Householders' Meetings

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6838, 20 April 1932, Page 9

Householders' Meetings

TERRACE END. Approximately (50 householders attended at Terraco End School where Air. AV. B. Cameron, after extending a brief welcome to those present, was elected chairman of the meeting. An apology for unavoidable absence was received from Air. J. Allan. The annual report (previously published) was read and adopted, on the motion of Mr. T. Hastings, tho chairman remarking that the school had reduced its overdraft and would, this coming year, come out satisfactorily despite the economic depression. It was regrettable that the department had not met its obligations in regard to the subsidy due and, had it done so, the incoming committee would have had a brighter outlook. It was a matter of £SO and the payment would still be asked for from the department at a future date.

The financial report, as submitted by tho treasurer, was also adopted. Air. Macpherson explained fully the various accounts, stating that the nett receipts had been £1633 and the expenditure £1650. The chairman drew attention to the fact that the baths had been the greatest asset, £SO being taken out of this account to help the general account. It was duo to the caretaker, Air. Arthur, and to Airs. Arthur, that the baths had been such a success, while the swimming club had rendered valuable assistance, ho said. A lengthy report on the sports activities at tho school was read.

Tho chairman pa.id eulogistic reference to the services of tho headmaster, Air. A. W. Thompson. His work throughout the year had always been in tho best interests of tho school. It was voicing the opinion of every householder when it was said that thoro could not be a better headmaster at Terraco End School than the gentleman who occupied the position at present. Air. Thompson briefly returned thanks and reviewed tho proposals for economies in education.

Air. H. S. Portcous was re-elected auditor, and it was resolved to forward a letter of thanks for his past services in this regard. Air. Nash outlined dental treatment matters. It was decided to hold tlio meetings on tho second Tuesday of each month, tho first being scheduled for Alay 10. Air. J. H. Nash was appointed tho delegate on tho dental committee. WEST END.

At West End there was an attendance of 40 householders. Air. G. Tremaine was elected to the chair. Tho annual report, as already published, was adopted, together with the balance sheet, which disclosed £7O 3s 5d in hand at Ecbrunry 29, and a credit balance of £36 8s 7d at date. The baths account showed a Joss of £ls 6s lid over the past two years. The finances of the committee, said the chairman, in reviewing tho report and balance sheet, were in a healthy position, which was in no small measure due to tho efforts of the ladies' committee, The school and the grounds were to-day in a better state than they had ever been. During the year all subsidies had been withdrawn, and but for this the committee would have been £SO better oft’. The committee had worked hard during the year and he thanked members for the way in which they had assisted him. Thanks were also due to the headmaster (Air. H. W. Jackson) and his staff for their labours during tho year. Regret at the fact that owing to other duties Air. Tremaine was not seeking re-election was voiced by Air. A. Penketh, who paid tribute to tho work that the chairman had done for the school.

Thanks to the outgoing committee were voiced on behalf of the teaching staff by Air. Jackson. On tho motion of Air. G. Newth, the secretary (Air. G. K. Holder) was accorded a vote of thanks for his valued work during the year.

COLLEGE STREET. There was a largo attendance of householders at College Street School, Mr. A, D. Campbell being voted to the chair. Apologies for absence were tendered oji behalf of Mr. R. L. C. Aitchison and Mr. C. L. Mowlem. The report of the retiring chairman (previously published) was read by ColJ. 11. Whyte. The financial statement disclosed a credit balance in the general account at the end of the year of £27 8s and in the special account a credit of £4l 17s Id was shown.

The headmaster (Mr. W. A. Swinbourn) stated that the roll number "was 523, with 17 additional pupils in the special class, as against 498 last year and 17 in the special class. The attendance during the year had been particularly good and no epidemics wore prevalent except whooping cough towards the end of the year. The staff had carried on the work of the school at the usual high standard and a good year’s work had resulted, with 3(j proficiency and 10 competency certificates granted in-spite of the higher standard of examination. Mention was made of the various staff changes that had taken place and details given of the sports activities. Thanks were expressed to the municipal authorities for the uso of tho swimming baths, enabling swimming practice to be carried out. The work of the caretaker (Mr. Hunter) had been admirably carried out, and thanks were expressed to that gentleman for hi sintorest in the school. Thanks were also expressed to the staff for their loyal and effective co-opera-tion in spite of a good deal of sickness, and appreciation of the committee’s work, and especially of the work of the ladies’ committee.—The reports and balance sheet were taken together and adopted. In a report of the activities of toe ladies’ committee submitted by the chairwoman (Mrs. A. Hopwood), appreciation was expressed pf the unselfish assistance extended by all members of the committee, special thanks being due to the secretary, Mrs. C. L. Turnbull, for the excellent work she had done. Thirteen meetings had been held with gratifying attendances. Besides the annual ball, two evenings and a garden party had been held with great success

socially and financially. A street stall had resulted in a profit of £l3 Os sd. After paying for timber, furnishings, etc., for the new cupboard, urn, crockery, teaspoons, etc., tlio balance of r7s 8d was handed to the men’s committee towards purchasing roller towels. Thanks were expressed to the headmaster for his splendid assistance in the building of the new crockery cupboard. Owing to their removal to Wellington, Mcsdames Catton and Brice had resigned from the committee. The ladies’ visiting committee had proved of great value and had brought various important matters before the notice of the men’s committee, resulting in many improvements much to the benefit of the children. Thanks were expressed to the chairman, secretary and members of the men’s committee, headmaster and staff for courtesy and help at all times. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the ladies’ committee, on the motion of Colonel Whyte, other speakers adding their tribute to the assistance given by the ladies. A resolution moved by Mr. Cutler “that the attention of the Education Department be drawn to the deplorable state of tko old College Street School, and asking that immediate action be taken towards providing a now school” gave rise to some discussion. Mr. Hunter contended that it was no use pinpricking the Government at the present time. Obviously it did not have the money to grant for school buildings. Colonel Whyte explained that the Wanganui Board had promised to have certain leaks repaired, which had been disclosed by the recent rains.

The motion was carried by a large majority. Arising out of certain allegations made by Mr. Cutler regarding the pillars in the quadrangle, Mr. Campbell moved “that the Wanganui Education Board be asked to mako an immediate inspection of the building.” This was seconded by Mr. Tucker and carried unanimously. lu answer to a householder, Colonel Whyte stated that after consultation with the headmaster it had been decided this year to hold the Anzac Day celebration at the school on Friday, it being claimed by doing this all the children would participate. Those who desired to do so could attend any of the other services on Anzac Day. Mr. 15. G. Northey moved that in the opinion of the meeting in future the commemoration of Anzac Day should take place only on April 25. A further explanation was given by Mr. Swinbourn that for the first few years the commemoration services had been held on April 25 with excellent attendances of children and parents. With the passing of the years the attendances had diminished and only about one-third of the children had taken part. As the children could not bo compelled to attend on Anzac Day it had been decided to hold the celebration on another day. On a show' of hands being taken the motion was declared lost. Colonel Whyte was re-elected the committee’s delegate on the dental clinic committee.

CENTRAL SCHOOL. Mr. Alexander Clark presided at the annual meeting at Central School and close on 90 householders were present. The annual report (already published) was read by the chairman of the retiring committee (the Rev. J. D. McArthur). Before resuming his seat the Rev. Mr. McArthur extended his personal thanks to the members of the committee for their assistance and loyal co-operation during the past year. The report was adopted on the motion of Mr. Mayes. “The committee has done remarkably well in the face of many difficulties and the members of it have earned the heartfelt thanks of the householders,” said Mr. 11. Canton, wdio seconded the motion, which was carried without discussion. Mr. R. Tait (treasurer) then submitted the balance sheet showing the income to have boon £99d Is 4d, and the total expenditure £954 13s sd, leaving a credit balance of £39 7s lid.

Mr. C. Taylor, proposing that the balance sheet be adopted, stated that tho committee required at least £5 10s over and above tho Government capitation payments In order to carry on efficiently. He added that the committee looked to the householders for this money. The chairman considered that tho balance sheet and the report reflected great credit on the members of the committee, who had had to consider and overcome many difficulties, Tho balance sheet was adopted. The headmaster (Mr. E. Bary; gave a brief out,lino of the savings already effected so far as primary education was concerned since the Government’s economy measures had been put into force, and explained that further savings would be effected when the Economy Committee’s recommendations were given effect to. Ho said that though tho committee’s recommendations had not yet been accepted by Cabinet, it had been a pity that there had not been an educationist on the committee, and that Education Boards had- not been given the privilege of submitting evidence before tho committee. Speaking of the recommendations he said that if they were adopted, en bloc, it would mean that the Dominion would Tcvert to the 1914 basis as the standard for education. The committee suggested that the minimum school age should be raised from five to she years but, he contended, this would mean a corresponding reduction in tlie period of secondary education. The vital point for householders to consider was whether they would bo satisfied to have their children at home until they were six years of age.

Mr. Cameron was of opinion the meeting should protest and ho moved “that this meeting of householders enter an emphatic protest against the proposed change in the minimum age.” This was seconded by Mr. Hands, and carried.

Mr. Mayes then moved “that this meeting strongly protests against the proposal to abolish Education Boards.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Ward, but was lost on a show of hands. Votes of Thanks. On the motion of Rev. Mr. McArthur

aa enthusiastic vote of t-hanks was accorded the ladies' committee for the valuable work accomplished by them during the year. The chairman then referred to the etrenuous time tho headmaster anil other members of tho staff had had and proposed that an appreciation of their successful efforts bo placed on record. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr. Bary, returning thanks, said the teachers had tried their utmost to maintain the high standard of the school and they had done remarkably well under adverse conditions. Ho wished to thank the members of his staff for their loyal co-operation. He also expressed appreciation of the Education Board’s efforts to make the temporary premises habitable, also for the line way in which the school had been reconditioned. Mr. Canton moved a vote of thanks to tho retiring members of the committee, the Rev. Mr. McArthur saying they had done their best during a difficult year.

HOKOWHITU. There were over CO present at the meeting of the Hokowhitu householders and Mr. G. D. Battle was elected to the chair. The report (previously published) and the balance-sheet were adopted. Mr. J. B. Fleck requested that the dental clinic activities relative to primary schools be explained for the benefit of the parents. Mr. G. Houston, the Hokowhitu school representative on tho Dental Clinic Committee, furnished the desired information. It was suggested by Mr. W. E. Cooper that a Parents’ Association be formed for the purpose of raising money to asist in the purchase of books, chalk, and incidentals not provided by tho Education Department and also. to cover tho expenses of dental clinic exemptions. On the motion of Mr. Fleck, seconded by Mr. W. Woodroofc, it was resolved that a meeting of householders bo held for the purpose of forming a Parents’ Association. It was reported that £54 revenue from the school swimming baths was received by the committee for the season, and it was intimated that when the surroundings anct Datns are equipped as intended a much larger amount will bo derived.

It was unanimously decided that a strong protest be sent to the Minister of Education and the member for the district, Mr. J. A. .Nash, protesting against the Economy Commission’s recommendation that the entrance ago of children to schools be increased to 6 years. The election of a ladies’ committee was held over until the meeting ox householders next week.

The report of the headmaster (Mr. L. J. Plank) stated that the attendance on the wholo was good and tho percentage for the year was 90 to 95. At the end of last year 93 attendance certificates were given out to scholars who had not missed more than live half days’ tuition. Tho Education Board’s inspectors reported on tho efficiency of the school as being very good. At the last proficiency examination the papers tad been made more difficult than previously and the large number of passes obtained was very commendable. The headmaster deprecated the large classes that the teachers had to teach and stated that it was impossible to give pupils the individual attention thus was so necessary. Duriug the year 156 children attended the dental clinic for treatment and the quality of the woik executed by the clinic dentists was particularly good. Tho progress made in the outside activities during the year was most commendable, And in football, cricket, basketball, rounders, swimming and life-saving, the success of pupils revealed their ability, agility and efficiency. The school grounds during the year had been kept in excellent -order and credit was due to Messrs Kingsbcer, yhailcr, Amos and Swectman for their work and generosity in that direction. Votes of thanks were passed those who had assisted during the past year, including Messrs TV. V, Kingsbcer, A. J. Shailer, F. 0. Amos and Swectman (for plants, shrubs and attention to school grounds).

The committee decided to meet on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 o'clock as in the past.

MILSON The -annual moeting of householders of Milson school district was held in the Milson School on Monday evening. There was an, exceptionally largo attendance and keen interest was taken in tho proceedings. Mr. S. Thompson was elected to tho chair. Mr. Bulmcr read the annual report, which was adopted without discussion. As there was a large nomination list for tho positions on the committee, a ballot was necessary and resulted in the following being elected: Messrs. A. S. Franklyn, F. G. Murphy, G. Richmond, W. S. Hoskings and S. B. Barclay. Mr. MeEwcn (headmaster) reviewed the work of the school during the past year and showed that the school was being ably conducted. The thanks of tho school were duo to Terrace End School for the use of the baths. The local children had made splendid progress with their swimming. He made an appeal for funds to purchase books for the school library. It was decided to entor a strong protest with the Education Board against the proposal to raise the school age from live years to six years. The balancesheet, which was adopted, showed a credit balance of £l3 10/1, despite the heavy expenditure tho committee was put to during the past year. The outgoing committee was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

RUSSELL STREET. At tho Russell Street School annaal meeting of householders, Mr. F. G. Spraggon was elected to the chair. l\lr. P. S. Larcomb; read the annual report and financial statement., which were adopted. Reference was made to the good work of Messrs T. E. Lees and P. S. Larcomb, who were not seeking rc-clection. Tho headmaster (Mr. F. C. Campbell) presented his report. A pleasing feature was the fact that the school attendance was increasing. The need of a piano w-as also stressed, the speaker declaring that apart from the fact that a specialist in music was now on the staff, music was an essential in education. The sports side of the school was also receiving proper attention. This work has resulted in several successes being gained in competitions. The speaker also eulogised the work of the secretary (Mr. P. S. Larcomb) and joined in expressing regret in his resignation from office. At tho close of the meeting, the raffle for a knitted set was drawn. The lucky ticket was No. 39, and the winner was Mrs. O. Smith. Mesdames F. Orchard (president), Cowan, De Vautier, Lees, Raboric, Doull, Morrison, Flier and B. M. Munroe (secretary) were elected a ladies’ committee.

For raising funds toward tho purchase of a piano, card evenings were suggested, but after discussion it was decided to delay action until the annual fancy dress ball in September. At a subsequent meeting of the new-]y-elcctcd committee, Mr. F. T. Vascy was reappointed delegate to the dental clinic committee. Messrs Phillipps and Morrison wero elected to operate the bank account.

FITZHERBERT EAST. At the householders’ meeting at the Fitzhcrbert East School there -were nine present. The anual report an baldanccpresent. The annual report and balancecommittee. The balance-sheet snowed a credit of £32 17s lOd on Febiuary 29, but unpaid accounts on that date amounted to £l3 19s 2d, which lelt an actual credit of £.lB 18s Bd. During the past year the tennis court had been topdressed, library books at a cost of £2 12s had been purchased and cricket material bought. The chairman in his report thanked the men of the district who had assisted with “working bees’’ at the school, tho ladies for providing refreshments, the hall committee who had made a rebate of hall charges for school functions. Air. Lankshear also asked that a special vote of thanks bo accorded the secretary, Airs. W. F. Field, for the amount of work and time she put in for the benefit of the school. A hearty vote of thanks to the out-going committee and to Air. Janett, who has been a member of the committeo for the past year but who is now leaving the district, was proposed by Air. Field and carried by acclamation. Mr. Lankshear presided for

the election of a committee which resulted as follows: —Messrs. Lankshear (chairman), J. Woods, A. Greves, N. Chowen and Mrs. Field (secretary). Mr. W. E. Hopcroft was accorded a vote.of thanks for having audited the books. |

TE ARAKUBA. Messrs. J. J. Humo (chairman), W. E. Thomas, J. H. Bennett, N. Gampbell, B. Hansen (secretary and treasurer). LONGEUKN.

The annual meeting of householders of the Longburn School attracted only 10 residents. The retiring chairman, Mr. W. Weddell, occupied the chair. In commenting upon tho smallness of the attendance, Mr. Weddell stated that while it might indicate that the householders wero well satisfied with tho manner in which the committee had conducted operations during the past year, it would be more satisfactory if they attended the meeting and presented any suggestions which might prove helpful. The chairman remarked that despito tho hopes which had been entertained, it had not been possible to have the country children included in tho dental clinic scheme in Palmerston North and there appeared to be little prospect of it materialising meantime. Tho annual report as presented by tho chairman read: “Last year, when the committee took office the roll was 109, whereas at present it is 125. As a result of the decline in attendance last year the Education Board transferred one member of the teaching staff and closed one room. If the present attendance keeps up the school will bo entitled to another teacher and have tlie room reopened. As a result of the Government economy campaign tho privilege of pupils from this school attending tho manual training classes in Palmerston North has been withdrawn. The inspector’s report and examination results indicate that the high standard of efficiency has been maintained. As the result of the Central Dental Clinic Scheme falling through as far as this school is concerned, the amount of £ll 3s held in trust for this scheme was transferred to the general fund. As tho past eommittco had not neglected to attend to repairs, thu past year’s work had been much lighter than usual. In 1931 tho credit balance was £35 16s 4d and at the end of the financial year it was £4S 17s 2d. On account of tho increase in attendance tho Education Board was requested to reinstate the probationary assistant, but I regret to state our request wa3 not acceded to. I wish to thank all for their generous support; the committee for their harmony and ever ready response for the good of tho school; also Mr. Hills and the staff for the same. Votes of thanks are due to Mr. Wilson for auditing the books and Mrs. Hills for her assistance at school functions.’’

Congratulatory reference was made by Mr. T. Rowland to tho splendid state of the finances which reflected great credit on tho committeemen, while the manner in which they had catered for tho children and looked after the grounds was deserving of the highest praise by the householders. Eulogistic reference was made by the chairman to the work performed by Mr. P. Meehan during his long association with the committee. Apart from being a great worker, Air. Meehan had been a regular attender at the meetings, indeed the eight or nine years ho had, so far as the speaker could recall, only missed two meetings —a great record. Mr. Earle supported the chairman in his remarks.

Votes of thanks were extended Air. Wilson, tho auditor, and Airs. Hills for the excellent assistance they had rendered the school during the past year, and to the Tress. The requisite seven members being nominated an election was not necessitated and tho following were appointed for the ensuing year:—Alessrs W. Weddell, P. Alcclian, F. Brockliss, J. Alahoney, A. Hcarle, C. J. Sterling and T. Rowland. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Air. Weddell was re-appointed chairman for the fifth successive year, Mr. Brockliss as treasurer and Mr. Hcarle as secretary. Mr. A. Hearle mentioned that he had been asked to voice a protest against tho proposed raising of tho minimum school age, it being maintained, and he personally agreed to it-, that it was keeping the children at school until an all too advanced age, thereby minimis-

ing their prospects of securing free places in tho secondary schools, while it was tending towards unemployment among teachers. Air. Brockliss seconded. Tho chairman pointed out that the members of tho teaching profession wore of the opinion that it was a retrograde step, for even the intelligent child would be overtaxed in his or her endeavour to get through in the requisite time to enable him to secure his free place. Mr. Hills considered that while it might bo an economy measure, it would have an unfortunate effect on the teachers, while placing an added burden on the mothers of large families. The sending forward of a protest to the _ education authorities was agreed to unanimously.

WHAJKLARONGO. The householders’ meeting at Whakarongo had a better attendance than usual, which was very gratifying to the retiring committee. Air. Harvey, who was in the chair, reported that the attendance for the year was well up to average in spite of tho long w r ct and cold winter. Tho committee had been able to make some decided improvements to the grounds, by getting the work done under the Aro. 5 scheme. Had they not been able to get this labour they would not have been able to do so much, owing to tho want of funds. The committee attended the Combined .Schools’ Association meeting in Palmerston Nortn, when various items in the Economy Commission’s report dealing with education were dealt with and protests were voiced. At this meeting it was stated that there was every chance of country schools

children getting dental treatment at the clinic in tho near future. They recommended the incoming committeo to keep this in view and give it all the support possible. They had to thank Air. Jennings for again auditing the books; also the Kairanga County Council for work done in connection with footpaths. Air. Harvey thanked the members of the committee for the work done so willingly, during tho jvar; also Air. Eggers, who was always ready and willing to give every assistance possible in carrying out duties during the year. A discussion took place on mangold-growing and calf-rcaring competitions and tho mooting was in favour of both being continued and suggested to the incoming committee that in the event of the Education Department dropping the mangold growing that they (the committee) carry on with the schemes. The householders passed a resolution in favour of the Education Board calling tenders in future for the printing and supply of text books lor tho school as they consider that a considerable saving could bo made by doing away with the present method of supply. The meeting also strongly opposed the suggestion of tho Economy Commission to raise the age of school attendance to six years. Mr. Vautier moved a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring committee also to the teachers for the excellent work done in and around the school during tho past year. Air. Harvey, the retiring chairman, and Airs. Eggers, head teacher, replied in suitable terms.

It was decided to hola a social and dance for the children and residents of tho district in the near future. The election of tho new committee then took place, the result being:— Alessrs. A. J. Harvey (chairman), W.

Iv. Woodd (secretary), A. E. Harrow field, E. F. Johansen, J. H. Stewart.

TIAKITAHUNA. The final meeting of the old school committee was held in tho school previous to the annual meeting. Air. A!. Richardson presided. The chairman reported that the board had carried out sundry repairs and strengthened the tank stand. It was rpseived to record that the jubilee picnic was held at the old picnic spot in Air. Saunders's paddock. The teacher, ALr. F. Garner, thanked tho committee for their assistance in the past. 11c also stated that tho grounds were in good order. Air. Richardson thanked the teacher for the remarks stating that all had worked harmoniously together, and paid a tribute to the work of the teacher. A vote of thanks was passed to Air. A. Alathcson, who had audited the accounts.

There was a poor attendance at the annual meeting of householders. Air. Richardson was elected to tho chair. The balance-sheet was read and adopted. The chairman’s report was then read as follows: —“The school has been carried on by the teacher, Air. Garner, for the last 12 months and a high standard of conduct has been maintained. No scheme of ground improvement lias been effected, owing to Jack of funds. A board fence has been erected to divide tho cinders from the playground. This playground has been grazed with sheep when necessary and the grass has thus been kept down. It is regretted that in a dairying centre there was little or no interest displayed in the calf clubs, there being only one entry from this school. Although these competitions seem to be supported in neigh-

bouring schools our children, through some reason, did not take much interest. Tho animal breaking-up ceremony was well attended by parents and friends. The committee arc grateful to those who gave subscriptions for prizes. Tho picnic was held in Air. Saunders’s paddock and took tho form of a jubilee picnic. There was a large attendance of cx-tcachers and old pupils.’’

The old committeo were re-elcctcd as follow:—Alessrs. Richardson (chairman), W. Voss (secretary), D. Rowland, E. I’. Nielsen and W. Rowland. Favourable comment was passed on the excellent manner in which Air. Voss had carried out his duties ns secretary.

GLYNEATH. The meeting lapsed, but it is understood that the old committee, which has done so much for tho school will carry

BULLS. Air. J. Campion presided over a small attendance. The following were elected to the committee: —Alessrs. J. Campion (chairman), W. At. Dean (secretary), Rev. A. C. Lane, Messrs. O. H. Thorby, S. Rich, J. H. Ellery and F. F. Ralfe."

PAREWANUI. Air. H. Bowen presided over a good attendance of parents, and the following were elected: —H. Bowen (chairman), Airs. Alarumaru, Airs. Anderson, Messrs. J. Alitchell and A. J. Alontgomcrie. Air. Abraham will carry out the secretarial duties.