South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1928, Page 2

South Taranaki News

DAILY NEWS OFFICE: Morrissey’s Buildings, Union Street. P.O. Box No. 133. Telephone No. 2706.

EDUCATION IN TARANAKI

FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS. REVIEW BY’ BOARD’S CHAIRMAN. An interesting review of the work of the Taranaki Education Board during its 50 years’ existence, was given by Mr. 8. G. Smith, chairman of the board, in addressing Hawera citizens at the opening of the new infant school yesterday. “It may be of interest to note that in 1877 there were under thg* jurisdiction of the Taranaki education district 23 schools, 23 head teachers, 7 assistant teachers, and 2 pupil teachers teaching 726 children with an average attendance of only 496 (i.e. 68 per cent, of full attendance),” said Mr. Smith. “At the end of 1915 these had been increased to 104 schools, 103 head teachers, 86 assistants, and 33 pupil teachers teaching 6504 pupils, with an average attendance of 5837 (i.e. 89 per cent, of full attendance).” “In 1926 42 schools were taken over from the Wanganui and Auckland Education Boards, and included in this number were 16 schools held in buildings not the property of the boards. These 42 schools, containing 2542 pupils, were under the charge of 102 teachers, and whatever feeling existed against the inclusion in the Taranaki district soon entirely disappeared. Committees and parents have since worked in harmony with the board for the best interests o? the pupils. To-day, in the Taranaki education district, there are 174 schools, 171 head teachers, 200 assistant teachers, and 30 probationers, teaching 11,792 pupils, with an average attendance of 10,310. THE POSITION IN HAWERA. “The Hawera school history has been published many times,” continued Mr. Smith. “When the Taranaki Education Board took over the administration in 1916, the population of Hawera was 3270 and there were only two public schools, the District High School having 601 children in charge of Mr. C. A Strack, assisted by 10 assistants (including Mr. J. R. Nairn, first assistant, and Miss Lanyon, infant mistress) and five probationers. In addition 55 children under Miss Robina Tait and Miss Winifred Bates were being taught at a side school, whilst 20 pupils in the secondary department were under Miss Janet McLeod. The present manual building was Under the supervisor, Mr. H. W. Jackson. To-day there is in the Hawera borough a population estimated at 4575, an increase of 1300 people in twelve years, and there are six good public schools. These include the Technical High School, costing £17,000, and a hostel costing £7654. The '"awhiti school, with an average roll of 184, was built in 1919 and cost £3OOO. It was added to in 1923 at a cost of £930. The Turuturu school (average 1 I) was built in 1926 at a cost of £1915. In addition there is now a special modern type of infant school costing approximately £3500, a re-modelled old school, and a well organised manual training school. “The present Hawera school (old District High School disestablished in 1919) when remodelled, will comprise 10 classrooms, including the old gymnasium and the room for special classes, and also a classroom outside which will be used as a elass for delicate children. It will accommodate comfortably 516 children. There are at present 14 assistants and approval has just been given to engage another in a temporary capacity. J>OX-ACADEMIC CLASS. “The board is now arranging for a special elass for non-academic children and hopes to inaugurate a new type of class for delicate children who will benefit by special treatment,” said Mr. Smith in conclusion. The new infant rooms give accommodation for 215 children, and there are already about 200. At the last board meeting the senior inspector, Mr. N. R. McKenzie, who had had perhaps more experience than any other man in New Zealand, stated that this new infant school was the most perfect he had seen in any country ho had visited. There was plenty of sunlight, and the control of the air in the rooms was simply marvellous. The interior atmosphere had a freshness that he had not experienced elsewhere, and he was pleased to know the board intended to follow the design in other places. The Hawera building was similar to the open-air room at Courtenay Street infant school, New Plymouth. The board was most fortunate in its architect. Mr. C. H. Moore.

UNDER TROPIC SKIES. WORK OF MELANESIAN MISSION. Mission work in the Solomon Islands was the subject of a particularly interesting lecture by Major H. S. Robinson, general secretary and treasurer of the Melanesian Mission, in St. Mary’s schoolroom, Hawera, on Monday. The lecturer said he had recently visited these islands, and had carried out a journey of some 9000- miles, including 150 calls at various islands in the tropic seas. He traced briefly the history oi this work of the Anglican Church from its inception in 1842 by Bishop George Augustus Selwyn to the present day. A magnificent set of lantern slides was used to illustrate the story of adventure and personal sacrifice.

A tribute was paid to the work of other churches whose representatives were at work in the islands. The lecturer pointed out how men like Selwyn and Patteson had gone out from New Zealand to prosecute the great work for Christianity among the heathen; how young native lads had been induced to come down to New Zealand to the mission school at Auckland; and how later, owing to climatic conditions, the mission school had been moved to Norfolk Island, where it had been located until 1919, when, owing to the development of the work, the headquarters had been moved right up to the heart of the Solomon Islands to a place called Siota. Schools had been established at many central places throughout the whole length of

RATES ON CROWN LANDS

Melanesia, which comprised a territory of over 2000 miles.

The lecturer vividly portrayed the life of the district missionary, telling of the loneliness and ihe work being done for the betterment of the natives of the islands, comprising a total population of some 200,000. Many stories of native incidents, some amusing and others of a pathetic nature, were recounted. An especially interesting feature was the description of the artificial islands, of which there are many in the Solomon Islands group. The lecturer made out a strong case for the support of mission work, and ably answered the oft-raised statement that the heathen were better left alone in their heathen state. Major Robinson pointed out how through better and growing communication civilisation was bound to proceed, and it was a matter fop grave concern that civilisation should proceed along the best and surest lines for the betterment of the world and for the credit of the Empire which had established a protectorate over the Solomons in 1893. Conditions of life were such that the white race could not leave these native peoples in such appalling heathenism and to the mercies of unscrupulous people who were ever ready to exploit the ignorant heathen. Largely due to the work of missionaries most of these islands were now habitable by white men, and even women, and the missionary must be considered as a most potent factor in the development of these lands.

In conclusion, the speaker emphasised the fact that the missionary was more than a teacher of the native races; he was an Empire-builder.

At the conclusion of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker for his illuminating lecture.

WAVERLEY MILITARY CAMP.

BIG CROWDS ON VISITORS’ DAY. Waverley racecourse presented an animated appearance on Sunday afternoon, when the camp was thrown open to friends and relatives of the trainees. On entering the racecourse one was struck by the neat appearance of the camp and surroundings. The Queen Alexandra’s Band rendered selections during the afternoon, which were much appreciated. The cornet solos of Sergeant Bergenson were greatly admired. Lieut.-Colonel Foley, camp commandant, said he was well pleased with the progress in training, the surrounding country proving ideal for military manoeuvres. Discipline had been well maintained, the officers, instructors and men entering into the spirit of training with every zeal. Everybody speaks highly of the entertainments arranged by the people of Waverley for the men while in eamp. A pleasing feature of visitors’ day was the number of ex-service men who visited the camp to meet comrades of 1914-18 and to show their interest in the regiment.

DEPUTATION TO HON. A. D, McLEOD At Patea yesterday morning, the Minister of Lands (Hon. A. D. McLeod) was met by a deputation introduced by Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., at the Patea Cui :ity Council Chambers, concerning the matter of county rates and the loss of rates due to Crown lands being unoccupied. It was generally urged that special concessions be given to the county councils concerned, it was impossible to maintain roads)® these areas on the rates collected.

The Minister gave the deputation a sympathetic hearing, and stated that so far as the Government’s responsibility was concerned in the matter of rates accruing on Crown lands, the position was clearly defined by Statute, and any departure from this was a policy matter. He appreciated the present haxl reading facilities in the deteriorated road areas, but felt bound to remind the county that its special disabilities were always taken into consideration by the Minister of Public Works, when the question of grants was under consideration.

SOUTHERN JUNIOR FOOTBALL.

The junior football fixtures for the southern divisi n were re-drawn last night. Referees for Saturday’s matches are:— Juniors, May 26.—Athletic v. Kaponga, at Kaponga, Mr. R. Bowman; Opunake v. Patea, at Patea, Mr. A. Murphy; Alton v. Waimate, at Manaia, Mr. M. Bayley; Okaiawa v. Hawera, at Hawera, Mr. A. E. Spratt. June 2.—Waimate v. Athletic, at Hawera; Kaponga v. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa; Alton v. Patea, at Patea; Opunake v. Hawera, at Hawera. June 9. —Athletic v. Opunake, at Opunake; Patea y. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa; Waimate v. Hawera, nt Hawera; Kaponga v. Alton, at Alton. June 16.—Athletic v. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa; Patea v. Waimate, at Manaia; Kaponga v. Opunake, at Opunake; Hawera v. Alton, at Alton. June 23.—Athletic v. Hawera, at Hawera; Okaiawa v. Waimate, at Manaia; Patea v. Kaponga, at Kaponga; Opunake v. Alton, at Alton. Fourth Grade. May 26.—H.5. A v. H.S. B, at Hawera, Mr. A. Gray; Patea y. Kaponga, at Kaponga, Mr. W. Bicheno; Athletic v. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa, Mr. P. Lind; Hawera v. Waimate, at Manaia, Mr. J. Christie. June 2.—H.S. A v. Hawera, at Hawera; H.S. B v. Kaponga, at Kaponga; Okaiawa v. Waimate, at Manaia; Athletic v. Patea, at Patea. June 9 H.S. A v. Waimate, at Manaia; H.S. B v. Hawera, at Hawera; Patea v. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa; Kaponga v. Athletic, at Hawera. June 16.—Waimate v. H.S. B, at Hawera; Athletic v. H.S. A, at Hawera; Hawera v, Patea, at Patea; Okaiawa v. Kaponga. at Kaponga

June 23. —Patea v. Waimate, at lanaia; Kaponga v. H.S. A, at Hawera; Athletic v. H.S. B, at Hawera; Hawera v. Okaiawa, at Okaiawa. Referees for Wednesday matches are: To-day.—City v. Ohangai, at Ohangai, Mr. A. E. Spratt; Fraser Road v. Whareroa, at Fraser Road, Mr. H. Hughes. May 30. —City v. Fraser Road, at Fraser Road, Mr. F. Atkins; Whareroa v. Ohangai, at Ohangai, Mr. G. Hurley.

GENERAL ITEMS.

From the officer commanding the New Zealand military forces a circular inviting applications for appointments as officer cadets in the New Zealand Permanent Forces was received by the Hawera High School Board of Governors at the monthly meeting on Monday. Tile circular pointed out the advantages of the offer, which had ultimately in view a course at Sandhurst M’.itrr College (England) and a regular attae. ::ient to a regiment in the British Army.

Late on Monday afternoon a five-seater-motor car, while proceeding along the Mountain Road near the Rotokare Road junction, skidded and capsized in endeavouring to pass another car. The driver, his wife, and two children had a miraculous escape, suffering only minor injuries, though the hood of the' car collapsed and was flattened against the body of the vehicle.

The prize of a quantity of seed, offered for the Matapu root-growing competitions last year, was won by a prominent member of the Matapu branch of the Fanners’ Union, He duly called at the Hawera business house to collect bis winnings but found that the seed offered was of a certain brand in which he had not much faith. He therefore went to another firm and purchased what seed he required only to find, after it had been sown, that it was of the same brand as that which he had had the opportunity of cccuring without charge.

“The top windows are of vita glass,” explained Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., at the opening of the new open-air infant class roms at Hawera yesterday. “Through them the ultra violet rays penetrate. The rays are said to be excellent for the health of the children, and the doctors will be out of a job if the little ones Bit under the glass.”

To play Fraser Road at Fraser Road to-day, the Whareroa team will be selected from the following: Ryan, French, Spragg, Murphy, Bloor (3), Smith, lament, Ingram, McDonald, Ashton, Carroll, Freyne, Price, Haigh, Tyler, Pepperill.

The City team to play Ohangai at Ohangai to-day is Bryant, Macbeth, Sutton, Foster, Dyke, Goodger, Mclntyre, Ward, Yeung, Hart, Clark, Norris, Fraser, Caimcross, Jones, Jackson, Cannon. Brie leaves post office for Ohangai at 1.30 sharp.

“I find my time exceedingly well taken up with the three or four jobs I have to hold down, and it tal.es me all my time to hold them down With botn hands and both feet,” declared the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, at the opening of the new open-air classrooms at the Hawera school yesterday.

In bringing forward a request of the South 'Jommitiee lor assistance in improving the road to Dawson Falls, and also in providing improved accommodation at the hostel, Mr. T. B. Crump said his committee fully appreciated the department’s activities and sympathy in the past. The position in the south was somewhat different to that in the north and east, owing to the fact that their greatest reed lay in improving the accommodation.

“I do not belong to the tribe: that puts on a wise look and agrees with everything,” said the Minister of Lands, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, in reference to the claims of open-air schools, at the opening of the new open-air class room in Hawera--yesterday. /’I know nothing about it. I think it is a matter largely for experts. Of course wo are all experts when it is a matter for criticising what someone else is doing, even in politics. (Laughter). No doubt changing ideas and thoughts bring about further improvements, and in that respect Mr. Wright has the full confidence of his colleagues. The times ffiiange very rapidly and it is a good thing so long as they do not change so far as the Government is concerned,” qualified the Minister hurriedly.

Following is the Mangatoki mens hockey team to play Hav. era A at Hawera to-day: McGuinness (2), Thomson, Cleaver, Free, Schmid, Sutton, Bennie, Gernhoefer, Colson, Sheerin. Emergencies: Parker (fofwird); Day (back;.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Mr. W. Williams, formerly of Hawera, and now managing editor of the Te Aroha News, is staying with Mr. A. C. .Piper, of Hawera, during a short visit to this district.

Major H. S. Robinson, general secretary of the Melanesian Mission, left by the mail train yesterday for Wanganui, where he will give a series of lectures before proceeding to Auckland.

Mr. Geoige Syme, junr.. left Hawera by the mail train yesterday en route to Matahina, Bay of Plenty. Mr. Syme, who is on a business trip, will be away for about a week.

Messrs. T. A. Winks and J. B. Muidoch proceeded to Wellington yesterday by the mail train, where they attend a meeting of the National Dairy Association.

The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, accompanied by Messrs. M. ana G. McLeod, and his private secretary, Mr. A. W Mulligan, arrived in Hawera at midday yesterday.

OPERA HOUSE—HAW ERA

“THE CRADLE SNATCHERS.” Without exaggeration this is the best comedy dir.ma of the year. This story, of three wives who find that their husbands go hunting, not for ducks as they claim, but for chickens, and who turn the tables on their deeehers by hiring three college boys to make love to them to arouse their husbands’ jealousies, is screamingly funny. The sub titles which accompany the action, the casting, direction and the story itself make, all together, a perfect picture. Louise Faz

enda, gorgeous blonde, who insists on having a real Spanish lover with a kick, while she is at the business of getting even with hubby, is ideally east and gives a perfect gerformunce of a neglected wife who turns loose for the time of her lifa, while J. Fa.'rell MacDonald ns her duck hunting husband finds too late that his wife was not as easy as she looked. Ethel Wales and Dorothy Phillips ;>s the other two wives, and the three college boys hired to act the Romeos for the occasion, do their share toward making “Cradle Snatchers” th® unqualified success it is. An entertainment supreme from every angle. Th® box plan for the season is at the Opera House Confectionery. -wise and re . serve.