REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1944, Page 6

REEFTON NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent!. REEFTON, May 2. Mr. Geo. White left yesterday morning for Christchurch. Miss N. O’Flaherty is spending a holiday in Christchurch. Mr. T. Whittle has arrived from Christchurch on a short visit. Seaman B. Neiner is making a stay in Cronadun before returning to his base. The rainfall recorded at the local School of Mmes during April totalled 11.98 inches. The max'mum fall was on the 4th., when 2.05 inches was recorded. Sixteen days, were wet. Twenty members attended the monthly meeting of the Women’s Institute. Mrs. J. Panckhurst, who presided, welcomed four new members. The Federation’s report was read by Mrs. Honey. Mrs. Bray gave a demonstration of rag mat making, which was much appreciated. Mrs. Sharpe gave a reading. All were accorded a vote of thanks. T'he competition winners were: Autumn leaves, Mrs. Sharpe; Pickled. onions, Mrs. Harvey and Mrs Cleaver 1, Mrs. Nicholls 2; Carrots, Mrs. Hunt 1, Mrs. Harvey 2. The hostesses, Mrs. Duff and Mi’s- Yellowlees, served a dainty afternoon tea.

The biennial meeting of householders. was held in the Reefton District High School when more than usual interest was shown. Mr. Jas. Patterson presided over an attendance of 17. The annual balance-sheet and committee’s and headmaster's reports were read and received. The committee's report stated that difficulty had been experienced in maintaining the regular monthly meetings. 18 being held during the two years, with attendances as follows: S. C. Robinson 17, J. Patterson 16, D. Panckhurst 16. A. McElwee 15, C. Dobson 14, W. J. Duff 12. C. Potter 8. The equipment and grounds were in good order. A film strip projector was on order and should arrive shortly. The learners’ pool had been erected and the dental clinic was under separate control. The school ball was an unqualified success, but no excursion had been held owing to travel restrictions. The balance-sheet was as follows: Receipts: Cash in hand £l9 14s 6d, Education Board grant £152 12s 7<l, Excursion £7 10s, Cost of living allowance £l6 ss. half cost of science material £3 5s 3d, refund amount projector ss; total £192 12s 4d. Payments: Cleaning £B5 ss, fuel and lighting £25 9s 7d, repairs £6 10s Id, books and stationery £l3 7s 2d, bank charges 10s, freights 9s 2d, petty cash £3 14s Bd, insurance £1 9s, projector £ll ss. library account £1 16s, radio repairs £2 10s, science materials £3 5s 3d, balance £143 Is sd. Special Account: Receipts: National Service Department £l9l 15s lOd, excursion proceeds £5 Ils 6d, dental clinic £5 17s 6d, learners’ pool £l2l 9s 6d, operating balance £l7 0s 9d; total £341 15s Id. Payments: Ground maintenance £199 18s 4d, learners’ pool £124 14s Bd, closing balance: General Account £43 Is sd; Special Account £l7 2s Id; Cash at Bank £72 3s 2d; less outstanding cheque £ll 19s Bd. Members paid a tribute to the work of the Secretary, Mr. Robinson, during the term. The headmaster (Mr. A. Stanley) reported an increase in the roll as follows: 1942, secondary 42; primary 146. 1943, secondary 57; primary 138. 1944, secondary 67; primary 152. During the three years the roll in September, upon which the staffing was based, had been 155. Eight members were on the present staff, including the headmaster, three secondary assistants and one relieving. The accommodation was limited, the laboratory being used as a class room. The committee’s request for a detached infant ciassroom was being favourably considered by the Board. Infant room toys had been made at the local Technical School and were the first to be usede bv any school in Nelson district. Railcar timetables had been altered to suit the country pupils, of which a large number attended. The headmaster suggested that provision should be made to supply a hot drink at lunch time for these pupils. Examination results were: Public Service, 1942: 7 presented. 7 passes, 1943, 6 presented, 2 passes,University Entrance, 1942, 2 presented, 2 passes; 1943, 6 presented, 4 passes. School Certificates: 1942, 2 presented, 2 Passes; 1943, 7 presented, 5 passes. Owing to the closing of the public baths, the senior swimmers had suffered a setback and .were unable £o compete for certificates. ' The 'chairman and Mr. Duff made complimentary reference to the headmaster and staff, saying that the school was a credit to the district. The following committee was elected: Messrs J. Patterson, D. Panckhurst, W. J. Duff, W. A. McElyee. S. C. Robinson, C. Dobson and C. Hinton. Mr. C. Potter did not seek re-election. The chairman asked the meeting to observe a period of silence in honour of those who had fallen. At a subsequent meeting of the committee. Mr. J. Patterson was elected chairman,Mr. S. C. Robinson secretary and Mr. W J. Duff treasurer. The meeting

night w ? as fixed for the second Monday in each month. The matter of an honours board was held over. Messrs Duff and Robinson were appointed a visiting committee for June 3.