SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19147, 15 April 1924, Page 12

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

‘ANNUAL ELECTIONS. HIGH .STREET SCHOOL. The annual meeting of was held in the school gymnasium, Mr Garth Gallaway being in the chair. In moving the adoption of the annua! report and balance sheet, the chairman referred to the great success which had attended the diamond jubilee celebrations held in February last. The success of these functions reflected great credit on the committee of ex-pupils who were responsible for them. The school, he continued, was losing the valuable services of Mr J. W. Smith, the head master, who will retire on June 30. Mr Smith first entered the school as second assistant in 1832, later became first assistant, and on the death of Mr Park in 1892 was appointed head master, a position he nas therefore occupied for 32 years. It was proposed to hold a farewell social in honour of the retiring head master. During the year the committee and school suffered a great loss in tho d<_alh of the chairman of the School Committee, Mr B. A. Ewing. He had always taken a keen interest in tho school affairs. The number of pupils on the roll for 1923 was 537, and the overage attendance was '195. The finances of the school were in a very satisfactory position. Mr F. H. Blakeley seconded the motion, which was carried. , 'The following committee was elected for tho ensuing year: —Messrs Garth Gallaway (chairman), J. T. Cooper, P. W. Curtis, R. Duncan, J.'J. Davis, J. Hamer, J. F. Lane, F. H. Blakeley, and F. H. Hollmgworth (secretary and treasurer) ALBANY STREET. The members of the retiring committee and toe head master comprised the attendance of householders at the annual meeting at Albany Street School. Mr A. Dempster occupied the chair. Appreciation was expressed in the annual report of the results obtained by the head master and staff during the year. The

report also stated that the school garden ■was a "valuable institution, and the band had- achieved several successes, and had given concerts at Gore and Oamaru. Regret was expressed at the retirement of Mr Joseph Abernethy from the committee after 18 years of valued service. The school savings bank was still well used. The amount at the end of the year was £552 4s 6d, of which £4ll 8a 8d had been withdrawn, leaving a balance of £l4O 15s 10d. Two cricket teams, two football teams, and a hockey team had performed well during the year , , , The balance sheet showed that the year h ad been commenced with a balance of £54 and had closed with a credit of £23. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, referred to changes in the staff, particularly to the retirement of Mr Rennie. His successor had a difficult task to fall the role of such a strong man, but he was proving a worthy successor, and the staff, in spite of changes, was probably as strong as ever. The loss of .ur Abernethy from the cortwpittee after 18 years of service was much regretted, and the committee had decided to write to him recording appreciation of his invaluable service. The Young Helpers’ League and the Bible Class were institutions doing good service in the school. The Jubilee of the school was the import-

ant event of the year, and would arouse interest amongst ex-pupils scattered all over the dominion. Mr J. H. Wilkinson seconded the motion, emphasising the value of the savings bank in view of the large deposit of over £350 for the year. He urged that immediate steps should be taken to plan out the form which the jubilee celebrations would take. "He called attention to the fact that the School Committees’ Association was not being well supported, and expressed the hope that greater interest would bo taken in its activities. He referred to the excellent work done by Mr Smith, Mr Thompson, and Mr Gray, executive officers of the conimittee. The motion was carried. The fallowing were the onlv nominations for members of the committee, and the chairman declared them elected: — Messrs Alex. Dempster, J. H. Wilkinson, J. Dey, W. R. Smith, A. Jordan, D. G. Gray, J. Sinton, W. J. Thompson, and J. A. Deuchrass. At the first meeting of the committee the following appointments were made:— Chairman, Mr A. Dempster ; secretary. Mr ,W. Thompson; treasurer, Mr W. Smith. MORNINGTON. There was an attendance of eight householders, including four of the School Committee, at the annual meeting of householders of Mornington, • held at the school last evening, and Mr M. K. Haig, who ■was voted to the chair, said the residents present must feel very disappointed at the small attendance. There was no doubt that the system of nominating school committees a week before the election was not a satisfactory procedure, but they could not got past the Act. In moving the adoption of the report, which disclosed satisfactory results for the year, the chairman congratulated the head master and his efficient staff. The report, was adopted, and Mr J. W. Pateon moved the adoption of the balance sheet, which showed a credit balance

of £B4 3s 9d. The motion was carried. The Chairman said the next business was the election of the committee, but as there was not one nomination the only thing was to inform the Education Board, and it would call another meeting. The reason for none of the outgoing committee seeking re-election was discussed in committee. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the householders and the outgoing committee. KAIKORAI. The annual meeting of householders of the Kaikorai School was held last night, Mr C. R. Bossence presiding over an attendance of 62. The Chairman said that it was indeed encouraging to see such a large attendance present, both to the incoming committee and to the staff. He took the opportunity of introducing Mr A. O. Buchler, the recently-appointed head master. Mr E. Sunderland moved, and Mr E: W. Walden seconded, the adopiton of the annual report, which was earned. Mr R. S. Black said that the people of Roslyn had been very long-suffering with regard to playing grounds and bathing facilities. It was high time that the Education Board did something for the school. When he was a member of the City Council that body had promised that the grounds would bo attended to. but he thought that tlio children of that day now had children of their own. The parents should be proud of their “lung-space. ' which was a wonderful asset. The best portion of Dunedin was Roslyn.—(Applause.) Another matter of neglect was the swimming baths which had been built some years ago, and which were now used as a sanitary pit, Mr W., J. Bell pointed out that in any representations to the City Council with regard to the baths the council should be jnfomed that they had been allowed to get into a neglected state.

Mr Black then moved, Dr Moore seconding—“ That this meeting strongly protests against the treatment. meted out to the Roslyn residents in the matter of playgrounds.”—The motion was carried unanimously. Mr J. W. Todd moved, Mr H. T. Green seconding—“ That this meeting calls upon the City Council to reinstate immediately the Kaikorai baths for the use of the children of the district, and that a deputation wait on the council in connection with the matter.” —The motion was carried, and the following deputation was appointed; Messrs C. R. Bossence, R. S. Back, J. W. Todd. H. MTntosh, E. W. Walden, and Dr Moore. Mr H. T. Green moved, Mr E. Sunderland seconding—“ That this meeting strongly protests against the Education Board’s refusal to accede to the committee’s request with regard to the kalsomining of the infant deportment.”—The motion was carried unanimously.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Buchlor and his staff in recognition of the school’s proud achievement in the number of scholarships its pupils had obtained during the year—a record for the school. Mr J. Mathioson, the first assistant, was also thanked for his work in the interests of th» school band. There wore 17 nominations for the committee, and the following nine were elected; Messrs J. A. Armit, D. Y. M. Miller, H. MTntosh, W. Sinclair, W. Taylor, R. G. Holden, E. W. Walden, A. Steel, and J. A. Clyde. The first meeting of the newly-elected committee was held at the conclusion of the householders’ mooting, Mr K. W. Walden being appointed chairman and Mr W. Sinclair deputy-chairman.

GEORGE STREET. The annual meeting was attended by about 00 householders, Mr H. S. Bingham (chairman of the outgoing committee) presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, he referred to the fair that the school attendance had slightly increased over that of the previous year. He paid a compliment to Mr Patterson (head teamberj Md hifl staff foe the ezoelient state

of the school gardens. It would bo noticed that a substantial sum of money (over £63) had been spent on sports. This was a phase of education and recreation which the committee endeavoured to encourage, and it did not regret having spent this amount The flower show returned a net profit of about £3O, and he took this opportunity of thanking all those who assisted at this function. Mr Steele seconded the motion.

Mr Patterson referred to the necessity of parents sending their children regularly to school. Irregular attendance reacted on the education of the child and reduced the capitation received from the Education Board. He criticised and analysed a number of items in the balance sheet. Mr Steele maintained that the amount spent on sports wan justified. He believed that this school spent more money in this direction than any other school in Otago. Mr Wallace also spoke in the same strain

Mr F. Stone said ho thought the items in the balance sheet should be more itemised. They were too closely grouped under general headings to allow any person to get a clear indication of how the money vns spent. Mr John Gray expressed the same opinion.

Mr Bissland contended that the balance sheet as presented satisfied all requirements.

Mr Walter Patterson agreed, and thought (hat if any further details were necessary they could be supplied by the treasurer in reading out the items of expenditure at the annual meeting. The motion was carried.

The following committee was declared elected, as only the required number of nominations had been received Messrs H. S Bingham, J. Bissland, R. Ferguson, P. H. Harridge, W. H. Steele, A. L. Swan, C. A. Wilson, G. D. Wilson, and James Wallace. Mr John Gray (on behalf of tho Dunedin North and Leith Amenities Society) thanked tho School Committee for giving the use of the hall free of charge for meetings, etc. This generosity was very much appreciated by tho society. At a subsenuent meeting of the newlyelected committee, Mr G. D. Wilson was elected chairman. Mr P. H. Harridge secretary, and Mr H. S. Bingham treasurer. ANDERSON’S BAY. The annual meeting of householders in the Anderson’s Bay district was well attended, Mr J. C. H. Somerville (chairman of the outgoing committee) presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mr G. E. Pearce spoke of the highly satisfactory manner in which the school bad carried on during the past year. Committee members and friends had fostered toe interests of the school in a manner which augured well for its future. In Mr W. L. Harrison, their head master, and in toe school staff they had an efficient body of teachers to whom they were grateful for the results attained. The Education Board could not altogether be complimented for its grant, each year to the

school. At the present time the expenditure on the school's upkeep exceeded the grant by the board. Mr N. W. Mao Lean seconded .the motion, which was carried. A discussion followed, several householders complaining of the total inadequacy of the board grant. Sympathetic reference ■ was made in the report of the death of their late he<ad master, Mr James Jeffrey, who hud taken an active interest in the school for 30 years. The election of the committee resulted as follows:—Messrs J. C. 11. Somerville (reelected chairman), N. W. Mac Lean (vicechairman), R. S. Cox, R. Griffiths, J. H. Kirkwood, W. Mackay. J. E. Wheeler, G. E. Pearce (re-elected treasurer), apd W. G. Kirkwood (re-elected secretary). There were 10 nominations. It was decided to place on record the deep appreciation of the householders of the long and faithful service of Miss Gunn as mistress of the school. They realised that in every wav she had given of her best for the welfare of her pupils, and they hoped that she would still have, many and happy years before her. Votes of thanks to the head master and staff and the chairman concluded an enthusiastic' meeting. . MACANDREW ROAD. The annual meeting of householders was held in the school g:ymnasium last evening, with an attendance of about 60. Mr A. Paine (chairman of the School Committee) congratulated the householders present on the high standard of efficiency maintained in the school. He said there was no contentious matter to bring forward. Their only grievance was that of the school building. Macandrew road district was entitled to an up-to-date school with modern conveniences. The education authorities proposed to soend some £4OOO in remodelling the school’ buildings, but the unanimous feeling of the meeting was that the buildings should be scrapped, having done duty for about 40 years. The following gentlemen were elected as a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs J. P. Burt, H. C. Fox, 11. B. Hunt, A. T. MTndoe, W. E. M’Keich, A. Paine, R. G. Pindor. J. P. Rees, and A. Smiley. A hearty vote of thanks to the retiring committeemen (Messrs Dalton, MTntyre, and Wright) was carried by acclamation.

KENSINGTON. Although there was a very large attendance at Kensington, there were no contentious subjects introduced, and the meeting was carried through promptly. Mr K. A. Sims (chairman of the retiring committee) presided, and introduced Mr Williamson, who was recently appointed to the head mastership In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the Chairman said that the year- hod been a most satisfactory one

in every respect, and although there had been several changes in the staff, tha standard attained by the school generally was a high one. Me was sure their new head muster would prove a worthy successor to his predecessor, and that under his direction school matters would work just as smoothly as they had in the past. It would be noticed that there was a credit balance of £BB 6s 2d, but there were several outstanding accounts that would considerably reduce that amount. The damage caused by the flood of last year had put them to heavy expense, one, item alone being £3O for repair of the piano. Mr J. .Bead seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. There were 12 nominations for the committee, and a ballot resulted in the election of the following Messrs E. Gibson, F. M‘Kay, J. Davie, C. E. Hunt, W. Lows, P. Ibbotson, C. M'lbean, F. A. Sims, and J. Road. ... When the result of the election was announced one of the defeated candidates spoke with a little heat, saying that he knew one. of the householders had worked hard for his defeat. At this stage, however, the Chairman left the chair, and the meeting closed several wrangling householders being left to themselves During the evening the handsome Roll of Honour was displayed, and created much favourable comment.

ST. ©LAIR. The annual meeting of householder in the St. Clair district, which took place in the school gymnasium last evening, was very poorly attended, only eignt persons being present. The Chairman (Hr W. Anderson), in moving the adoption of the annual report, said that aJtnough the meeting was a small one, he would like to mention one or two items in connection with the report. It was most pleasing to note that the school had gone up to top grade (Grade 7). He thought this was a suitable time to take up the question ot increased class room accommodation. At present the gymnasium was being used as a classroom, and this, he declared, was entirely unsuited for such a purpose. It must be very trying and difficult for the teacher to conduct the class under the unsatisfactory conditions. Mention had already been made to the secretary of the Education Board, but he thought they should appeal again for fur ther consideration in this direction. The inspector’s report had been very satisfactory, and reflected credit on the teaching staff. The departure of Mr Jones (head master) had been a lass to the school, but Mr Goutts. the new head master, had ably filled the position and maintained the very high standard of efficiency. The school had won the athletic shield, and Mr Barton, Mr M'Mullnn, and others were to be congratulated on the excellent result The Education Board had been approached with regard to the inefficient heating system and although a trial had been carried out nothing had been done, and the matter had been shuffled over. The committee regarded the trial as unsatisfactory, and he suggested another trial a little later on when the weather was colder. Scholars belonging to the Young Helpers’ League had collected the sum of £SO. which would go to the support of a cot The motion was seconded by Mr Ritchie, who, in the course of his remarks, mentioned that splendid progress had lme» made by the school botli in work and in sports. Special attention, ho thought, should bo drawn to the heating and classroom accommodation. The process of centralisation *ad been carried too far, and the whittling down had resulted in sparsely attended householders’ meetings. So far

as the accommodation was concerned it was unfair to expect anyone—especially a lady teacher—to teach satisfactorily in a room such as the gymnasium, lie would recommend the incoming committee to lake steps to got increased accommodation. Nino nominations were received for the committee for the ensuing year, and as this was the number required a ballot was unnecessary. The following werf therefore declared elected:—Messrs P. J. Priest, Robt. M‘G. Wilson, L. A. Rhodes, H. C. Campbell. L, D. Ritchie, E. L Macassey, H. Haliiday, D. M'lntosh and Win. Andeison. At a suosequent meeting o$ the new committee Mr Anderson was re-elected chairman and Mr L. A Rhodes re-elgctod secretary. MUSSELBURGH. The annual meeting at Musselburgh was presided over by Mr W. Jaconsen, <xiict was attended by about 30 householders The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said that the householders were to be congratulated on having a head master like Mr J. B. Grant in charge of their school. His methods were always up to date and throughout the year there had not been one complaint registered against him or his staff. The committee, regretted the loss of Mr A. Woods from the staif, bm had been glad to welcome in his place an ox-dux of the school, Mr W. Ritchie. The examination results were the highest that could be expected, reflecting great credit on the head master and his staff. The school sport was well looked after, and once again the school had won both A and B Grade banners in the Association football competitions. During the year the school had been enlarged by the addition of two classrooms, but these entailed additional expense to the committee. The Chairman stated that there was something radically

wrong with the way the Government g® vo ; grants of money to the schools. I 1 iring cost on an average about £SO a year mr Dunedin and £lO in Auckland, yet the | Government grant per child was the same in both places. ' , Mr D. C. Cameron, in seconding the motion, mentioned that if the new class rooms had boon fitted with the up-to-date single desks they would have accommodated only 80 children. As it was, they were fitted u ith the old-fashioned desks, and accommodated 116. Was it fair, he asked, that the head master and his staff should be stiil thus cramped for sufficient working room? The report was adopted unanimously. • Eleven nominations were received for tbs committee, and on a vote being taken the following were declared elected : —Messrs D. 0. Cameron, I). Highct, W. Jacobsen, Johnstone, D. Kaye R. Moffat, E. Penrose, Sims, and A. Wilson The Rev. R. Scott Allan moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the outgoing committee for the splendid work it had done throughout the year. lie made special reference to the work of Mr Jacobsen, who had during his term as chairman put his heart and soul into the work. —(Applause.) Mr A. J. Paterson, who seconded th* motion, spoke of the harmonious feeling existing between tho committee (and the staff. The Head Master (Mr J. B. Grant) dealt briefly with the overcrowding of the school and stated that he had reluctantly had to turn away many children who wished to enter the school from outside the district. Mr T. Roseveare moved that the meeting ask the City Council to provide a footpath in the streets leading to tho school from

Tainui.—The motion was seconded by Mr Waugh, and carried unanimously. At a meeting of the newly-elected committe, held immediately after the meeting of householders, Mr D. C. Cameron was elected chairman, Mr A. Wilson secretary, and Mr E. It. Penrose treasurer for the ensuing year. MORAY PEACE. Mr B. J. M'Arthur (chairman of the retiring committee) presided over a fair attendance of householders. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman expressed his pleasure at the good work done during the year, and complimented the head master and the staff on the work. Mr

Robertson, the new head master, had entered upon his work with zeal and enthusiasm. Shortly after taking up his duties ho had started the school choir, and it had gained first prize at. the Competitions Society’s festival. Thanks to the Education Board, the school had at. last been thoroughly renovated, and a new class-room was being utilised in the upper storey of the Arts Building. Ho regretted that as he was leaving the dominion shortly he was not seeking rc-olcction as a eommittee-innn. .lie thanked his fellow committee-men for their loyal support during his term of office, and expressed the '"ope that the school would continue to .Vosper. The financial position was very encouraging, as the treasurer’s balance sheet would show Mr F. J. O’Neil (treasurer) rend the balance sheet, and congratulated the commit-

tee on its sound financial position. Thoro was a credit balance of £6O 9s lOd for the incoming corn ‘ tee, which would give it an excellent start. The report and balance sheet were adopted. A vote of thanks w’as accorded the chairman for ihe valuable services he had rendered, and regret, was expressed at his departure. The Hoad Master (Mr Robertson) spoke of the cordiality that existed between teachers and scholars when he took charge of the school, and expressed the hope that that spirit would continue, as it made for the success of the work. He added that only a few more scholars were required to enable the Education Board to appoint an additional teacher, which would mean a great deal to the school. The following, being the only members nominated, were declared elected : —Messrs J. Gumpatzes, R. T. Hughson, J. C. Kroon, A. M'Gill, F. J. O’Neill, A. A. Paape, T. G. Paape, H. F. Payton, D. Terry. MAORI HILL. There was a small attendance at Maori Hill consisting of five members of the outgoing committee.

Mr S. N. Brown (chairman of committee) presided, and in moving the adoption of the annual report expressed his pleasure at the very satisfactory nature of it. 'The residents of Maori Hill, he said, had supported every function connected with the school in a most generous manner. He thought that the small attendance that evening was evidence of the confidence of the residents in the committee. He expressed the opinion that the present system of nominating committeemen a week before the annual meet ing of householders was not in the interests of the school and referred to the much larger attendances at annual meetings held under (he old system. lie spoke also of the excellent work done by the heodmastei (Mr Fitzgerald) and his staff. , Mr J. L. Grimaldi seconded the motion, which was carried. The out-going committee was re-elected without opposition-viz., Messrs J. Adamson, E. 11. Allen, W. M. Beal, .T. L. Grimaldi, P. R. Clark, : F. G. Gumming, P.. Armit. P H. Young. S. N. Brown. Mr Armit, in moving a vote of thanks to the headmaster and staff, spoke eulogistirally of their work, and his remarks were heartily endorsed rr- Mr Adamson and the chairman. The motion was carried with acclamation. Mr Fitzgerald refilled thanking the meeting for the confidence it had expressed in his staff and in himself. At a meeting of the new committee the following officers were appointed;—Chairman. Mr S. N. Brown ; clerk. Mr E. 11. Allen- delegates to School Committees Association, Messrs .-limit, Gumming,’ and Grimaldi; Social Commitfce —Messrs Beal, Young, and Gumming; Works Committee— Messrs Allen, Grimaldi, and Adamson. ARTHUR STREET. The annual meeting of householders in the Arthur Street School district was hold last evening in the school "vmnasium hall, Mr C. Speight presiding over a small attendance. The Chairman read the report for the year and Mr W. G. flay submitted the balance sheet, which showed a credit balance of £lO9 16s lid. In formally moving the adoption of the report anil balance sheet. Mr Speight said that it was very gratifying that the work of the school had been so successful. lie also made reference to the loyalty of their teaching staff. Mr J. W. Scurr seconded the motion, which was carried. The following, being the only nomina-

lions, were elected to the committee;—Dr A. R. Falconer, Messrs \V. G. Hnv, .7. W. Scurr, W. L, Moore, O. 11. Pinel, W. R. Brngh. C. Speight, A. P. Bremner, and J. Malioch. On the motion of Mr W. R. Brngh it was decided to place on record the householders’ appreciation of the work done by Mr M. M’Kenzie during the great many years he had been connected with the committee. CAVKRSHAM.

About 60 householders attended the annual meeting, which was held in the school gymnasium last evening. Mr D. MTherson (chairman of the outgoing committee) was voted to the chair. The chairman. in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, congratulated the head

master and staff on (he result of the past year's work. The balance sheet was highly satisfactory, disclosing a credit balance of £36. Ten nohiinafions were received for the committee, and, on a ballot being taken, the following were elected: —Messrs I). MT’herson, R. H. Todd, 11. Lyons, L. Sanderson, J. While, G. S. Newton. W. Kirkham, T. Brown, and L. S, Mercier. The first meeting of the committee was held at the close of the annual meet ing, when Mr D. M Pherson was re-elected chairman, and Mr L. Sanderson secretary-trea-surer. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. Mr J. Elliot presided over a large attendance of householders. The annual report and balance sheet (showing a credit of £145 Os 6d) was adopted. The following committee was elected:— Mesdames G. B. Elliot. A. Peart, and Messrs J. Elliot, 11. Berrg. G. Manson, J. Little, J. Reekie, J. J. Bardsley, and -I. Idling. Voles of thanks were accorded to the head master (Mr H. C. .Tones) and his staff, and to all those who had helped the progress of the school. At a subsequent meeting of the new committee, Mr J. J. Bardsley was appointed chairman. Mr G. Manson treasurer, and

Mr H. Bogg secretary. WAKARI. Mr R. S. Brown presided over an attendance of 20 householders of (he Wakari School district. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report, said that the inspector’s report had been very satisfactory and the school hod, on the whole, achieved pleasing results. The bovs’ playing area had received attention and would shortly he available for football and cricket, while the girls’ area had also been top-dressed. The Education Board was to be thanked for this work. The following committee was elected; —Mr R. S. Brown (chairman), C. French (secretary), A. 1,. Bain, G. A. Murray. E. J.

Pezot, W. IT. Kcdzlio, and W. S. Cubit). LEITH VALLEY. One solitary person went to the_ place of meeting of the Leith Valley district householders last evening. He was the secretary of the two commissioners for the outgoing year, so there was an absence of evidence of interest in the affairs of the school in the district. RAVENSBOURNK. The Ravensbourne School householders met last night when there wore about 20 present. Mr T. Rodgers (chairman of the out-going committee), was voted to the

chuir. Mr Rodgers, in referring to the report and balance sheet, said that a successlul year had been experienced and the financial aspect was reassuring The report was adopted. ’The balance sheet, which showed a balance in hand of £34 11s 9d, was adopted after a short discussion. Nine members were nominated for the committee. As there was no ballot necessary they were declared elected. They were as follows: Messrs A. K Stiver, ,(Bines Robb, James Dunn, Geo. Croshie, Thos. F. Rodgers. Wm. bmith .las. M. Kay, Albert Grubb, and James A. Vouch. A letter was received from the \ itizen s Bitilo-in-Schools Propaganda Committee- concerning the Bill which is to be introduced shortly into Parliament by Mr L. M. Lilt, M.P., providing for the dftily reading of selected portions of the Bible in nil State schools. After an animated discussion Mr J. Veitch moved and Mr A. Campbell seconded: “That a committee be appointed to interview Mr J. vV. Munro, the nflemtver for the district, asking him to support the

BiJI.” At a subsequent meeting of the new committee Mr A. Grubb was elected chairman, and Messrs G. Crosiiie, W. Smith, and James Robb were appointed the sub-committee to interview Mr Munro. FOR BURY. Tile Gymnasium Hnll at Forbury was crowded to the doors on the occasion of the annual mooting of householders. A large number of ladies was present, and keen interest was taken in the discussion of several items in the annual report and in the general business. Mr P. Johnson (tno outgoing chairman) was elected to the chair. The report was adopted. The Chairman. ,n briefly commenting on the report, mentioned that the delay m the construclioa of the new infant department was caused by a difference of opinion in

regard to the plans, and especially the open verandah. Tins difficulty had now been overcome, and the building would soon bo an accomplished fact. 'The floods in Apn lust and the influenza epidemic m July had affected the attendance, especially m the third quarter; but Forbury was still the largest school in Otago. Referring to the changes in the staff, he mentioned that Mr Brndey, the late head master, had retired earlier than anticipated owing to the state of his health. The new head master, Mr Sprout, had already given proof of his special fitness for such a responsible posttlCMr Often explained to the meeting that an omission had been made in the ropor when dealing with sport and its encouragement. Mr Fairhairn had presented a medal

to James Hockley, who had ropresen.cu Otago in the Primary Schools Rugby ,our ' nanient at Christchurch; while Mr Alexander had awarded a medal to Chopqueo, another lad who had put up a good record. Several speakers commented on the size cf the stationery account in the report. Mr Lucas (treasurer) cxplainod that while increased costs were no doubt largely responsible, their expenditure m this. respect was no larger than the proportion of lesser schools in Dunedin. . The quest ion regarding building the school additions in brick was brought forward. and a special motion passed recommending the incoming committee o urge the department to erect permanent striic-

tnres of a more lasting character. Mr Jackson moved, and Mr bcoit seconded—“ That this meeting of householders desires to impress cm the incoming committee the desirability of school supplies, such as coal, stationery, etc., being obtained from and distributed among the various business people resident in tlio school district.” Evidently tins mot,on met with some sympathy from householders .or it was unanimously earned by the meeting. On the motion of Mr I>. R,tch,e seconded

bv Mr Downie, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr P. Johnson for hts valuable services in the interests of the school. Ml Johnson is retiring after 34 years on the sym p a thy was accorded to Mr Kndey (late head master) and Mr Hams (an old committeeman), both of whom had been laid aside with illness. While the scrutineers wore busy inth the L.-dlot papers a .short musical programme was contributed. . . Fourteen nominations having been received for office on the incoming committee. a ballot, was taken and resulted as follows:-Messrs H. Alexander, J D. M’Cnrdy, W. Ritchie, C. A. Lucas, Roberts, W. Fleming, J. B. V ooton. G. A. Munro, B. Bern The following office-bearers were also elected: —Chairman, Mr Fleming; secretary. Mr Roberts; treasurer, Mr Lucas GREEN ISLAND. Ten householders attended the annual meeting at Green Island, and only one nomination was received the members of the outgoing committee declining to stand. Six recommendations for appointment were made to the board which wilt fix the dale for another election.