HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16980, 17 April 1917, Page 8

HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETINGS

■ r - v - MORAY PLACE. . Tho annual meeting of householders was hold in the Moray • Place School last night. Mr A. Miller presided. The report and balanoo sheet was adopted without discussion, 'Hie Cha'rman drew attention to tho fact that tho income was slightly loss than tno expenditure, and referred to tho financial position, which waa- most satisfactory. Owing to tho careful administration of the committee a credit balance had boon built'up,-and although tho expenditure exceeded the income during the past year, thero was still a- credit balance of over £'02. Ho paid a tribute to tho work of the head master and stall', and also to tho" janitor, who performed his duties to the of all concerned. Tho Secretary (Mr Swann) spoko of tho excellent work performed by the band, and eulogised tho services of Mr Kiuaston, who had devoted a good deal of time to the teaching of tho boys. Montion also made of tho services rendered by the Rev. Canon .Ncvill and Sisters Mabel and Jean, in connection with tho Bible lessons. Mr Paitison spoko of tho work done by tho pupils in gardening under tho able supervision of tho head master. Tho following nominations wcro -received, the first nine (who wore members of the outgoing committee) being elected: —Messrs M'Gill, Thomson,-Swann, Miller, M'Clury, . Pattison, Kroou, Hay, Greig, and Stevens. At a subsequent meeting of the committeo Mr G. T. Swann was elected chairman, Mr A. Miller secretary, and Mr C. W. Hay treasurer. These three gentlemen were also appointed delegates to the School Committees' Association. ARTHUR STREET. The Arthur Street School householders met last night, Mr W. R. Br ugh (chairman of tho outgoing committee), was voted to the chair. Mr Brugh moved tho adoption of the annual report. Ho said a successful year had been experienced, and tho financial aspect was reassuring. He. was particularly gratified at tho services of tho scholars in the swimming tournameut, in which thoy won tho premiership, and tho cup presented by Mr A. Begg (a former pupil of tho school). Mr Edgar seconded tho motion, which, was carried unanimously. Nine members were nominated for the committee, and as no ballot was necessary, thoy wore declared elected. Tho following is the committeo for the ensuing year:— Messrs W. R. Brugh, A. Struthers, A. Burt, J. W. Scurr, E. Cameron, C Speight, J. Edgar, M. Mackenzie, O. H. Pinel. It was resolved that a vote of thanks be conveyed to tho staff on tho excellent results attained during tho past year. After discussion, Mr Pine] moved that it bo an instruction to tho incoming committee to devise means of raising sufficient funds to provide uniforms for tho members of the •school band. Mr Edgar seconded the motion, which was carried.

At a subsequent meeting of tho committee Mr Brugh was re-elected for a third twin as chairman. Mr Edgar was elected t rcasurcr, and Mr Struthcrs secretary, whilst Mr Pinol wad elected as the hall representative. Messrs Brugh. Speight, and Seurr were dojted delegates to tho School Committees' Association. GEORGE STREET. A very small number attended. Mr R. I'erguson ■ (chairman of tho outgoing committee) presided. The following nominations for tho committee had been received, and these were declared elected by tho chairman:—Messrs *. W. Clayton, R. Ferguson, W. C. Hopkins, W. W. Knox, 'Uios. Long, A £ Swan, James Wallace, and G. D. Wilson. The Chairman explained that Mr Janies Taylor s nomination had been received too late, and tho meeting passed a resolution asking the Education Board to appoint him to the vacancy on the committee. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. MPheo for the interest he took in tho band and the outdoor sports of tho boys. An interesting discussion took place on matters pertaining to tho school. Mr Patterson (head master) spoke strongly in favour of tho advantages of the hot water system of heating as against the open fires, and strongly advised tho parents to consult the visiting medical officers about the health of, their children, as by this means incipient diseases might be checked. At a subsequent meeting of tho committoe, Mr Hopkins was elected chairman, Mr O ayton secretary, and Mr Wilson treasurer Ihe monthly meeting was fixed for the first luesday in each month.

:; H|GH STREET. ;. Interest in the householders' meotin°- in connection with High Street School wasronljned to an attendance comprising- the chair- / flian (Mr D. Wisha'rt), seven other gentlemen, and one lady. : In opining the meeting the chairman said the school was carrying out its carved-out syllabus in an exemplary manner. The bone of contention was that the syllabus was too stereotyped, and failed to discover much of the latent talent, especially in boys and girls of timid dispositions. In common with others, the committee was .finding it hard work to make ends meet, ana unless the Jiducation Department supplemented the truartcrly income the committee would find themselves in the Bankruptcy Court. "With ■mora money at command the committee could materially improve matters for the comfort ,of the children—for instance, by equipping a room in which wet clothes might be dried within an hour or two. Their income was really a diminishing quantity owing to the loss of the Defence Department as tenants of the hall. If money were available they desired to shift the old hall mto juxtaposition to the main one, thus providing supper and retiring rooms, which would enable them to let the hall for dances and socials. Later the chairman voiced a wrong protest against any attempt to abolish school committees. -.': The balance sheet showed receipts totalling £158 16s 6d, expenditure £176 12s 9d and a: balance m hand of £15 7s 9d, as against *«M 4s at the end of the previous year •Mr Hollingworth moved, and Mr Syme seconded the adoption of tho report 'and balance sheet.—Carried. The difficulty \ and delay experienced by children in the matter of buying school books was referred to by several speakers The chairman said books wore in short supply because of the war. Possibly" tinstandardisation of books which had been urged upon the Government would help to Solve the problem. ; The following nominations for committee vcro receiver!:—Messrs J. T. Coop«r F Tyson, Jos. Lane, D. Wishart, J. W Black wood, A. Potter, G. A. Martin, H. H Wi»o Major W Fleming. As tho number nominated _ did not exceed the ■ number of vacancies, tho foregoing were declared olec ted. -Votes of thanks to the press and the cnnirraan terminated the mooting-.

ALBANY STREET. Tho annual meeting of householders in tho Albany Street School district was held in tho Gymnasium Hall last evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr J. 11. 'Wilkinson was voted to tho chair. The Chairman moved tho. adoption of tho reports, and in .doing so paid a warm tribute to tho excellent services rendered by Mr Aitken, covering a period of 16 years, and now terminated b.y liis removal from tho district. Mi- Dempster likewise had a long record of good work on the committee, and ho had acted as secretary lor the past 11 yoaxs. Tho reports were adopted. A vote of thaulis was accorded tho school stair and the committee for their excellent work during tho year. It was unanimously resolved to support tho movement for an increased capitation allowance by ihe Government,' as the present sum was not sufficient to meet all tho legitimate requirements of tho schools. The congratulations of tho householders were- formally tendered to the chairman on his appointment to a place on tho Education Board. Tho election resulted in tho appointment of the following- us tlic committee: —Messrs J. Abernothy, A. Burk, A. Dempster, W. J. Houston. J. Main, J. Sintou. W. It. Smith. J. H. Wilkinson (all ro-olected), and W. Tyrie. The" committeo met after the jpublio meeting and made tho following appointments:—Chairman, Mr J. Abernothy; secretary, Mr J. Main; treasurer, Mr W. K. Smith; trustees to Savings-Bank, Messrs J. IT. Wilkinson and J. Abernothy; dolegates to School Committees' Association, Messrs A. Dempster, J. H. Wilkinson, and J-. Abnrnethy; visitors, Messrs J. Main and W. Tyrie. The night of mooting was fixed for the second Monday in tho month. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. There were 166 householders at the annual mooting to elect a now committee and to receive tho report and -balance sheet on the proceedings of tho year ended March 31. Mr Ceo. Calder (chairman of the outgoing committeo) presided, aud reviewed the reports. Ho made special reference to the fact that tho attendance had Tisen from 606 at tho beginning of the year to 622 at the close, and that 300 scholars had earned attendance certificates. Ho also referred to tho fact that ho had been presented with a gold medal in recognition of his 50 years' presence on tho committee. He regarded tho presentation of the gift as a great compliment. The Chairman then directed the attention of the meeting to flio i- ? f , laonour on tnc wall of tho room in which thoy were, which contained 210 names of young man who had enlisted for tho service of -the Empire. Ho was suro that they were all proud to know that so many courageous young men had gone to fight for King and country. Ho hoped that before tho roll was filled up they would hear of a lasting victory and victorious peace. He regretted that tho committeo had lost two members by resignation, and another through removal from tho district. He was also sorry to refer to the death of Mrs James Arthur, who had served on the committee faithfully and well. Complimentary reference to the head master and teaching staff completed tho address. Mr Galdcr moved, and Mr Sinclair seconded, the adoption of tho report. Mr M'Cutcheon found fault, inter alia, with tho fact that three clergymen had been allowed to make speeches and take part nu the prize-giving at tho school breakup. t Mi B. E. Sinclair defended tho attitude ox tho committee, and read a report which bad appeared in papers reflecting upon the btate school system of education. He moved—' That this meeting of householders protest against tho unwarranted attack on the State schools by the Rev. Father Uullen at South jDunedin, wherein he said that tho State system was ineffective, and i'-fj. f.fW 01 ] int ° the background of the child a life and warped its moral conscience; and, further, wo rtsent the insult implied in his statement that the present svstem of education cultivated the atheist 'of this, gei-eration to beget the anarchist of the next, and wo hereby affirm tho confidence already paced in the teaching staff of the school whose aim we feel sure is—apart from the ordinary routine of school work— to train our boys and girls to fear Gou and honour the King." The Chairman suggested that consideration pj the motion should stand over till tho scrutineers were counting the' ballot papers. J.no financial statement was then read, ana, after certain items had been what warmly discussed, a motion that it be adopted was -arriod, two only dissenting. Iho ballot papers were then given out, and the scrutineers—viz., Messrs Lumley Asher, Henry Thompson, and Slyfield—re' ported that tho following nine out of 15 nominees had been elected:—B. E. Sinclair 125, J. Bardsley 114, G. Calder 103, Mrs K Be,gg 96, J. Elliott C 9. G. Campbell 85, b. Little 79, J. Rood 77, B. Keys 77. Reverting to Mr Sinclair's motion, which Mr Rood seconded, considerable discussion took place, and c.n a vote being taken it waj carried unanimously. Mr M'Cutcheon moved that the Minister of Education be urged to. arrange some scheme whereby the cost of school books might bo reduced.—Mr Mowat seconded the motion, and explained that the Minister had informed them that the question would have to be decided in .Parliament—Another speaker stated that the high cost of school books was caused by tho lack of competition, one firm having the sole right to provide, them.—The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr Mitchell directed the attention of tho meeting to tho roll of honour showing how th« young men of the district had enlisted for the front, and also to tho amount raised by the children and their parents towards the patriotic funds. He concluded his remark* by reading tho names of those who had fallen and wlioso "names were on the roll of honour—2s all told.

Mr M'Cntcheon moved that, in tho opinion of the mooting, school boards and hi«-h school boards bo all done away with, and the duty they now perform entrusted to one central body in Wellington.—The motion .was seconded and discussed, but only three voted in favour of it. A vote of thanks was passed to the teachinf. staff for, the excellent result of the year's work. MORNINGTON. The annual meeting of householders in the Mornington district was attended bv about 30 persons. Mr E. Sinooek was elected chairman.

The Chairman traversed the report and balance sheet, and referred to tho excellent results obtained by tho school at the July examinations. He said that tho report of the inspector reflected tho greatest credit on die head master and staff.

Mr A. Kirlv-patrink moved the adoption of tho report and balance sheet. Tho motion was seconded by Mr J. Hopo and carried. The following were, elected a committee:— Messrs J Hope. R. Bentham, E. Sincock M. Haig, J. H. Ford, J. Thompson, j' \V. Patton, 11. Gardner. L. Storey. Mr M-Meeking was also nominated, but his nomination was declared void owing to hia residing out of tho school district Mr Patton moved :" That in-the best interests of the school committee elections, and

so as io liivo a fuller interest of tho householders in the school, tho Education Department bo urged to revert (o tho old system, that is, by calling for nominations on the night of tho annual meeting.--Tlie. motion was seconded by Mr Thompson and carnod.

The Chairman referred to the fact that funds were required in order to obtain now uniforms for the hand, and it was decided to go on with preparations for a sale of work, to bo held in September or October, with the. object of raising money for this purpose. Votes of thanks wore passed to the. retiring committee, fJio head master, and staff, tho janitrcsses, and the chairman. Tho new committee subsequently met and elected Mr Thomson chairman.' Mr Haig secretary, and Mr Patfon treasurer. It was decided that meetings lx> held on tho fourth Monday in each month. MAOEI HILL. Mr S. N. Brown, son. (chairman of the. letiring committee) presided at Maori Hill, tho attendance comprising tho members of ttm committee and three other householders. Tlve Chairman, in moving- tho adoption of the annual report, congratulated the householders on the excellent manner in fthieh tho school had boon conducted during tho year, and said it reflected much credit on tho staff. .Ho mentioned tho great necessity that existed for an infant school, and hoped that before long that want would bo met. Tho reports-was adopted. The following were then declared elected: Messrs E 11. Allen, Robert Armit, Charles Booby, sen., S.. N. Brown, P. L. Clark. F. G. dimming, J. L. Grimaldi. James Horn, P. H. Young. These were tho only nominations receive<l. ■On tho motion of Mr P. L. Clark, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and the secretary for their excellent work during the past few years. Oil the motion, of Mr G. J. Scott, a vote of thanks was passed to the staff and the committee. At a the newly-elected committee, Mr S. N". Brown was elected chairman, and Mr E. H. Allen clerk. It was decided to hold meetings- of the committee on tho third Monday in tho month. JCAIKORAI. _ The annual meeting of the householders in the Kaikorai School district' was held last night, when oyer 50 persons wore present, of whom about 12 were ladies. • Mr George Moir (chairman of the outgoing committee) presided, and in moving the adoption of tho annual report and balance sheet referred to their very satisfactory nature. Ho mentioned the high, position ■which pupils from tho school had gained in tho last examinations. Two lied gained national scholarships, one heading the list for Otago, and the dux boy of tho school last year had gained the highest test marks at the High School examination.

Mr D. Scott, seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously. The following nominations were received for a committee, the nine highest being elected:—M. Jolinson (37), [A. Matheson (37), P. Ritchio (37), D. Scott (371, R. Wardrop (37), A. Ferry (35), W. Wilson (35), F. Wilkinson (35), Mrs F: Fawcctt (16), Mrs E. Martin (15). A vote of thanks to 'the retiring committee and to tho staff closed the mooting.

At a subsequent meeting of the committeo Mr G. Moir was elected chairman for tho ensuing year, and Mr Matheson secretary. Tho committee will meet on the second Friday of. each, month.

KENSINGTON. Owing to the absence of Mr Dalton (chairman of the retiring committee). Mr Miller was voted to tho chair. Ma- Miller intimated that tho following would be the committee for tho ensuing year:—Messrs T. H. Dalton, J. Ruston, J. L. Stevenson. J. Read, John M'Cartney, R. Miller, T. Tily. D. Esplin, J. Davie (no ballot required).' ' Mr Miller expressed regret at the death of Miss Hooper, who had for some years been'a member of the school staff. Mr M'Lennan moved that a fifo and drum band be started. —This was seconded by Mr Davie and carried. A vote of thanks was accorded tho chairman and secretary of last year's committee for their interest in the school. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the staff for the good work thoy had done during the past year. CAYERSHAM. About 40 householders attended the annual meeting at Caversham, which was held in the school gymnasium last evening. Mr L. Sanderson (chairman of the retiring committee) occupied tho chair. Ten nominations having been received for tho committee, a ballot was taken, resulting in the election of tho following:— Messrs J. M. Brown, A. Hay ward, E. E Konnard, W. H. 'Lyons, A. Melville, L. Sanderson, W. D. Snowball, R, H. Todd, and F. Wilkinson. Mr. C. J. Thorn moved a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring committee, which was carried unanimously. 1 MUSSELBURGH. About 30 householders attended the meet- | ing. Mr D. 0. Cameron, jun., occupied the chair. : \ . The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, complimented tho staff and pupils on the excellent work done during the year in the ordinary examinations, and also in the proficiency "tests. Special praise was also given for tho gifts made by the scholars for the soldiers, and cash donations given to the Patriotic Societies. The retirement of Mr A. Walker from the committee was regretted, as ho had rendered useful service for a number of years, and was clerk for the-past three years. The Chairman concluded by thanking the residents for their loyalty to tho school, and wished the head" master (Mr White) and staff a successful and prosperous year's work.

Mr A. Lenz seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously. At the. time of closing nominations for the new committee only seven names had been received, and ihc chairman declared these gentlemen duly elected. Tho names are — Messrs A. Wilson, I-I. Harris, Jas. R Leask, John Harris, M. 11. Priest, D. C Cameron, jun., and Wm. Jacobscn. 'The Chairman mentioned that throe nominations had been received aftor tho closing date, and the meeting decided to recommend' the Education .Board to elect Messrs G 'G Adess and Wm. H. Dunning to tho vacant positions.

On the motion of tho Rev. R. Scott Allan a hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho retiring committee and Mr A. Walker (clerk).

At a meeting of the nowly-elected committee, Mr W. Jaoobsen was' elected chairman, Mr Wilson cleric, and Mr H. Harris treasurer. The committee moots on the second Tuesday in the month MACANDREW ROAD. The annual meeting of householders for tho election of the committee of tho Macandrew Road School was held last' night Thero were about 70 people present, and Mr G. F. Bowlcy presided. . In moving tho adoption of the annua] report and balance sheet the Chairman stated that tho school continued to progress satisfactorily. Ths number of pupils was now 708. This, ho thought, was duo" in a great measure to the . increased ■ confidence of householders in the teaching staff. Tlie examination to obtain proficiency certificates was now much more difficult, but it -was a noteworthy fact that all tho scholars who sat for these certificates had obtained them. During tho year tho committee worked hard to secure a new classroom for tho Sixth Standard, but so far had been unsuccessful.

The motion was seconded by Mr A. T Smith, and carried. * ■.

Eleven nominations were received for tho now committee, and as there were only nine seats to bo filled, a ballot was necessary rho ballot, resulted in tho following being declared elected:—Messrs G. I<\ Bowley D H. Cunningham, A. W. Duncan, J J Paterson, J. Riley, W. B. Huston \ T Smith, B. Wing-field.- and W. Wright." ' Mr A. T. Smith moved that the meeting endorse the resolution recently passed by tho members of the Canterbury Education Board with respect to the inadequate allowances to School Committees to defray expenses in carrying out tho work in connection with public schools. -• The motion was seconded by Mr Dove, nnd carried. Th-* following motion, moved by Mr Dot Has and seconded by Mr Raino, 'was also "carried unanimously: "That this mooting of householders of tho Maeandrew Road School district hereby beg to impress on tho Hon J. A. Ha nan (Minister of Education) tho necessity of effecting essential alterations in order to tho necrssary accommodation for The Sixth Standard, and further, that we invito the hon. gentleman to inspect the school whilst' at work." Votes of thanks to tho scrutineers retiring chairman, and committee, and tho press conrliidi.il proceedings. r , At "meeting of.the new committee, Mr \ T : F - ] e" vlo y was re-elected chairman and Mr J. Kilev secretary and treasurer It was decided ..to hold the mowings on ttte tost luesday of each month.

POIIBTJRY. There was an attendance of 84 householders at tho animal mooting, held in tho Porbtiry Gymnasium Hall. Mr «. U. Smith was voted to tho chair, and brielly reviewed the report. He mentioned (Jut, owing to the conditions brought about by tho war, they had not wade many calls upon householders, but ho hoped to sec the sum of £50 raised during the ensuing year for the purpose of grading and asphalting the playgrounds. This sum when raised would carry the Government subsidy lho stair, which had done excellent service during tho past season, was losing a -valuable member in Air Egglestonc, who had been accepted for active service. Tho attendance was good, a result unquestionably attained by tho good standard of health set up as a result of tho physical "training given to the growing children. Of the 25U cx-pupils who had gouo to tho front, 12 had made the supremo sacrifice. In this connection there was a sum of £12 in hand tho nucleus of a fund for raising a permanent roll of honour and memorial to fallen ex-pupiis. The committee hoped to seo this fund considerably augmented during tho ensuing months, so that a worthy monument could be established immediately at the close of tho war.

Mr Downie moved tho adoption of tho report. This was seconded by 2vir D llitchie and carried.

Votes of thanks were accorded Sir Eudcy nnd staff, and also tho outgoinsr committeo for the able manner in which they had ait'. nod out their duties. In addition to tho members of the old committee, there.wore three additional candidate.-;. On a- ballot being taken the following were elected—Messrs P. Johnson, S. R, Smith, H. Tobin, r,V ,'-,, Lueas » R - M'lvitterick, E. J Barwell \\. Itleming, J. E. Offen, and A. H b' i'oulter.

At a meeting of tho new committeo Mr Johnson was elected chairman and Mr Barwell secretary.

ST. CLAIR The householders' meeting at St. Clair was uttended by about 3U residents' The chair was taken by An- J. B. Brugn" (chairman ol the outgoing committee). lho annual report and balance sheet wero read by the secretary (Mr Campbell). 'j. ue balance sheet showed: a creuit balance of ibd Is. Tho report said the sctiool was opened on February 1 with an attendance of and closed in December with an attendance oi 247—an increase during tho year of 18 pupils. The inspector's report showed the scliooi to be in iirst-class condition in all departments. The library continued to bo a valuable adjunct to the school; but it would be necessary to add a considerable number of volumes if its usefulness was to be maintained. Tho school branch of tho Navy League numbered 86. Three sewing marlines were so fully utilised that more than a thousand articles were forwarded to the local branch of the Otago YVomen's Patriotic Association. The Young Helpers' League had raised nearly £6D with tho gratifying result that inents wero being made to endow a St Clair cot mono of the Barnardo Homes in London. Sixty names are now inscribed on tho roll ot honour, and 10 brave lads were known to have given their lives in defence of King and Empire. The old gymnasium has been shifted to the new school site. One thing required in connection with the school was to improve the playground That improvement was recommended to the incoming committee's immediate attention. ihe Chairman moved the adoption of these documents.

The motion was seconded by Mr W. Speight, and carried 'tn'thout discussion. : The Chairman having described the school district boundaries, and explained who were qualified' to vote, said there were 11 nominations for the committee of nine. The- ballot taken resulted in the following bcinoelected:—Messrs 11. C. Campbell; L., D° Ritchie, A. Kilpatrick, P. J. Priest, E e' Cayzer, J. B. Brugh, C. J. Moodv,' K M'Lennan, Thos. Fleming. ANDERSON BAT. There was an attendance of about 50 at the annual householders' meeting held in the Anderson Bay» School gvmnasium last night. Mr A. Youngson was voted to tho chair and tsn-nially moved th'e- adoption of th" annual report and balance sheet. Mr Fairbairn seconded tho motion, which was carried. There were 10 nominations for tho committee. Tho following were elected: — w° S It S It Bi . sh( ?' A" Bono - F - J - Campbell, w- H V Ham s. P. Hewitt, W. G. Kirkwood, ?V J - , C - Svmerville, A. Williams. Mr J.', d. Campbell was subsequently elected chairman of tho new committee. A vote of thanks was accorded to the head master and his staff for tho efficient

manner in which they had carried out their duties.—Mr Coutts returned thanks. A vote of thanks was accorded to the old committee for tho c_fficient manner in which the interests of th 6 school had been looked after.

The Chairman made, a suggestion that something might bo done in the matter of organising a fife and drum band in connection with the school. One advantage would be that it would bo a means of raising revenue.—ln tho discussion that followed it.was pointed out that it would bo necessary to pay a tutor, and this would run away with the committee's funds. It was decided to take no action. At a meeting of tho new committee Mr Campbell was elected chairman. Mr Kirkwood secretary, and Mr A. Williams treasurer.