NGUNGURU.

Northern Advocate, 23 April 1915, Page 3

NGUNGURU.

Shipping: Arrived, Scott, scow, with stores and timber. She left for Tutukaka to load firewood. The Paeroa made her usual monthly trip to Tutukaka.

.Wednesday is the day fixed by the Education Board for the election of school committees. So far as this district is concerned it is likely to go by default, as no one appears to take the slightest interest in the matter. As you justly observe in your leader of the 17th the duties of committees are perfunctory,. Be- ! vond seeing that there is soap, to • wash the children's hands, providing firewood and engaging someone to clean the school, what is there for five intelligent men to do? Nothing. And they do it. For years it has been looked upon as a farce, and most of us hav e something else to do, consequently it fell into disuse. Two years ago a spurt was made. The first meeting held on the night of election was attended by a sufficient number of householders to form a committee and were duly elected; the chairman and secretary were appointed. They were full of official enthusiasm as to the reforms and improvements they would carry on. But sad to say that was the first and the last ever heard of them. Last, year there was neither election nor meeting, so the Board appointed a commissioner to undertake the onerous duty, but who, one can safely say, has not seen the inside of the school since his appointment. He has to sign the monthly returns prepared by the teacher and which are sent to him to sign. Even if he understood the return it is no check upon the teacher. Then what is the use of the extra signature. In country districts the whole thing is an absurdity,, kept going to delude settlers with the idea they are the governing power. The Board's inspector at their bi-ennial visits could see if anything were wanting in or about the school and report the same, and surely the teacher could be trusted to purchase the necessary requisites when needed, and send to the Board. It is only a matter x>£ £7 or £8 a year the Board provides, and five men are to meet quarterly to decide how to spend it. Is it not a farce

Mr Holloway paid us a visit. His wife has been the guest of Mrs Ferguson for the past week, and the change has greatly benefited her.

Mr Murdock McLean has left for Auckland.

Mr W. J. Miller returned on Tuesday frohi the city. He has disposed of his interest in the Ngunguru Hotel after nearly three years' occupation, during which he has made hosts of friends, been the life of sp p orts, and proved himself a "jolly good fellow."

Trooper R. Douglas, grandson of ,the late-Sir R. Douglas, Bt., came to take a farewell of his old friends. He will leave with the next contingent. From his appearance camp life ha s thoroughly agreed with him.