QUEENSTOWN.

Lake County Press, Issue 499, 28 April 1892, Page 8

QUEENSTOWN.

The annual meeting of household err, was held in the schoolroom on Monday evenin" last. Fourteen householders were present. Mr L. Hotop was chosen chairman.

Tho Chairman said the meeting was held to elect a fresh school committee and to receive the balance-sheet and report of the outgoing He read the clause in the Act referring to the election of school committes The ballot-box was then opened and found tobe empty. The Chairman said he would take nominations, and go on with the election in the usual way. He had received a letter from the chairman of the late Committee (Mr S. Dewar) apologising for his absence. They had no verbal or written authority to nominate him. This ha was sorry for, as he was most enthusiastic on school matters, and had made a most efficient chairman —one of the best the committee had had during his (the speaker’s) 10 years connection with the Committee.

Mr Gilmour said that Mr Dewar had expressed his willingness to serve on the Committee if elected. The Chairman : Well, if that be so, a verbal consent is sufficient, and we can nominate him.

The Chairman then read the balancesheet and report of the outgoing committee. The report, as it deals pretty fully with the financial position, renders it unnecessary to reproduce the balance-sheet. The report was as follows: —“Your Committee, in submittingtheir balance-sheet, beg to state that they began office with a credit balance of £1 4s Id. The Board during the year paid for general purposes £25 3s, and towards repairs, etc., £37 10s. The nett receipts of the bazaar wfn £93 13s 2d. The Debating Club m dh a donation for the Arbor Day of £9 2s, and from interest drawn on fixed deposits were received 6s; so that the cash at their disposal amounted to £166 18s 3d, out of which they paid £73 0s 4d towards repairs, alterations, etc. (£43 3s 7d for general puposcs)— total, £ll6 3s lid (or £53 10s lid more than the £62 13s which they had received from the Education Board); so that the year closed with a credit balance of £SO 14s 4d, of which £SO was invested for 12 months on fixed deposit. The attendance during tho year has been very good and the cx animations have been satisfactory, and your Committee are pi as >d to ' e able to report that a few da s go they obtained from the Southl md Eiuca'on Board authority to make arrangome. S for a pupil teacher, which will materially improve the efficient working of tin school. They were also, with the assistance of some of the parents, able to recognise by testimonials the services of the head master, of the mistress, and of Mrs Mehaffey. The proceeds of the bazaar, for which the parents should be thankful to those who took such an in- i terest in it, assisted the Committee greatly in carrying out great alterations ' and improvements. Your Committee j managed to procure for the school, Ist, a well-developed scheme for manual classes which was too late up for them to carry out, Mr E. J. Foord having kindly promised to lend his tools to tho school, and the headmaster and Mr R. Davidson having promised to take the children in hand ; 2, they have got the Southland Education Board to set apart yearly a clay as an Arbor Day. The first one was held during the year, and there can be no doubt that this step will from year to year gain in popularity and usefulness; 3, they were also auccesful in getting the Southland Education Board to agree to hold in this district the scholarship examination for children attending the schools in our district, and Queenstown has been appointed as the place where they are to he held. Your Committee held 13 meetings during the year, of which Mr S. Dewar and Mr A. Joss attended all ; Messrs L. Hotop, J. v. d. Walde, and F. W. F. Geisow attended 12 ; Mr Cochran, 9 ; and Mr Gilmour, 8.” The Chairman said that, as the Chairman of the Southland Education Board (Mr Matheson) was present, he would take the opportunity, on behalf of the outgoing Committee, of

thanking the members of the Southland Education Board for the kindly way the Board had assisted them, and that Committee duly appreciated the kindness exercised by the Board. On the proposition of Mr Geisow, seconded by Mr Upsdale, the balancesheet and report were adopted. Mr Gilmour said he would propose a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman of the late Committee (Mr S. Dewar) for tho energetic way he had carried out the duties of chairman. The good financial position of the school was in a great measure due to him. They had commenced tho year with a balance of £1 odd and left it with a balance of £SO 4s, and he believed this was one of the wealthiest school committees in the colony. Most of the school committees were poor and had little money to spend. Although the Southland Education Board might have plenty of money, they knew how to keep it. Mr Donne seconded tho motion.

Mr Davidson thought the motion should include the outgoing Committee also.

Mr Gilmour : I could hardly propose that, seeing I was one of that Committee, but I will withdraw my motion.

Mr Davidson then proposed—That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the outgoing Committee for the energetic way they have discharged their respective duties, and especially to the Chairman for the good financial posi-

tion they have left behind them.— Seconded by Mr Donne, and carried.

The Chairman thanked the householders for the expression of thanks, and said that the Committee did their very best for the interests of the school, and he hoped tho parents would do all they could by seeing that their children attended regularly and also that they did their lessons at night. Tho following householders were nominated and received votes as follows (the first seven being declared elected): —S. Dewar, 11 ; F. W. F. Geisow, 11 ; L. Hotop, 11 ; T. Gilmour, 12; J. v. d. Waldo, 12; R. Ross, II ; J. Sloan, S; H Upsdale, 7; C. Constable, 2 ; T. Luckie, 3. Messrs Davidson, Mathieson, and Joss were also nominated, but declined to stand. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the huusf holders’ meeting. COMMITTEE MEETING. Present Messrs Geisow, Hotop Ross, Walde, Sloan, and Gilmour. Proposed by Mr G isow, seconded by Mr Hotop—That Mr S. Dewar be Chair man.—Canned. Mr Hotop was elected secretary on | the motion of Mr Ros*. The Southland Education Boaid wrote, granting the Committee’s ap- j | plication for a pupil teacher, and rfI questing the Committee to take the j necessary steps to appoint one. j Proposed by Mr Gilmcur, seconded . by Mr Walde—That applications be i called in tho Lake Wakatip Mail, Lake County Put>s, and Southland Times fer the, position of pupil teacher for the Queenstown school ; salary for , males, £35 ; females, £22 10s ; applications to be in by the 4th May, 1892.—Carried. , Bishop Moran wrote stating that he could vouch for the accuracy of his state ire it re Collici’s History b-ing is I in the public school, as his informant wis a former te icher who had used and j taught with the book in the school.— Received. | The master’s report, read and adop- ! ted, showed the number of scholars on j the roll to be 122 ; the highest atten- ' dance, 116 ; lowest, 99 ; and the average, 108 ; attention was called to the irregular attendance of several scholars. Accounts were passed for payment: —W. Warren 10s ; water rates, £1 103. The Inspector’s report, as follows, was read : (Inspected 30th March, 1892.) Classes and Teach'rs.—Standards 111, IV, V, VI, VII—Mr MeliafFey, headteacher ; roll number, 02 ; present, 59. Standards I, If, and Preparatory 1 and 2 Mrs Michael, mistress ; roll number, 60 ; present, 54. Organisation : Satisfactory. Suitability of Time-tables : Suitable and clomly followed. Method of Teaching : MrMehaffey’s classmanagement is precise ; his teaching is animated and well driven home ; and he maintains good order and attention. Mrs Michael manages and teaches tho junior pupils in a kindly and sympathetic manner ; hormethoda are such as should produce good results. Order ami Discipline : Satisfactory. Snpervisionin Recess : Not very thorough. The pupils should not ho allowed to romp in the school during the dinner hour. Manners and General Behavior: Very fair. Cleanliness of Booms : The schoolroom floors wto not very tidy on the day of my visit. I understand that the school is swept twice a week ; in my opinion this is insufficient. The outside offices are scrupulously clean. Other Topics : The desks in the headmaster's room are very old, very much cut, and by no means the most suitable. James Hendry, Inspector. Proposed by Mr Ross, seconded by Mr Walde—That the Board’s attention be drawn to the Inspector’s report, and that it bs requested to supply the school with suitable desks.—Carried. Mr Gilmour proposed and Mr Walde seconded—That the matter of recognising Mr D. Ross’s services (viz., taking charge of the school daring the headmaster’s illness) be left over until the Chairman’s return to see what steps he had taken in the matter.—Carried. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting. CARDBONA. At the meeting of householders there were about 30 persons present. The following were elected a committee: Messrs George Morrow, D. M'Dougall. 11. Anderson, Hugh Jones, sen., Hugh Jones, jun., D. Scurr and W. Little. Mr Morrow was chosen Chairman, and Mr Duncan M'Dougall secretary of the new Committee. We hear that there is likely to be a protest to the Board against the election, it being stated that some persons voted who were not qualified. A great number of the householders present were, we are informed, unable to fully comprehend the details of the following comments on the result of tho last examination, owing to the Chairman of the public meeting not giving a clear reading of it. We are therefore requested to publish the report,which is as follows : The following statements may be taken as being iu groat measure a key to the figure* given ou the examination schedule (I) 12 of the pupils promoted r.t last examination made very doubtful passes ; (2) eight of the pupils that fail have attended so poorly that, unless they chanced to be of more than average ability they could not reasonably be expected to pass. (3) At the inspection visit in April last I called attention to the fact that too many children came late and that too many were absent altogether. (4) Sickness has been prevalent, interfering with the pupils that would have attended regularly ; and (5) no choice was left me but to fail eve:y child in tho second standard, in either writing or drawing, or in both of these subjects. Tho results of the examination, therefore, is just such as one, taking all the circumstances into consideration, would expect. There can be no doubt that the teachers have striven honestly in the interest of their pupils, but they cannot do impossibilitea. During the examination the behavior of the children was all that me could wish.

G. D. Bkaik, Inspector.

ARROW. The annual meeting of householders, held on Monday evening last, was attended by Messrs W. Jenkins, W. J. Marsh, G. Heller, L. H. Preston, B. Rushton, W. Butler, A. M. Mackay, H. Graham, George Marsh, John Jenkins 0. Hay, and James Keating. Mr W. Jenkins was voted to the chair.

Mr Jenkins said the Commissioners (Mr AY. J. Marsh and the speaker) had not prepared a written report, but he wou'd give a verbal one, and Mr Marsh would supply further information if need be. Last year, as they were aware, the householders had twice failed to elect a Committee, and the Board had then no alternative but to appoint commissioners, and lie supposed that, as hitrn elf and Mr Marsh had been chairman and secretay respectively of Committee for several terms, they had been chosen by the Board as Commissioners, During the year a good few works had been done, including the completion of the glebe fence, new furniture for the school had been premised, and generally matters had gone on well. The attendance of scholars had fallen off, no doubt, but this was accountable by the fact of tin* removal of several large families as well as owing to a number of scholars having the sixth standard and there not being a sufficient influx to make up die loss.

In reply t> Mr Heller, the head master (who was in attendance) stated that the average attendance was 91 at present. Mr Marsh said he had little to add by way of report to what Mr Jenkins had said. The year had been uneventful owing to there being no comnrdee. He was glad to see a larger attendance of householders, and he hoped this would mean a greater interest in schorl affairs h\n formerly. A great disadvantage attendant upon commissioners managing affairs was that there was no appointed time for doing business, and meetings were thus done away with. The matter of new furniture had been advanced a stage further than Mr Jenkins had stated. Speoiflcations had been prepared for new and additional furniture, for r - pairing the woodwork, repairing the cement on the walls—in fact, for a complete renovation of the interior of the building ;but Mr Inspector Hendry had recommended a new infant gallery and he believed the Board were wailing for the Committee to apply for that too, to do the whole work in one contract. Of the school work those present could as well judge as the speaker, the Inspectors’ reports having been published. A matter that should be made the subject of report too wus the resignation of the headmaster, who had recived a similar appointment at Wyndham. The meeting could, if it thought fit, express some opinion with reference to the master’s services The r ipons compared more than favorably with others.

Mr Jenkins thought it only right for the meeting to say that they were satisfied with the work done under Mr Golding, and to express regret that he was leaving. He was sorry himself. He did not like so many changes ; but could not blame Mr Golding, who win accepting a more remunerative appointment. He would move—That Mr Golding’s resignation of the headmastership of the school he accepted with regret and that the hope of the meeting is that he may continue to prosper in his new sphere. Mr 0. Hay seconded the motion.

Mr Heller said Mr Golding had given satisfaction, and he did not think that he (Mr Golding) was leaving any enemies behind. He hoped Mr Golding would bo equally successful at Wyndham. The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr Graham thought a vote of thanks was due to the retiring commissioners. It was not their fault ihat they were commissioners, because they had so often attended meetings and had not neglected their duties. The fact of commissioners having to be appointed was a discredit to the town, and he hoped it would not recur. He wished in his motion to specially mention Mr W. J. Marsh who, ever since he had come to the town six years ago, had taken a very active part in school affairs, being secretary of successive committees during that period. He had kept the Board so close to their work that the committee invariably got what they asked. He would move a special vote of thanks to Mr Marsh for the able way in which he had done his work. At the same time he did not wish to under-rate the Chairman (who has done his part well), but the secretary was the man who did the work, and the chairman a figure-head. He moved accordingly. Mr. Heller would second the motion, but did not agree with Mr Graham’s idea of the chairmanship. The Chairman was the bead, and therefore was entitled to some credit. Mr Preston said there was no need to pass the motion. Other members disagreed with that view. The motion was put and carried unanimously.

The Chairman then called for nominations. He had only two in at present —those of Henry Graham and G. Marsh.

Mr A. M. Mackay was pleased to sec so many present. A few townspeople had taken an interest in the election, with the result that seven candidates had been got. He was entrusted with the delivery of their nominations to the Chairman.

Other gentlemen were proposed until

tho whole of those present, excepting Mr Keating, who declined, were nominated. A. vote was then taken. There being no ballot box, the pacers were dropped into a hat. Mr Golding (who had been appointed scrutineer) stated the result of the election as follows : W. J. Marsh, 10 votes; B. Rushton, 10; A. M. Mackay, 10; George Heller, 10; Wiliam Jenkins, 9; L>. H. Pres on, 7 ; Henry Graham, George Marsh, and 0. Hay, 5 each : I John Jenkins, 4. The first seven were , declared elected. COMMITTEE MEETING. The newly-elected committee then met. Mr Jenkins said the first business was the election of chairman. He would propose Mr W. J. Marsh for the position. That gentleman had, as all had admitted, worked very hard for the school, and even done more than many present were aware of. If, therefore, there were any honor attaching to the office, he deserved that honor. After a short pause, Mr Preston said no doubt all that Mr Jenkins said of Mr Marsh was true enough, but to cause a little excitement, he would propose Mr Heller as chairman.—Mr. Rushton seconded.

The question was asked who was to put the motion ? Mr Heller proposed that Mr Jenkins act as chairman in the meantime.—Mr Mackay seconded. Mr Jenkins again proposed Mr Marsh for the chair, but Mr Marsh su'd he would decline under the circumstances.

Mr Hi Her was then reproposed for the chairmanship ; but Mr Marsh objected to Mr Jenkins putting the motion ns temporary chairman, contending that there was no provision for the appointment of a temporary chairman. Mr Preston was then proposed and seconded as temporary secretary to preside during the election of chairman. Mr Heller was again proposed for the chair, and Mr Preston proceeded to put the motion, for which Messrs Bushton, Mackay, and Heller vo'ed. Mr Marsh said that of course he ob jected to Mr Preston acting as he did. Mr Butler said he was not acquainted with the procedure, and that a bad start was being made.

A general cmversa f ion followed. Mr Marsh said it was true a bad start had been made, and he was s wry for it. But he decidedly objected on principle to any man taking up the position of saying in effect that he would have nothing to do with local institutions unless he occupied the po ntion of “ top-sawyer.” To explain, it was an understood thing that Mr Hell t wa< to be appointed Chairman. Mr Heller had been on the Committee befo e and had forfeited his s at through non-attendance. ■He spoke from memory, but believed that was correct.

Mr Heller said that was not so. Had he not gone to Mr Marsh, and asked him to allow him Mr (Heller) to no ninate him 1

Mr Marsh said that was quite true, and did not at the time know Mr Heller’s object. He had said to Mr Heller that written nomination was not necessary, but had given way at the time to please Mr Heller. He had thought Mr Heller’s action strange in coming to the speaker and asking him to allow him (Mr Heller) to nominate him the (speaker), as he thought lie was quite able to look after himself in such matters. Mr Jenkins and himself had worked continuously for the school, and there was no reason to suppose that they intended to cease their labors. On the other hand, Mr H Her bad repeatedly declined to act on the Committee, saying he was too busy; and it appeared as though he would act only when he could be sure of the chairmanship.

Several members denied that there was any understanding that Mr Heller was to be chairman. Mr Butler said lie did not care anything about being on the Committee —in fact, he had remarked on the way up that he did not know why he should go on the Committee as he had neither “ chick nor child” to attend school. He did not know why there should be any dispute about such a matter. Was there anything “ hanging” to it 1 Mr Marsh would accept a denial from Mackay wliether he did not know of such an understanding. Mr Mackay had not said anything to Mr Marsh about.

Mr Marsh : Not likely. Mr Mackay did not and could not deny it. Members had been good enough to speak in the most complimentary terms of the speaker’s services, but their actions contradicted their words, and when men’s subsequent actions were diametrically opposed to their words, they made liars of theraselvi s.

Mr Jenkins said it was evidently a picked meeting. He did not believe in what had bten done. Their actions wore not in keeping with their utterances. He did not believe in soft-soaping a man who had borne the burden in the past and then turning round upon him to deprive him of a wellearned honor. It would have been in better tas o to have said nothing. He agreed with Mr Marsh, and considered what had been done was an insult to that gentleman. Mr Heller said the gentlemen he had got on the Committee had not pledged themselves to support himself as chairman.

Mr Butler had not said anything about Mr Marsh’s services. He dared siy Mr Marsh had done a lot—more than anyone eLo, perhaps. [Mr Marsh : Pleas© don’t say so, Mr Butler.] But he did not think ho shoald be included in Messrs Marsh’s and Jenkins’s condemnation, he not having spoken. Mr Heller here left, saying as he went out the door to Mr Marsh : I leave you to do your own dirty work.

Mr Marsh said that what he had done was liable to a great deal of misconstruction. He had adopted his only means of protesting against a man re fusing duty on public bodies excepting he were at the head of affair?. The speaker had, he would admit, served in the cause of

education a Ion" time, and his objection was on the broad ground that public service shou'd ho rec 'gnised by the highest honors, as the crown for such services. He spoke as though for someone else, for personally he was not ambitious of honor, la fact, if he could feel sure that the new members would interest tliemselv s thoroughly in their duties, he would willingly retire fiom the Committee. FLe only wished to see the work well done.

It was agre d to refer the point rats- d to the Board, but member ; not agreeing as to a statement of the matter, nothing was done, and the meeting broke up.

LOWER SHOTOVER. The statu ory meeting of householders for the purpose of electing a school committee for the ensuing year, took place on Monday nigh*’. The attendance was small, ro doubt owing to the unfavorable weather wh-cli pr v. iled. The annual report and bi.lauci-sheit were read, and considered very satisfactory, the ba’ance sheet showing a credit balance of £2l 14s Id. The following gentlemen were then elected to serve on the committee :—Messrs F. M'Bride, C. Nelson, A Grant, H. M‘Brido, J. McAlister, J. Keilor, and D. Manson.

At a meeting of the newly-elected committee held immediately after the public in eting, Mr Frank M‘Bride was elected chairman, and Mr D. Manson secret..ry and treasurer for the ensuing year (botn reelected.) $'