School Committees in Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 2

School Committees in Conference

OFFICERS ELECTED FOR YEAR At the annual meeting of the Mana-watu-Oroua School Committees’ Association on Wednesday evening, Mr. W. G. Black presided. Delegates were present from the following schools:—Milson, Tokorangi, West End, College Street, Rongotea, Stanwav, To Arakura, Hokowbitu, Foxton, Bunnythorpe, Waituna West, Awahuri, Whaltarongo, Glen Orouq,, Tapaue, Waitohl, Taonui, Dunolly, Cheltenham and Central. Officers were elected as follow: Presidont, Mr. W. G. Black (re-elected); vice-president, Mr E. W. Barnett (Tokorangi); secretary and treasurer, Mr. F. G. Murphy; executive, Messrs J. Batchelar (Waituna West), W. A. Salt (Awahuri), W. J. Amies (Rongotea), A. Penketh (West End), J. J. Hume (To Arakura) and W. F. Cutler (College Street); delegates to New Plymouth conference of the federation, president, vice-president and secretary. The services rendered by Mr. W. E. Cooper as secretary-treasurer during the past four years were recorded, the meeting according him musical honours. Mr. Cooper did not seek re-election. In respect of the proposed intermediate school in Palmerston North, the Minister of Education advised that before a decision is reached regarding the site, all relevant facts would be thoroughly reviewed and any representations the association might care to mako would also receive careful consideration. The Minister added that his department was always prepared to render assistance wherever possible by making available to school committees and parents generally, the professional knowledge and advice of its officers.

The Education Board forwarded advice from the Health Department that, as infantile paralysis was spread entirely by personal contact, there was no likelihood of infection being conveyed through rooms and buildings or any inanimate objects. The health officer considered that fumigation of schools would, have no influence whatever on the course of the outbreak.

It was decided to press for the fumigatioii of school buildings notwithstanding this assurance, just as disinfecting of other public buildings was carried out.

Tho Education Department advised that, as caretakers and cleaners of schools did not come within the scope of an award of the Arbitration Court, the provisions regarding payment of the basic wage did not apply. The question of uniformity of the rates of remuneration for caretakers of schools was under consideration by the Government and it was hoped a statement would be available shortly. Messrs E. W. Barnett, E. N. Rowe and. I. W. Mudford, candidates for the vacant seat on the Wanganui Education Board, were present and given an opportunity to address delegates. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr. J. K. Hornblow was carried, delegates standing in silence. Appreciation of the services rendered by deceased was minuted. Staffing of Schools.

The question of continuity of staffing in the schools was introduced by Mr. Barnett who said he had a plan that would obviate that changing around of teachers which occurred sometimes twice a year, and very often once a year, and was so aggravating. Vacancies must occur for various reasons but any changing around should be done during recess. His scheme was as follows: When a vacancy occurs, let it be advertised and someone selected to fill it, but instead of the new appointee taking over, let him remain where ho was at the rise in salary ho would get from the new appointment, and a relieving teacher fill the vacancy till the recess. Mr. Barnett said he had mentioned his ideas to the Director of Education who had thought cost would be a stumbling block, but the speaker said he could show tho director that that would not be the case. He moved that the department be asked to give consideration to the idea as a nucleus of some scheme to secure continuity of service. Mr. Cutler thought the simpler plan was to advocate that no teacher be transferred until after the Christmas vacation. Mr. Barnett: But that would penalise the teachers financially which my scheme aims at eliminating. The chairman thought tho scheme worth bringing before the Director of Education who had intimated recently that a special committee was to give consideration to such matters. * The motion was carried. School Consolidation. In connection with school consolidation, delegates asked whether tho school closed would have representation on the committee of the school to which the pupils wero conveyed. It was felt it should have this representation. Mr. Batchelar said ho had it on excellent authority that legislation was coming forward to cover tho point, but the meeting decided to be on the safe side and forward a remit to the federation conference at New Plymouth on the subject. A recommendation to the executive to hold a social evening was passed.