening. Present: Messrs A. C. Armstrong (chairman), R. Ferguson (hon. sec.), J. Lawrence, A. Leslie, H. W. R. Sweney, R. J. Pedder, W. E. Richards. An apology was received for the absence of Mr B. King. The Rector’s report. stated: “The Primary School opened on February 1 with a roll number of 161 boys and 138 girls; total 299, as against 326 at the end of 1938. The Secondary Department opened to-day with 130,

which is a record for the High School. Two other records were made that day—an atendance of 120 for the first day, and 53 new pupils. Two new teachers reported for duty last Wednesday, Miss Betty McCarthy as probationer teacher and Miss Marjorie Blank as supernumerary teacher. Miss McCarthy returned to Christchurch to-day to assist with the physical training of Training College students for two weeks. This is unfortunate for us, as no one has replaced her, and we are required to work composite classes. We could do with the services of another supernumerary teacher. Examination results at the end of last year were quite good. Five candidates qualified

tor University Entrance and Schoolleaving certificates, one for schoolleaving certificate, two partial passes in school certificate (one by one mark only), three for Public Service Entrance, three tor higher leaving certificates, and one for a University bursary. Three students were admitted to the Teachers’ Training College. Acting on Departmental instructions, as much time as possible during February will be devoted to out-of-door activities. Five new typewriters were received to-day from the Department. A start has been made i with the new infant school block. Steady progress is being made with

the levelling of the playground, but would suggest tha't the Committee ask for three or four more men or the work will not be completed' for months. At my request the Department has agreed to permit senior commercial pupils to specialise in their commercial work. 1 hope to be able to commence evening classes during, the week commencing February 20.” Mr Johnston wa’s congratulated on! his report and the success of candi-l dates. j

The Education Department wrote respecting the supply of flags, stating that the matter will be considered when the estimates are being taken. The- Education Board' wrote, stating that the Board’s subsidy for library will be made available when the account for books is forwarded. The dental nurses reported as follows:—Nur.se Spiers reported 202 operations, 82 attendances, pupils from Hokitika, Hokitika Convent, Kaihinu, and Ruatapu. Nurse Wells—2ll operations, 24 attendances, pupils iioni Hokitika, and Hokitika Convent. H. .1. Cowan, Mahinapua, wrote, asking that if a picinc is to be held this year the question of holding it at Mahinapua be considered. j J. Cameron wrote, asking that he receive a turn in carting milk to the

schools.—Resolved that Mr Redder and Mr Cameron confer on the matter with the object of coming to an understahdng. R. J. Spiers wrote, stating that she is resigning the dental service on February 28, and thanking the Committee for the assistance rendered her during her two and a-half year’s service.—Accepted, the Committee extending its felicitations to the nurse on her approaching marriage. The Secretary of the West Coast School Committees’ Association wrote asking if Friday, February 10, would be a suitable date to meet the members of the Hokitika Committee at Hokitika. Three members signified their ability to attend the meeting, others being engaged in business. Accounts aggregating £lB/9/11 were presented and passed for payment.

A letter was received from the Board that it had no money to spend on swimming baths, but the matter would be further considered at the next meeting.

The action of the Chairman in purchasing a new lawn-mower and letting the school paddock to Perry’s circus was approved.

A long discussion took place on the running of a schools’ excursion this year, members resenting what they considered unfair criticism last year. Messrs Lawrence, Leslie and the Secretary were appointed to meet the Businessmen’s Association to discuss the matter.