SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Southland Times, Issue 18929, 1 May 1923, Page 5

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

TOWN ELECTIONS LAST NIGHT’S MEETINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL. There were about twenty ratepayers pre* ent at the annual meeting of the Middle School Committee. Mr A. Anderson, chairman of the committee, presided. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the ch airin nn referred to the good work carried out by the staff, and also to the urgent necessity for a new school The report and balance-sheet, alreadj published, were adopted. The election of members to the new committee resulted as follows: Messrs A. Anderson, T. Brown, W. J. Boyce, J. Carlisle, H. P. Campbell, A. C. Lyon, J. J. Moore, T. Vost and W. J. Wood ward. Votes of thanks were passed to the head* master and staff and also to the secretary, Mr J. England. At a meeting of the new committee, Mr T. Brown was elected chairman, and extend** ed a welcome to the new members. Mr J. J. Moore was re-elected treasurer and Mr J. England was re-elected to the position of secretary. Messrs T. Brown, J. J. Moore and W. J. Boyce were appointed a Finance Commit* tee. A donation of 10/- was made by Mr Moore towards the Dalton system of teaching, which was explained to the meeting by Mr Griffiths. SOUTH SCHOOL. There was a large attendance at the South School last night, when the chair* man of the committee, Mr A. W. Jonea, occupied the chair. An apology kaa received from the Rev Chisholm. The report and financial statement at published were read. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said that tha committee had been strong and effective and good work had been done. He waa pleased to report that after many yeare the new school building would soon bt erected. With regard to the staff he waa satisfied that it was a good one and he would like to make special mention of Miaa Bellamy’s work among the infants. The head master was loyal and the inspector/ repert was encouraging, while the examination results were good. He touched briefly on main points in the report, commenting upon the independance of the householders in raising funds for the school. The motion was seconded and carried without comment. Mr James Hain, headmaster, in a neat speech thanked the retiring committee for the manner in which it had assisted him during the past year. The following committee was elected:— Mesdames A. F. Walker, M. C. Parkin, and J. Garrett, Messrs A. C. Carmen, A. W. Jones, T. D. Lennie, James Manson, C. W. Paton and James Strang. The other contestant was Mr C. Perks. It was decided to hold a special spring flower show to raise additional funds for the school. A special vote of thanks was carried to Mrs Bissett, Mr Galloway and Mr Garrett for special prizes. At a meeting of the new committee held after the householders meeting, Mr A. W. Jones was re-elected chairman and Mr Janies Manson re-elected treasurer while Mrs J. Garrett was re-elected secretary. ST. GEORGE There were about 120 householder* nf the St. George School district present last evening. The annual report, which was read by the chairman was a$ follows: “In presenting the annual report apd balance-sheet for the year ending February 1923, your committee again have to express thanks for the manner in which all departments of the school have been maintained. “We beg to report the school opened in 1922 with an attendance of 508 (thus establishing another record). The school closed in December with the roll number at 532. “The average attendance for the year waa 492. This position is due to your committee having taken into consideration early in the year the question of bringing the school up to a first grade. (Grade 7). “With this object in view the householders were circularised requesting them to assist by seeing that their children attended regularly, and our thanks are due for their co-operation in this direction. “The result of this effort is that the school is listed as a first grade, and another assistant teacher was appointed to

the staff (Miss Campbell). Considerable alteration in the staff took place during the year, having lost the services of Mr Rowe, first assistant, who removed to Christchurch, and was succeeded by Mr' Lenihan. Miss MacDonald, head mistress, retired at the end of the year and her place was filled by Mias Selby. Miss McNaughton also severed her connection with the school and her position was taken up by Mr McNaughton. Miss Finlayson re signed owing to ill health. Her successor has not yet been appointed. “The following pupil teachers left to enter the Training College: Misses Henderson, Dillon, Willett, and Mr Campbell, and they were succeeded by Miss Mclndoc and Messrs Rout and Willett.

“The committee desire to express their appreciation to these teachers for their services rendered to the school. “On the eve of Miss MacDonald’s retirement, opportunity was taken to recognise her valuable services as head mistress. An appropriate function was held in the Parish Hall, being largely attended by parents and friends, when Miss MacDonald was recipitent of an engraved hand-bag along with a roll of notes. We once again wish to record our sincere appreciation of the very valuable work carried out by the head master (Mr G. Robertson) for his untiring efforts to bring the children on. Mr Robertson is ably supported by all members of his staff.

“We also wish to express gratification in the very excellent manner in which the school grounds and buildings are kept by the head master and pupils. “During the year a bazaar was held, the object being to raise money to level the remainder of the school grounds which work is now being carried out, and when completed the school will be in poaMMion of one of the best school grounds about the district.

“Several working bees were held during the year to carry out minor improvements, such as concrete ashbin, additional ’bike-shed

“Extra conveniences for the girls were built by the Department, and application has been made to have the school buildings painted. Despite the changes in the staff the general school work according to the inspector’s annual report was excellent in all departments. ‘Tn standard VI fifty one scholars entered for the proficiency examination and resulted in forty-four passing and six competency passes. “At the annual school sports the girls were again successful in winning the Hanan Shield for most points gained in events. “The base-ball cup was also won by the school girls’ team. The second grade school football competition was won by the boys who were also successful in winning the seven a-side tournament. Our thanks are due to Mr I. Jenkins for his untiring efforts in coaching the boys at football. “The annual picnic was held at the Bluff and was well attended by parents, teachers and scholars. “Towards the close of the year a concert was held to raise funds to procure prizes for the break-up, which we are pleased to say was a great success. “A cocoa club was inaugurated by the teachers and has proved a great succeaa. (Continued on Next PageJ

“The following committee were elected last year:—Messrs G. R. Brown (chairman), H. F. R. Miller • (secretary), Jas. Douglas (treasurer), J. S. Mac Kay, S. Gillies, F. Thompson, G. Champion, F. Bartlett, J. Eunson, and the following have been nominated for the ensuing year: Messrs G. R. Brown, H, F. R. Miller, J. S. Mac Kay, F. Bartlett, F. Thompson, Jas. Douglas, J. Eunson, T. Daniel, J. Mehaffey, A. Wilson, E. Race, Mrs Paisley and Mrs Pyper.

“The committee wish to thank the householders for the support rendered during the year and trust they will continue to assist the incoming committee to make St. George school the best in Southland.”

Office-bearers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—chairman, Mr G. R. Brown; secretary, Mr H. F. R. Miller; treasurer, Mr J. Douglas. The names of the newly-elected committee were as follows:—Messrs G. R. Brown, J. Douglas, H. F. Miller, T. J. Daniels, J. S. Mackay, F. C. Bartlett, E. J. Race, J. A. Mehaffey, F. Thomson. Mrs Paisley and Mr Thomson tied with 38 votes and on the casting vote of the chairman Mr Thomson was elected, he having been a member of the committee last year. The chairman, Mr Brown, placed before the householders the proposal to level the grounds at the back of the school and asphalt it as well as top-dress the rest of the asphalt, but as the balance in hand. £69 5s was hardly sufficient the committee has decided to hold a sale of work in July. NORTH INVERCARGILL. A large meeting of householders of the North Invercargill School wa§ held last night. Mr Anderson was voted to the chair. The following report was adopted:— “Your committee has to report another year of very gratifying work on the part of both teachers and pupils. The Inspector’s annual report showed that as regards efficiency, organisation, discipline, tone and manners, the school is on a very high level. Out of 45 pupils presented at the annual examination, 43 gained proficiency certificates and one a competency certificate, a result which reflects the greatest credit on the school. Ronald Shiels won a scholarship, while the other candidates from the school gained positions on the merit list. The chief event in the history of the school during the past year was the change in the headmastership. Mr Sproat, after eight years of work which won the admiration of ail in touch with the school, was promoted to the headmastership of Waihopai School. Opportunity was taken by the committee and parents to give Mr and Mrs Sproat a fitting farewell, at which due acknowledgement was made of their invaluable services. Mr Jas. Soar, of School, was appointed headmaster, and under his control, the work of the school is being carried on smoothly and efficiently. During the year three of the junior teachers, Misses Rout and Brand, and Mr Leckie, left to continue their training course, and their places have been taken by Misses Ritchie and McKenzie and Mr Ladbrook. The committee again desires to express its thanks to the staff for their loyal and enthusiastic work both in the class-room and on the playground. Out of doors the school has again had a highly creditable record. Especially gratifying is the return of the Galloway Shield to the school, and in this connection it may be mentioned that the display of the school drill squads has won the highest praise on all hands. The Hawke Shield was again won by the school at the Schools’ Association Sports, while a swimming cup and two senior cricket cups also stand to its credit. Mr Soar’s well-known skill in the latter game is proving a great benefit to the boys. During the year the portion of the playing ground that had been levelled and sown down, was mould-drained; this should result in a great improvement in its value as a playing area. The committee has had in view further improvements on the grounds, and trusts that the new committee will be able to carry some of these into effect. However, it would be unwise Ito carry out some of the improvements proposed in the immediate vicinity of the building until the necessary additions to the school are completed. The fence on the Windsor street frontag/ requires attention. Your committee has, also applied for additional shelter sheds, as those now in use are quite inadequate for the large number of children in attendance. But the most urgent requirement of all is increased school accommodation. Your committee has pressed this matter, but so far without result. The roll is steadily increasing, and every day sees new buildings being erected in North Invercargill. Already the school is overcrowded. One at least of the classrooms is not fit for teaching in, and every teacher who has taught in it has suffered in health. And what tells on teachers presumably tells on pupils too. A mattei* of the adjustment of the necessary expenditure as between the Department and the Board is delaying the erection of the building indefinitely, and the committee is beginning to feel 'that the law’s delays are nothing in comparison with the courteous ineptitude of Government departments. Of the . retiring committee two, Messrs Kent and Thom, do not seek re-election. Their fellow members regret the loss of .colleagues who have shown a keen interest in the work of the school and tendered valuable service on the committee.”

The balance sheet which was adopted showed a credit balance at the bank of £35 0s 4d, which was a decided improvement on last year’s account.

No election was required, as the required number were nominated for the committee. The members for the ensuing year are Messrs A. W. Anderson, W. Atley, A. Bain, J. Collie, W. Crawford, L. A. Day, A. R. Fletcher, L. 11. L. Holmes and J. Sadlier.

Mr Collie and Mr Atley were re-elected chairman and secretary respectively. A discussion took place regarding the building of a new school. A motion was moved by Mr Watts and seconded by Mr Strathern, “That this meeting of householders wish to strongly impress on the Education authorities, the urgent necessity of increasing the school accommodation, as the school is at present overcrowded, and the health of both teachers and scholars is suffering through the want of same.” A vote of thanks was accorded the retiring committee, ’and it was also unanimously decided that the Works Committee should remain as formerly. WAIKIWI SCHOOL. The annual meeting of householders was held in the school last night, the Rev W. J. Robertson presided. Ths following report was read by the chairman and unanimously adopted.

“In submitting the annual report the committee have to record what may be. regarded as a quiet year, everything has worked smoothly and steady progress has been made. We would fim express our deep sorrow at the removal by death of an el 4 and esteemed member of committee, Mr Jas. McLean. Mr McLean had during his connection with the committee held continuously, for about 30 years, the office of secretary and treasurer. He was by nature a quiet unassuming man, but was always ready to further any cause that had as its object the welfare of the community, and more especially of the youth of the community. He was most particular and painstaking in the discharge of his duties as secretary and the committee has sustained a great loss in his demise. We would like to take this opportunity of testifying to his worth and expressing our sympathy with his widow and family in their bereavement. As regards the school building and grounds vze have to state that these are in very fair order. New furniture has been provided by the Board for the infant room with small tables and chairs for the little ones. We have to express our thanks to Mr Denniston Cuthbertson for the gife of a sum of money which has made it possible to erect a Dux Roll upon which have been inscribed the names of duxes of the school as far back as records are available. The school grounds have been much improved by the laying out of a lawn and the planting of ornamental schrubs. The central weeping elm has unfortunately died but is to be replaced by the kindness of Messrs Lennie and Son. Great credit is due to the master and pupils for the way in which the lawn and plots have been

kept. We are pleased to report that we have secured an addition to the playing area by the acquirement of the section to the south of the playground and west of the Hall. This makes the playing area compact and convenient and ample. As regards the numerical strength of the school, we are glad to announce that we have passed another milestone. Last year we obtained an average attendance of over 200 which has raised the grade of the school. The community are to be congratulated on this achievement as it means better staffing and consequently better attention to individual classes. Another cer tificated teacher has been added to the staff (and also another pupil teacher). It means more even than this addition to staff. It means that better qualified staff can be retained as the salaries of the assistants are increased and therefore there is less inducement for good teachers to seek other appointments. Another effect of this advance in grade is that now we are required to provide a committee of nine instead of seven. In this we trust there will be no difficulty. In conclusion we would like to congratulate the headmaster and staff upon the continued success of their work and the high praise of the inspectors’ report. The following were elected:—Rev W. J. Robertson (chairman), Messrs John Grant, James Robertson, John F. Forde, Wm. Steel and Wm. Brash, Mr H. R. Neas was appointed secretary pro tern. As the grading of the school has advanced the committee automatically is increased to nine and the following gentlemen were nominated, their names to be submitted to the Education Board: —Messrs Thos Todd, H. R. Neas and R. Y. Whyte. WAIHOPAI SCHOOL. lhe following is the report of the Waihopai School Committee for the year ended February 28, 1923: At the annual meeting of householders held on April 13, 1922, the following persons were elected members of committee: — Messrs F. E. McChesnev, W. Pickford, L. Webb, F. A. D. Barclay, P. H. Challis, W. E. Clarke, L. Murray, H. Cooper and C. G. L. Pollock.

At the first meeting of the new committee Mr F. E. McChesney was appointed chairman; and Mr C. G. L. Pollock secretary and treasurer and Messrs L. Webb and L. Murray delegates to the Schools’ Committee Association. .A very cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr H. Cooper, the retiring secretary, for his past services.

Waihopai School has u dominion reputation and it has been the Committee’s constant endeavour to live up to the traditions of the school they had the honour to serve. For very many years past Waihopai School was, always well represented on the scholarship lists, but this year there were no entrants for this examination; nevertheless in athletics which play no mean part in the full education of every child, our school did itself credit as the following record shows:—Girls—runners up in baseball, basket-ball, and Hanan Shield; boys—runners up in Grade II football, senior cricket and third for the Hawke Shield. The school also secured second place in the physical drill competition for the Galloway Shield. This betokens a very uniform standard of excellence and speaks 'volumes for those members of the staff who specialise in the sports section. During the the Committee provided the school football team with jerseys in the school colours As regards the staff, there were two notable retirements during the year, viz: that of Mr D. McNeil, 8.A., headmaster, and Mr J. A. Henry, first assistant. Mr McNeil, who held the position of headmaster for over 30 years saw the school rise from a merely suburban one to the forefront among our educational institutions and gave this school that tradition mentioned earlier in this report. Mr McNeil was an ideal teacher whose sole interest was his school; so great was his enthusiasm and so well rewarded was he by results that he held the scholarship record for the wEole of the Dominion on many occasions. Mr McNeil was more than teacher to those young lives privileged to come under his care—he was a personal friend to every girl and boy who passed through his hands; to the members of his staff he was most considerate and while holding decided views on certain phases of modern education, he did not obtrude his preferences, giving each pupil and teacher an opportunity to develop along their own lines and in accordance with their own special gifts. Mr J. Henry, who was the first assistant at the time of his retirement, spent many years at our school with conspicuous success, and was a keen admirer of his chief. No one could be more conscientious and painstaking than Mr Henry and his departure was keenly felt by parents and pupils alike. He went to the wider field of Canterbury and a headmastership, and takes with him the best wishes of a host of true friends which he won for himself while teaching at Waihopai School. Miss L. Fraser, who resigned to enter the matrimonial field was a gifted teacher, who by her winsome personality endeared herself to the children coming under her charge. She takes with her our best wishes to her new home.

Mr McNeil’s position was filled by Mr W. A. Sproat. who has thrown himself heartily into the work of the school and is leaving no stone unturned to maifitain that high standard of efficiency set by his predecessor. Mr D. Brown was appointed in Mr Henry’s place; and Miss Bain in place of Miss Fraser. Of the pupil teachers and probationers the ’Misses Greig, McKelvie, Scott and Mcßean and Messrs Laytham and Kania went forward to the Training College the vacancies thus created being filled by the appointment of Misses Svendsen, Dey and Houston; and Messrs Howie, Stevens and Ferguson.

At the last householders’ meeting it was a recommendation to the new committee that steps be taken as soon as opportunity offered to instal the electric light into the school; we are pleased /o be able to report that we were in a position to give effect to the householders’ wishes in this respect and had the light put into the committee room, the infant room (which is the largest rofim in the building) and all the corridors have been properly lighted. Besides affecting a considerable saving this has proved a great convenience to those responsible for cleaning the school building. During the year, also, the committee had the gas laid into the building, and a gas ring and copper urn supplied for the use of a cocoa, club. Our best thanks are again due to Miss Salmond' for kindly supervising this branch of the work which provides a hot drink to each child under the necessity of lunching at school. During rhe summer vacation the grounds received attention; no fewer than sixty loads of gravel being supplied, the benefit of which will no doubt be appreciated when the winter months approach. The committee is much indebted to the Controller General of Prisons who very kindly authorised his Department to supply our requirements in this direction on most favourable terms.

In view of the extension of the sewerage system into Gladstone, and recognising the necessity for the urgent need of more up-to-date sanitary arrangements for the school your committee approached the Education Board with a view to having new and commodious outhouses provided so that we would be in a position to have the sewerage installed at the earliest possible moment. It is regretted that our proposals in this direction were turned down. The mattter cannot be allowed to rest here for the headmaster has already drawn the committee’s attention to the unsatisfactory state of affairs, and as far as the boys’ lavatory is concerned more accommodation is absolutely necessary at the earliest possible moment. ' To strengthen the hands of the in-coming committee it is suggested that this matter receive attention by the householders at this meeting. Your committee had already decided to make further representations to the Board but it is also a matter for the attention of householders in view of the difficulty experienced at the present time in getting new works put in hand.

In conclusion we desire to convey to the headmaster and his assistants our sincere appreciation of their combined efforts to further the work of our school in every direction.

The report is signed by the chairman, Mr F. E. McChesney, and the secretary, Mr C. G. L. Pollock. There was no meeting as only two householders were present and the meeting lapsed. WELLINGTON RESOCUTIONS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 31. Several meetings of householders to-night decided to support the circular resolution regarding the protest on 'moneys raised by local effort, also to urge" the Government the need for raising £3,000,000 for rebuilding schools. The opinion was expressed by some that there should be a reversion to the old system of obtaining handwork supplies on a capitation basis as opposed to the present method of obtaining them through the Department.