STATE SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 118, 15 April 1930, Page 2

STATE SCHOOLS.

HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS.

COMMITTEES ELECTED.

The annual meetings of householders in the Wanganui Education Board’s district were held last evening, when school committees were elected for the ensuing term.

CENTRAL. SCHOOL. At Central School Mr S. L. Searell presided over an attendance of about 50. Appreciative reference was made by the chairman and Mr W. R. Mayes to the work of the ladies’ committee in making the annual fancy dresS Uall a notable financial success. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr E. V. Spear,' a retiring committeeman. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted. Stating that there was some misunderstanding on the point, Mr E. Bary, the headmaster, explained that the staffing 'was calculated on the average attendance. To have an adequate staff, therefore, it was necessary to have a good attendance. He was often asked why there were so many alterations in the staffs of Mich schools as Central. That was because once a school reached grade 7 extra teachers wore only those on the lowest grade. Naturally, these were often moving on to better appointments. There were also two probationers and two probationary assistants whose appointments terminated at the end of the year. A lot had been heard of the agitation by headmasters for higher salaries. The payment of the staff was computed on the average attendance but no higher average attendance was taken into account, in connection with headmasters’ salaries, than 481. In passing he would mention that the attendance at Central was 791.

A hearty vote of thanks to the staff and to the headmaster was moved by the chairman, who paid a tribute to the work of Mr Bary and his assistants. The motion was carried by acclamation.

The election of the committee resulted as follows: —Messrs. W. H. Brown. W. H. Cameron, J. A. Grant, F. S. C. Hubbard, W. R. Mayes, J. L. C. Merton, W. S. Patten and C. Taylor.

A vote of thanks was accorded the outgoing committeemen, sj>ecial mention being made of the services rendered by Mr H. J. Canton as a member of the committee for 25 years, Mr Mayes paid n tribute to the work that Mr Canton had done on several _ public bodies. Some of the work carried out at the school would be a monument to him. Mr Canton’s retirement was well-, earned. * • ‘ Mr Bary also made eulogistic reference to what Mr Canton had done. At a subsequent committee meeting Mr Mayes wne re-elected chairman and Mr Brown secretary. TERRACE END SCHOOL. Mr W. B. Cameron presided at the meeting of Terrace End School householders. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. C. R. Luke and J. Allen. In speaking ,to the annual report, Mr Cameron said that the school was sound in every department and had maintained a high standard of efficiency throughout the year. The headmaster and his staff had done very good work. Quite recently, the retiring chief inspector of the "Wanganui Education Board had informed the speaker that the school was sound, and that was high praise indeed coming from such a source. The year had been a quiet one from the committee’s point of view, that having been decided upon at the last annual meeting. Mr Cameron drew attention to the good work done in swimming at the school and he paid a tribute to the work of Mr Arthur, the school custodian, in this respect. The Swimming Club had done vqry well indeed and had created keen interest in swimming. It was hoped this year to have electric light installed in the baths. The committee had in view this year an expenditure of money to improve the school playing areas. It was desired to place a good class library in each room and it was hoped to finalise this during the next year or tw-o. Good literature was necessary for the children. AnzaciDay services would be Held again this year at the school at 9.30 a.m. on April 25. Speaking in regard to the'annual school ball, Mr Cameron favoured making it a children’s party entirely, eliminating the adults’ dance. _ "The finances are in a healthy condition but tliero is work essential about the ‘school to be done,” said the chairman, who concluded by paving a tribute to the householders for the admirable way in which they stood by their school. Submitting his report on the finances, the treasurer, Mr \V. L. Macpherson, stated with reference-to No. one account that the dobit balance at the end of last year was £14 t 4s 4d. Capitation received during the year amounted to £227, and £SO was transferred from the baths account. Tho expenditure made up of cleaning and sanitary charges, fuel and repairs, etc., totalled £2BO 2s 2d, leaving ft debit balance of £3 2s 2d at tho end of this schookyear. In No. two account —tho school committee’s account —receipts totalled £402 3s Id, made up of bazaar, £lO ss; ball, £B7 10s 3d; concerts, £B4 16e 9d; subsidies and refunds from the board, £2OB 2s; voluntary contributions, £ll 6s 3d. There was a debit balance at the end of last year of £2OO 19s 9d, and the expenditure on. various items totalled £2Ol 3s 4d, the credit balance being £ll 6s 3d. . The baths account showed a credit balance of £6B 4s Id at the beginning of the year, and receipts, £6B la lOd, a total of £l3B 5s lid. The expenditure was: Baths improvement, £ls 5s 9d; transfer to No. one acount, £SO, leaving a credit balance of £7l 0s 2d. A report -covering tho school sports activities from-Miss Chapman and Mr D. C. Pryor was read. It showed that the girls’ senior basketball team had won this competition; the boys’ senior Rugby team the schools’ competition ancf the seven-aside team this competition last June 3rd. The senior cricket team annexed their competition and the junior team performed well, being beaten in the final. At swimming and other sports the school children had also performed meritoriously. Mr Hastings moved the adoption ot tho annual report and balance-sheets, Mr Gatley seconding the motion. Mr Macpherson urged that the school ball be confined to the children, con-

eluding the evening between 10 and 10.30 p.m. Mr Cameron said that tho school sports report was most gratifying and reflected credit on the headmaster and his staff.

In regard to the school committee’s account, the treasurer stated that subsidies amounting to £7O or £BO were due from the board. He also mentioned the good work of the Swimming Club in creating interest in this sport and keeping up tho revenue of the baths. Tho motion was carried. GENERAL.

The retiring committee—-Messrs. W. B. Cameron, W. L. Macpherson, G. G. Priest, H. R. Smith, C. R. Luke, J. Allen, W. Peterson, J. Davidson and J. H. Nash—were re-elected. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to the ladies’ committee .who were reelected. The motion was .carried with acclamation.

Mr >L S. Porteous was re-elected auditor, a tribute being paid to his past services.

Mr Hastings endorsed the suggestion to confine the annual ball to the children, and speaking for the ladies’ committee, Mrs H. R. Smith 6aid they would prefer a school children’s party. • A recommendation on these lines was carried.

Mr Cameron moved a vote of thanks to the headmaster and staff, paying a tribute to their services. In Mr Thompson they had an outstanding headmaster and he was a fine administrator apart from his marked ability as a headmaster. “We have some wonderful teachers under whom we can place our children, ’ knowing that thev will be turned- out with fine ideals to fight battles,’’, said the speaker. Mr" Davidson seconded, the motion and Mr Thompson briefly returned thanks, saying they had a most earnest set of teachers who realised their responsibility in regard to the children. Mr Thompson also paid a tribute to what Mr Arthur (the custodian) did for the teachers. Mr- Thompson also thanked - the committee for their cooperation during the- past year. Mr Priest moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and Press, and Mr Hastings one to the committee, the meeting then concluding.

At a meeting of the committee held subsequently, Mr Cameron was. reelected chairman, Mr Macpherson treasurer, and Mr G. Priest secretary. Messrs. Macpherson and Nash were appointed the visiting committee, and the usual meeting night, the second Tuesday in the month, was decided upon. COLLEGE STREET SCHOOL. The attendance at College Street School was a little oyer 100 and Mr R. C. L. Aitchison was voted to the chair. The report of the retiring committee, as previously published in the “Standard,” was read by Mr W. Iv. Taylor, chairman of the committee. . Tho balance-sheet for the general account as read by the treasurer, Mr P. W. Barnard, showed the total receipts to have been £262 8s 2d (including £SO 4s 6d brought forward froih last year). The principal items were £lB6 received from the Board of Education and £l6 3s grants for special purposes. The expenditure included £ll7 10s 7d for cleaning and sanitary service, £23 15s id for fuel and lighting, £lB 0s 7d for the school library, £36 4s 8d for repairs and improvements, £5 4s 6d for books, stationery, etc., £ls 6s 7d for expenses of committee, £4 16s 8d for dental clinic and £9 0s ,8d for telephone. The credit balance at the end of the year was £3O 0s lOd. In the special account the receipts amounted to £4lO 4s 7d, including £2l 3s 4d brought forward from last year. The receipts included £l7O 14s 8d from the ball, concerts, street stall and garden party. £l3B 4s 7d contributions from the Education Board, £56 2s from subsidies, £3 from donations and £2l from tho ground improvement account. Amongst the items of expenditure were £53 15s 8d for the ball, conoerts, street stall and garden party, £l6 4s 5d for picnic, sports material, etc., £l3B 4s 7d deposited with the Education Board, £B2 10s 3d for grounds improvement account, £8 18s 8d for gramophone records, and £5 5s for health camp. The balance in hand at the end of the period was £9O Is 6d. ' v The report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion. HEADMASTER’S REPORT.

Tho report of the headmaster (Mr W A Swinbourn) stated that the roll number was 525 (with 15 pupils ill the special class) as against 538 last year and-561 in the previous year. A good deal of minor sickness among the pupils affected tho attendance during the . year. The teaching staff had given their usual faithful and efficient service and a good year s woik had been done. After detailing the changes in the staff during the year, the headmaster stated that the regular medical and dental inspections had been carried out. During the year many children had learnt, to swim and several pupils had qualified for certificates. The .new infant school was a fine, well built, sunny, airy and lightsome building. In conclusion,, the headmaster expressed his appreciationof tho loyal and effective co-operation during the year of the teaching staff, and thanked tho committee, and es-> pecially the ladies’ committee, for their untiring efforts during the year. > The headmaster’s report was, adopted on'the motion of the chairman and Mr R. Edwards, both of whom paid '3 tribute to tho work of Mr Swinbourn and his staff. GENERAL. For the nine members of the committee there were 18 candidates and for the purposes-i of the election Colonel Whyte and Messrs T. Inglis, A. Wylie and J. P. Stubbs were appointed scrutineers. The successful candidates were Messrs P. W. Barnard, W. F. Cutler, IV. R. Taylor, A. D. H. Worbovs, A. W, M.icDonoll, C. L. Mowlem, H. R. Tliorburn, F. H. Tucker and S W. Oliver. , On the chairman’s motion, it was decided that it be a recommendation to the committee to hold the school ball this year." The chairman mentioned that a profit of £33 was made on the ball l-ast year. The chairman said that the meeting should pass a resolution urging on the Government the completion of the new building scheme with which a start had been made. Mr Cutler moved that the Government be thanked for the building already obtained -and that they be requested to place a sum on the Estimates to complote the building scheme at an'early date. ' Mr C. S. seconded the motion, stating-

that at the present time they had to manage two schools with the one capitation grant. The motion was carried unanimously. A motion was passed placing on record the services rendered to tho school during the past year by Messrs R. Edwards, C. S. Pees, C. Turnbull, H. A. Hamilton and B. F. Barlow. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr W. Hunter, the honorary auditor for many years, to tho scrutineers, and 10 the Press.

At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr W. R. Taylor ' was reelected chairman for tlio ensuing year and Mr P. W. Barnard was re-elected secretary and treasurer. It was agreed that the committee meet on tiro second Monday in each month. WEST END SCHOOL. There w.as no election at the meeting of householders at West End School .only nine.nominations being received for the nine seats. Mr C. H. Whitehead presided over a good attendance. Tho committee for the ensuing year is as follows, new members being denoted by an asterisk:—Messrs C. H. Whitehead, G. Tremaine, N. Schwabe, A. N. Beatty, J. Warner*, T. Downing, N. Heabv, J. McKee* and G. K. Hollier. The retiring members are Messrs P. S. Rabone and A. E. Blackbourn. The chairman said that it was in some respects unfortunate that there was no election, as such events seemed to increase interest in the annual gathering of parents. However, it was apparent from the fact that no other nominations had been received that tho householders were well satisfied with the work of the committee. He expressed the hope that at tho next annual meeting tho efforts of the committee would be viewed with rlie same confidence by parents. The report and balance-sheet (already published in the “Standard”) wero adopted. Commenting on till financial statement, the chairman said that the year had been started with a small credit balance and there was now. £23 16s Id in hand. He referred to the recent completion of the baths, which marked an important epoch in the history of the school. He wished to once again thank the residents for their generous support to the appeals for funds which had made it possible to open the baths free of debt. When the Government subsidy of £2OO came to hand, and the £l5O from the board for carrying out improvements in the vicinity of the structure, there would be a satisfactory balance. The householders and members of the various committees who had giyen their enthusiastic support were to be congratulated upon the excellent position. The year had passed all expectations. The treasurer submitted a statement giving details of tho recent bazaar, which he referred to as having been the most successful in the history of the school. He also paid a tribute, to tho excellent work done by the ladies’ committee, by whoso efforts a considerable sum had been lodged to the credit of the committee during the year. The secretary (Mr Hollier) said lie wished,to place on record appreciation of the services rendered to tho school by Mr -and Mrs C. H. Whitehead. All Were aware iof the work done by the chairirian and hisAvife, and there was no need for comment. He also referred to the services of Messrs G. Newth and T. Downing. The chairman thanked -the headmaster .(Mr .Moore), for Jiis organising work in connection with the bazaar and the ladies of the district for their splendid co-oporatioh durihg tho year. He also expressed appreciation of the work of the committee, headmaster and staff, •

At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr 'Whitehead was re-elected chairman, Mr Hollier secretary and Mr Tremaine treasurer. HOKOWHITU SCHOOL. The attendance was very pleasing at Hokowhitu. The balance-sheet submitted by the treasurer, Mr E. D. Wycherley, showed a very satisfactory financial position and it was adopted. Mr W. Woodroofe, commenting on tho annual report, expressed satisfaction and extended his congratulations to the committee for the way they had worked and for tho improvements they had effected during their term of office. He particularly commended them- for the establishment of the incinerator •which, to his mind, was a much needed acquisition. Mr G. Pattle (chairman) voiced his appreciation to the headmaster (Mr Plank) and his staff for tho progress the scholars had made during the year, and for the pleasing results in the final examinations.

Tho headmaster’s report • to the householders stated inter alia:—l wish to divide it into three main heads: (l)_School work; (2) school activities:. (3) school environment. The work of the school has been very satisfactory, indeed; the children in all classes have made exceptionally good- progress and the work lias gained unstinted praise from the departmental. - inspectors. The whole staff of my assistants have worked faithfully and well, and I regard them as second to nono in this district. In the examination for certificates of attainment all candidates were successful in passing (28 with proficiency certificates and four with certificates of competency). Besides these, two pupils passed the junior free place examination conducted by the department. We have continued swimming lessons on one day in each week at the Terrace End baths. The lessons are very popular and ' even with the short time at our disposal many : children have learned to swim* while others havo gained certificates issued by the New Zealand Swimming Association. We are looking forward to.the time when, during the summer months, we shall have daily lessons in our own school bath. The school was well represented in the schools’ games and competitions conducted by tlie teachers of tho district. These included football, cricket, basketball and baseball rounders, and are held to promote the bodily welfare of the child, to develop the true spirit of sportsmanship, the ability to win or lose in tho right spirit, and to play for the side. I may state that the children concerned in the various games- have upheld the good qualities of former pupils and “played the game”, in whatever part they were in—whether winner or loser. The boys in football -and cricket have given very good accounts of themselves and three of them were among those chosen in the Manawatu rpresentative team. The; girls have also shown good work in basketball. I may state that the courts arc among the finest of school courts in the Dominion. The fancy dress ball, mentioned in the annual report, was a very successful function, and the teachers heartily endorse the resolution of the committee to cease giving prizes at these functions. The prizes are only won by a few . and tho time spent in allotting them oould be more profitably spent by the children in healthy enjoyment The school still maintains the proud position of being specially mentioned for merit in school environment and it has been the aim of the teachers to inculcate the spirit of “Pride in School.” In our work we have been greatly assisted, by the donations from enthusiasts in the matter oi -

the appearance 'of the school. In this category, 1 might mention Messrs. ShaiTer, Kingsbeer, Amos and Sweetman as those who have greatly assisted us. In conclusion, 1 wish to thank the committee for their hearty co-operation in all school activities. SWIMMING BATHS AND PICNIC. In reply to a question regarding the cost of suitable swimming baths. Mr Pattle considered that £I2OO would be required. It was also intimated that the Education Board subsidises swimming baths in a set amount of £2OO irrespective of what the estimated cost was. ’ At the present time the school committee has in hand £3-30 which is invested in the Post Office Savings Bank to be used later to meet the cost of baths.

Mr Plank, iii stressing the importance of school baths, said the number of scholars who were unable to swim was deplorable, and he considered swimming was essential for the welfare of the children in after, life. , Dr. Gunn, the departmental doctor, on her visit to the school, also remarked upon the improvements in the physique of children, in schools where swimming baths were available for their use.

Suggestions in regard to conducting school picnics were called for, the committeo being "desirous of the householders expressing their views on the matter.

Mr Haydon, of the teaching staff, as a teacher and a parent intimated that onlv expressions of general satisfaction had been voiced in regard to the school picnic held at tho Esplanade. Air Haydon considered that the Esplanade was an ideal place for a picnic as all the necessary conveniences and facilities were to bo had there, and no worry was entailed in regard to transport. HOKOWHITU TENNIS CLUB. Mr Pattle explained to the householders tho formation of the tennis club, the working and the financial arrangement agreed to by the committee in respect of the use of tire school courts. The formation of the club was favourably received by them and had been the means of putting £l4 into their funds, which they would not have had otherwise. The club had not interfered with tho enjoyment cf tho children or curtailed their use of the courts in any way and had been instrumental in drawing ex-pupils together. Mr F. Amos stated that the club had the welfare of the school at heart and as funds would permit the club would assist the school committeo in any of its undertakings socially. GENERAL. Votes of thanlcs were accorded the following and carried with acclamation :—The retiring committee, the secretary (Air J. T. Smith): the chairman (Mr G. Pattle), the headmaster (Air Plank) and staff, tho householders and the Press. The election of a new committee resulted as follows: —Alessrs G. Pattle, F. Robbie, E. D. Wycherley, C. D. Hepburn (all re-elected); A. Bloomfield, W. E. Cooper, J. H. McDowell, J. B. Sankey and F. A. Wilson.

Mr Pattle was re-elected chairman, and Mr E. D. Wycherley treasurer. Mr F. A. Wilson was appointed secretary. . It was decided that the committee meet on tho first Monday of each month at 7.45 p.m. RUSSELL STREET SCHOOL. At Russell Street School Mr C. S. Trask,.presided. , , .. . ■ 'The old committee was re-elected — Messrs D. Morrison, C. G. Swallow, P. S. Larcomb, R. J. Wright, G. L. Homan, F. Lee and F. T. Vasey. The annual report (already published in the “Standard ’). was read by the secretary, Mr C.' Swallow, and adopted. . - • , ■ ■■ Mr D. Morrison stated that Russell Street School had been badly needed, and it was growing last. But the size of tho school .would have to bo increased, and that was a,matter that the committee for the ensuing year would have to keep weir iff mind. The staff were very efficient, and were doing good work for the children; the committee thought highly of everyone of the staff, and were quite pleased with their individual capabilities and interest on behalf of tho school. Mr Morrison referred to the work of improving yhe grounds, stating that the Education Board had been very good. The board had granted £BO for the back, and £IOO for tho front area. The donations —in cash and material — spoke volumes for the generosity of the people; they were a fine lot of parents. A dental clinic for tire whole of the-town and -surrounding districts was badly needed, but the finance had to be considered. It was proposed that the schools combine and have a carnival day; from which probably the necessary money would be forthcoming. The cost of the clinic would not bo a small sum, and '.he best efforts of all were required. , Mr Morrison concluded with a reference to the attendance of children at school. Ho stated that the committee wished to impress on householders the necessity of sending their children to school. , It was moved by Mr C. A. Parkins, and seconded by Mr A. J. Phillipps, that the action of the committees ;.n regard to tho dental clinics be <ndorsed. , , , Mr Phillipps congratulated the committee on tho state of the grounds; in fact, the grounds were a monument to them. • ■ Mr W. J. Moore referred to the excellent position disclosed. He was amazed to hear that there was a deficit of £lO, but his amazement was really because Mr Morrison and the otlier members had come out so creditably. The position was really sound. But the work done during the year warranted a better attendance. cf householders. Probably the attendance could be taken as a left-handed compliment; the parents might feel very well satisfied. The Parents’' Association had not been very active for somo time past, but it would have to get busy and see if it could bo of more assistance to the school than last year. A resolution protesting against the inadequate grants made to schools \inder the present capitation system was carried on the motion of Mr Moore. The mover, referred to this matter as a “hardy annual”; it was discussed at practically every householders’ meeting, but nothing seemed to be accomplished. •' ' . . After the annual meeting the new committeo met. # Mr Morrison wax elected as chairman, and Mr Larcomb as secretary. MILSON SCHOOL. .Mr F. J. Malcon presided over . an attendance of approximately thirty householders at Milson School. .Reporting to the meeting the cliairmian said that Mr Atfnore had promised the addition of two more rooms if the attendance reached and was maintained at 100 throughout the year. If tho average for the year were 1)0, an additional teacher would be provided. As the average was at present 81, the promise should soon become a reality. Five children from the school had attended the health camp. Mr Malcon read a'letter from the

secretary of the Wanganui Education Board notifying the committee tlia* the inspectors had been well pleaseu with the work of the staff. The headmaster, Mr McEwen, presented his annual report dealing with senool activities and it was adopted. Following the call for nominations, the following committee was elected for the ensuing year:—Messrs F. J. Malcon, F. G. Murphy, A. Franklyn, E. Peterson, (old committee), and F. Bartlett. * Mr G. Francis, the secretary of the old committee, declined to seek re-election. Seven nominations were received for the five vacancies and voting was very even. The annual report stated that after an expenditure of £145 6s 7d; l credit balance of £63 Is 2d remained. Ihe sum .of £B9 14s 9d was spent on the laying of bitumen and digging; and grass-seeding certain portions of the school ground, the laying out of the grounds, the planting of trees and shrubs, and drain laying. f l he thanks of the committee were duo to the Progressive Association in this connection, and also for the free use of the tennis courts granted to the children. Great praise was due to the ladies’ committee for their cooperation and for lending assistance in many ways. During the year Misses Boss and Gunter were transferred from the school,; their places being taken by Misses Whitehead and Kean, tiro former having very high credentials. , In thanking his committee for their loyal co-operation during the year, Mr Malcon paid a tribute to the work done by Mr Francis, the retiring secretary, who did not sock re-election. The thanks of the school are due to the Terrace End School Committee for permitting pupils to use the school baths, and the Municipal Library is deserving of thanks for lending books. '■ ■ . At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr D. W. Creed, vice-chairman of the Milson Progressive Association, thanked the committee for their kind remarks, and intimated that bis -association would be pleased to co-operate in any manner desired.

The committee then held its first meeting. Mr Malcon was re-elected chairman with Mr Murplry as secretary. . . The next meeting is to be held on May 12. TAONUI SCHOOL. At tho annual meeting of householders at the Taonui School the following was the report of the chairman, Mr R. A. McFarland“Wo commenced our year with a credit balance of £7 17s 8d and finishod with a credit balance of £2 16s Id. • Our total receipts amounted to £77 17s 8d of which £3l was raised by voluntary contributions, etc. This amount was subsidised by the Education Board towards the purchase of a new piano, and i;oto roll for the school. The sum of £l4 17s 2d was spent on repairs and improvements, the greater portion of Which was spent in topdressing the asphalt around the school; this work was done l>y voluntary labour and our thanks are due to those who assisted us in this work by organised working bees. During the year we lost our junior teacher, Miss Wallis, whose place is now being capably filled by Miss Olsen... We are pleased to note that our roll number in tho infant room, has increased during the year due to the sub-division of part of the Westella Estate. Our school again joined with Bunnythorpe School in a combined railway excursion to Plimmerton and an enjoyable day was spent at the seaside by those who made the trip. During the warm weather the children were taken each week to the Feilding Swimming Baths where they were taught swimming lessons by our teaching staff. This was made possible by the kindness of those settlers who conveyed the children in their cars.” There was a large attendance of householders at the meeting, and much interest was shown in tho chairman’s report which was adopted. Tho election of tho committee resulted as follows: —Mcsdamcs Cochrane and McFarland, Messrs R. Waugh, Cochrane and R. A. McFarland. Mr McFarland was rc-elccted chairman and secretary. (