MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 19 February 1931, Page 8

MOTUEKA

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING At the monthly meeting of the Motueka District High School Committee, there were present: Messrs E. Trevena (chairman), S. G. Smith. J. Thomson, G. Smith, A. G. Talbot, H. Hart and Mrs P. G. Moffatt. Regarding the formation of a tennis court at Hau School, the sub-committee laid ascertained that a court could be made at small expense. Mr Thomson reported that a suitable place had been found, which only required top-dressing. In view of the very dry weather now prevailing he thought it useless to attempt anything at present. The best plan would be to topdress and sow down the area later, m readiness for next year It was resolved (Mrs Moffatt and Mr Thomson) that the sub committee’s report be adopted. The Education Board advised that it had received intimation that the Education Department, owing to lack of funds could not approve of any further subsidies this year in connection with voluntary contributions. The amount allocated for subsidies had been exhausted and no further payments could be made until after the 31st of March. Referring to the latter, the chairman stated that rigid economy was necessary as the Dominion was passing through a severe financial depression at the present time. The strictest economy was to be enforced in all Government departments, and this was an example. He thought, however, that it was false economy on the part of the Department of Education to suspend subsidy on voluntary contributions.

The board notified that the question of replacement of incerator had been referred to the architect for a report. The following staff appointments have been made at Motueka: Miss Guthrie L. Scotter, secondary assistant teacher; Miss Joyce H. Moffatt. primary assistant teachei*; Miss M. W. Boundy and Miss L. Knapp probationary assistants. Mr H. Rankin would relieve at the Motueka school during the absence of Miss Jenkins on sick leave.

In a telegram Mr George Black. M.P., advised that a grant had been approved for drainage improvements at the school grounds. The chairman informed the committee that although a grant of £123 had been approved for drainage work, the money would not be available until after the 51st of March.

A sub-committee, consisting of the chairman and Messrs Goodall and Talbot, was appointed to go into the question of effecting further repairs to the school tennis courts.

HEADMASTER’S REPORT

The headmaster (Mr H. G. Johnston) reported as follows-Attendance, average for 3rd term, 1930, secondary department, average 56.5, final roll 58; primary main school, average 239.7, final roll 263; side school, average 38.8, final roll 41; total primary average 278.5. (Note: the average required for grade Vb is 281, our present grade is Va.) Figures for 1931 —Primary department, roll 76. average for first week 69; primary main school, roll 254; side school roll 37; total primary roll 291. The main features of these figures are — (1) the increase in secondary roll; (2) the fact that the primary roll is only 15 lower than at the close of last year; (3) the need for an increase in side school roll, in order to maintain an average of 36.

Examination successes: lan Talbot and Laura Ingram gained matriculation, while the former, in obtaining 25th place in New Zealand in the Public Service Examination, did exceptionally well. Other public service passes were Douglas Dobbie. Neil Holyoake and Mona Sparrow. In form II examination 29 gained proficiency and five competency certificates. Banking scheme. —It

is interesting to note that since the inception of the scheme the amount banked by children is well in excess of £9O. EARTHQUAKERELIEF FUND

The proceeds of the cake and produce stall, conducted by Mesdamos Canavan and Tweedie, at Messrs Manoy and Son’s premises, in aid of earthquake relief, amounted to £23 16s Bd. A sheep, donated by Mrs George Atkins, helped substantially, to make up this total. In guessing the weight 791bs loz) Messrs A. Henderson, James King and Harold Holyoake tied with 791bs. Mr J- H. Rankin auctioned the sheep, and, after it had been purchased and re-sold several times, it finally fell to Mr J. A. Smith. The pig, donated by Mr Stanley Fry, in aid of the National Tobacco Company’s employees earthquake relief fund, realised £B. Mr W. 11. Andrews guessed the correct weight (1251b5) and A If. In wood with 1261bs came second. The pig was cut up and auctioned by Mr Rankin.

GIRL GUIDES The first meeting in 193.1 of the committee of the Motueka Girl Guide Company was attended by Mesdames Ross (chair), Livesey, Anderson, Wallace, Stratford, Thorp, Edwards. Nicholson, Apperly, and the Misses Pierce and 11. Thorp. An apology for absence was received from Mrs Fawcett. After arrangements in connection with the guides of this district going to the Wellington Rally had been discussed, it was decided on the motion of Miss Pierce and Mrs Wallace, that the committee pay the car fares for the Motueka guides, they having earned themselves The remainder of the money required. The captain asked the committee to assist by giving produce, cake, etc., for the stall that the guides intend to have in aid of the Earthquake Relief Fund. Mrs Apperly (captain) read the following report: "Very little work was done in December as most of the senior guides had commenced their summer, work. On the 18th December leaders and seconds were asked by the Borough Council to help at the reception given to their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe. Vida Fawcett as the seniog guide had the honour of presenting a bouquet to Her Excellency. The following morning the Motueka and Riwaka guides paraded in front of the school and were inspected by Her Excellency, who remarked on the smartness of the company, and on the number of second-class guides, expressing the hope that some would soon be firstclass. Monday, the 22nd December, was our last rally for 1930. The guides had a very interesting letter from Mrs Hudson. but were very sorry to hear she was having eye trouble. Mrs Rogers sent a Christmas card to the company. We have resumed .'allies but only for a short time. * I had hoped to raise a little money to assist those ppides going to Wellington to see the Chief Guide. Owing to the fearful disaster in Hawkes Bay whatever we do will have to be done to help with funds for the relief of sufferers. The guides have sent some underclothing they had on hand, also a sum of £1 Is to Nelson to aid those guides who were affected by the earthquake. We Jiope to add at least another guinea before long. Two guides, Iris Lunn and Lyndon Knowles, have left. The latter, who is going away from Motueka. hopes to continue with the Ngatimoti Company for a time. Doreen Flett, Maisie Atkins. Marie Hufton are new recruits; and Daisy Douglas has been transferred from Miss. Worley’s company in Nelson. The Riwaka guides are joining us for a. rally on Monday to practise marching, etc., for the forthcoming rally to be held in Wellington on 28th February.” STOP' YOUR TICKLING

And IRRITATING COUGH by taking an occasional Sip of CHERRY MALT (Double Strength) The Healing and Soothing Cough Balsam Obtainable from all Stores 2/6 bottle. MARTIN’S PHARMACY, “MAIL ORDER CHEMISTS,” Box 42. Nelson. Phone 699.