OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20395, 26 January 1928, Page 5

OTAUTAU NOTES

SCHOOL COMMITTEE. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the School Committee was held in the school on Monday evening, and was attended by Messrs G. Sinclair (chairman), J. Scatter, H. Laing, H. L. Chandler, G. H. Bone, D. Campbell and W. B. Rowan (secretary). Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P., wrote stating he would support the committee in their endeavour to get the annual grant increased to the same amount as formerly.—Received. Mr Bell, Assistant Director of Education, wrote that unless the allowances were increased generally, or a new scale drawn up, it would be impossible to reconsider the matter of increasing the grant. He stated that the Government subsidised, £ for £, amounts raised locally towards the incidental expenses of a school, and that several committees were obtaining grants in this way. They would be entitled to an increased grant next year, as the attendance of the school had recovered.—lt. was decided to renew representations to the Department. DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. The secretary, Southland Education Board, wrote stating that the communication of the committee with reference to the establishment of a district high school had been considered by the board, and in view of the fact that only 23 promises had been given the matter had been held over, the position to be reviewed at the end of six months. Mr Adam Hamilton M.P. wrote promising his assistance towards getting the school established. A letter was also received from the Prime Minister stating that careful consideration would be given to the representations of the committee for the establishment of the school. SCHOOL PICNIC. The secretary reported that arrangements were well forward regarding the annual school excursion to Colac Bay on Thursday, February 2. The Department had not so far advised him as to train arrangements and fares. It was decided to communicate with the Colac Bay Committee regarding arrangements for hot water. It was resolved to hold sports on the beach for the children, and the chairman and secretary were empowered to procure toys for prizes to the value of £3. HEADMASTER’S REMOVAL. Prior to severing his connection with the Otautau School as headmaster to take up a similar position at Bluff, Mr G. F. Griffiths thanked the members of the committee for the manner in which they had discharged their duties. He had been in close contact with the chairman and secretary, and had known none better. He hoped in the future to have the co-operation of gentlemen of equal worth. During his term as headmaster he had endeavoured to cultivate in the pupils a true civic spirit. He regretted having to seek pastures new just as the pupils were responding to the call. He had endeavoured to follow in the steps of his predecessors and had met with a fair measure of success. In conclusion he exhorted the parents to take an active interest in the school.

In moving that the resignation be received with regret the chairman (Mr G. Sinclair) made eulogistic reference to Mr Griffiths’ work as headmaster, this being of a' high standard. His remarks were endorsed by several members of the committee, and the secretary was directed to write Mr Griffiths wishing him every success in his new sphere. GENERAL. The secretary, Southland Education Board, advised that Mr S. Foley had been appointed substitute assistant at Otautau for a period of twelve months.—Received. The Education Board also advised that the application of the committee for subsidy on contribution of £7 16/- in aid of the supply and fitting of locks, chains, etc., for gates and doors of outbuildings, repairs to tank, grating, and flooring of play-shed and erection of wire-netting fences and gate for garden plot, had been approved by the Department and the work could therefore be proceeded with.—Received. The secretary was directed to forward a letter of thanks to Miss Donnan for making a cover for the piano. BOWLING. A good deal of amusement, both to spectators and players, was caused on Friday evening on the local green, when a match was played between the “colts” and last year’s players, the former emerging victorious by seven points. In presenting the winners with a “medal” each, and the losers with a packet of a well-known cure for all ills, Mr Moore, in the absence of the president, congratulated the colts on their fine performance, and trusted they would wear the trophies as a memento of their prowess on the bowling green. Following were the scores:— O.P. C. J. Smith, F. Duncan, W. Taylor, A. Buchanan . . . .21 Bellamy, L. Harrington, Melrose, S. Harrington . . . , 28 The following matches have been played off in the competitions:—Colts’ Championship, R. S. Harrington beat Molrose. President’s Handicap—Duncan (5) 23 beat L. Harrington (7) 19; Melrose (5) 22 beat Porteous (scr) 20; Moore (scr) 25 beat Taylor (6) 20; J. Scatter (3) 18 beat Lumsden (1) 17; Hay beat Bellamy; Walker (4) 21 beat Sinclair (4) 16. Doubles Handicap—L. Harrington and W. Scatter (4) 23 beat Ballani and Lumsden (6) 22. Champion Singles—Hall 18 beat Sinclair 12; J. Scatter 22 beat J. Thomson 13; Buchanan beat Brooker; Walker 24 beat W. Scatter 16; Taylor beat Roberts by default; Moore a bye. Following is the draw for the next round:— Colts’ Championship, fourth round—R. S. Harrington v. L. Harrington; Ballam a bye. Handicap Doubles—L. Harrington and W. Scatter (4) v. J. Smith and Mills (5); Chandler and Porteous (2) v. winners of the match; Harrington and Thomson v. Roberts and J. Scatter. Champion Singles—Moore v. Hay; Lumsden v. Saxelby; R. Buchanan v. J. Scatter; Hall v. Walker. Taylor a bye. SEND-OFF TO MR GRIFFITJHS. A public meeting was held in the school on Monday evening to consider the question of giving Mr Griffiths (who has been appointed headmaster at Bluff) a suitable send-off. During his residence in the township Mr Griffiths has taken an active interest in the Presbyterian Church, had been instrumental in forming a Glee Club, and with the assistance of the school pupils had transformed the ground at the Soldiers’ Memorial from a wilderness into a garden beautiful. It was decided to accord him a public farewell in the Town Hall on Friday, February 10. Mr Sinclair was appointed chairman and Rev. Ayrton secretary of a strong committee appointed to arrange details. CLEARING SALE. At a clearing sale last Friday, on behalf of the executor in the estate of the late Edward Henderson, the 95-acre farm on the banks of the Aparima river found a purchaser in Mr George Low at £l4 10/- per acre.