PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 December 1930, Page 8

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

NELSON HEADMASTERS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER The Nelson Primary Schools Headmasters' Association held its second annual dinner and reunion in the Velma Hall, the gathering being a very representative one. Mr H. Horner, president of the Association was in the chair. After a most excellent repast, an extensive toast list was honoured, interspersed with musical contributions and many and varied reminiscences. Mr Horner briefly outlined some of the activities of the association during the year which had been a very busy and successful one. He referred to the changes pending in educational reorganisation and expressed the hope that such changes as were necessary would be brought about with the full co-operation of all concerned.

Mr R. Harrison, vice-president, proposed the toast of the Nelson Education Board which was represented by the chairman, the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, and the secretary, Mr J. H. Thornton.

Mr Harrison mentioned the amicable relations existing between the board and the teachers and pointed out that in the smaller boards, like Nelson, the members came into close personal touch with the schools, the teachers and the pupils, with resultant benefit to all. The teachers had a good friend in the secretary, Mr Thornton, who at all times was courteous, sympathetic and efficient.

' The Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, in reply, said that he was pleased and proud to be present. The Nelson Headmasters' Association was doing excellent work and he assured the members of the hearty support of the Board in their efforts to advance education in the district.

THE EDUCATION REPORT In speaking of the Recess Committee's Report, the speaker said it was not fair to state that the board criticised it from selfish motives. The teachers present knew that the members of the board took a keen, personal interest in every teacher, and in every school in the district, without any thought or hope of reward. The members of the' board had been interested in education for years and could surely claim the right to criticise the report, especially that part dealing with administration. He noted in* the December issue of "National Education" that many teachers were frankly apprehensive of the proposed abolition of the hardly-won grading system for an unknown and untried one. The older teaohers present would remember the days of wire-pulling and "buttonholing," and he advised the teachers to be sure and certain before they committed themselves to any definite line of action. In .conclusion, he said he wished it to be clearly understood that he thought.the report contained many excellent suggestions and gave instances of anomalies existing under the present Act which should be removed. .„„•<.:: „ , Mr J. H. Thornton briefly thanked Economical Summer Refreshment.— Just how. delicious'"delicious" can be you realise when you are enjoying "Price's' Flavoured Orange Extract made from genuine orange extractive, on a summers day.' 1/6 bottle makee 3 gals. Other favourites are Flavoured Raspberry, lamp tad All grocers, and store? sell "Pricey

:the teachers for their help and cooperation which, he said, was really the basis of the cordial, relations existing in the Nelson district. INTEREST IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL MATTERS Mr J. Masefield proposed the toast of the "Inspectorate." Mr J. T. Griffin, senior inspector, in reply, stated that experience was the only teacher and by experience he meant contact with the outside world. He advised teachers to take an active interest in activities outside school, for by so doing they equipped themselves better • for their life work. Mr G. E. Overton, inspector of Bchools, stated that the Headmasters' Association was leaving its mark on education in all parts of the Nelson district and was raising appreciably the standard of work in remote schools. Mr A. Douglas was in great form when he replied to the toast of "Retired Headmasters," proposed by Mr Poole. Other visitors honoured were Mr H. Leaper, architect, Mr Bruce, agriculture instructor, Mr F. Price, physical instructor, and Mr Cole, sehool bandmaster. Items were rendered by Messrs S. Morris, 0. Burt, Don R. Eyles, F. McDowell, B. Sanders, J. Grigg and the secretary, H. F. McClune. ,