RUNANGA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 19 September 1945, Page 3

RUNANGA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent)

Mr Geo. E. English presided over a large .attendance of members at the annua] meeting of the Runanga-Rapa-hoe Life-Saving Surf Club, held in the Miners’ Hall on Monday evening. The annual report, which was adopted, stated: Last season was the first, active season of the club, and special thanks arc due to the committee. Handicapped by transport difficulties, they kept the club together and faithfully patrolled the beach each fine Sunday. Their efforts were a credit to the" club, and much appreciated by the public, who gained the benefits of safety in bathing, plus a convenient bus service, to and from the beach. During the season, work was commenced on the erection of a pavilion, but a series of set backs, including* a cement shortage, prevented t.he completion of the building. Arrangements are now in hand for this work to be completed by contract, and in time for the opening of the 1945-46 season. Due to efforts of the social committee, the club’s funds were augmented by £26.185. A girls’ concert party, several of whom are members of the club, conducted a concert on our behalf, which contributed a further £3O 15s 6d. Efforts to obtain club costumes and monograms have, so far, been unsuccessful, but the committee hopes to obtain them for this season. Last year we bought two new surf reels and accessories, and fhese should, meet our immediate needs. In the near future we hope to have our own lifeboat. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £B2. The election of officers; for the ensuing term resulted: President, Mr G. English; vice-president, Mr A. Deardon; secretary. Mr R. E. Williams; trustees, Messrs English and Williams; executive, Misses Worgan, Welch, Wright, O’Neill, Adamson, Thiers, Finn, Higson, and Newton. Messrs J. Lee, W. Williamson, T. Finn, J. Hinks, W. Williams, R. Barnes, .and W. Hillhouse. Subscrintions were fixed at 2s for hon. members, 2s 6d for club members, and Is 6d for junior members. It is the intention of the club to form ladies’ life saving teams this season. Appreciation of valuable help rendered to the club b.v Miss Jean Wright and her concert party was placed on record. A pleasing feature of the meeting was the attendance of a large number of new members.

Mr. R. J. Armstrong presided at the ordinary monthly meeting of the school committee held last evening, also present being: Mesdames R. Wright and R. Barker; Messrs C. Kennedy, R>. Thompson, R. Ewan, Rev. W. £■. Brettell, the secretary Mr. J. Duggan, and the headmaster, Mr P. Heath. An apology was received from Mr. H. Oakley. The Department of Health wrote relative to maintenance grants for dental clinics. The Education Board advised that the. foreman had been authorised to carry out necessary alterations to fuel and tool sheds and repairs to school windows. The school d'entai nurse wrote advising the date of commencing duties with the school. The headmaster reported: Roll 224; attendance 200—207; staff all present; cleaning satisfactory; minor repairs carried out to buildings. School hours had again reverted to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors last term were Messrs Richard, Wilson and Archer. Inspector L. A. Roche (Agriculture) visited the school. A gale blew out two panes of glass in t.he west end of the school and these were repaired immediately. Since the beginning of the school banking system in July of this year the total amount of pupils’ accounts was now £llO, covering a little over 100 accounts. For patriotic funds, since May, 1941, the school had raised through the children’s efforts tne sum of over £450. Acounts amounting to £8 18s lOd were passed for payment. Mr. P. Heath notified the committee of his appointment as a headmaster under the Hawke’s Bay Education District, and’ asked tnat his resignation be accepted as from September 30. The chairman assured Mr. Heath that all were sorry to lose his services. He said that during the four years he had been headmaster in Runanga his relationship with the committee had been of the very best. Mrs. Barker endorsed the chairman’s remarks, and congratulated Mr. Heath on his wee] deserved promotion. Rev. W. Brettell assured Mr. Heath that he fully appreciated’ the kindly help received by him in the Bible-in-school instruction. He could also speak for Rev. E. Harding in this respect. Mr. Heath thanked members and the chairman for their expressions of goodwill towards him and stated that during many years of teaching he had the pleasure of assisting with splendid committees, and none had' proved better than Rninanga. It was resolved that the resignation be accepted with regret and that the committee place on record its appreciation of Mr. Heath’s services whilst headmaster of the Runanga school. At a meeting held in the school rooms last evening, over which the Mayor. Mr. E. W. Kennedy presided, the secretary of V.J. Day celebrations, Mr J. Duggan, read the financial statement, showing a credit balance of £9 7s 3d The statement was adopted, and it was decided that the chairman and secretary be empowered to interview the Miners’ Union Picture Committee with a view to running a matinee for the school children, as it w 7 as agreed at a previous meeting of the V.J. Committee that any money left over be spent on 'the children in this manner.