SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 117, 17 April 1934, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

ASHHURST. (From Our Own Correspondent.) ASHHURST, April 17. The annual meeting of householders in the Ashhurst School district took place in tlie school on Monday evening. Mr J. ri, Sumner presided over a good attendance of parents. The chairman’s report on behalf of the committee showed an increased credit balance on the workings of the previous year. During the year a number or improvements had been carried out in the school grounds. A new school garden plot had been fenced off and a shelter put round it. The Education Board had built a new shelter shed for the boy 6; and a porch was erected at the eastern entrance to the school to act as a break for the strong Gorge winds, fflio brick chimneys damaged by the earthquake were pulled down and replaced by galvanised iron pots. The work of repainting the school and schoolhouee had jiust been completed by the board's workmen, tor the sixth year in succession the school had been awarded the board’s environment certificate. All the school functions had been well supported by the parents; thus the annual fancy dress ball and the school picnic had been most successful. The activities in connection with the school s calf club were well maintained. The chairman thanked the headmaster (Mr H. Fenwick) and staff for their help and co-operation during the vear. Mr W. N. Brower moved a vote of thanks to the retiring/committee, especially mentioning the work done by Mr Sumner. This was seconded by Mr Fenwick who made special reference to the way Mr Sumner had carried out his duties during his term of office. The following committee were elected: Mrs 0. Kerrigan and Messrs F. A. Dunstall, R. D. Davis, W. Drummond, O. Kerrigan, M. P. Wilkin and M. Murphy. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr Dunstall was elected chairman and Mr Davis secretary. TAONUI SCHOOL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) TAONUI, April 16. At the householders meeting at Taonui there were 38 present. Mr Fitzgerald was elected to the chair. Mr McFarland read the report and balance-sheet, which were adopted. Mr Fitzgerald congratulated the committee on the creditable work they had accomplished, saying this was the beet report and balance-sheet he had ever known and he had presided over a good number of previous meetings. The outgoing committee as financcrs had turned the corner, fis they had a. good credit balance for the new committee to start with. Mr McFarland outlined the various items of the balance sheet and thanked the residents for the way they had come forward to help, the fancy dress dance bejng the best financially that had yet been held. As the committee were at the end of their funds through the expense of putting in the electric light, the teachers willingly came forward and lent the proceeds of a dance, also later running an extra children’s concert and dance to. help the funds. He also made special mention of the way in which Mrs Osborne had come forward and helped. Being treasurer, he was very proud of the result of the balance-sheet, and thanked the rest of the committee for what they had done. In the report of the head teacher, Miss Curtis stated that the roll number at present was 48 and the average attendance for 1933 was 44.6, so the school was well maintaining its grade. Five pupils were presented for the proficiency examination, four gaining proficiency and one competency. The inspector’s" report for 1933 stated: “This school has fully maintained its standard of general efficiency. Order, discipline and tone are excellent. The pupils co-operate very freely with the teachers and are controlled with the minimum of restraint. The general work of the school is high evidence of sound and consistent teaching by both members ot the staff. English subjects and arithmetic in this school reach a very creditable standard worthy of special praise. The deportment of the pupils is excellent.’’ Miss Curtis stated that the year had been one of great activity on the part of the committee, who had done very creditable work. Through the voluntary labour of the members the rough paddock had been made fit for a playing area, and other improvements had been made in the grounds. Assistance had willingly been given for all school functions, and in every way possible the committee had co-operated with the teachers for the good of the school. Miss Curtis thanked the parents for their interest and co-operation, without which the school could not maintain its high standard of efficiency. The report was adopted. It was proposed by Mr Fitzgerald and seconded by Mr Russell that the old committee be returned, and as there were no further nominations the motion was carried unanimously. Mr McFarland passed a vote of thanks to Mr Fitzgerald _ for auditing the books, to which he suitably replied. The committee, Mosdames McFarland and Cochrane, and Messrs McFarland, Osborne and Marstou, retired to appoint their chairman, Mr McFarland being re-elected also as secretary and treasurer. It was decided to call a meeting of all interested in the card evenings for next Monday to arrange the gatherings for the winter months ill aid of the school funds. WHAKARONGO SCHOOL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WHAKARONGO, ApriL 17. At the meeting ot househoiuers at Whakarongo last evening there was a record attendance, including some ladies. The chairman opened the meeting by remarking on this attendance and said it was very gratifying to see so many. The report and balance-sneet were read and adopted oii-tlie motion of Mr Stuart and Mr J. Komley, who remarked that the balaneefcheet showed a very healthy state and reflected credit on the committee. Mr Knudben proposed a vote of thanks to the committee ior tlie efficient manner in which they had carried on during the last year and for the improvements to and general condition of the school. Mr Stuart replied on behalf of the committee and stated that they were only able to do what had been done through the assistance of the toach-ej-s, and only by tlie teachers and committee co-operating could the school and surroundings be kept in a proper condition. -Mr Hodgson proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Eggers and her assistant for the man- . ner in which they conducted the school. -Mrs Eggers suitably responded. Mr Roniley was applauded for assisting to complete the tarring of the drive. He replied that he had always taken a keen interest in the school and to prove this he was prepared to make the school a present of half the loan required if another householder was prepared to donate the other half. There was much applause. The chairman undertook to arrange for an orchestra for the paper hat dance.

The election of the new committee was proceeded with, Mr Stuart being asked to keep the chair. The new committee was elected as follows: —-Messrs Stuart (chairman), Woodd (secretary), Harrowfield, Creswell and Newcombe. A voete of thanks wa3 accorded Mr Jennings for auditing the school books, to which the secretary added his personal thanks for the assistance he had received from Mr Jennings. The chairman’s report read as follows: — “Before going into the business of the year, I wish to thank my colleagues for their ever-ready assistance in everything. We have had a very successful and smooth year. From the educational point of view we have every reason to be thankful and to heartily congratulate Mrs Eggers and her able assistant, Miss O'Brien. Their untiring efforts have kept the school well up to its standard of efficiency. The proficiency examinations this year, . although comparing favourably with other schools, were not as good as in the previous year. Out of six candidates, four passed and one secured competency. During the year it has been difficult to maintain the average and thus keep the grade. One term was down and consequently we received a notice from the board. This, however does not come into effect for twelve months and should our average rise this year our grade will not be lost. The school gained an environment certificate for the grounds, which were highly praised by the mspcctor. The interior of the building is not so

easy to keep up to the inspector s requirements, owing to the age of the structure. A new one is well overdue. However, we have .placed £5 at the disposal of. the teachers for the purchase of pictures, etc., to brighten the rooms up. Ground improvements this year have been carried out in the shape of a permanent macadamised entrance and drive and also one concrete path to the girls’ playsheds. It is to be hoped that these concrete paths will be continued in the near future, as they are badly needed for the comfort of the children. The financial position is in a very healthy condition, as will be seen from the balance-sheet. The School Committees’ Association, which lias been in existence for some years, has taken a new lease of life. Out of 74 schools in its district some 34 have joined up and more are coming forward each meeting. The mangold club is still in existence this year; we have a few more entries than last; so far the plots have not been inspected. We have again had a miniature cup donated as first prize and are still trusting to the generosity of the district to provide further prizes.” The new committee held a meeting later. It was decided that a letter of thanks be forwarded to Mr Johansen for the excellent manner in which he had acted as committeeman for the past seven years and also wish him success in the future. It was decided that Messrs Stuart and Harrowfield be the delegates to attend the School Committees’ Association meetings. RONGOTEA SCHOOL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, April. 16. At the householders’ meeting in the Rongotca School there were 15 present. Tho retiring committee held a preliminary meeting to finalise the previous year s affairs. Mr W. Amies presented the following report : “Tho committee, owing to lack of funds, have had to mark time. Several small matters, such as the cutting back of the trees and clearing and digging the shrubberies, have had to stand over. The Education Board built an addition to the bicycle shelter, to bo used as a wood and coal shed. Miss Harvey having resigned her position as assistant mistress, the position was temporarily filled by Miss Rowlands, who in turn was permanently replaced by Miss Bremncr. A letter was received from Mr J. Linklatcr, M.P., enclosing a letter from tho Minister of Education, stating that the petition to Parliament, asking for free carriage of secondary school children to and from Palmerston North had not been granted. A letter was received from the Dental Clinic Committee, Palmerston North, stating that Rongotca children in tho primary classes could now attend the clinic, the charge to parents to be 4s per child. Several children have taken advantage of this privilege. A concert was held in December in aid of the school prizes. The audience was treated to a fine performance, and the thanks of the parents are duo to tfio teachers and Mrs R. Aird and Mrs John Glover, senr., for their help in training the children. A Schools’ Association was formed in Palmerston North comprised of schools in the Manawatu and Oroua Counties. Our school at tho initial meeting was represented by Mr F. C. Saxton and after hearing his report wo decided to join. The delegates appointed from this committee were Messrs Amies and F. Saxton, who have attended each meeting held since.” Tho balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £23 Is sd. Tho report and balance-sheet were adopted. On vacating tho chair, Mr Amies briefly thanked the committee and tho headmaster and teachers for their helpful cooperation. Mr Saxton (secretary) presented the statement of receipts and expenditure for the Calf and Mangel Clubs. Support had been readily forthcoming and Rongotca had provided the outstanding mangel grower in the competition, Murray Lind, ho having outdistanced all competitors.

Mr Amies was voted to the chair. Messrs A. Hill, W. Duke, W. Amies, E. A. Croad and \V. Matheson, were elected a new committee on a ballot being taken. Mr H. V. Caverhill moved that a vote of thanks bo accorded the retiring secretary (Mr Saxton) for his long sustained interest in the school and Calf and Mangel Clubs, and that it bo recorded on tlie minutes. Mr Saxton made a suitable response. The general meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. At the subsequent. meeting of the new committee Mr Amies was reappointed chairman for tho tenth time in succession. Mr Croad was appointed secretary and treasurer. Delegates to the annual mooting of the Schools’ Association are to be the chairman and secretary. OTHER SCHOOLS. Awahuri.—Messrs W. A. Salt (chairman), W. Ward (secretary), S. Taylor, F. Giles and Condwell. Fitzherbert Fast. —Messrs N. Cowan (chairman), A. Greves (secretary), J. C. Petersen, A. H. Durden and Gilshnan. Tiakitahuna. —Messrs M. Richardson (chairman), M. Voss (secretary), D. Rowland, N. P. Nielsen, and F. P. Nielsen. Linton. —Messrs T. J. Lynch (chairman), E. S. Crawford (secretary), R. A. Beckett, J. Lauridsen, and C. H. Crawford. Kelvin Groove. —Messrs L. Newdick (chairman), W. Jones (secretary), J. Brill, Anderson, and Hancock. Mr R. A. Mercer did not seek re-election. Newbury.—Messrs M. G. Hansen (chairman), T. Ross (secretary), S. Death, F. Paul, and L. Burbery. Marton. —The meeting of householders at Marton was presided over by Mr G. P. Gregory. The following committee was elected:—Messrs A. W. Campbell, T. H. Ellison, E. Fletcher, H. C. Friedrich, T. W. Read. A. L. Williams, H. W. Wysocki, H. J. Fowler and R. L. Gill. The committee elected Mr Fowler chairman and Mr Gill secretary. The committee started the year with a credit of £lB 3s 9d and finished with a credit of £36 19s lOd. Marton Junction. —Messrs H. C. Gronn, J. Steele, J. Mainwaring, M. J. McNamara, J. Miscall, H. Calkin and J. Bloomfield. The committee elected Mr Gronn chairman and Mr Steele secretary. There was a good attendance and the balance-sheet was very satisfactory. Ivairanga.—Messrs C. M. Hyde (chairman), E. Kilgour (secretary), 0. A. Collis, J. B. Hughes and G. Davey, All were re-elected. Sandon.—Messrs E. J. Bowater (chairman), D. C. Sanson (secretary), E. J. Davey, E. Wilcock and D. J. Coster. Longburn. Messrs J. Callesen (chairman), J. Mahoney (treasurer), E. Lemberg (secretary), W. Weddell and W. Wilson.