SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18685, 15 April 1924, Page 11

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

THE ANNUAL ELECTIONS.

LABOUR TICKETS DEFEATED.

PONSONBY AND NORTHCOTE.

SOME LOCAL DIFFERENCES.

The annual meetings of householders in the Auckland education district were held last evening. Labour tickets were put forward at various places, particularly keen interest being taken in the elections at Ponsonby and Northcote. A sound defeat was recorded against the Labour nominees at Ponsonby, not one of the nine candidates gaining a seat. At Northcote a slightly better result was obtained by Labour, three out of nine nominees being successful. The elections at Epsom, Mount Eden and Ellerslie were imbued with more than ordinary inter&at, because of disagreement on matters affecting" the schools. _ .

.. AUCKLAND CITY. Little interest was shown in the . city district schools' meeting, which was held in St. James' Hall, for only about 3D persons, including the candidates, attended.

Mr. G. Pardingtooi, the retiring chairman, who presided, paid a tribute to the valuable work of the teaching staffs of the three schools. The apathy of householders, as shown by the attendance, was regretted. The headmaster of the Napier Street School, Mr. J. M. Warn, wrote congratulating the committee on the careful manner'in which it had husbanded the school funds during the past year. The secretary had recently notified him that £26 was at his disposal for the purchase .of school stationery, and this had been expended on very necessary articles. The purchase of stationery was a heavy drain on the parents' resources. , Mr. Warn added that 100 pupils had qualified for certificates for swimming. There were 11 candidates for the nine seats on the committee, and the following were elected: Mr. G. Tomlinson (chairman), Mesdames E. Davidson and I. McCreadie, Messrs. R. G. McGregor, C. W. Parker, T. Sparkes, P. G. Tylcoat, W. M. Thompson, and P. S. Vercoe. The unsuccessful candidates were Messrs. R. Appleton and P. Chapman. Mr. Tylcoat was elected treasurer, and Mr. O. Mcßrine was appointed secretary. The six members of the old committee who sought reelection were returned. The new members are Mrs. Davidson, and Messrs. Parker and Thompson. At, a subsequent meeting of the committee a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Pardington for the services he had rendered. Mr. Pardington had been a member of the committee for 11 years, and chairman for the last seven years.

PDNSONBY. The entire progressive ticket was elected at the Ponsonby householders' meeting, held in All Saints' schoolroom. A full Labour ticket was put forward, including Mr. T. Vivian, who was a member of the retiring committee, bat the other Labour member, Mr. W. J. Gibboas, dfd not seek re-election. The Progressive ticket included the seven retiring members and Messrs. S. Takle and R. C. Renner. . The meeting was very largely attended and the Rev. F. W. Young was elected to the chair without opposition. The gathering was orderly throughout and quite devoid of incident. v The annual report stated that each of the schools under the control of the committee had a record of achievement in scholastic effort and success in sport. Ponsonby School, with an attendance of 603, secured 3 scholarships and 49 proficiency certificates; Richmond had an attendance of 660 and secured 66 certificates; Bayfield's attendance was 565 and 61 certificates were obtained; and Curran Street, with an attendance of 505, secured 38 certificates. Mention was made of the condition of the schools which", with the exception of Curran Street, required painting, while it was suggested that Richmond Road should be rebuilt. Steps were being taken to enlarge and improve the playing areas and an effort was being made to obtain a cottage adjacent to the Richmond Road School for a dental clinic and a schoolroom for backward children.

To facilitate the counting of the votes six scrutineers were appointed by each ticket, but despite this the result was not known until 10.45 p.m., 635 votes having been recorded as against 560 last year. The following was the result of the vofc ing:— H. Leyland, 350; H. H. Sergeant, 347; R. A. Rew, 342; J. F. W. Dickson, 340; W. J. Searle, 326; W. T. Brown, 335; S. Takle, 334; T. Aitken, 330; R. C. Renner, 299. All the members except Messrs. Takle and Renner were members of the old committee. The unsuccessful candidates were:— Vivian, 296; R. S. Mackay, 271; S- Bourke, 255; J. Whitfield, 252; Mrs. E. W. Moore. 247; P. H. Hickey, 243; Mrs. E. M. French, 238; Mrs. B. Cassidy, 228; Mrs. L. E. Rowlatt, 227. At a meeting of the newly-elected committee held subsequently, Mr. R. ARew was re-elected chairman and Mr. S. A. Cleal secretary and treasurer.

NEWTON. Tho annual report of the Newton committee disclosed that the total roll number for the three schools was. 1768, as against ' 1657 last year. The results achieved by pupils who had satfc for the annual examinations had been very satisfactory. A pujil of the Newton West school had obtained a junior national scholarship. Mr. H. J. Donalds presided. A resolution was passed supporting the effort of the Auckland University College Council to have dental and engineering schools established in Auckland. The Education Board was urged Co supply free school books and the department was asked to provide full first aid. and ambulance appliances in all schools. It was decided to request the board to put the Newton school ground in good order, and representaiona will be made to have music taught as a regular subject in the schools. No election was necessary. ' GRAFTON. There was a small attendance of Grafton householders, presided over by the Rev,. A. Thornhill. As the.? nominations equalled the vacancies the following were declared elected: Messrs. F. Atkijns, J. Burton, W. J. Edwards, H. Horspool, H. Radcliffe, Rev. A. Thornhill, Mesdames E. Allen, E. C. Harvey, and D. E. Paxton. Mr. Thornhill was appointed chairman. The following resolution was carried: — This meeting of householders strongly i deprecates any attempt to penalise lady teachers on the ground of marriage, believing that teaching efficiency should take precedence over all other considerations both in regard to grading and appointment, and that grave injustice would be done by ajny such measure to many most able lady teachers and the children under their charge. GREY LYNN. A well-attended meeting was held at Grey Lynn. The annual report disclosed that the pupils of the school had achieved considerable success in the proficiency certificate examinations. The election resulted as follows A. Piesse, chairman; Mrs. Warnock, secretary; and Messrs. H. E. Lowe, C. Mathews, A. E. Edwards, J. E. Edwards, A. A. Greene, W. Hickson, and Mrs. F. E. Swan. PARNELL. ' Mr. W. Ratcliff presided over a meeting numbering about 15. The following were elected:—Mesdames R. Bloodworth, C. M. Neal, and Messrs. r P. J. Barry, A. M. Mcintosh, G H. Cameron, E. E. Collins, J. W. Mitchell, F. Hawke, and D. McLean,

- REMUERA. , The meeting of householders at Eemuera' was presided over by Mr-Is. L. Bagnail, about 40 householders attending. There s being only eight nominations for nine seats, those nominated wer« declared elected. The meeting recommended that Mr. -A. V. Eurcher be appointed by the Education Board to fill the vacancy. At a.meeting of the committee held subsequently, ; Mr. A M. Paterson was re-elected chairman, and Mr. B. L. Bagnall deputy-chairman. Mr. R. J. Lusher was reappointed secretary and treasurer. MEADOWBANK. Mr. J. B. Paterson presided over a meeting of about 30 •at Meadowbank. No election was necessary, the retiring members being returned unopposed. The question of the advisability of inspecting the scholars in swimming was discussed and it was recommended that the committee should give the matter consideration, wifli a view to carrying the project into effect. EPSOM. One of the largest householder's' meetings ever held in the Epsom school district took place last evening at the Epsom Bowling Club pavilion, the matter of the appointment of a school committee being regarded with more than usual interest by reason of recent difficulties with regard to school accommodation arising out of the burning of the school.. Mr. W. T. Smith presided. Seventeen candidates, including seven members of the retiring committee, contested the nine seats. Messrs.- R. G. Clark, chairman and H. Frost did not seek re-election. The new committee comprises the following, the first seven being the re-elected members:—Messrs. H. Gregory, R. Hull, R. B. Marshall, T. G. Mynott, J. Parr, 0. S. Waddingham, A Worrall, A. T. Stehr and L Gray. The unsuccessful candidates were:—Mrs. M McDonald, Messrs ,J. W. Gavin, S. H. Abell, F. FurneU, N. C. Land, F. Nelson, J. G. Rich and G. H. Wilkinson.

A motion was carried expressing disapproval of the delay of the department in the rebuilding of schools destroyed by fire or otherwise. Mr. H. Frost opposed the motion, pressing, in its stead, one of thanks to the department for the celerity with which it had made arrangements for the erection of a new school at Epsom. The latter was defeated, the voting, as shown by a count of hands, heinrr 32 to 16. Subsequently Mr. Parr was elected chairman and Mr. Waddingham secretary. EDENDALE. Mr. J. Carrie was chairman at the meeting at Edendale, at which the following were elected: —Mr. J. Carrie (chairman), Mrs. R. Scanien (secretary and treasurer), Mrs. A. Russell, Miss S. E. Jackson, and Messrs. J. J. Crawford, W. H. Goudie, W. E. Hirst, D. Ward, and P. H. Woolford. The following resolutions were passed: (1) That the incoming committee be requested to support the new Bible Reading in Schools Bill; (2) that the matter of increased playing spaces in the district be left in the hands of the committee; and (3) that the attention of the Mount Albert Borough Council be drawn to the dangerous nature of the intersection of Paterson Street and Arabi Street. MOUNT ALBERT. The meeting- at Mount Albert was presidered over by Mr. A. M. Wilson. No election was necessary as only nine, the required number, were nominated. ONEHUNGA, The annual report of the Onehunga school made reference to the overcrowding which had at last been relieved by the erection of a new school at Royal Oak. This' had taken 100 children from Onehnnga and 15 from Te Papapa, but the increase in population was such that the new school, although only opened a few weeks ago, was already full, and the headmaster had. instructions to take no more children. During the year a considerable sum had been raised for additions to the tennis courts and the erection of a large sand dump. Both Onehunga and To Papapa schools had splendid results in • the proficiency examinations, each securing practically 100 _ per cent, of passes. The following committee was elected:—Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Jameson, . Mrs. Feildsend, Messrs. R. G. Speight, 0. Gilbert, H. R. Strong, H. E. Jury, R. Inglis, and W. Pickering. The Mayor of Qnehunga, Mr. J. E. Cowell, who presided, presented to Mr. Trayes, headmaster of the Onehunga school, the sports cup won by the pupils. The chairman of the committee, Mr. R. Or. Speight, presented the football cup won. The committee elected Mr. R. G. Speight chairman for the eighth year in succession.

ROYAL OAK. There was an attendance of qver 40 at Royal Oak, Mr: Pople presiding. Their were twelve nominations, but the school being a new one, only five members required to be elected. The successful candidates were Messrs. Pople (chairman), E. H. Glover, J. Y. Warren, F. S. Lamont, and J. Riddel. ' POINT CHEVALIER. ~ Mr. Peter Sloyd presided over a meeting of about 35 householders at Point Chevalier. The election resulted as follows: Mr. W. D. M. Glaister (chairman), Mr. D. L. Thomas (secretary and treasurer), and Messrs. F. Astley, A. J. Jenkin, J. T. Owen, A. ' r . Garlick, W. J. Gwilliaro, S. G. C. ain, and F. G. Rose. The committee's report showed that additions had been made to the . main school, to meet the growing de:nand, and a new side school had been erected at Point Chevalier proper. The committee recorded its protest against the centralising system adopted by the Education Department find recommended that efforts be made toward decentralisation. ELLERSLIE The meeting at Ellerslie was attended by one of the largest gatherings of householders ever held in the suburb. Mr. E. C. Brown presided. The proceedings were enlivened by a division of opinion regarding the use of the school grounds by the local football clubs. Seventeen candidates presented themselves for election, the members of the standing committee maintaining that the unsatisfactory condition in which the grounds were left after some of last year's matches warranted withholding" permission for the further use of the ground for football purposes. "While the committee is desirous," stated the annual report, "of helping sport in every way, it cannot do so at the expense of the children's pleasure and comfort. It therefore considers that the ground should not be lent to any outside organisation during the winter months." The report referred to the efficiency and good tone of the school as reported upon by the inspectors. Thirty candidates sat for the annual examination, 29 obtaining proficiency certificates, and one obtaining a competency certificate. One of the pupils obtained a National Scholarship. At the request of a householder, each candidate mounted the platform and aired his views on the football question. The outgoing committee was re-elected with the exception of the former chairman. Mr. D. A. Moore, who did not seek election. Mr. A. E. Thompson was elected to fill the vacant position. Following were the successful candidates:— Messrs. A. E- Hughes., 115; A. Ferguson, 109; W. A. Dale. 104: J. M. Crosher, 103; W. G. Bartlett, 100: A. HowsWn, 99; J. Clark, 90; A. E. Thompson, 87; G. G. Eckett. 82. The unsuccessful candidates were: Messrs. D. G. Cameron, A. Vanse, A. A. Pond. R. J. Boaden, H. B. Black, A. S. Dunn, E. A. Rogers, and E. Bust. . ' r . ~ MANGERE. At Mangere the following were elected: —Messrs. M. B. Kirkbride (chairman), S. Rickards (secretary), F. H. Forward, A. S. Goosman, J. Mansell, W. .Masaey, P. M. , Rennie, C. H. Teppett ; and H. Woodcock* '.. v<.;.: : : >.

, AVONDALE SOUTH. The following, wore elected to the Avon-; dale South ? Committee : held last evening!— Adjutant Gill , (chairman), Messrs. H. G. : Patis (secretary), D; Wilson,!' B. Myers, J. W. Keeley, E. J. Rudd and R. Greep. ■;?; ' AVONDALE. At Avondale no election was necessary, there being only nine nominations. The committee is «as follows: —Messrs. H. A. Bollard, A Pringle, A. Donaldson, J. Somervell, P. Brown, A. Felton, H. A. Harrison, G. Desmond (re-elected)," R. Proctor. v V- - , OTAHUHU. There was an attendance of over 100 householders at Otahuhu. Mr. A. McDonald presided. The annual report stated that the attendance averaged 569. The total number on the roll was 600. A resolution was carried that the headmaster should be given discretionary powers in declaring holidays on wet days. It was also decided to urge the Minister to arrange for the immediate completion of the new school building, in view of the crowded state of the present school. The following were elected to the committee:— Messrs. T. Henry, chairman; J. Linkhorn, secretary; J. Clark, R. B. Todd, T. Clements, A. Outfield) J. T. Ogilvie, C. R. Petrie, and G. V. Pearce. ST. HELIERS. Mr. S. G. Baskett presided over a meeting numbering about 60 at St. Heliers. The following were elected:—-Mr. G. R. Hogan (chairman), G. Foster (secretary), Mesdames E. J. Roberts, and Hayes, Messrs. Robinson, Smith, Hughes, Twinano, and Carter. DEVONPORT. There was a large attendance of householders at the annual meeting at Devonport. It was reported that considerable improvements had been made to. the playing area and during the year the school was painted. The question of a secondary school for the North Shore boroughs • was recommended to the incoming committee to keep before the Education Board, with a view to having a secondary school established on the North Shore. The following were elected to the committee: Mr. J. J. P. Clouston, chairman, Dr. H. C. Bennett, Messrs. T. E. Gooding. J. K. Hanty, A. L. Jones, F. E. Mason, F. Mortimer, J. Newell, Mrs. Michaels.

VAUXHALL. An interesting report dealing with the school activities for the year was presented to the Vauxhall householders. The district was constituted in 1921, and when the school closed for the Christmas vacation tho attendance was approximately 50 per cent, in excess of that for which accommodation is provided. The urgency of additional accommodation had been brought to the notice of the Education Department, and it was hoped that a grant for additional buildings would be made during- the ensuing school year. Considerable improvements had been effected to the school grounds during the year, from funds derived from various sources, and the year closed with a credit balance of £27. As only the required number of nominations were received, no election was necessary. NORTHCOTE. There was a crowded attendance at the meeting in the Northcole school. A full Labour "ticket" of nine members was run, but only three of these were elected. All sitting members who sought re-election were returned, with one exception, and this member was included in Labour's "ticket." Mr. J. P. McPhail, who presided, said this was the last occasion on which Northcote and Birkenhead householders would assemble for the purpose of electing a combined school committee. Next year the Birkenhead side school _ would be raised to the status of a main school In order not to disturb the school work this year, it was resolved to request the Education Board to defer the establishment of the main school at Birkenhead till reassembling after the Christmas vacation. A resolution was passed congratulating the headmaster (Mr. W. J. Wernham) and the teaching staff upon the continued hi<?h state' of efficiency of the schools. The voting resulted in the following being elected :—Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 99 • H. S. Gribben, 99; A. G. Osborne, 94; H. H. Broady, 91 Mrs. A Good. 90: V. Smith, 90; A. Golden, 87; W. B. Darlow, 83; B.l* Miller, 83. The last four are new members. The unsuccessful candidates were:—H. Boardman, 79: Mrs. Louisa Davey, 79; John Macdonald, 76; John Brennan, 75; E. H. Steward, 72; A. Woodhams, 70; E. & Woolley, 65; R. McGhee. 61; P. King, 59: R. Darlow. 50; E. G. Bentley, -26. Mr H H. Broady was elected chairman and Mr. H. S. Gribben secretary.

PAPAKURA. The Rev. W. C. Wood presided over the meeting at Papakura, the attendance at which was small. The following were elected:—Rev. W. C. Wood (chairman), Messrs. J. Rea, W. K. Frances, R. MacLeod, W. G. Markwick, G. H. Kernott, H. H. Muir, and A. L. Turner. An additional member will be co-opted shortly, to bring the total up to nine. The report of the committee stated that, following upon a visit to the school by the Minister for Education, the Hon. C. J. Parr, the Education Department had decided to erect a separate infant school. ELECTIONS AT HAMILTON*. . : RETURN UNOPPOSED. ; [by TELEGRAPH. correspondent.] HAMILTON". Monday. The following school committees have been elected unopposed : — > Hamilton East.— Mrs. ' E. Gillies, Messrs. C. Speight, E. J. White. F. Pickup, E. A. Butt, G. H. Gilling, P. P. Bynon, Powell, E. L. Watkins, W. Wheatley. . Whitiora.—Messrs. J. D. Cann. Carrick Nesbit, H. Cracknell, C W. Wycherley, F. S. Wilson, G. R. Brady, J. H. Gittos, J. Niool. Fairfield.— ■A. Cooper, F. H. Schneider, S. Clement, H. J. Grimmer., F. Tattley. W. Taylor, F. Thomas, T. Waite, and S. Watt.