MACRAE'S FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1156, 24 January 1874, Page 15

MACRAE'S FLAT.

The annual statutory meeting of the inhabitants of the Macrae's educational district was held in the new school-house on the advertised day. I am sorry to have to report that the meeting was very badly attended, the number attending being under a dozen. The apathy displayed by a portion of the population in such an important matter as that of education deserves the severest censure. At the same time too much praise cannot be bestowed on the few who, amidst considerable difficulty, and in the face of great inconvenience to themselves, have advanced the cause of education in this district to the extent they have during the pasb twelve months. Not only has a fine substantial stone building been erected, fitted up with every convenience for both teacher and scholars ; but a large playground has been enclosed with a stone wall. The teacher's residence has been considerably enlarged and improved, and a piece of land fenced in at the back, enabling him to form a garden, which, in such a district, will ultimately prove of immense service to him. Mr Whyte, on being voted to the chair, proceeded with the business of the evening by calling on the Secretary, Mr Donaldson, to give a statement of the financial position of the pchool, from which it appeared that everything was in a satisfactory condition. The Secretary then proceeded to read an account of the business transacted by the Committee during their term of office, after which Mr Hay moved, and Mr Flynt seconded, the acceptance of the Secretary's report. The Secretary then tendered his resignation, on behalf of himself and colleagues, and a ballot having been taken, a new Committee was formed, consisting, but with two exceptions, of the members constituting the old. At a Committee meeting held a night or two after, Mr Donaldson was reelected Secretary, and Mr Hay appointed Chairman for the ensuing year.