ELTHAM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 20 August 1924, Page 7

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Eltham School Committee was held in the C.E'.M.S. rooms on Monday. Present: Messrs Bridget- tchair), Dobson, Gower, Michel, McKay, Rowe, and Heyes (secretary). Mr. E. Barv (headmaster-) reported that the average attendance was keeping up very well, and the roll number was now 401. The highest attendance for any one day during the month was 390. He also reported that three clocks were old and apparently worn out.

It tva.s decided to apply to the board for three new ones. It was pointed out .that- the clocks were very old and had been repaired a number of times.

The secretary read an official notification from the board concerning the grant for a new school. —The chairman said that no doubt the committee, and also the parents, recemed the notification Avith a, great deal of satisfaction and pleasure. After a number of years of continuous effort and agitation it was very pleasing to note, not only that the grant had been made, but that a start is-to be made immediately Avith the erection, also that the plans inchide a dental clinic.—Members of the committee endorsed the chairman’s remarks, and on the motion of Mr. Dobson. seconded by Mr. Gower, the folloAving resolution Avas carried: “That the committee expresses its great satisfaction at the decision of the Education Department to erect a neAV school building for Eltham, and also places on record its appreciation of the interest and attention given the matter by the chairman and members of the Taranaki Education Board and the member for the district, Mr. 0. Hawken, M.P.” It Avas decided to call a public meeting of householders and others interested to discuss various proposals for the raising of money for the laying out of the neAV school ■ grounds. A letter Avas received form the secretary of the South Taranaki School Committee Association (Mr J. AV. Harding) calling for nominations for representatives of the Eltham group, comprising tAveh-e school committees, and it AA r as decided that the folloAving be nominated to fill the five positions: Messrs J. Cocker (RaAvhiltijroa), N. Thrush (Fjnnerty Road), Coleman (Ngaere), I. J. Bridger and R. Peppered (Eltham). . Accounts amounting to £7 4s 4d Avere passed for payment.

PUBLIC LIBRARY. The annual meeting of the Eltham Public Library and Reading Room Committee av»s held in the Borough Council Chamber last night. The chairman of the outgoing committee (Rev. B. J. Orange) presided over a poor attendance of subscribers.

The folloAving report Avas read, and, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by-Mr, Syme, Avas adopted: The activity of the institution has been Avell maintained during the year, and the position at the close of the period is such as to justify a feeling of satisfaction. The number of members remains steady. As will appear from the balance-sheet, there is ail increase of £3 9s 6d only in receipts from subscriptions, etc., so that obviously there has been no great increase in numbers. No picture benefit has been asked for during the year, nor have any donations beyond the Borough Council’s subsidy (£3O) been receKed from outside sources. The committee feels, therefore, that members should be congratulated on the fact that a credit balance of £ll 5s Id -is shoAvn, notAvithstanding an increase of £5 10s 3d over last year in the amount spent on books, and increases also in other items of expenditure. Books are iioav being procured locally, instead of from Wellington, as hitherto. The committee feels that this method of purchase Avill prove more satisfactory in the long rim. Mrs. Hooper resigned the position of librarian during July, and out of. eight applicants the committee appointed Mrs. Prideaux to succeed her. Mrs. Hooper has served the library in a very satisfactory manner, and ‘ the committee has sent her a suitable letter of thanks and, appreciation. Mr. Tiplady has again been good enough to act as auditor.

The secretary (Mr. J. Sheat) presented the 'balance-sheet, wßich showed that the total receipts for the year amounted to £l7l 7s Bd, and the balance in hand Avas £ll os Id. The bal-ance-sheet Avas adopted. On the motion of the chairman, the Borough Council was thanked for the subsidy grant of £35 and the use of the room, also Mr. Tipladv Avas thanked for his services as auditor during the past year.

The following AA'ere elected a committee for the ensuing vear: Mesdames Syme and Hawken, Rev. Air. Orange Messrs J. N. Sheat, X. B. McDonald! Edwards, and I. d. JSridgor. At a subsequent meeting of & the committee the Rev. Mr. Orange was reelected chairman and Mr. J. H. Sheat .secretary

The chairman, secretary, and Air. McDonald Avere appointed' a selection committee.