Annual Election of School Committees.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4991, 26 April 1889, Page 3

Annual Election of School Committees.

KING-SHOWN. There was a fair attendance at the meeting of householders, and Mr Craigie presided. The report and balance sheet were considered satisfactory, and were unanimously adopted. Eleven of the householders present were nominated, and tho ballot resulted in the return of the following -Messrs D. Munro, R. Brookland, B. Dynes, James Campbell, J. Hampson, J. Simmons, and James Craigie. At the meeting of the new committee, Mr James Craigie was chosen chairman. Messrs Munro and Brookland and the chairman were appointed a sub committee to examine and report to next meeting upon repairs and improvements required to buildings. GERALDINE. At the annual meeting of householders there was a fair attendance. Mr W. S. Maelin, chairman of the retiring committee, was voted to the chair, and read the report of the outgoing committee. The report showed that the committee had only held office for nine months, having been elected ia Juno last. The school continued to make satisfactory progress hot h as regards attendance and attainments. The number of scholars on the roll had increased during the year from 243 to 269 ; tho highest attendance had been 238, against 222 last year. The school had passed a most satisfactory examination, the percentage of failures being only 18. When tho householders cjnsidercd that last year the school passed a similarly satisfactory examination, they could appreciate more fully the work of tho teachers. One of the four pupils who presented themselves at last scholarship examination was successful in his class and came off with second honors, having only one mark below the highest. He is now continuing his education at the Temuka High School. The retiring committee considered that the time had arrived when the status of tho school should be raised to that of a district high school. Tho central position (which it occupies, surrounded by smaller schools, pointed it out as the place where scholarship holders in these schools should receive their further education. At the last examination there were 13 pupils who passed the sixth standard. The primary schools only make provision for leaching to the sixth standard and if parents desire further education for their children it must be sought outside the primary schools. The retiring committee, in conclusion, wished to lender a hearty vote of thanks to the staff of the school for the efficient manner they had discharged their duties.

Tn moving llie adoption of the report Mr A. Sherratt asked what steps had been taken towards raising the status of the school. Tho Rev. G. Barclay replied that the commitleo of 1887 had applied to tho board to have the status of the school raisedThe chairman said the matter had been brought before the board by deputation, tbc reply being that tbe board were not then prepared to raise the status. In reply to another question the chairman said that parents of pupils who had passed tbe sixth standard would often much rather that their children did not go in for scholarships than have to go to other schools if they were successful. They would much rather have them at home, and there wore quite sufficient passed pupils at the school to warrant the board in raising tbe school into a district high school. There were also other reasons, one of which was that tho head master would have more time to devote to those pupils. The Bev. G. Barclay spoke at some length as to the benefits that would accrue to the district by the raising of the status of the school. £3OO had been set apart for tbe erection of new buildings, and he hoped that the committee would push tho matter forward as quickly as possible, as it was a matter that seriously affected the educational welfare of the district.

The report was adopted. Mr A. Sherratt moved, Dr Fish seconded, and it was carried—“ That it be an instruction from the meeting to the incoming committee not to cease to press upon the Board of Education the raising of the school to a District High School.” The Eer. J. Preston ’proposed and it was carried —“ That this meeting desire to urge upon the new committee to use all the influence in their power to get tho board to commence the now buildings.” A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded {outgoing committee. The election of the new committee resulted as follows : —Messrs W. S. Maslin, J. Eiordan, W, H. Walton, J. W. Pye, W. Bhiors, C. 111. Sheratt, and H. R. Howard. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting, A meeting of the new committee was then held, all the members being present. Mr W. S. Maslin was appointed chairman. Mr Barclay attended, and said it was time the school committee took same stops towards deciding upon the site for the new school buildings. After some discussion tho committee decided that it would be better to have tbe matter settled by a full meeting of householders ; this matter to be held over till the committee know what money the board would have on hand for the new buildings. A letter from the head master re tho system of awarding marks for prizes and other matters, was held over till next meeting. Messrs Pye and Walton were appointed visitors for tbe month, and the meeting adjourned after deciding not to change the night of meeting.