EDUCATIONAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3829, 4 November 1936, Page 4

EDUCATIONAL

TE AWAMUTU DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. ’ Mr G. B. Melrose presided at the monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu District High School Committee on Tuesday evening, and also present were Messrs E. Menary, J. Waters, W. C. Savill, L. S. Armstrong, J. Marston, D. Clark, and the assistant secretary, Mr J. G. Wynyard, jun. The headmaster, Mr A. J. Shepherd, was in attendance. The chairman reported the reisig nation of Mr L. C. Cooke from Committee, he having left the district. Members expressed regret at Mr Cooke’s departure from the district, for during his residence in Te Awamutu he had displayed a keen an I practical initerest in school affairs. The resignation was accepted wi h regret. The chairman reported that a payment of £94 18s had been received from the Board of Education, being a gratuitous donation to compensate for the reduced capitation allowance available for January Ist last. This, he said, would enable thei committee to increase the wageS of the caretaker, who, all would agree, had been much underpaid for a considerable time, due to circumstances over which the Committee had no control. An increase should, he thought, be the first duty of the Committee, afterpayment of outstanding accounts—most of them small but all overdue. These accounts totalled £2B 18s 6d. It had to be remembered, said the chairman that there would be no further capitation grant available until next February. Therefore funds would have to be conserved to meet commitments up to that date. It was unanimously agreed to increase the caretaker’s wages by £1 per week, and to give him a deferred payment.

It was decided to write again reminding the Borough Council of its obligation to provide warning signs for motorists approaching schools, and asking tltat the signs be erected as quickly as possible. The Auckland Board’s secretary wrote that arrangements for tarrfng a further portion of the school grounds are, being made by the Public Works Department at Hamilton. The chairman said an officer of the P.W.D. had visited the school and he expected the work would be put in hand during the next term holidays. The Board of Education advised an increase of 40 per cent, in the School Fund allowance. Received with thanks. But it was pointed out that practically the whole of the capitation is used for caretaking, leaving nothing for the larger schools for the many other calls on school funds. The school, grade 3, is entitled to greater consideration. The additional 40 percent. only provides for increasing the caretaker’s wages to a reasonable figure, thus not easing the school funds at all, and necessitating continued appeals to parents and other wellwishers for assistance. Acknowledging the Committee’s letter, which pointed out that it considers it to be essential that all school buses have a certificate of fitness before being allowed to carry children to and from school. In reply he wrote: “The Board understands that this question is still under the consideration of the Transport Department and the Education Department. I have further to explain that at one time such certificates of fitness were required, but in view of the rigid specification insisted on by the Transport Department, certain difficulties arose and the present arrangement was made whereby vehicles used for school conveyance services must be passed by the Transport Inspector of the local body of the district.” This was felt to be far more satisfactory, and it was pointed out that motor vehicles conveying pigs and bobby calves must have a certificate of road worthiness, yet a bus carrying children has not to conform to the same requirements. The hope was expressed that the district Transport Inspector would see that school buses are kept up to the highest standard reasonable. Further, that agreement will soon be reached between the Transport Department and Education Department to ensure uniformity. The headmaster reported that the primary attendance roll at date stands at 369, with an average attendance of 332. The secondary department roll is 89, with an average of 77. He added that sickness has been prevalent but children are now recovering and the attendance is improving. The chairman mentioned that since last meeting a portion of the school ground (nearest Victoria Park) had been dug and planted in potatoes. It was hoped the crop would be prolific, and its sale provide much-needed funds. The cropping would benefit the grounds. The Waipa Cricket Association wrote applying for the use of the school pitch for matches.—The headmaster, in commending the application, remarked that it would help with the cost of cutting the grass. Granted. Mr Shepherd reported that the school rifle range is to be officially opened on Saturday next, and Colonel Miles, of the Northern Command, hopes to be prese.nt. It was decided to ask Mr J. A. Maxwell, a formei- member of the Committee, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr L. C. Cooke. Thei financial position was placed beforh the Committee by the treasurer.—Received.