OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20148, 7 April 1927, Page 4

OTAUTAU NOTES

SCHOOL COMMITTEE. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting on Monday evening of the Otautau School Committee was at(ended by Messrs A. A. Liddell- (chairman), G. H. Stevens (secretary), D. McGregor, H. L. Chandler, D. Campbell, A. Fisher and the Rev. Ayrton. The headmaster reported as follows: The roll to-day stood at 231, an increase of five during the past week. The average attendance for March was 213, over 90 per cent., which was very satisfactory. On the whole, parents were co-operating to maintain the school staffing. Miss Kirkpatrick had received an appointment at Gisborne, and was leaving during the May holidays. She had served the school faithfully for three years, and was an efficient teacher, and they would be sorry to lose her. The school would be closed on April 8 to allow the staff to attend the Teachers’ Conference. He had much pleasure in expressing personal appreciation, and also that of the staff, for the help and consideration given ro the school, collectively and individually, j by the committee during the past year. —Adopted. The chairman reported having visited Invercargill for the purpose of interviewing the Education Board with reference to the diverting of the money for improvements to school grounds to the installation of a heating system. He had been unsuccessful, as he could not get into touch with Board members. He had, however, interviewed the Minister of Education on the occasion of his recent visit on the matter, and had also approached him regarding the partition required in the infant room. The Minister had assured him that if application were made through the Southland Education Board for the transfer of the money, the request would be granted. He would also see that sufficient money was made available for the partition when the remodelling of the school was being carried out. —The chairman’s action was approved, and it was resolved that application be made to the department through the Southland Education Board. The caretaker of the school intimated that owing to ill-health she wished to relinquish her duties as from April 30. —The resignation was accepted, and applications are to be called for the position, the secretary being directed to write Mrs Morgan and thank her for past services. The resignation of Miss Kirkpatrick was also received. The chairman said they were sorry to lose her services as a teacher, but he understood she was receiving promotion. —The resignation was accepted with regret, and the secretary was instructed to convey to Miss Kirkpatrick the committee’s appreciation of her services. Accounts- amounting to £l5 15/7 were, passed for payment. The chairman thanked the headmaster for his remarks regarding the committee, and also members for their attendance and i support during the year. They had worked harmoniously together, and he trusted there would be a large householders’ meeting on April 26, and that the incoming committee would have a successful year.

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT. The last euchre tournament run by the ladies in aid of the Dental Clinic was held on Monday evening, when there was a good attendance. The ladies’ prize (a bottle of scent) was won by Miss Scatter, while four tied for the men’s prize, Mr H. L. Chandler proving the winner in the “cut,” and received a pair of braces. The “booby” prizes went to Mrs W. Bradshaw and Mr C. Yates. As a result of these tournaments about £2O has been added to the Dental Clinic fund. ACCIDENT. Mr Michael Bulman, son of Mr Arthur Bulman, Fairfax, had two fingers shattered on Friday last as the result of a gunshot accident. He was removed to the hospital for treatment. BISHOP RICHARDS’ VISIT. The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Dunedin, Dr. Isaac Richards, arrived in the township on Monday evening, and at a combined service in St. Andrew’s Church addressed the King’s Crusaders, Sunday School teachers, Guides, Boy Scouts and parents on the work of the Church’s Army, Young People, and Missionary work. He afterwards dedicated a banner which had been made by Mrs Rountree and presented to the Crusaders. On Tuesday morning the Bishop celebrated Holy Communion, when many of the candidates for confirmation were present. He visited Dunearn the same day and held a confirmation service there.