Hastings School Committee.

Hastings Standard, Issue 419, 7 September 1897, Page 2

Hastings School Committee.

The usual monthly meeting of the Sohool Committee was held in Messrs Maddison and Go's offices last night. Captain Russell occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs Hunt, Maddison, Morgan, McQuillan, Tong, George, and Cook (secretary). The head master's report stated that wet weather interfered with the attendance. Sundry school repairs were applied for. The annual school concert was unable to provide adequate prizes, and the committee should determine as soon as possible whether the concert should be supe tended by some other means of raising money ; (2) whether it should be assisted by some " special prize " or other scheme ; (S) whether the prizes bo discontinued altogether. The awarding of prizes for attendance had a very good effect, quite one-third of the standards being never absent from school. He enclosed a cheque for £6 12s stationery fees for quarter ended July 31st. Captain Russell thought it very desirable that pupils should be awarded prizes bat the sura realised from the annual concerts should be sufficient to provide them, and if not the headmaster must either reduce the number or the value of the prizes. He thought the prizes given in each standard for each subject could possibly be reduced to two. Mr Tong thought prizes should be given for attendance only, but Mr McQuillan thonght this would be unjust to children living at a distance whose regular , attendance would be interfered with by the weather. It was decided to inform Mr Smith that it would be a pity to discontinue the school concerts, and that the committe saw no better means for providing a prize fund. A letter was received feom the Educati&n Board promising to supply maps. The head-master wrote suggesting that tenders be called for the supply of school stationery. Mr Cook suggested that the money be spent locally. —Captain Russell said if tenders were called the large firms would be in a position to under - quote the local houses. —lt was decided- that the schedule of stationery the head master was preparing should be handed to the visiting committee with authority to act. Captain Russell was granted leave of absence in order to attend to his' duties in Parliament. The school Inspector's report said of the 578 children on the roll 381 were present at the examination? and 328 passed. The school was in a capital working state. The result of the examinations supplied evidence of diligent work and intellectual teaching, and he was satisfied with the progress of the children who had been examined during the year. Accounts amounting to £5 5s 7d were passed for payment. This concluded the business. Messrs Maddison. and Morgan were appointed visiting committee for the month.