RANGIOTU.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 120, 20 April 1934, Page 11

RANGIOTU.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RANGIOTU, April 18. The final meeting of tho Rangiotu School Committee, which preceded tho householders’ annual meeting, was presided over by Mr J. Shaw, there being present Messrs J. Duncan, R. Carkeek, I. Hazlott, E. Russell (secretary) and Miss L. Thompson (headmistress). The headmistress reported that the average attendance for March-April had been 53 out of a total roll number of 60. Accounts wore passed for payment. Correspondence was received from the Palmerston North dental clinic advising that the question of payments for treatment for the children from this school had been investigated. Rangiotu had joined the clinic late last year (July) and 4s per child for two treatments, covering the 12 months, had been paid. Under the circumstances the sum of 2s per child for those on the roll last year should be paid this year, bringing tho treatment into lino with the end of the clinic’s financial year, December 31. However, children coming on the roll for tho first time would be required to pay 4s, for which they would receive two treatments. The committee expressed its satisfaction with this and the attention given by tho clinic to children, but expressed regret that a few parents had not taken advantage of the excellent facilities available. Football matters woro considered and it was resolved to enter a combined Rangiotu-Bainesse team, subject to the consent of and arrangements being made with the Bainesse School Committee. The sum of 5s 2d was received from the Sandon Sports Club and credited to the account of the sports funds. Following tho committee meeting the annual meeting of householders was held, Mr J. Shaw presiding. The chairman congratulated those present on tho interest they were taking in their school. He thanked the committee for their support and co-operation during the past 12 months; also the headmistress (Miss L. C. Thompson) and her assistant (Miss Feist). Testimony was paid to the secretary (Mr E. Russell) for his officiency and the keen interest he had taken in all matters connected with tho school. He had gSven such services faithfully and ungrudgingly over a long period of years. Tho balance-sheet showed a credit of £ll 2s 7d in the general account and a credit of £8 Is 5d in the special account. There was an outstanding account (owing to the committee) amounting. to 11s under the heading of dental clinic disbursements, repayments to be made by instalments by those assisted by the committee. This amount Avould shortly be repaid under the system. The following was the headmistress’s report for the year : ‘‘The average of the three terms ending December 31, 1933, being under 51, the school was classed its Grade 3a, instead of 3b. However, an influx of new pupils has resulted in a present roll number of 60, with an average attendance for Februaiy and March of 53. Given a steady roll number and a healthy year, it, should be possible to regain the grade of 3b by

1935. Steady progress has been maintained in scholastic matters, only a few of the pupils not being promoted at the end of 1933. The proficiency examination resulted in three proficioney and three competency passes. The children are well behaved and attentive. The school has been visited by Mr Crosby (inspector), Mr Lange (agricultural instructor), Messrs Hemingway (chairman of the Education Board) and Mr Hodge (architect). The board’s painters and plumbers overhauled the premises. The children of the primer classes were enrolled during the middle of last year when the school joined the Palmerston North dental clinic. One treatment was given beforo December, b 1933. It is satisfactory that the majority of parents have taken advantage of the benefits thus obtained. A very successful concert given in tho Public Hall on August 11 was an outstanding event, as also was tho annual picnic held at Foxton Beach on March 2. Several friendly games of cricket and baskotball were played with neighbouring schools. A combined Rangi-otu-Bainesse football team took part in the primary schools competition. Our thanks are duo to all those who kindly transported the children on the various occasions, also to those who took competitors to the San don sports. A start h as been made to beautify the grounds by the building of a rockery, for which the committee worked hard in gathering the materials. In the near future wo hope to plant suitable shrubs, and in time brmg our grounds into line with those of schools more naturally favoured.. Three pupils deserve special mention this year, Raymond McCulium (our dux scholar), Polly Larkins (who won the first prize in an essay competition open to all public schools) and Rei Carkeck (who won the champion of champions’ race at the Sandon sports, and lowered the 100yds record for Sandon boys under 14 from 12sec to 11 2-5 sec). Eggs to the number of 14£ dozen were forwarded to the Willard Homo in the spring, a gratifying response. Our caretaker (Mr Crowe) has, as usual, done his work efficiently and deserves thanks for tho interest he has taken in everything under his charge. Wo wish to record witii appreciation the manner in which the assistant (Miss Foist) has done her duties, and tho sympathetic help given by the committee during the year. Finally, I would also like to express thanks to tho Hall Society for tho use of the hall and piano, and to Mr W. Hill for the use of the grounds for football matches.” In moving the 'adoption of tho report, Mr D. G. Moore congratulated the outgoing committee on their successful work, ana Miss Thompson, on her comprehensive report. The meeting proceeded with the election of tho committee for the ensuing two years. Mr I. Hazlitt did not seek reelection. As there were five nominations for five vacancies, the following were olected: —Messrs J. A. Shaw, J. Duncan,

E. Russell, R. Carkeck and D. G. Moore. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr Shaw was appointed chairman and Mr Russell secretary and treasurer. Delegates to the Manawatu-Oroua School Committees’ Association are Messrs J. Shaw and D. G. Moore.