SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11398, 15 April 1899, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT.

The following is tho roport to be presented to the meeting of householders: — Your Committee, in submitting the annual report, have pleasure iv stating that, although the year has been olio of small things, everything has run smoothly and satisfactorily. Ihet meeting of householders, held in April last, lapsed on account of there not being a quorum present, consequently this Committee did not take office until June 6, 1808 (the date of tho second meeting). Since that date the Committee mot on 11 occasions.

-Tho Committee take this opportunity of bringing more prominently before the parents resident in the district the necessity for a warmer individual interest in the school and its affairs, as it is only in this way that'the status and. utility of the school can be maintained, and th« Committee trust that this matter need only, be mentioned here to ensure a good attendance "at all future meetings of householders. The average attendance has been as follows: —For the quarter ended June, 1898, 49.9; September, 51.9; December, 51.9; March, 1899, 55.4. It is with regret that the Committee have to draw attention to the'large falling off in: the average attendance for the last quarter. This has arisen through two families (eight pupils) having left the district, and also through, some of tho senior pupils having left, some-to take up occupations, and others to continue their higher educational studies in Duncdin; ■ The Committee earnestly hope that the falling off wiJi be only of a temporary nature, and that the .vacancies caused by removal may be compensated for by new families coming to this district to reside.

Tho school, and grounds wore in thoroughly good order and condition when'the Committee took office, and with the exception of one or two small improvements, such as new swing, ropes, fixing wire netting along front of playground, etc., tho Committee have not ■ been called upon to expend much money, with th« result that there remains a satisfactory balance to the credit of tho school account.

At the annual inspectorial examination the school maintained its usual first-class standard,, and the Committee were pleased to place upon, record their thanks to Mr Southwick and Mis 3 Downes for their continued efforts in maintaining the general'efficiency of the school. A very enjoyable picnic was held in the district oil February 1, at which the school was well represented, nearly every scholar being present. The Committee, having donated £5 towards this function, were enabled to provide plenty of good things in tho way of refresh; nients, prizes for races, etc., and the now departure in making the picnic local, instead of an excursion, proved a thorough success". ■

In concluding this report, the Committee would bespeak for their successors in'office: thesame degree of harmony which has cxistat with themselves throughout the year which now closes. . , . * '