HAMPDEN STREET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 3 May 1938, Page 6

HAMPDEN STREET

SWIMMING BATHS PROPOSAL GROUND IMPROVEMENTS EFFECTED DURING YEAR The meeting of householders at Hampden street school last night was attended by a small number, presided over by Mr A. Robinson. The chairman referred to the effect of the Education Amendment Bill which altered the name of “school committees” to “school councils.” from January next. An apology for absence was received from the committee’s chairman. Mr C. H. Griffin, who, in a letter, touched on several matters attended to by the committee during the year.

ACTIVITIES REVIEWED The annual report stated: — In bringing down this report of its activities during the past, the committee is convinced that the work being carried forward will have the effect of making the school and grounds among the finest in the Nelson province. The plans for the alterations to school have not yet been authorised, but the committee is still pressing for them to the Minister of Education and is hopeful that they will be authorised at an early date. Tar Sealing During the past year a great deal of money has been spent on the grounds with the result that among other things the school grounds other than the playing field, are now tar sealed. The new tennis courts are a great asset to the school, as well as being a splendid play area for the children. They should provide a future source of revenue to the committee, as the Tennis Club contributes a rental.

. Baths Proposal I Last March the committee waited on the Hon. Mr Armstrong. Minister of I Labour, and asked him to give the ! necessary help to enable it to provide i swimming baths on the school grounds ! The Minister gave the committee a very ; favourable hearing, and gave an assurance that if it could raise the necessary i amount to cover the cost of material ! required, he would provide the whole ,of the labour free. The committee felt I that this was a handsome offer, and has ! definitely offered to contribute £l5O towards the cost, providing that the asI sistance of the parents is forthcoming | The total cost of the proposed baths is ! estimated as follows: Material £450, j labour £600: total. £IOSO. The size of the baths will be roughly 100 ft by 33£ft. It is proposed to provide for the upkeep in the following manner : During school hours, and for a limited time afterwards the baths will be open to the children free, after which they will be available to the general public at a small fee to provide for upkeep and maintenance. The primary object of the committee has been Ihe betterment of conditions for the children. They aie our first consideration. all else taking a secondary place. We consider that the swimming baths on the grounds are essential. At present the children have to travel to the other side of the City for swimming lessons, and the provision of swimming baths on the school grounds will save time and be more convenient for the teachers. The committee’s thanks are due to Mr H. Atmore. M P., for the part he has taken In advancing the cause of Hampden Street School. He lias always made a personal appeal to the Ministers on our behalf.

During tlie year we had the misfortune to lose one of our members, who was esteemed by everybody—Mr L Page—who was a kindly man. had the welfare of the children at heart, and is sadly missed by us all. We feel sure that the parents join with the committee in extending our sympathy to Mrs L Page and family. The school attendance is growing steadily, and at present there are 408 children on the roll. When it is realised that over 40 children passed out of the school at the end of the school j’ear. it will be seen that we are making steady progress. An excellent feeling continues to exist between the teachers and the committee, and we would especially mention the headmaster. Mr A. Price, who has been ever readv to give us all the help in his power. The d-'tal clinic cost the committee for the nine months £24 12s This sum was practically all raised by the fees charged for treatment. 2s 6d per year. The improved capitation grant has enabled us to have quite a lot of work done in the grounds and school. The treasurer’s balance sheet shows quite a good working balance at ♦he end of the year. The report was adopted

DEPARTMENT S OFFER The question of swimming baths at the school was raised by the chairman, who said a proposition had been put to the department asking it to provide £3OO if the committee would find £l5O. The department had replied that it could not do this, but it would supply

£2OO if the committee could raise £250. It was decided to convene a public meeting of parents and householders in a fortnight’s time (16th May) to discuss the matter of swimming baths. Regarding dental clinics, the chairman said the committee might have to find £IOO towards the cost, estimated at £3OO, for a new dental clinic. Mr N. N. Pownall moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee for the good work it had done. The motion was seconded by Mr A Page, who said the thanks of the parents was due to the committee. The motion was carried The chairman referred appreciatively to the work of the secretary, Mr A. L. Thorn, and a vote of thanks was passed.

COMMITTEE ELECTED The following committee was elected : Messrs Alaric G. Betts, C. R. Duke, W. A. Mitchener, P. McLaren, N. N. Pownall. A. Page, P. Stewart, A. Robinson. A. L. Thorn Mrs M. Heather and Mrs K. Inwood were thanked for arranging for the supper which was provided. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr A. Robinson was elected chairman. Mr Thorn secretary, and Mr Duke treasurer.