HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 125, 28 April 1936, Page 5

HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

CITY AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS ELECTION OF COMMITTEES Enthusiasm and interest in the advancement of the primary schools at this centre were evident at most ot the biennial meetings held last evening of householders m Palmerston North, and the rest of the Wanganui Education Board s district. Committees for the next two years were elected after those who had been in office had. given an account ot their stewardship and subjects of general interest had been discussed. /

CENTRAL SCHOOL. There was an attendance of about 20 householders at the Central School, where Mr AV. G. Black (chairman of the retiring school committee) presided. Mr Black said it was regrettable that there was not a larger attendance, but one could reasonably assume some satisfaction from the small numbers present. Presenting the report, Mr Black said that for the last three years the school had been graded as “excellent,” and an environment certificate had been awarded for the last five years. The school had continued to maintain its grade as “7G.,” with an average attendance varying between 721 and 760. The present roll number was 795. Alterations in the permanent staff had been caused by the resignation of Miss Ashby, Mr Downes and Mrs Taylor, the lastnamed of whom retired on superannuation at the end of last year. The committee recorded its appreciation of the excellent service rendered by Mrs Taylor. Apart from minor epidemics of mumps, chickenpox, and whooping cough, the general health of the children had been very good. The w’ork of the dental clinic had been continued •and developed during the last two years with most satisfactory results. The committee had installed a wireless set with loud-speaker extensions to the classrooms, a, second and comparatively new piano for singing instruction, substantial library ejfe tensions and science equipment, also a new typewriter and duplicator. The school’s sports equipment had also been brought up-to-date. The cost of these improvements had been in the vicinity of £165. The school had taken part in inter-school cricket, football, baseball and basketball with success. The senior and junior teams had won the inter-school cricket competition in 1935, and were runnersup in the football competition in the same year. ' Swimming and life-sav-ing activities had received full a «d careful attention. Those desiring to swim for certificates were given the opportunity last season, with the result that 99 certificates were gained. In the year 1934-35, however, under the then favourable weather conditions, classes were conducted and 140 certificates were awarded; 70 life-sav-ing certificates were gained by pupils during the period under review. I he committee recorded appreciation of the wholehearted co-operation and assistance rendered by .the Central Swimming Club in the interests of the scholars. The expenditure incurrecl in 1934 in remodelling the baths had definitely resulted in more pleasant conditions for all classes or swimmers. The gross takings for the two years 1934 to 1936 were £l9B 11s 6d. an increase of £l3 2s 6d over the two previous years under more favourable weather conditions. The annual school picnic for 1935 had been held at the Awapuui racecourse, the popularity of the function and the grounds being demonstrated by an attendance of nearly 1200. The 1936 picnic had to be abandoned because of the hurricane damage. “The general lay-out of the grounds, as originally planned four years ago, is now almost completed, the last major work being the enclosure of the basketball court with, a substantial and permanent protective fence. E urther draining of the asphalt- area and additional asphalting have been carried out. Beneficial results have also been obtained fr<sm the topdressing of the grass playing area. It is now hoped that more attention can be given to the horticultural side of the work on the grounds,” the report continued. “Maintenance expenses and cost of ground improvements and school equipment have continued their heavy burden on our finances throughout the two-year period. The balancesheets and statement of accounts show a total net revenue of £1093 2s Id, against an expenditure of £llO3 13s 9d. The excess of expenditure, £lO 11s 8d deducted from the cash balance of £23 19s Id brought forward from the previous period leaves a credit cash balance of £l3 7s fid at the close, of this two-year period. The committee has therefore met the whole of its obligations, and all accounts incurred to the date of this report have been paid in full. In view of the works carried out by the committee, the financial result can be considered very satisfactory. Of the total net revenue ot £1142 16s 9d the sum of £sll 1/s came from the Wanganui Education Board and the balance °f £oßl-« Id was raised by voluntary effort. VV hiJst substantial contributions have come from the children’s concerts arranged bv Mr Bary and his staff, and from the gala and garden parties under the chairmanship of Mr W. Garden anti Mr G. Farrar, the greatest single revenue contribution has come through the agency of the ladies’ committee under the leadership of Mrs Evans. That committee arranged and conducted the dances and the gala and garden parties.: efforts which realised £307 13s 9d, or more than half our voluntarily raised revenue ot. £oßi os Id. Without their co-operation and tbeir enemy the committee could not possibly ham undertaken the development work which has been carried .ag successfully. The maintenance chaiges covering the buildings, grounds and baths together with cost of picnics, amounted 8 to £761 10s 3d of which£sol 12s lOd went in. wages £lO4 /s lid in fuel a.nd lighting, £l3o 8s Id 2s K nd"went 3 towards the development of the grounds arrd playing area, and pick Os fa] represents the cost.of the. few' equipment installed in the school buildings l The incoming committee w require to consider at an . early late the purchase of a motor mower. The committee is grateful to the M anvanui Education Board and its architect for the assistance given at various times. -. “We desire to place on record mu minreciation of the services given by tbc headmaster (Mr E. Bary) and the whole of his staff. A very high standard of efficiency iias been maintained throughout the school and much valu,,Me assistance has been rendered by them in our efforts for school purposes; to the ladies’ committee, with Mrs Evans as chairman and Mrs Ja.rett as secretary, the committee and, T am sure, the householders are m"vateful,” said Mr Black, who also -thanked a large number of pei-

sons who had given assistance to the school. “In particular, -do I wish t° refer to the services of Mr AV . Garden, as our representative over a long period oil the dental clinic; Mr D. Dickie, as treasurer, for his ■administration ot the finances and for the material help given bv his firm’s principals and himself in the provision-and installation ol the school’s wireless equipment; Mr w. H. Cadwallader in his capacity as secretary, an office which he lias hl.lecl with distinction and efficiency during his two-year term, and whilst congratulating him on his appointment on promotion to the South Island it is a matter of regret that he will no longer be a member of our committee , lastly, Mr A. E. Kersl.ake. who is retiring from the committee aitei six years’ service, four as secretary and two as a committeeman and actingchairman.” GENERAL BUSINESS. Mr Dickie presented the financial statement, showing a credit bank balance of £l3 7s sd. The report was adopted without a discussion. ... i As- the nominations did not exceed the number required for membership of the committee, the following were declared elected: —Messrs W. G. Black, W. Gardin, W. Fitzgerald, F. Hearsey, W. H. Brown, G. Farrar, H. 1 aimer, C. F. A. Waters and D. Dickie. Mr AV. H. Brown expressed the congratulations of the householders to Mr Black and his committee for their magnificent work and excellent lepoit. It was apparent that the householders were quite satisfied with the woik done, which should give the retiring members a feeling of pride. Mr Blown also congratulated Mr Black on lus return to office and the recovery ot his health following his recent indisposition. , „ , Mr Black briefly returned thanks, saying each member had endeavoured to do his best for the school. Mr Black made reference to Mr Iverslake’s retirement after six yeais service and asked his acceptance of a token of appreciation. Mr Iterslake briefly returned thanks. Mr Bary thanked the school committee, ladiris’ committee, and householders for their support of the school, which had been appreciated by the staff. , Mr N. Kenyon also expressed appreciation to Mr Bary for liis good work, and to Mr Black fs* the committee’s services. It was decided to forward xo Rev. H. L. Richards, now of Waimnte and formerly of the Cuba Street Methodist Church, a letter expressing appreciation of his excellent work in. connection with the giving of - Scripture lessons in the school. “I know Mr Bary and many parents were very grateful, not only for the' lessons given by Mr Richards, hut for the personal way in which he did it.” said Mr Black. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair, sifter which the new committee and the ladies present held meetings. Air Black was re-elected chairman of the committee, which fixed the first Tuesday in the month as its meeting date. The posts of secretary and treasurer were left vacant in the meantime. Air Garden was reappointed dental clinic representative, and Alessrs Black and AVsitcrs and the secretary were appointed delegates to the Manawatu and Oroua Distriot'School Committees’ Association. Air Cadwallader was cordially thanked for his services as secretary. The ladies elected the following committee, with,power to add:—Alesdames D. Evans (chairman), G. H. Jarrett (secretary), J."Denham, AV. Garden, 0. Dunstan, G. Shellev, G. Farrar, AV. Lundy, and A. C. Britton. COLLEGE STREET SCHOOL. Mr R. L. C. Aitchison was voted to the chair at the meeting of householders at College Street, when there was an attendance of 50. Air AV. A. Swinbourn, headmaster off the school, who has' been laid aside with illness for some time, sent an apology for absence. “I liave now commenced satisfactory progress towards recovery,” Mr Swinbourn wrote. Colonel AVliyte expressed the pleasure of all that Air Swinbourn was on the road to good health, a.nd a vote of sympathy with the headmaster in his illness and of hope -for a speedy return to health was ]>assed. The adoption of the report and bal-ance-sheet was moved by the chairman, who congratulated the committee on its progress. He referred to the excellent work of the ladies’ committee, the caretaker and the treasurer,, and expressed the hope that the proposed assembly hall would be completed ,in the near future. The subsequent brief discussion was most favourable to the report, and it was adopted. Explaining the progress of matters in connection with the assembly hall, in the course of reading the report, Colonel J. H. AVliyte mentioned that a deputation from the committee- had waited on the Alinister of Education (Hon B Fraser) and asked for a grant towards the funds. The Alinister had received the deputation’s representations sympathetically, and Colonel AVhvte had high hopes that a grant would be received so that the.-ha.ll could be completed in the very near future. Air L. J. Plank, acting-headmaster, reported on the work of the school, stating that the staff were keen and enthusiastic and the school .was making good progress. The following committee was elected : —Messrs H. Christmas, J. Creighton, E. Cmickshank, AV. F. Cutler H. G. Mills. E. Persson, E. A. Shackleton. AV. R. Taylor and Colonel AVliyte. Air de Clene brought up the matter of religious instruction in school and protested against such instruction being given in school hours. Mr W. R. Taylor said ho was glad the children were being given the opportunity of treading the right path. Air Cutler mentioned that the Nelson system of instruction was fair and no one could object to its being given. He moved that the meeting strongly favour the Nelson system as practised m the College Street School and the motion was carried, r - r , Colonel AVhyte thanked Messrs G. AVatchorn and E. R. Joblrn for the interest they had taken in the school sports, both during and after school hours. They were accorded a vote ot thanks. The chairman also moved a vote of thanks to the retiring committeemen,

Alessrs C. L. Turnbull, A. D. H. Worboys and G. D. Pearson. This was enthusiastically carried. At a. subsequent meeting of the committee, Colonel AVliyte was re-elected chairman. The committee decided to meet on ,the first Thursday in each month. # TERRACE END SCHOOL. Air AV. B. Tennent presided at Terrace End when a very fair number of householders were jiresent, the chairman referring to the interest taken by the residents in iheir school. The annual report as published in the Press was taken as read. Tl ie chairman, in moving its adoption, said the attendance should improve with the readniission of the five-year-olds. The most outstanding event in the two years was the jubilee of the school; Mr F. Fairbrother, for long headmaster of the school, bad taken an active, interest in the functions and it was a pleasure to see him present that evening. (Applause.) The speaker paid a tribute to the. services of the school’s music teacher (Aliss J. AA’ellwood) in preparing scholars for the annual concert, the last one being the best ever held bv the school. Air A. AV. Thompson, the present headmaster, had been a recipient of the late King’s Jubilee Medal, and they were proud that he had been so honoured. (Applause.) Relations between the two committees —men’s and ladies’ —with the headmaster and staff had been most harmonious, and Air Tennent paid a tribute to Air Thompson’s services. “I do not think that we appreciate Air Thompson as we should, for lie is one of the outstanding headmasters in New Zealand, said the chairman in conclusion. Mr J. S. HornhloAv seconded the motion for the adoption of the report which was then carried. The treasurer (Air J. K. Paton) submitted the financial statement, both the committee’s special account and tlie general account being in a very sound state, with credit balances. There were 11 nominations for the committee and the following were elected:—Messrs AV. B. Tennent. G. R. Luke, IL C. Donald, H. L. Cunninghame, H. Blackwood, J. Davidson, E. G. Bennett, J. K. Paton, and H. D. Alilne.

On the chairman’s motion a vote ol thanks was accorded Air Bascoe for the work he had performed in attending to the gardens voluntarily as a gift to the school, and to the retiring committee men, Alessrs AV. Petersen (seven years’ service) and J. H. Nash (six years). Air H. S. Porteous, who had audited the school’s accounts over a lengthy period of years, was also accorded a vote of thanks (on the motion of Air Blackwood) for a service that demanded a good deal of Ins time which had been freely given. _ Under the Education Board|s latest instructions the work of auditing is performed bv the board’s own officials. A vote of thanks was also accorded the Press on the motion of Mr Luke. Other votes of thanks were accorded the caretakers (Air and Airs G. Lang) and the scrutineers (Rev. A. Ashcroit and Rev. F. S. Ramson), the movers being Messrs J. Davidson and H. L. Cunninghame respectively. The headmaster briefly addressed -the meeting, endorsing the chairman s -remarks in moving a vote of thanks to those who had helped the school in tlie past two years. Terrace End was a very happy school, and if - there was anything a’ parent disapproved of the annual meeting of householders was the time to voice such disapproval. With the co-operation of the staff tlie teaching had progressed very well. Mr Thompson expressed his pleasure at •seeing Air Fairbrother present at llie meeting, adding that it must have been a source of delight to linn to have seen so many old pupils at the jubilee. A school was not built in a day and it was Mr Fairbrother s jubilee that was celebrated in 1934. It was the traditions built up in the past that they were seeking to maintain to-day. Air Thompson via id a tribute to the work of the caretakers (Art and Airs G. Lang), who were worthy successors to Air and Mrs .1. Arthur. Ihe headmaster expressed regret that _ bad weather had prevented the picnic from being held after the great woik of preparation performed by the ladies’ committee under Airs J. Barsanti. In conclusion, Mr Thompson thanked the retiring committee for their work. ' Air F Fairbrother spoke of the work of the committees over the past twelve years in attending to the welfare of the school, doing everything required of them in a very practical way. He commended the retiring committee for its work in the past ■ two vea.rs, especially its secretary (Air ti. Blackwood) for what he had done during the school’s jubilee. Mr Fairbiotlier paid a tribute to Air Thompson s services as headmaster; lie was very pleased indeed that he should have returned to Terrace End as headmaster after being for nine years first assistant prior to becoming headmaster ot AVest End School. Airs J. Barsanti, as chairman ot the ladies’ committee, expressed the pleasure of her organisation in working tor the school. , , . A vote of thanks to the chairman, moved l>y Mr AV B. Cameron, concluded the meeting. At a. subsequent meeting of the committee Mr Tennent was re '® lect< ;'{ chairman, Air Blackwood secretary ami Air Baton treasurer. The meeting night was fixed for the first Tuesday m the month. Alessrs Donald, Luke and Cunninghame were appointed to represent the school on the AlanawatuOroua School Committees’- Association, and Messrs Bennett and Cunninghame the visiting committee for next month. HOKOAVHITU SCHOOL. There was an attendance of over sixty householders at the Hokowhitu School, Mr P.-V. Burns presiding and expressing his pleasure at the, lively interest manifest in the school’s activities. , . , The balance-sheet and report ( already published) were..adopted on the motion of tlie chairman, who voiced appreciation at the generous response oi parents to the calls made upon them. Capitation grants at present being received were quite inadequate for the school’s needs, and were an anomalous feature of what was termed ‘/free education.” The method of allocating these moneys seemed to be unfair, and if it was necessary to supply teachers it was just as necessary for the Education Board to j>av the caretaker ihe expenses of the school amounted to £2 per week. Advice had been received that the school had been granted a quantity of timber from the old College Street School, which was to be demolished, for the erection of an assembly hall, and that information was very gratifying. . Air H. AV. Cox seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. The headmaster (Mr L. J. Blank) reported that the school roll had remained almost stationary at 320 during the year, or one more pupil than in the preceding year. The average attendance had been 289. The illness of the headmaster during the latter lialr of the year had necessitated some stait changes. The inspector’s annual report had been very gratifying to all concerned, and the school had. reached the highest state of efficiency—excellent. The environment certificate for a wellkept school and grounds had again

been endorsed for the seventh time, and the school had participated in all tire inter-sehool comjietitions. Sickness and unseasonal weather had affected swimming activities. They were indebted to the Ministers’ Association for the weekly Bible lesson. Accounts in the school savings bank scheme were held by 127'children, the deposits totalling between £2 and £3 weekly. The headmaster thanked the committee and parents for their hearty co-ojieration in bringing the school up to its present high standard/ and expressed the hope that tliev would continue to be a happy community. He expressed liis personal appreciation of the work of the staff who, despite disabilities, had carried on activities very willingly and efficiently. , Reporting upon the activities of the dental clinic, Mr AA r . Al. Huntington, representative of tlie school on tlie controlling committee, emphasised the value of its work, stating that the roll number of the three Balmerston North clinics had increased from 1230 in lJoo to 1938 in 1936. There should be no reluctance whatever on the pait o parents to permit tlie children to undergo the two complete treatments given -annually for the fee of 4s. Fortyseven out of the 90 primer children in the school were receiving treatment, and there was room for- an improvement on these figures. It was the duty of the parent to take advantage ot the service provided. A resolution that the meeting concur with the action of the Education Board in transferring Air Blank temporarily to the headmastership ot tlie College Street School was carried on the motion of the chairman, who expressed their -appreciation ot Mi Blank’s work and said they looked forward to his return to Hokowhitu. The headmaster expressed bis appreciation of this generous gesture by the householders. , The chairman drew attention to tlie disabilities suffered through leakages from the tiled roof, and on the motion of Air Cox it was decided to forward a protest to the Education Board, asking that repairs be carried out immediately. . ~ r ■ VFrom the thirteen nominations tni tlie committee, the following nine were elected-.-Messrs S. F. Collier B E. Crowthef. AV. E. Cooper, H. AY. Cox, J. E. Larsen, H. AlcKenzie. G. A. Melville, R. J. Olds and H. Shield. The retiring committee were accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Air AV. S. AVoodroofe. who congratulated them on their improvement in the administration ot the finances. , Appreciation of thy work done j>\ the ladies’ committee was expressed by 'Mr Burns, the retiring chairman, who did not seek re-election. Me also thanked his associates for their support. . , The ladies’ committee were accorded a vote of thanks on the motion oi Air J. B. Fleck, who praised their work. Subsequently, at a meeting of. the committee, Mr Shield was elected chairman and All- Cooper Hon. secretary and treasurer. Alessrs Cox, Melville and Crowther were appointed tlie representatives of tlit> committee on the Manawatu-Oroua Combined School Committees’ Association, with Mr Olds as the representative on the dental clinic association. It was agreed that the committee meet at 7.30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. WEST END SCHOOL. Air A. A. Langley was appointed to the chair at the AVest End Scligol, there being an attendance of over thirty. . The report (previously published) aiid balance-sheet were read by Air G. Tremaine (the retiring chairman) and were adopted. Speaking to the motion for the adoption of the report, AH- AV. Schwabe 1 said that the position was a very creditable one, and lie jiaid a tr'mte to the work of Air Tremaine. . . There were ten nominations tor tlie nine seats on the committee, the following being elected: —Alessrs AV . Collins, J. H. Dalziel, L. A. Hogg, A. AV. Just, A. C. McLean, A E. Bertfold, A. Benketh, AV. Schwabe, and G. Tremaine. Mr Schwabe was the only new member elected. The chairman reported on tlie schools dental clinic. There had been 1235 children on the roll, the number having risen at the end of the year to 1938, and it was expected that there would be 2500 children in charge ol four nurses at the end of Alay. A l.oie were two nurses in Balmerston North at present, 29 schools being affiliated and there was only one school not associated with the clinic. The lees were reasonable and no increase was expected. Mr Langley urged parents to let tile nurse know if an appointment pouhi not be kept. He praised the co-oiicration accorded the clinic by the headmaster (Air H. AV. Jackson). Mr Langley was accorded a vote o thanks for his services on tlie dental clinic committee for the past torn years, and was later re-elected lor a further term. Air Tremaine commented on 1 lie improvement shown in sports, especially in regard to swimming. A motion of thanks was accorded Alias AV liters and Alessrs T. Douds and K. Dawkins for their assistance m regard to 1 Air Stevenson was accorded a vote of thanks for the efficient way in which he had carried out his duties as baths custodian and caretaker. \ motion of thanks was passed to parents for allowing their children to attend the baths and for their cooperation with the , Swimming Club. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr B. Christensen, senr., an old resident oi AVest End, was carried in silence. It was reported at a subsequent meeting that there wasacreditbaiik balance at present of £p3 0s 2d, the capitation grant of £4l Gd making the sum in hand £94 6s bd Air Tremaine was elected chairman, and Air Hogg secretary ancl treasurer. RUSSELL STREET SCHOOL. At the meeting of householders of the Russell Street School, there was a tau* attendance. On the motion oi Mr J. A. Grant, Air J. McArtney was voted to the chair. Apologies tor absence were received from Messrs Simpson and AV. IT. Brown. The report and balance-sheet (proviously published) were lead and adopted. , , „, ~ . , Speaking to the report Mr Grant sain that the ladies’ committee had been a big factor in the school woik, it had raised funds without which same items, such as ground upkeep, would have had to be neglected. He hoped that the incoming ladies’ committee would carry on the splendid wotk of the last one. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies’ committee, which was accorded enthusiastically. Air Grant also expressed appreciation of the work done by the retiring School Committee; also thanks to the headmaster (Mr E. O. Campbell) and his staff Mr the care they had taken of the children and the school. Mr J. B. MacDavitt endorsed Mr Grant’s remarks, especially thanking the headmaster for the fine spirit prevailing among the children. Mr Campbell, replying, said that the practical interest the committee had taken in the school was very gratifying to him and liis staff. Due to the

committee’s efforts, the environment,' both inside and outside the school, was excellent. The importance of this could not be over-stressed. Mr Campbell said that both he and his staff were doing everything possible for the betterment of the children sent to the school. The nominations for the new committee were then received. As there were only nine nominations, an election was unnecessary, and the nine automatically formed the new committee. The following is the committee: Messrs J. A. Grant, C. S. Trask, R. TV. Garner. W. A. Boniface, M. M. Doig, I. R. Robinson, P. Maedowell, F. TV. Coombs and G. TV. Coppell. A meeting of the*new committee followed immediately, when Messrs J. A. Grant and R. W. Garner were elected chairman and secretary-treasurer respectively. The delegates to the ManawatuOroua School Committees’ Association are Messrs Boniface and Coombs. Mr Trask was appointed delegate to the Palmerston Ncrth Dental Clinic Committee. Messrs Doig and Boniface were airpointed as a visiting committee for the month. It was decided that in future all meetings be held on the first Wednesday of each month. The chairman (Mr Grant) said that a member of the present staff, Miss Martin, was leaving the school at the end of the month and information had come from the Education Board that her position would be filled by Miss Feist. It was decided to write to the board expressing approval of the appointment. MILSON SCHOOL. (From Oar Own Correspondent.) . . MILSON, April 27. The annual mooting of householders took place to-night. Mr F. G. Murphy presided, and there was a very poor attendance of parents. Mr McEwcn (headmaster) was in attendance. Mr Murphy, in presenting the annual report and bal-ance-sheet, stated that the finances were in a very satisfactory state, and the results of the work done by 'he teachers was of a very high standard and reflected great credit on the teaching staff. The results of flic proficiency examinations during the time Mr McEwen had been at this school showed s. very high percentage, and of the tea pupils sitting last year nine had gained proficiency and one competency, there being no failures, and over a period of years the results had shown a very high percentage of passes. Ho thanked the teachers, committee and the ladies’ committee for the loyal support shown at all times in the interest of the seliooi. Last year was the first time, since the inception of the school at Milson, that children who had commenced their education at the school had finished it there. The report stated“ The year commenced with a credit balance of £37 13s. Capitation amounted to £SO and £8 'ls 8d was raised by means of the school ball and donations. Expenditure amounted to £52 6s lid, leaving a credit balance of £43 10s 9d, which is considered very satisfactory. The school commenced the year with a roll of 103 and finished with 116. Miss Jordan resigned from the staff to he married, and her place was taken by Miss Ashbv. The bull proved a great success, the manner in which the children performed the ous dances indicating the degree of interest taken by the teachers. The hall was opened by the Mayor I Mr A. E. Mansford) and the thanks of the committee are due to Mr and Mrs Mansford for the interest taken by them in the school functions in the past. The picnic was again held at the Esplanade and the outing was greatly enjoyed. The committee wish to thank all those who helped in any way to make it such a success, also ill those who kindly donated prizes. The pupils from Standards 3 to 6 have attended the Terrace End baths for swimming pi active. The following certificates were gained by them: 50 yards, 5; 100yds, 2; 880yds, Z-. while 5 life-saving certificates were gained. The school was again successful in winning t.hc Herbert Smii’n Life-Saving Shield. The committee wish to thank the Terraco End School Committee for , the use of the baths, also Mr A. W Thompson (headmaster) and Mr Lang (caretaker) for their assistance at all times. The Christmas break-up ceremony was held at the school, when the certificates won during the year were presented. Great credit is = due to Mr McEwen for his success with the sixth standard pupils, every pupil who silt for examination gaining a certificate. Thin was the firs; year in which children who started their education at the school passed through the sixth standard. The boys from the school took part in the cricket' and football competitions, and their efforts were very successful. The girls were also, successful with their basketball tram. The school was again granted an environment certificate. The committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the manner in which Mr McEwcn, Miss Brookcr, Miss Ashby and Miss Jordan carried out their duties, and to thank them for their valuable assista ice. The committee lost the services of their secretary (Mr AS C. Franklyn), who was transferred to Picton. His place as secretary was taken by Mr L. Robertson, end the vacancy on the committee filled by Mr T. Hutchison. The chairman represented the school on the dental clinic committee. The parents are to- be congratulated on the way in which they have taksn advantage of this wonderful service, nearly every child who was eligible having received treatment. The thanks of all are due to the dental nurses for the interest they have taken in the children from this school. The chairman and Mr Richmond also represented the school on tho Manawatu-Oroua School Committees’ Association, which has done a remarkable amount of work in the interest of primary schools. The success of this school is due in no small measure to the wonderful assistance given to the committee by the ladies’ committee, who at all

times have given of their best, and the committee greatly appreciate their efforts. The committee wish to thank all those who have come to their assistance during tho year and trust that the same help will bo extended to the new committee.” Mr McEwen (headmaster) in presenting his report, stated that the school pupils had been very successful in gaining certificates for swimming in 1934, but the results for 1935 had not been so satisfactory owing to climatic conditions. The games of football, ‘ cricket and basketball played with other schools had been very sat'sfactory, though they had not been successful in winning any of the competitions. The cups for the running events had been won by Phyllis Chalk ad Colin Robbie. The swimming cup had been won by Colin Robbie for the boys, and in the girls’ event no award had been made. Pie thanked the teachers, parents and committee ;.or their support, also the parents who had given the use of their homes for children to listen to the broadcast of educa tional lectures. He statod that this school had only been six pupils short of the required average for an additional teacher, and at the present time each teacher had about 40 pupils in each room. The committee had previously only five members, but now the school has sufficient pupils for a committee of seven, and as there were only seven nominations no election was necessary. The following were appointed:—Messrs F. G. Murphy, G. M. Richmond, F. Williams, L. Robertson. "1. Hutchison, S. M. Thompson, and Mrs E. E. Eaton. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr Murphy was elected chairman, Mr Robertson, secretary, and Mr Richmond treasurer.^ LONGBURN SCHOOL. At Longburn the chair was occupied by Mr A, Olliver. The attendance was small. After expressing keen appreciation of loyal help extended by his colleagues on the committee, the chairman stated, in his report, that' they had. endeavoured to continue and consolidate the good work done by former committees. Hedges and trees had been kept trimmed, a. bed of native trees planted and other garden plants put in. The attendance had dropped during the last 12 months to a. point at which the school was in danger of losing a teacher, bnt it had now recovered. After many years of service as headmaster Mr C. C. Hills had retired at the end of 1934. Since April of last year the present headmaster (Mr E. A. Searle) had been in charge, and under his care the school was working smoothly and steadily. The report expressed appreciation also _of the excellent work of. the lady assistants, especially in the craft work. Unfortunately the school was to lose the services of Miss I. P. Davidson, who had been promoted. Her splendid work had been appreciated bv all. Miss M. Reeve had kept splendid control of her work and her influence on the school was deserving of appreciation. After the recent hurricane a new boys’ shelter shed had been built by the Education Board, and further concrete paving was now required in front of it. A shed was also required to house the assistants’ car, as they came from the city each clay. That could l>e readiiv done by extending the western pavilion. In the winter of 1934 each, child had been supplied with a pint of milk dailv, through the generosity of Mr B. B. Zurcher. The Kairanga Dairy Company had transported the milk to the school daily. Last winter the committee'had reverted to the custom of providing hot cocoa at lunch and that had proved very satisfactory. In response to a request, the committee had. granted permission for Bible •reading to be given for a trial period during the last term of 1934, and as matters seemed satisfactory the committee had approved of its continuation. The committee had attached great importance to the social.side oi school life. Two excursions to Wellington had been arranged at a small expense to children and adults. 3he report suggested that tours could ' be arranged a.t future dates and could be combined with motor bus tours round the harbour and bays, to Petone and Lower Hutt, or to Day’s Bay. Such trips last year had proved very instructive to the children and the association of parents with each other and with the staff had everything to commend it. Social activities were also entered upon to raise funds for the school library. An old pupils reunion hall had been held and card parties in the winter months lia<l raised sufficient funds to enable the committee to purchase a splendid lot of hooks. Those activities could ha continued to improve the school further not only in regard to the library, hut also in other directions. In conclusion, the report exoressed thanks to parents for the trust* nlaced in the chairman for the previous three years. H's task had been made much lighter bv the splendid help given by the Women s Institute and other ladies and gentlemen. The treasurer (Mr J. C. Mahoney) reported that in the year ended February 28 the income had been £oo as a"grant from the Education Board and £2O 11s lid which was raised by nieans of euchre tournaments and the school ball. The balance at the beginning of the year had been £37 Is lOd. Cleaning and other services had cost £36 2s, and fuel and lighting £8 los. Repairs and improvements had accounted for £lO 5s 2d, and books and stationery for another £2O 7s 7d. Bank charges amounted to 15s, leaving thus a credit of £3l 9s.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of Mr W. Weddell, seconded by the chairman. The following were elected to the committee: Messrs J. Callesen, J. C. Mahoney, TV. Weddell, C. E. Bee and E. R. Osborne. Mr Callesen was elected chairman, Mr Mahoney secretary and Mr Osborne treasurer. Reference was made by the chairman to the service given the committee by" Messrs TV. Wilson and E. Lemberg, who had retired from the committee in the last year. Mr Callesen commented that the residents of Longburn as a whole were very generous where the school was concerned, and it was very gratifying to meet suhh a commendable reception. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. BUNNYTHORPE SCHOOL, (From Our Own Correspondent.) BUNNYTHORPE, April 28. The meeting of householders was held on Monday. Mr F. A. McKenzie was voted to the chair, and there were twenty householders present. The chairman’s report stated: —“This is a unique statement in so far as it is the first time in the history of tho school that any chairman has had. to report on the stewardship for two years. During' that time the ambition of the committee has been that of keeping the school up to the high standard set by its predecessors and I think I am justified in stating that that has been done. The balance-sheets show that finances are in a buoyant condition. We have been able to balance tho budget each year, keeping the expenditure within ours means. The school and grounds have been kept well up to standard. All the work that required to be done has been faithfully executed The environment certificate received the customary endorsement. The wireless set installed last year has been a great success both for the staff and scholars while the tennis courts also are a great asset to the school. The attendance roll, which caused some concern a while ago, has been somewhat improved by the readmission of the five-year-old children, and it would appear that the school roll will have no difficulty in maintaining its present grade. The annual breaking-up ceremonies and the picnic have been held as in other years, but this year’s function at Tangimoana is deserving of special mention. Under Mr D. Hcggie’s management it was an undoubted success. I wish to record my heartiest thanks to my fellow committeemen who have at all times given me their loyal support, all having endeavoured to work with a common object—maintaining and improving to the full possible _ extent the good government of school affairs. To Mr Abraham and the staff my sincere thanks and congratulations arc due, and to tho ladies and gentlemen who have contributed so generously and hacked up the various functions conducted by the committee. This public support is greatly appreciated by the committee. Without it nothing can he done, and the school is indeed fortunate in having such loyal support. Special thanks ,arc due to Mr and Mrs W. T. Maxwell for placing their barn at our disposal for holding two functions which were the means of raising a fair amount of money for the school funds. Thanks also are due to those who arranged transport. The activities of the scholars in the matter of sports, the Calf Club and mangel growing have been carried out as usual. During the past year we have been unfortunate in losing the services of Mr Gordon Duthie, and our thanks are extended to him for his past services. Finally, I wish to thank Mr O. Jackson (secretary) for the way he lias carried out his duties, and I wish the incoming committee a very happv and successful term of office.” Tho balance-sheets for 1935 and 1936 were presented as follow : —1935: Receipts. £66 3s 6d.; expenditure, £SO 19s lOd; balance, £ls 3s Bd. 1936: Receipts,- £77 3s 6d; expenditure, £54 0s lid; balance. £23 2s 7d. Special account: 1935, receipts, £56 19s lOd; expenditure, £3l 9-1 balance, £25 10s lOd. 1936: Receipts, £66 11s 3d; expenditure, £59 8s 7d: balance, £6 12s Sd. The report ahd balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of the. chairman, second by Mr W. B. Duthic. Mr Abraham (headmaster) reported on the work' in the school, and on behalf of the staff expressed thanks to the committee for the good work carried out during the two years. He also spoke of the wireless set and the advantage of the tennis courts, and referred in general to the assistance rendered by parents to the staff. A vote of thanks was accorded the outgoing committee. and they were congratulated on their work during the past two years. The motion was-proposed by Mr IV. B. Duthie and Mr At O’Donnell. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to Mr Abraham and the staff and this was seconded by Mr O. Jackson* who complimented them on their work. Votes of thanks were accorded Messrs D. Heggio and _G. Duthie. who were not seeking re-election, for their valuable services; and Mr and Mrs \V. T. Maxwell. The following were elected a committee, there being only the five nominated: Messrs F. A. McKenzie, O. Jackson, A. O’Donnell, W. T. Maxwell, and Win. Andrew. Mr McKenzie was reelected chairman.