SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 3 May 1938, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

BIENNIAL ELECTIONS , HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETING'S VERY SMALL ATTENDANCES The biennial elections of school committees throughout the district were held last night, and in almost every instance attendances were small. In most cases, there was only a sufficient number present for the formation of the new committees, while rarely the attendance reached double figures, even at the Gisborne schools. No elections were necessary at the town schools, the nominations for the committees, received a week ago, being only sufficient to fill the vacancies In the country, too, elections were seldom necessary, difficulty often experienced in securing a sufficient number to take office on the committees.

In several cases, there was an entire lack of interest, insufficient householders attending to elect committees. In those eases, fresh dates will be set aside for meetings.

Meetings Postponed

The bad state of country roads was responsible for meetings in several districts being postponed, including Kanakanaia, Waerenga-o-kuri and Waimata. Other reasons, chiefly lack of interest on the part of householders, resulted in meetings being postponed. Committees have yet to be elected at Whatatutu, Ngatapa, Waingake, Kaitaratahi and Ormond. It is reporter that the Waingake School is closing and for that reason there was no meeting there last evening.

GISBORNE CENTRAL SOUND FINANCES In reviewing the sound financial position of the Gisborne Central School, the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. H. Sunderland, paid a ribute at last evening’s meeting of householders to the assistance rendered by the ladies' committee and to the co-operation of the headmaster, Mr. J. E. Shimmin. He referred also fo the capable manner in which the secretary, Mr. A. F. Langridge, had kept the accounts and attended to the school affairs generally. There was a fair attendance of householders at the meeting, Mr. F. T. Robinson being appointed to the chair.

The annual report, already published, and the balance sheet were adopted on the motion of Mr. T. Smale, seconded by Mr. T. Shields.

As the number of nominations for positions on the committee for the ensuing two years did - not exceed the number of vacancies the following were declared elected: —Messrs. A. F. Langridge, I. J. Quigley, F. T. Robinson, J. H. Sunderland, T. Smale, J. L. Smaill, E. O. Upton, T. Shields and Dr. A. L. Singer. Occasion was taken by Mr. Langridge to refer to the hospitable manner in which committeemen were always received at the school by the headmaster, Mr. J. E. Shimmin. The speaker said that of all the members of the committee he probably was in closest touch with Mr. Shimmin in carrying out the duties of secretary and he was able to fully appreciate the services Mr. Shimmin rendered to the school. Mr. Sunderland endorsed the .secretary’s remarks.

In thanking the speakers, Mr. Shimmin said that he had been fortunate in having as his lieutenant Mr. C. G. Rigby. Congratulations on his promotion were extended to Mr. Rigby, and appreciation was recorded in the minutes of the services rendered by Miss J. M. Lane, Mr. A. Clark, the retiring committee, and the press. At the subsequent meeting of the newly-elected committee Mr. J. H. Sunderland was elected chairman and Mr. A. F. Langridge secretary and treasurer. Messrs. E. O. Upton and A. F. Langridge were appointed delegates to the Poverty Bay Primary Schools’ Association. Accounts amounting to £l4 3s 8d were passed for payment. Thanks were tendered to Dr. A. L. Singer for donating a book, a valuable addition to the school library.

Dr. Singer was authorised to procure trees and shrubs for beautifying the linfant School grounds. Grants were approved for several requirements about the sclmol.

HAITI SCHOOL CROWDED CONDITIONS Speaking of the overcrowded conditions at the Kaiti School, particularly in the infant department, Mr. A. Williamson, chairman of the committee, explained to last evening’s meeting of householders that a makeshift had been provided by occupying St. Paul’s schoolroom. He urged the incoming committee to press for an extension of the buildings, or alternatively for the remodelling of the school. Mr. F. L. Rhodes presided over an attendance of 11 householders.

In presenting the biennial report, Mr. Williamson referred to the good work of the headmaster, Mr. A. H. Parkinson, and his staff, and to the able manner in which they had carried on the work of the school.

Concerning .the ground improvements, Mr. Williamson circw attention to the fact that the school now had its full complement of three shelter sheds. To commemorate the Coronation of Their Majesties a bubble fountain had been erected in the grounds in front of the school.

The school finances were in a healthy state. Recently they had lost the services of Messrs. P. R. Wilson, N. A. Gandell and A. M. Welham, all of whom had done great work for the school.

The requisite number of committeemen had been nominated and these were declared elected as follows: Messrs. W. A. Mangin, J. O. Musgrave P. D. Barlow, W. R. Oxenham, A. F. Excell, D. M. Grade, G. W. Fyson, L. R. Bright, and F. H. Forge. Mr. Parkinson, headmaster, expressed appreciation of the assistance the committee had given him. On behalf of the old committee, Mr. D. M. Gracie regretted the retirement of those members who had not sought re-election. A vote of thanks was accorded the chairman.

Mr. D. M. Gracie was subsequently alect-ed chairman of the incoming committee, and Mr. P. W. Barlow secretary and treasurer. Messrs. Gracie and Barlow also were appointed delegates to the Poverty Bay Primary Schools Association.