ALBANY STREET SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12638, 16 April 1903, Page 2

ALBANY STREET SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Tho following is.tho report of tho Albany Street School Committee to be presented at the annual meeting of householders:— At tho last meeting of householders the following were duly elected as your committee:— Messrs W. Aitken, J. W. Butler, T, Brown, A. Dempster, J. Nugent, J. O'Shea, H. E. Stephens, H. W. Wailo, and J. H. •Wilkinson. At the end of the year Mr T. Brown tendered his resignation owing to his removal from tho district. In recognition of tho services he had rendered as secretary he was presented with a fountain pen and a writing case. Mr TV. E, Smith was appointed to fill (ho vacancy on tho committee, and also clectod to tho office of secretary. The prevalence of so much siclraess during the year considerably interfered with the attendance. However, after making allowance for these unfortunate circumstances, over which the committee and staff had no control, the average attendance for the year has been very satisfactory inde'ed, and all matters calculated to benefit tho pupils of the school have received tho hearty support of the staff and the committee. A good deal of attention has been given by tho committee to the state of the foreshore, and Hie effect the reclamation carried on by the Harbour Board has had on tho drainage of the school grounds and neighbouring properties. Several letters having been sent to tho health officer and the Drainage Board, and all that was possible was done to prcscrvo the health of tho scholars. •

The visit of Major Loveday when on his

tonr of inspection a short time ago was an. event of considerable gratification to all iu-

terested in the school. His frank acknowledgment of the pleasure it gave him to inspect, * the ca'dets and his hearty and spontaneous' words of commendation at the. graceful carriage and precise movements of our boys as they went through the different drills are matters for which we have reason to be well pleased, as it reflects the greatest credit on the efficiency with which they are drilled by their commanding officers—Messrs H'Laren and Nicolson,— and no doubt this recognition of their work will lead them to take even deeper interest in this branch of their school work. Tho annual picnic was held at Evansdale on ■March i. This year we have io thank the friends of-the school for giving'tho committee greater support than hns been accorded for many years. past, Some 000 parents, friends, and pupils comprised the party who left tho city in the brightest of spirits. Tho morning was warm and bright, and promised all that was required to make a day in the country very enjoyable. Unfortunately, an honr.after : arrival a shower conic on which, for r,'time, threatened to niftr the day's outing. However,' after a time tho sun shone forth again. Paces and games of various kinds were engaged in to the enjoyment of all, and tho party returned to town benefited, wo trust, by tho change of air and change of scenery.

The sixteenth annunl aquatic carnival in connection with the Swimming Club was held

in the D.A.S. Club's baths on March 21, and attracted a very large attendance of scholar* and friends. A splendid programme had- been arranged, and the different events were keenly contested, and afforded the greatest pleasure to the spectators. Two events in connection with tho schools' championship were also contested, tho N.Z.A.S. Association deciding on this arrangement in recognition of tho prominence given to swimming by the Albany Street School for so many years past.

It is a matter for congratulation that in connection with tho junior scholarship exsminaton two of our boys gained Education Board scholarships, occupying first and fourth positions on- the list. One gained a High School Board ot Governors' scholarship, and, in connection with tho senior scholarship examination, ono gained a High School Board of Governors' scholarship. Wo trust that in the future of their school life they will manifest tho Bame industry and be equally as successful.

Tho penny savings hank has more than justified its existence. The total deposits for the year amounted to £193 12s lid, and tho withdrawals to £ 103 9s Bd, leaving a balance at present in the bank of £95 3s 3d. The.number of children holding deposits is 210.

Tlio Bible class carried on by Mr D. Wright lias boon well supported during the year. 'Mr Wright's special qualifications for this work nvo now fully recognised. By his bright, cheery manner ho has won tho eßteem and affection of tho young people. So successful has ho been that in Albany Street School the classes have been tho most largely attended of any in the city during tho past year. Wo congratulate Mr Wright on the influence he has exerted and tho good work he has. performed

Tho school has still a very' efficient staff of teachers, the foregoing report bearing ample testimony to tho splendid work they have donj during the year.

During tho year Mr Rosevear tendered his resignation, the committee regretting losing bo conscientious and painstaking a teacher from the staff. The postion was filled by the appointment of Mr G. H. TJttley, who comes to our school bringing splendid testimonials of ' excellent services rendered in other places, and wo have reason to believe be will do credit to , himself in his present appointment.

The report would not be complete without some reference to the obliging and painstaking way the janitor (Mr C. Matthows) discharges his duties, and we desire to compliment the school on having such an efficient officer.