KUMARA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1940, Page 5

KUMARA NOTES

j (Our Own Correspondent]. There was a large attendance on Sunuay evvii.ng at a meeting called by tne promoters of the annual sawmillers’ picnic at Kumara. Mr Geo. McEnaney occupied the chair, and Mr J. Mcuauchlan, the secretary, read the balance sheet of last year’s picrnc, which showed a small credit balance. A general discussion followed as to cne nest way to cater for a successful function. Messrs J. Reedy and R. J. Little, on behalf of trie Kumara branch of the R.S.A., suggested that, as they had had an idea of hold.ng a picnic, it might be preferable if they combined with the sawmillers’ picnic. This proposal was carried unanimously. Mr Little thought that, as in former years, the public had given excellent support, it might be a good idea to have a Centennial picnic, in which the general public and visitors could participate. This was agreed to. It was then resolved to hold a procession through the town and to ask shop keepers and citizens to decorate their premises, and to offer prizes for the best dressed vehicles, cycles and prams, and also for children in fancy dress. It was deo.df4e to held the picnic on Saturday, March 3, on the Kumara Racecoure, the procession to go through the town at 10 a.m. A coihmittee meeting is to be held on Friday vening, and a general meeting next Sunday evening to make final arrangements. i A meeting of the Kumara School Committee was held on Monday evening, there being present Messr D. A. McLean (chairman), R. Chant, R. J.' Little, J. Reedy and H. Hamer (hon. sec.). The newly appointed headmaster (Mr L. J. Thwaites) was also present and presented his first report: The roll ended last year with 29 boys and 30 girls, total of 59; withdrawals, 3 boys and 7 girls, total 10; admissions, 4 boys and 7 girls, total 11; present roll, 30 boys and 30 girls, total 60. The roll for 1939 began with 56 pupils. The headmaster also made some suggestions for improvements to the school garden. The Board wrote appending the copy of a memorandum addressed by the Education Department to the Public Works Department, re ground improvement. Letters re ground improvement were also received from Mr Jams O’Brien, M.P., and the Hon. H. G. R. Mason (Minister of Education), and Mr R. T. Smith (District Engineer). Members thought the delay in having the work done was owing to the inclement weather. The secretary stated he had written, some time ago to see if it was possibl to have the benefits of manual training extended to the Kumara school children, as the Committee was anxious that the children should have the privilege of attending classes in Greymouth. After discussion, Mr Little moved and Mr Reedy seconded that a letter be written to the Principal of the Grey Technical School, asking if Kumara scholars could he taken, and suggesting that instead or half a day a week, one full day a fortnight would suit Kumara pupils best, owing to the transport difficulty. This was carried. The Board wrote asking that the school flag be flown on certa n dates, being Centennial anniversaries. Mr Reedy said that about a year ago, a request for a new flag had been made to the Education Department, but one had not been supplied. He moved that a request for a new flag be made again. This was carried. Requests’to the Board were made for two “Big Ben” clocks, one for each class room. A request for a shed to house the cycles of pupils riding a distance to school, for minor repairs, and for the painting of the school and residence were also directed to be made to the Board. Accounts amounting to £7 11s 9d were passed for payment.