NELSON TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 12018, 20 August 1907, Page 2

NELSON TOWN SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

Last night the monthly meeting of the above named Committee was held, there being present the Rev. J. H. MacKenize (chairman), the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, Messrs Walter Snodgrass, A. H. Bisley, Vercoe, and Boyes. Apologies were received for the absence of Mr Franklyn and Mr Webley. The minutes were confirmed. The correspondence was read and considered. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Bisley, Seconded by Mr Vercoe, that five gallons of Little's. uon^poisbnodd Sheep dip bo obtained, to be mixed in the water for damping the saw 1 dust used in sweeping, the sBhoo^; (The Tiniaru School Oommittefe reported that they had found the dip to be a splendid disinfectant. ) . The Inspectors' report as to th# examination 4 6f.. the . schools in the' Easterii division was received; Replies, wero received from the Marlborough, Wellington, and North Canterbury Boards as to how the special. grant to School Committees was distributed in those distriots. Jn each case the Committees received 9d per head.on the average attendance of the preceding year*.? ■ .. Resolved, on the motion of the 5 Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, seconded by Mr Bisley, that the letters received be forwarded to the Board, and that the Boaid be asked to reconsider its apportionment of the special grant. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Vercoe, seconded by the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, that if Gasworks coke be not procurable, that the better class of coke be procured for the stoves in the schools. Mr Boyes suggested that in the summer the Committee should lay in a^stock of coko for next winter's use. - Regarding the appointment or, A pupil teacher, resolved, on the motion of the Rev. J. P. Kethpthorhe, seoonded by Mr Verooe, that the names of Mr R. C. Bell and Miss L. Homer be forwarded to thb Board, in the order named. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Boyesi seconded by Mr Bisley, that the Board be informed that in future the Committee expects all the names applicants to be forwarded to them of incompliance with: section 57 subsection 2a of the Education Act. The Schools reports (for part of a onth) showed:— Boys (Eastern division), 521 on roll; 416 average', attendance; 80.2 percentage. Girls (Western division), oh roll 622, average attendance 552; 88.7 percentage; The, Chairman, explained how 1 . came to pass that the Town Sohools were closed. At the Girls' (Western division), there were 295 absentees, and at tbe Boys' (Eastern division) 280. Keeping the schools open was helping to spread the influenza, some of the teachers were ill, and the low attendance would seriously affeot the teachers' salaries. This . week has been given instead of the regular holiday^in September. After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, seconded by Mr Bisley, tbat the action of the Gjhair* man in closing the Schools be' endorsed. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Bisley, seoonded by Mr Boyes, tbit all accounts presented for payment be certified to by the Secretary as being correct. It was emphasised that all accounts should be sent in as soon as any work is completed. Large and aooumulated accounts seriously affeot the Committee in dealing with their finances. g Mr Vercoe gave notioe of motion that at the next monthly meeting the question of shortening the Christmas holidays, and giving holidays at the hop-pioking season, be considered by the Committee. Acooiints were passed for payment, received in July £8 4s; received in August £26 17s 2d. The Committeemen adjourned.