SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22137, 15 December 1933, Page 13

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

MEETING OF ASSOCIATION The quarterly meeting of the Otago School Committee’s Association was held in the Education Board’s board room last night, the president (Air H. H. Johnson) presiding over a fair attendance of delegates. EXECUTIVE’S REPORT. On behalf of the executive, the president submitted the following quarterly report:— The executive notes that some committees are not represented at association’s quarterly meetings, and asks for more lively interest. This applies particularly to city and suburban schools, and the suggestion is again made that where delegates find it inconvenient to attend, a substitute be arranged for. Committees which have not yet paid affiliation fees for 1933-34 are asked to remit subscriptions as early as possible. The executive learned with pleasure of the success of Air G. N. Boulton in securing the secretaryship of the Wanganui Education Board. The pleasure is mingled with regret at his departure, for he proved a friend to school committees. His courteous nature, outstanding ability, and knowledge of school committee work were always at the disposal of the association and school committees. The executive extends heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the future. The annual primary schools sports meeting attracted a great deal of interest and very keen competition. Favoured with fair weather, a large gathering watched, the various events. Th 6 .executive’s congratulations are extended to St. Clair School on winning the shield and to the teachers for their splendidly-organised committees and the efficient management of a such an undertaking. During October a meeting of the association was held, and was attended by Dr Ada Patterson and Dr. Stephenson. A large attendance greeted these officers, and a most lucid and interesting address on school hygiene was given by the director. A number of questions were asked and answered to the satisfaction of members. It is with a great deal of regret that the executive records the passing of one of the life members of the association, Air R. Ferguson. The deceased gentleman did not long survive his retirement from active participation in school work, but his association with the association and with George Street School will live long. His interest and enthusiasm were worthy of emulation. To his sorrowing family the executive extends its sincere condolences. In conclusion, the executive appeals to all school committees to attend meetings of the association and help to stimulate that mutual assistance which organised bodies can offer. \ The report was adopted, those present standing in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Air Ferguson. DOAIINION FEDERATION. Commenting on the formation, in September last, of a Dominion Federation of School Committees’ Associations, the president said that the Alinister of Education (Air R, Alaeter.s) had expressed the opinion that this was the best move that the associations had ever made. It was gratifying to note that -the constitution of the federation was an adoption of a suggestion by the Otago Association. GENERAL.

It was decided to communicate with the Parliamentary Committee of the Dominion Federation requesting it to support the extension of the life of school committees to two years. The secretary reported that he had written to Mr G. N. Boulton congratulating him on his appointment to the secretaryship of the Wanganui Education Board, and expressing appreciation of his services to the association. —The secretary’s action was approved. The secretary reported having circularised 15 schools in the North Otago district with a view to forming a sub-asso-ciation on bringing about affiliation with the Otago Association. So far he had received no reply, but he was hopeful that it might be possible to call a meeting at Gain aru at which representatives of the association could meet members of the North Otngo committees.-—The secretary's action was confirmed.