PORT AHURIRI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5292, 28 January 1879, Page 2

PORT AHURIRI.

The annual meeting of householders was held last evening, in the school-room, at the Port. The attendance was very small. Mr Wilkie was voted to the chair, and read the committee's report as follows : — " On 28th January, 1878, a public meeting of householders was held for the purpose of electing a school committee in accordance with the Education Act, when the following gentlemen were elected, viz : — Messrs Wilkie, Denholm, Mabbett, Riddell, Red ward, M'Connochie, and Captain Watson. On 19th February Mr Wilkie was eleoted Chairman and Mr Red ward. Secretary to the committee. At the same time the Secretary was instructed to urge upon the Education Board the necessity of erecting a suitable school-house, capable of accommodating 100 scholars, and nominated the Rev. D. Sidey and J. D. Ormond as members of the Education Board. Average attendance of scholars for month ending 31st March, was 65. On 29 th July, the Secretary was instructed to urge upon the Education Board the absolute necessity of appointing a male teacher to this school (the appointment having been hitherto held by a female), and also to again request the Board to take steps to erect a school-house and teacher's residence. The Education Board then informed the committee that the then teacher (Mrs Herlihy), had been notified that, her engagement would terminate at the end of three months, upon which the committee advertised for applications for the appointment of a male teacher, which resulted in six applications, out of which Mr Ballantyne was elected. In October a communication was received from Secretary to Education Board, suggesting the amalgamation of the Napier, Napier Suburban and Port Ahuriri school districts ; and establishing a side school at Port Ahuriri. To which the committee replied ' That they could not in justice to themselves, the householders, and the children in the district, consent to the amalgamation of the Port Ahuriri school district with any district.' In the same month, Mrs Ballantyne was appointed sewing mistress to this school. In January, in reply to a letter from the Education Board, requesting the committee to suggest a suitable for school buildings. The committee suggested sections 623 and 624: for this purpose. The Board likewise notified the committee that in consequence of Mr Ballantyne having failed to obtain a tearcher's ceartificate, his engagement would cease on the Ist April, and that the Education Board would take the necessary steps to procure a teacher for the school. The committee likewise nominated Messrs F. Sutton and J. N. Williams, as candidates for the vacancy in the Education Board, caused by members retiring in accordance with the act. "W. Wilkie, " Chairman." The report was adopted. The Chairman stated he believed that the seotions of land recommended by the retiring committee had been granted by the Government, and tenders were accepted for the erection of new school buildings and teacher's residence. The 'accounts showed a balance to the credit of the committee of about £18. Eleven candidates were proposed as members of the new committee, and the election by ballot resulted as follows : — Mr Redward (17), Mr Mabbit (12), Capt. Wataon (11), Messrs Fulton (9), Nasmith (9), Riddell (8), and GuiUard (6). Mr Wilkie was nominated for re-election, but declined to stand. Voteß of thanks were accorded to the retiring committee and the chairman, and the meeting terminated.