EDUCATIONAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4536, 13 February 1942, Page 5

EDUCATIONAL

TE AWAMUTU PRIMARY SCHOOLS MEETING OF COMMITTEE A meeting of the Committee of the Te Awamutu Primary Schools was held on Wednesday evening, when there were present; Messrs Les. S. Armstrong (chairman), J. Waters, J. Short, Les. W. Spence, E. Menary, Tom Short, and G- M- Wall. An apology was received from Mr A. B. White. The chairman briefly extended a cordial welcome to members on the occasion of the first meeting of the year, which he trusted would prove a good and progressive one for the schools in particular and the cause of education generally. A FINE TRIBUTE The chairman made feeling reference to the sudden death of the late George Melrose, and said he felt he voiced the sentiments of all when he stated that the committeemen and children had lost “ a real good friend.” On the motion of Mr Wall, it was decided to send a letter of condolence to Mrs Melrose and family. Members then stood in silence as a tribute to the deceased gentleman. HEADMASTER’S REPORT A letter was read from the Headmaster (Mr N. F. Rigby) apologising for his absence from the meeting owing to illness, which had also prevented him attending the re-opening of the schools, and so far he had been unable to resume his duties, He advised that the. roll number was 541, and that 56 new pupils had been enrolled,so far this year. Miss L. M. JAustin and Miss D. S. Pattison had been appointed probationary assistants, and had commenced their duties on February 2. The report was received and sympathetic reference made to the illness of Mr Rigby, who was wished a speedy recovery. ... ' , CORRESPONDENCE The Auckland Education Board advised that the architect had been instructed to prepare plant and specifications for new additions to the school with‘a view to calling tenders for the work at an early date.—The Committee expressed pleasure and 'gratification at the action taken. The Young Women’s Bible Class was granted permission to use the Roche Street school for sleeping quarters during the Easter vacation, this being made subject to the Board’s approval. Mrs E. Hunter wrote offering the use of an acre of her property adjoining the Teasdale Street school for the purpose of growing vegetables, the proceeds to go to the patriotic funds.—lt was decided to reply thanking Mrs Hunter for her generous offer but explaining that as the schools only had as pupils boys up to Standard 4 it would not be feasible to do anything in the matter. REPORTS RECEIVED Mr Tom Short reported having passed the contractors’ work in regard to the interior painting of the brick school, Teasdale Street, stating that the work had been faithfully executed. Members remarked on the greatlyimproved appearance of the building. It was decided to place a suitable covering on the floor of the Headmaster’s study. Mr Wall reported having had several banks around the lawns re-grad-ed, while a considerable amount of “tidying up” had been performed by a working bee of the Committee.—lt was decided to sow the bank with grass-seed; also to apply to the Board for improvements to the storm-water drainage. THE SCHOOL BUSES Mr Jack Short brought up the question Of running the school buses half an hour later during the winter terms, holding that the present Was the time to decide the matter. After considerable discussion it was decided to approach the High School Committee on the matter. GENERAL BUSINESS The secretary was instructed to write the Automobile Associatin (Auckland) asking it to erect school signs in Teasdale Street. It was decided to send a letter of thanks and appreciation to Mr And, rew Wallace for his generous action in mowing, free of charge, the paddock at the Dental Clinic. Messrs Les. Spence and A. B. White were appointed the inspection committee for the ensuing month. It was decided that in future meetings be held on the second Friday in each month. Accounts amounting to £l2 17s were passed for payment.