NAPIER MAIN SCHOOL.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 163, 27 June 1911, Page 7

NAPIER MAIN SCHOOL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the 'Napier Main School Committee was held last evening. Present -. Mr. C. H. Edawrds (chairman), Mesdames Theakstone, Oldham and Fossey ; Messrs. E. P. SmyrK, Rev. J. R. Archer. J. C. Thomson, J. H. Thompson, Dr. Eric Caro. HEADMASTER’S REPORT.

The headmaster’.* report was as followsl to report that the average attendance for tne past month has been 733 and the highest attendance 752. The present roll number is 792. Mr'. Grant, who has contracted typhoid fever, has been absent from duties since Bth inst., and I enclose herewith an application from him for leave of absence to the end of August. L regret to report that the measles epidemic has come suddenly upon us. Our attendance last weex was the highest we have had for years, but on opening school this morning I found that quite a number of families had cases. Where other members of an infected family had come to school at once sent them home. The result is that this afternoon there are 150 absentees, two-thirds of these being due to measles, either directly or indirectly. There are also two members of the staff in whose homes there are cases and these I shall have to send home if school remains open. With a view to checking the epidemic your committee should carefully consider the advisability of closing the school for two or three weeks, and of dispensing with the term holidays in September. I have in my possession at the present time a solar Altometer which was forwarded from for inspection. As it is an instrument we require in the school I shall be pleasel if the committee can s ee their way to purchase it. The cost is 10/6. Mr. Grant was granted leave of absence until the end of August. The question of closing the school was left in the hands of the chairman to consult with the Chairman of the Education Board with a view to closing the ‘school for three weeks. By this arrangement the term holiday in September will be dispensed with. It was agreed that the solar Altometer should be bought. The Visiting Committee report was read, and various small matters were decided to be attended to Mrs. Theakstone and Dr. Caro were elected a visiting committee for the ensuing month. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr T. Y. Griffin wrote asking on behalf of St, Paul’s Sabbath School that they should be allowed to use a school room in order to hold a written examination on Sunday July 9th.—Granted ; subject to the usual conditions.

. The secretary of the Education Board (Mr. G. Crawshaw) wrote informing the committee that for the purpose of grants for incidentals the infant school at Napier Main be regarded as a separate school. Capitation will for the ensuing year be paid on this_ and a quarterly allowance return was asked for from the headmaster for each institution. —Received. The Education Board wote confirming the appointment of Miss Smale as first assistant teacher. — Received.

The caretaker wrote explaining why the school, was not kept in good condition. He suggested that a supply ,of hose should bp obtained. These matters were left in the hands of the chairman to deal with.

Permission was asked by W. Girling to allow Captain Wain and himsel fto visit the classes on a Wednesday afternoon, and lecture to the pupils on the evils of smoking and gambling. Permission declined. but they can lecture outside the school if they wish. Accounts amounting to £l6'7'7 were passed for payment. Mr. E. P. Smyrk moved that the section adjoining the school should be used for a playground, and that an estimate should be obtained for the cost of levelling it.--Chairman to look into the matter and report.

The headmaster of the Napier Main School is to be asked to report on an application made by the captain and secretary of the Salvation Army to address the children for five minutes on one day each week on Ae disastrous effects of tobacco smoking.