ELTHAM SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 23 September 1924, Page 5

ELTHAM SCHOOL.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The ordinary monthly meeting of the school committee was held last night. Those present were : Messrs. ""Ira Bridger (chair), W. S. Heyes (secretary), G. Dobson, F. Maynard, F. Michel, J. D. McKay, R. Gower, and the headmaster (Mr. E. Bary). A letter from the board stated that the committeeV application for a tank and large cupboard for toothbrush drill material was referred to the board’s architect to report. The headmaster reported that the attendance lately had been particularly good. For the week ending 12th September the average was 393.3 and the roll number was 412. The highest attendance on any one day was 395. The inerea_sed attendance has caused overcrowding iu some of the rooms, and relief will be required with the approach of the summer weather. A junior Bed Cross circle had been formed at the school with a membership of 53. They had already commenced to work on material tor a sale of work for the purpose of purchasing a surgical boot lor a little girl in Wellington aged ten years. Mr. Bary asked for a simply of cricket material, consisting of four bats, pair of pads and gauntlet gloves. The boys had contributed £2 ids toward the cost. The committee decided to purchase the material. .The baths will need some attention before the season opens. On the motion of Messrs. McKay and Dobson it was decided to set up a baths committee , consisting of the chairman and Messrs. Maynard, Dobson and Rowe with power to add to their number from enthusiasts outside of the committee. The chairman said that he was hopeful that a swimming club would be formed in Eltham during the coming season, and thus somewhat relieve the committee’s work in this connection. The school committee were only responsible for keeping the baths in order for the school children, but it was very necessary to provide for the general public also, arid he hoped a club would he formed. Several improvements suggested were referred to the baths committee with power to act. NEW SCHOOL GROUND.

The chairman referred to . the effort to. raise money for the laying out of the new school grounds and the public meeting- that was called for the purpose of considering proposals, and owing to the smallness of the meeting it was decided to adjourn for a future occasion. He had written to the board’s expert (Mr. Riddling) and asked him to prepare a plan of the grounds and also an estimate of die cost of same. Mr. Riddling had replied that he would visit Eltham and aissist the committee, in the very near future. There had been a suggestion of combining another project, but he thought it wise to leave the discussion until the public meeting Was called. The secretary reported that the bank balance stood at £59. Accounts amounting to £4 10s were passed for payment. At the conclusion of the business Mr. W. S. Heyes (secretary) said that owing to his, leaving the district he was very reluctantly compelled to resign from the committee and also as secretary. The chairman, in moving that the resignation b£ accepted with sincere legret, said Mr. Heyes had been secretary for some two and a half years, and during that time had carried out his duties as secretary in a very satisfactory manner. He was in a position to know just how much work was entailed in the position, and the bestthanks of the committee are due to Mr. Heyes for bis untiring and unselfish work on behalf of the children and the school generally. Mr. Bary (headmaster) said that he and his staff greatly appreciated the work of the retiring secretary, and he wished him good success in future years. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mic-hel and carried. The chairman reported, that Mr. W. S. Styles had' presented the school, with seven volumes of; the Popular Eneydopoedia and also a> medal for competition in swimming events. Mr. Styles was thanked for his handsome gifts. Mr. <). H. Slieat was asked to accept a seat on the committee to fill the vacancy, and Mr. R, Pepperell was asked to accept the position of secretary to the committee for the remainder of the term.