Wanganui Education Board

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 220, 20 September 1934, Page 8

Wanganui Education Board

SEPTEMBER MEETING HELD (Special to "Times.”) WANGANUI, Last Night. Tho September meeting of the Wanganui Education Board was hold this afternoon. Present were Messrs E. F. Hemingway (chairman), A. S. Coleman, J. K. Ilornblow, J. S. Tingey, P. Munro, R. Dukcson, Col. Whyte and Rev. G. S. King.

Tho architect reported that he proposed to commence the shifting of tho existing cottago building at Bainesse and to make additions.

Mr Hemingway spoke appreciatively of tho new mobile dental clinic scrvioo and the great benefit it would be to the country schools. Mr Ilornblow brought up the matter of the sanitary arrangements at Oroua Downs School. Mr llodgo explained that tho committee was asked to help find a portion of the money needed for a septic tank. As the committee had no funds, the matter was held over. At present the outbuildings have been erected and tho board intends making application to tho department for a septic tank. "It gives the children opportunity to show their humanity,” said Mr llornbfow, in speaking on the appeal circulated through tho schools to provide a fund to assist a boy who had lost both legs. “It is most refreshing,” said Mr Tingey, "to receivo letters liko these from Rnurimu and Newbury. It shows that wo have a good staff and that peoplo appreciate what is done. The following is a letter from Newbury:— ‘My wife and I wish to thank your department for the improvement to the schoolhousc and for the courtesy and attention given to our requests. The improved environment of tho school has caused quite a lot of comment in th'3 district and already the pupils are affected and take a greater iutorest in their school. Plcaso convey to the workmen who were here our appreciation of their work. At no time did they causo any inconvenience. They were always courteous and a pleasure to have about tho place.’ ” Earthquake repairs arc to bo effected at tho West End School and at Fcilding Technical School. There are 3G on the staff of the architect’s department at present, including eight carpenters, seven painters and 14 No, 5 scheme workers. It was decided that tho three top classes in tho primary town and country schools bo given permission to attend the Empire art loan exhibition at tho Sargcant Gallery in Wanganui at. suitable times between September 10 and October G.

"We must treat every case on its merits,” said Mr Hemingway, when speaking of the application from Linton School for assistance in replacing tho library destroyed by fire. “They lost £240 worth of books, and we must help a little,” said the chairman.—-It was decided to grant £lO. "School committees that cannot levy rates, have small funds and try to improve their school grounds, arc hard hit by the withdrawal of the No. 5 scheme, and the irony of it is that labour is going to waste,” said Mr Hemingway, when speaking on Hookwhitu’s application for a portion of the special incidental grant. —It was decided to hold the matter over until next meeting.

The architect (Mr Hodge) reported that tho retention of the school at Kelvin Grove* was justified, and he suggested it be repaired an<J painted. He considered that its rebuilding might be decided earlier than the board’s building list suggests, possibly in four or iivo years.

Speaking on a request from Tiakitaliuna that tho board assist on a £ for £ basis in laying a hard surface, Mr Hodge reported that a suitable drill area of adequate dimensions could be formed for a much smaller sum than that named by the committee, namely, £75, and recommended a maximum contribution towards the work of £lO.

Mr Hemingway spoke very strongly cn tho action of various school committee association members in going to tho Minister of Education instead of putting their requests through tnc proper channel —the Education Board. "The members of the Education Board,” , said Mr Hemingway, ‘‘are elected by the school committees, and all the matters affecting tho schools in the district should come before the board. Why the board should be ignored and tho Minister ' harassed by matters that in most cases have been already dealt with, passes my comprehension. ”

Messrs Hornblow and Tingcy also added their protest.

"Few people realise the amount of work doac by board members,” saifl Mr Hornbiow. "They often think that if any small thing is not granted, the members arc not watching the interests of that particular district. Board members know exactly the requirements and capacity of every school, and try to act fairly to all."