RIWAKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 1 May 1926, Page 5

RIWAKA

HOUSEHOLDERS MEETING Tlit* householders’ meeting at Riwaka on Monday evening, was poorly attended, only twelve being present. Rlr A. A .Ryder was elected to the chair. Minutes of the previous annual meet ing were cad and (orfilined. '1 ! ’ • '•'* allii itpolt i " sente,. idojjled on the motion oi Messrs t). V\ ilkinson and D. L. Drummond. Mr Street, in his report on the general school work, stated that a particularly healthy and happy state existed at present, at the school. The scholars and staff had responded to the cheerful surroundings oi' the. new school, and an. exceedingly good inspector’s report was tho result of the year’s work. Mr Street spoke in very appreciative manner of the way in which the retiring committee had carried riut their duties for the welfare of school arid scholars; and expressed the hope that this old members would be returned. On the motion of Messrs Wilkinson rind Goodall, (be headmaster's report was adopted. Mi* Wilkinson referred to the good work that bad been done; and complimented Mr Street and staff on their attainmeiiUe. Mr Ryder moved a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring committed for their past services. Seconded by Mr iS. liowling. Mr Drummond returned thanks on behalf of the committee, and spoke of the great light they had Find to acquire tho new site and the new school, Mr Goodall thanked tlife members of the committee and particularly Mr C. Hart fc-r help extended to him. Mr Street commented on the fact that the Tikaokao football club had presented the school with two' new footballs during the last two years; and had recently erected new goai posts on the ground. He asked the committee to convey to tho club his very sincere thanks and appreciation of their esteemed gift. Mr Drummond moved a'vote of thanks to the chair. Seconded by Mr Street and carried by acclamation. The following report was read: —“In furnishing the report of the year’s work your committee, have, pleasure in placing the following statement before you. Buildings.—This being the first year’s occupation of the new building no repairs have been necessary. A noticeaide difference in upkeep expnss is apparent in that our balance for tho year out of our capitation allowance is greatly in excess of that of previous years, the greatest, saving being in sanitation. At the oid school we were paying £l3 10s per annum for this service; in the present ease the total for this item will not exceed 30/-, as no disinfectant is required, the only expenditure being for a case and a half of benzine and a 1 little, lubricating oil. We also found, during last winter, that less firing was required, owing to the beautifully sunny locality and arrangements of windows; the fireplaces also have a much better heating capacity. All these things lead your committee to consider that the great fight and perseverance necessary to procure the site and the new school, was worth while.

Grounds.—lt was found necessary to try to induce tho householders to give voluntary labour. For this purpose working bees were organised. That the parents turned out in good style is evident by the appearance oT the grounds around the new sohool. Upwards of £2O worth of labour being given for the purpose of gravelling, digging, levelling and planting of shrubs. A nice lawn has been laid down in front of tne building, the grassing of which has proved somewhat of a failure, owing to adverse weather conditions. It was considered necessary to have the lawn topdressed and more seed sown. Fencing and shrubberies. —The unsightly hawthorn and blackberry hedge between tiie school ground and Mr Smith's paddock has been grubbed out and a good fence erected. A. large number of shrubs have been planted along the frontage, most of these Being donated to the school by Mr J. Elliott, of Nelson. Mr Street has undertaken, with the help of the scholars, to form a native shrubbery on the western side of the school. This will in the course of a few years greatly enhance the appearance of the school environment. The staff and Mr Street have given a great deal of time and energy to this cause. Gala Day.—ln place of the usual annual concert., the staff and committee decided this year to hold a gala day, proceeds to be expended in further improvements to grounds. The function, which was held in Mr C. Barnett’s paddock, was notwithstanding the busy season, a success, nett proceeds being £34 ss. This amount is lodged in the P.O. savings bank, until such time as your committee and staff wish to utilise same, when it will carry a subsidy from the Department. ( Bicycle Sited,—During the wet weather experienced last winter, the pupils and staff were hard put to find shelter for their bicycles, there having been no provision made in the new building. Your committee put forward a .strong plea to the Board for a shed. The chairman. secretary and architect waited on your secretary and chairmhn at the school, when the dire necessity for more shelter was impressed upon them, the result, was that.a shed was,granted anil tenders called for. These were received and forwarded to the Department ; but were eventually turned down. Various alternatives were mooted to the Board by your committee, including the use and purchase of some of the old buildings. but without ntiy results, until the end of the financial year, when your committee, owing to causes already mentioned. found themselves fairly financial and decided to expend part of their balance in purchasing the big porch of the old school, from the people, provided the Board would help. The Board acceded to our offer with a grant of £1 for £1 un to £B. The building with a tiit of re.-modelling will fill the hill admimblv.

Staff.—The staff with the exception of Miss Hurley transferred and Miss McGovern appointed, is the same as at last year’s report. Although wo are prohibited from diselosnng the inspector’s reuorl of the* school work, we can safely assure you that this report was very satisfactory indeed arid speaks very highly of the qualifications of the staff particularly of the organising capacity of our head master, Mr Street. Roll.—The roll number has somewhat fallen away since last report, being now m the vicinity of 130-140 in lieu of 140155 for last year. We are very fortunate in having retained ttie services of Mrs Cresswcll for caretaker. Separate Committees.—Separate committees for the Riwaka and Brooklyn schools have been very beneficial, particularly to the Brooklyn school. The people seem to have taken a great deal of interest in their school and have helped thir eommitte and staff greatly. Through help thus extended the long felt want of a septic service lias been made possible for the school. , Manual Classes. —These classes are still well attended and giving good results. Headmaster's Residence.—No repairs have been asked this year. During the year, however, the grounds have been invaded by neighbours’ stock and damage done to the garden. Your committee approached the Board to try to induce them to help to put up a fence. The Board agreed to hear half the cost up to £3. The fence is now complete. Your committee in retiring from office

take this opportunity of expressing their appreciation and thanks to the head teacher and stall for their valuable services and ready co-operation in any matters relative to the well-being of the scholars and school. Although the act clearly states that a 'Committee of seven must be nominated a week br-for-tho election, and nomination papers lodged with the chairman of committee, • • ■ .'m v.._, much like to be able to retire from office or at any rate to have to stand the result of a ballot, and not have to take office again or see no committee elected, as has been the case in the two previous elections.