Queenstown Main School.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1877, 3 June 1892, Page 5

Queenstown Main School.

Th« monthly meeting of committee of above institution ww held in the school-room ou Monday evening, when there were present. Messrs S. Dewar, (chairman), F. W. F. Gei.sow, L. Hotop (hon. sec.), R Ross, T. Sloan, and J. v.d. Walde. Minutes of previous meetings read and confirmed. Inward correspondence, read and received, consisted of letters (3) fro:n the Education Board, stating tba ttheir carpenter would shortly draw up specifications for new desks ; that Miss Nickle had been appointed pupil teacher to the school: and aikmg whether the school buildings would be available oo Tuesday, the 23th June and two following days for holdiug of scholarship and pupil teacher examinations. —Application from a few of the elder scholars asking for a contribution the purchase of » new football, and the applicants would endeavor to raise the remainder of money required. The report to date, received from the head master (Mr Mehaffey) stated that the number on the roll was 127 (67 boys and 60 girls) ; average attendance during the past month had been 109 ; highest ditto., 117 ; lowest, 91. The names of about half-a-dozen irregular attendants, chiefly through sickness, were given. Mr Geisow suggested that the chairman should see the parents of some of the absent scholars. Mr Ross suggested that the muter »ud mistress undertake the duty. Mr Hotop thought it was advisable that the master should attend the meetings, as he might be con suited. He (the speaker) believed there was a resolution on the books asking the master to attend the meetings. The Chairman said he took some responsibility in the matter, and believed the master had not attended lately for certain reasons, and that he did not wish to attend unless requested to do so by the committee. Mr Hotop thought that many questions often cropped up on which the master might throw some light. Mr Geisow thought, with regard to absentees, the master—similar to other people—might not like to wait upon people, through feeling & delicacy in the matter, which directly interested him financially, although he (the speaker) thought it would be to his own interest to see parents occasionally. It was more especially desirable just now, as the average attendance for the past two months had been just below what was required for keeping a pupil teacher. Mr Ross—lt is not the school alcne that reaps the benefit, but also the master and mistress. Mr Mehaffey (who here attended by request) said, in reply to questions, that he could see the parents of absentees if desired to do so. He had, hitherto, made a point of seeing the parents if he suspected any scholar of playing the wig. The Chairman thought that a visit from the teacher would have more effect on parents than if from members of committee or the police. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs Geisow and Walde—That the matter of absentee scholars be left in the hands of the mister to deal with. Examination's. —The Chairman explained that, on receipt of telegram from Mr Braik re examinations, he had consulted members of committee, and afterwards written a reply placing the school at disposal of the Board. He suggested that three days' holiday be given to the scholars during examinations.

Mr Hotnp thooght it was desirable if it could be arranged, so that publicity were given to the fact of the pupil tea-her's examination coming off, as any boy or girl who had passed the sixth standard could corn* forward for same. He hoped that a number would take advantage of the privilege, and also of the examination for scholarships. It was resolved that arrangements for the ciamications l»e left in the hands of the chairman. Football. - -It was proposed by Messrs Geisow and Hotop—That a football he procured for the lioys. The Chairman said that, last year, the committee subsidised and the boys paid the rest ; he thought tb-y fhoold do the same now. Mr Geisow—l don't lielieve in it. Mr Mehaffey, in reply to a remark, said that cricket material was granted for last seasou but was never procured. He also stated that those boys who subscribed to the last footltall took advantage of what they considered their rights and k;pt other lads frein using it. The motion was then passed, with Uu addition that the master have charge of the ball. The following account* were brought up and passed for pa\ment:—Southland Time* Co. (adv.), 4a 6d; J. Sldler, 2 cords firewood. £1 10s; Mrs Danse, cleauing school, three mouths, £3 15s. With reference to last accoaut it was stated that the sch>olrooms were cleaned out twice a week and washed once a fortnight. Mr Ross thought the tires might also be lit when required. At Cromwell the schoolrooms were gaept every morniug. He made these remarks on account of di**atisfaction having been expressed lately huring the inspector's visit. The Chairman said that, at the time of this occurrence, the master was ill, and things seemed to have been neglected a little. Mr Hotop suggested that whatever arrangement might be fonnd desiiahle it should be left with the master or Works Committee. The subject the.i dropped. Committee. —Messrs Walde and Sloan were appointed a Works and Visiting Committee for the current year; and authorised to iret a supply of cial. The master, in rep : y to the Chairman, stated that the books appoiuted for the use of Standards I. and 11. were Nelson's Royal Readers. Arbocr Day—Mr Hotop said that he had a conversation lately about the time of anuual treeplauting with Mr Mathieson, a member of the Education Board, and that gentleman said the Board suggested that each committee should use their own discretion and themselves fix upon the most suitable day. Mr Mathiesou also suggested that the Committee should confine themselves chiefly to the planting of poplars and willows on the Qneenstown hill, and also plant a few macrocarpas. He noticed at the last meeting of Otago Education Board that % recommendation was made to adopt the system of ao Arbour Day -in which Queenstown had taken the initiative.

Mr Geisow thought the Corporation should be asked to assist but, as there was plenty of time, the matter was allowed to drop in the meantime. Holidays.—Resolved, on the motion of Messrs Geisow and Ross—That the matter of fixing date of winter holidays be left with the chairman, secretary and master.

The master, in reply to a question, stated that quarterly examination papers had been issued to scholars in Standards 111., IV., V. and VI., ami it might be aa well, perhaps for the mistress to adopt the same plan for Standards I. and 11. Suggestion adopted. Manual Classes. —lt stated that Mr E. Foord had his caipenter's chest now at Big Beach, and the committee were asked to select any tools they might require. Mr Davidaou, who had undertaken to superintend the classes, was at Skippers but, on his way hack, he would call and choose the tools. Mr Geiaow s<iid he noticed that Government had voted £looo for technical classes—of which YVanganui got £3OO.