Selections at schools

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1933, Page 4

Selections at schools

EFFECTS OF ECONOMY MEASURES

RAISED AGE OF ENTRY OPPOSED

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GROUNDS

mHF annual meetings of householders throughout the Taranaki education district were held .last night. The keynote or the reports was the financial difficulties with which the committees found themselves faced owing to the economy measures of the Government. In many quarters there was criticism of the raising of the school age of admission from five to six. It was pointed but that the operation of this measure had affected the roll numbers, and that as a result there was a danger of schools falling in grade. The opinion was expressed at more than one meeting, however, that the position would laige y rectify itself in the course of time, and parents were reminded of the fact that if their children would turn six .before, the end of next term they were entitled to be placed on the school register at the beginning of the term. A feature of the work during the year was the improvement to the grounds owing to the labour made available under the unemployment plans.

NO ELECTION AT WEST END TWO HOUSEHOLDERS ATTEND. GOOD WORK OF MR. J. E. SHIMMIN. At the West End school Mr. W. H. Jones presided over a small attendance, comprising the committeemen, the headmaster, and two householders. As only the requisite number ‘of nominations were received there was no need for an election. The nominations were published last week, there being one new \ member, Mr. A. Hadfield, who take;; Mr. F. Parker’s place. * . After thanking Mr. J. E. Shimmin and his staff the chairman reported that the roll number had been seriously affected by the legislation increasing the age of enrolment from five years to six years. This affected the staffing and substantially reduced the capitation by £ls at a time when other expenses had increased. Owing to economy measures handwork supplies and many other items formerly supplied fey a paternal government were now for the committee and parents to provide. By the careful management of Mr. Shimmin and his staff and the husbanding of funds by the secretary the requirements of the schoyi had up to 'the present been kept within the committee’s resources. In December, 1931, the roll number was 435 and in May, 1932, it began to drop until this month they had reached the low figure-of 353. If the school were to maintain its grade of 6a a substantial increase would be necessary. It was hoped thjg would come about 1 next term. Dur* ing July the children experienced a mild i epidemic of colds and chicken pox, this affecting the attendance. We held our annual plain and fancy dress ball in August and both children and ■ parents spent a most pleasant evening. The children reflected careful training and discipline of their teachers and the supper arrangements the usual careful attention of an efficient ladies’ committee. SWIMMING SUCCESSES. After reviewing the principal events of the year, the chairman said the school competed in the competitions under the Taranaki' Schools’ Swimming Association. Dorothy Herdman won the championship for the girls, Ronald Shepherd, won the learners’ competition and Douglas Gayton-tied with two others for. the Dr. Walker Cup. The Weston Shield was again won by the girls’'relay team and the McHardie Shield was retained by the boys’ team. In football activities the A Grade team visited Inglewood and played the West team to decide the championship of the northern section. The West End team won and met the Hawera team at Stratford, this match ending in a draw. The school had also won the C grade championship after playing off with Fitzrey. The examination by. the inspectors at the end of the term resulted in all of Standard VI. gaining their proficiency or competency, except four or five, showing that Mr. Shimmin and his staff had maintained the activities of the school in a well-balanced condition. Tn regard to the school surroundings a good deal of substantial work had been done under the direction of Mr. F. Parker, to whom thanks was due for the forethought and care given the grounds. He had-provided the plants and seen to the planting of a line of trees around the boundary, to the planting of pongas, hydrangeas, shrubs and flowers, and had supervised the work of the men who have been employed on the grounds. These men had done careful and tradesmenlike work. The committee formed a working bee and gathered sufficient stone from Paritutu, which was carted to the grounds and built into the substantial wall and seating running from the western gate to the school. A concrete cricket pitch had been laid down, trees cleared and cut into firewood for the' school. The bare places on the football ground were being turfed over, a swing donated by Mr. F. May was erected, a bell had been donated by Mr. F. Hooker, and . an open concrete drain covered with movable concrete slabs for ease in cleaning had been formed to'take the surface water into the main drain. The grounds were damaged to some extent by the sewer excavations. At the request of the committee the Davis Lane approach to the school was improved to a slight extent. The need for tar-sealing this short section of roadway was urged on the council. Most of the children walked this street four times a day, the equivalent - at least, of a thousand pairs of feet each day. The only change on the committee was owing to the resignation of Mr. T. Parsons after five years of useful service. Mr. Tingey was elected in his place. DENTAL CLINIC OPERATION. The dental clinic was a new item and one that would have to be closely watched. The committee impressed upon parents the necessity of paying promptly the small fee. The committee was liable for this fee for each ‘child treated and having no funds for the purpose, had to restrict the dental roll to those who paid the fee required, by the dental clinic committee. For this year it had again been fixed at 2s Sd.

The cost of the special class. ,was a drain on the finances, the increment, .to our capitation from this source was about £5 10s on the present roll. The cpst of cleaning alone amounted to £lO a year, to which must be added maintenance and firing. ■ . During the year Miss Robertson, Mr. A. D. Train and Mr. Middieweek had left, their places being filled by Miss Kirton, Mr. Barnes and Mr. Nicholls. ' Now they were to lose the services of the headmaster, who had successfully guided the destinies of the school for four years. The falling in grade of the school had forced him to look afield, and while -it was regretted the circumstances that had occasioned this, the committee congratu-, dated him on the substantial promotion. Mr. Shimmin had worked wholeheartedly with the committee in planning and helping to bring many of the committee’s Schemes to fruition, had been very jealous of the reputation and high standard of the school and had thrown himself with energy and enthusiasm into all the school activities. Mr. Jones felt that the highest compliment that could be paid him was the widespread expressions of regret from the senior scholars that their headmaster was'leaving.'. The committee hoped that in Gisborne he would always remember West End and would some day see the fruition df the work begun here. The report was adopted. Mr. Shimmin thanked the chairman for his references to himself and the staff. He thought the improvements to the school grounds would become more appreciated as the years went on. He would leave next Friday feeling proud of the tone of the school and of its good name, but sorry that he was severing his association with the committee, teachers and children. Mr. Shimmin said he wish- 1 ed to express his appreciation # of the many telephone messages he had received expressing regret at his departure. Mr.. Shimmin presented a report supplementing that of the chairman. Mr. C. Berg was elected chairman, ia succession to Mr. Jones, who would not accept renomination, Mr. F. •E. May deputy-chairman and Mr. H. J. Abram honorary secretary. The meeting night was again fixed for the second Thursday in each month. Captain H. L. Hay was appointed delegate to the dental clinic committee. CENTRAL SCHOOL AFFAIRS MEETING NOT CONTROVERSIAL. ALL OLD MEMBERS RETURNED. The election of the eight members of the retiring committee who offered themselves was the feature of the annual meeting of Central' 3 district householders. There were no discussions, and the tone of the meeting was one of entire satisfaction. Mr.'S. G. Smith, M.P., presided over an attendance of over 40 householders. The annual report of the committee stated:— The school roll stood at 716, as against 780 in December last and 897 in December, 1931. Since the end of 1931 the school had fallen four sub-grades, the chief factors being the opening of the school at Welboume, the raising of the school entrance age, the promotion of large members from Form II and transfers to country districts. In both the infant and main schools a high standard of efficiency had been maintained, and the work of the school, under the capable organisation and management of the headmaster, Mr. D. P. Evans, assisted by an earnest staff had earned the praise of the school inspectors. Since last report the school had suffered by many changes, in the personnel of the staff.’ During this period Miss Papps, infant mistress, and Mrs. Larkin, assistant mistress, after rendering eight years’ service on the staff, retired and the loss of two such excellent infant teachers was keenly felt. In addition, after rendering excellent service, Miss Walker for five years, Miss' Jurd three years, Miss Hogg four years and Messrs R. Adlam two years and F. A. Bruce five years, all left on promotion. The vacancies were filled by Miss Robertson as infant mistress, Misses Civil, Murray, Brooker and Mullon and Mr. G. J. Caiman and a number “of rationed teachers. Tfie rationing of teachers was having a bad effect on the progress of pupils. A definite plan of ground improvement was commenced during the year and a considerable amount of work done. Ar, funds permit „ further improvements would be carried out.

The school annual ball was again a most successful function, arid thanks, were due to the ladies for the fine result. The school picnic was held at the East End reserve, where a most enjoyable day was spent by pupils, teachers and parents. Sports and pastimes were entered ‘into heartily by both pupils and staff with creditable results. Swimming received encouragement and as a result 136 pupils learned to swim and 88 gained their certificate for distances from 50 to. 880 yards. ’ . . 0 Excellent work had been done at the dental clinic during the year. ■ A total of 346 scholars received treatment and the results indicated the importance of the work. Thanks were due to the

Home and School Association for everready assistance. The social evenings had been enjoyable and the means of increasing interest in the school. Co-opera-tion at the ' annual ball, gala day and other functions was a considerable factor in improving the finances of the comIn the general account £274 5s was received from the Education Board, £l3 6s 6d for rent of. gymnasium and £23 15s from the Home and School Association, the total being £313 16s 6d. Expenditure included cleaning' £169 9s Id,' fuel and light £52 Ils lOd, repairs and maintenance £132 4s Id,, books and stationery £lO 19s 9d, telephones, insurances etc. £32 Bs, the total expenditure being £4ll 14s lOd, leaving a debit , balance of £97 18s 4d..The capitation allowance was insufficient to Seet. the requirements of the school. ie specials account showed £289 6s 6d raised by special efforts such as the school ball, the gala day and from the Home and School Association and the expenditure was £l6B -18 s sd, leaving a credit balance in that account of £l2O 8s id.■ The committee extended thanks to Mr. H. W. Broad, a member of the committee for a number of years who -was not seeking re-election. ' - - Mr. Smith said that the most disturbing feature of.'the report was the mention, made .of the disorganisation caused by the rationing of teachers. It was unfortunate . that too. many. teachers had been trained; the rationing must he regarded as a temporary expedient. It would be more, satisfactory if changes in the staff could be made at stated in-, tervals. ■ ■ : A motion of thanks to the ' staff , was carried with acclamation. Votes of thanks were also accorded the outgoing committee and the Home and School Association. ■ ■ ' The meeting placed on record appreciation of the services on the committee for a number of years of Mr. W. Broad, who was not seeking re-election, and also of the support of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. King, who were leaving shortly for Wellington. The election of the committee resulted: Messrs. F. A. Coleman, A. Feakins, Dunkley, E. W. Hodder, W. H. Huggett, F. C. Potter, F. S. Nichojson, J. O. Turner (members of the retiring committee) and A. W. Holder. At ..a . subset quent meeting of the committee. Mr. _ F. A. Coleman was elected chairman, Mr. J. O. Turner deputy-chairman and Mr. A. Feakins secretary. Mr. Coleman was re-elected: the committee’s representative on the dental clinic committee, and Messrs. Nicholson' and Holder will- represent the committee on the Home and School. Association. . PROGRESS. iMADE AT FITZROY GOOD ATTENDANCE AT MEETING. ' RE-ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN. At Fitzroy Mr. L. A. Nolan presided : over an attendance of over thirty. • The report stated that the accounts, for ’ the year .showed the following credit 1 balances: General account, 4fi; special : account, £7 Os 2d; sports account, £5 Is 7d. The expenditure under the general account was £225 3s 5d and under the special account £53 16s 3d. The committee found it necessary to practice the most rigid economy, whilst in doing so it had been careful to see that the needs of the school had in no way suffered. .The amount received from parents for treatment of their children at-the dental clinic was £2O 15s, whilst the committee s liability to the clinic committee was £24 15s, which meant that the committee was called upon to find £4 out of the special account. “■ 1 . , , . The school was fortunate in having few changes in the teaching staff. Under the rationing scheme for probationary assistants Misses L. Chapman and D. Abraham were appointed from February 1 to May 6, 1932, Miss Brooker and Miss Day for the second term, and Miss Haylock and Miss Sturm for the third term. Miss Dalefield took up her duties on March 1, 1932, replacing, Miss Lunam, who was appointed infant mistress at Matapp. On February 1, 1933, Miss Lucas left to take up a position at Vogeltown. Her place on the staff had been filled by Miss D. Walker, late of the Central Infants’ staff. The school opened on February T, 1932, with a roll number of 558. During the year-150 pupils were admitted and 161 withdrawn. Owing to the loss of a large standard 6 class and the exclusion of five-year-old children 1933 opened with a roll number of-480. .( The number of infants to be admitted during the term commencing May 22 will' practically decide whether the school retains its Grade 7 status. \ The falling of the grade would mean the immediate loss to the school of one of the assistant teachers and a consequent re-organisation of certain classes. An important point that needed emphasising was that children who would reach the age of six years any time, up to August 18 might be admitted to school on the first- day of the second term (May 22). The annual examinations were very satisfactory, the average number of passes being quite as high as at schools of similar size. The experience of years proved that compulsory home lessons did not affect examination results. Except for the children’s fancy dress ball, which showed a profit of £6 13s, the weekly dances held by the committee to raise funds for school purposes were not a success financially and the committee regretted that the public of Fitzroy did not patronise them as they might do, seeing that they were held solely to benefit the school. SCOUTS AND CUBS. The Fitzroy troop of scouts and cub packs had again been under the management of the committee, ■ with Mr. J. G. C. Leach as scoutmaster. The general progress of- the troop was well maintained and there was a slight increase in the numerical strength. The two cub packs had been in charge of Miss A. Duckworth and Mrs. Leach. Recently the latter resigned owing to indifferent health and as a temporary arrangement Miss Duckworth has taken over the second pack. The two packs combined are too unwieldy for one cubmistress and the committee is endeavouring to secure a suitable assistant for Miss Duckworth. In the meantime Mr. F. Coleman and Mr. R. Hopkins (district scoutmaster) had been rendering splendid service and the committee was greatly indebted to them.

The school picnic was held at the Ngamotu beach .and proved to be one of the most successful held. The jubilee of the school was celebrated in September and was a great success in every way except financially. Even there it would have been a success except for a shower of rain at the orily one of the functions that could have been affected by the weather. The debit balance was not much and the committee had hoped that some of the old pupils; realising this, would have assisted in making up the deficit, but so far nothing had been done and it would be for the incoming committee to organise some function to wipe off the amount owing. It would have been comparatively easy to have raised a considerable amount if charges had been made for admission to grounds, and taking collections, etc. The committee did not deem it wise to do this as the idea was to have a school jubilee and to arrange the' celebrations at a minimum cost to those interested, and in this it claims to have been successful. The A football team played six matches, winning three; the C team played .eight matches, winning seven. At cricket the A team was defeated only

by Bell Block, which produced an unbeaten team and won the Whittle Shield—no mean performance for a country school. For the first round of the 1933 season the cricket team was in the leading position, having an unbeaten record. At basketball the A team played five matches, winning two, while the B team played four matches, winning three. The school annual sports were held. It was gratifying to note the increased interest of parents this year as shown by the large attendance during the afternoon. The senior championships were won by Ernie Hill and Vera Bint, the intermediate championships by Cyril Taylor and Myra Williams and the junior championships by Trevor > Briggs and Margaret Binns. The committee regretted ■ that Mr. Harold Hall, the senior member of the. committee, was no longer seeking office. . Mr. Hall had been a member of the committee for 12 years; he had done his best in the interest ,of the school and it has been a good 'best too. The same could he said with respect to Mr. S. Quickfall.• During the five years he had been a member of the committee and found it impossible to continue. The committee expressed, appreciation of the work done and the hearty. :co-operation with the committee of the headmaster and staff. Special mention was made of the services rendered by Mr. E. Armitage (secretary) to ’ the school and the chairman during the school jubilee. He was untiring in his (efforts and much of the success of the jubilee was due -to his hard work. The committee regretted that finances, v/ere such that it was unable to give him .a more fitting recognition than a mere vote ■of thanks. Thanks were also, extended to others who had assisted the com'mittee. Mr. Nolan considered that the committee, with Messrs. J. A. Burr, E. Armitage and G. A. Lyall, had done their work very well. He was pleased to see how well the school had done in the sphere of sport. He commented upon the success of the “no homework” system. Mr. J. A. Burr stressed the need for parents to send their money in for dental clinic treatment without delay in order to facilitate the work of the committee. The headmaster* <Mr. Lyall) said the outstanding, difficulty was the precarious nature pf the attendance. The school was in grave danger, of dropping a grade. The new* regulation allowed all children who would be six years next August to be enrolled. It was on these and the general attendance that would depend their ,fate. : A short discussion took place on the subject of the dental clinic and Mr. Burr cleared up misapprehensions that existed in the minds' of many. .' ‘ There were ten nominations ■ for the nine vacancies: on the committee. The following were elected:. Messrs. J. A. Burr, C. IL Cook, A. S. Hunter, R. J. Kibby, S. D. Kibby, R. W. McKenzie, ■ R. Milne, M. J. O’Donnell, C;. A. Vbullaire. ... At a subsequent meeting of the new committee . Mr. Burr was..elected chair- ■ man, Mr. Voullaire deputy-chairman and ; Mr. Armitage secretary. Mr. Burr was : appointed the committee’s .delegate to the ’ dental clinic committee. It was decided that the committee, with ' the addition of Messrs. Armitage ' and ■ Lyall, have control of the scout and cub packs. ■ ; ■ WESTOWN’S GOOD YEAR. FORMER COMMITTEE ELECTED. FALL IN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE., There was an attendance of about 30 at Westown, Mr. R. Z J. Deare presiding. The report submitted by the chairman of the committee (Mr. L. T. Aylward) stated that the year had again been successful in every department except that of attendance, which had fallen from 258 to 238. The matter was one for grave concern. The school maintained its reputation for efficiency and character building, the .results of examinations and the reports or 1 inspectors being pleasing in every respect. *

The school identified itself in a practical way with Scout and Cub work, Red Cross work, the pound scheme and other efforts for the good of the community. The junior Red Cross circle ladies assisted the headmaster, thus relieving the strain of working with a depleted staff. Under the rationing- of work scheme, three probationary assistants have been on the staff. It must be clear that such a system of change could never, be in the best interests of the school, for the task of organisation of work was made difficult, pupils were handicapped by non-continuity of control and the probationers worked under the disability of short periods of employment. Miss.Kirton, infant mistress, was transferred to West End, and Miss Hawkes, from Moturoa, was appointed to the vacancy. Funds were raised by a concert, ■ fancy dress ball and exhibition. Sports material, library books, etc., were provided for the school. A cocoa scheme was inaugurated last winter for the benefit of the children. On the sports side it had been a good year, swimming having been taken up with enthusiasm. At the school sports Westown was a close second in points for the championship. A calf-rearing competition under the guidance of. Mr. W. Turnbull was run during the spring months and produced good results. A' committee of ladies was appointed to visit the cookery classes and to note the progress of the work from the school point of view. Visits of that nature were encouraged by the instructors. The dental clinic scheme worked smoothly. Westown children treated numbered 121, and the levy of 2s. 6d per child had been estimated tq meet the costs for the year. The committee recommended that some scheme be devised to raise funds for erecting a gymnasium on the grounds. Mr. Marsden, a committeeman, had- submitted plans which should be within the capacity of the suburb to carry out. The chairman said it was very serious that the school age had been raised to six years and he considered economies could have been effected otherwise. He considered the proposal for the erection of a gymnasium deserved every encouragement. There were twelve nominations for the nine seats on the committee and the election resulted in the return of the retiring committee: Messrs L. T. Aylward, J. W. Darby, V. C. Davies, E. W. Deacon, R. Gredig, D. C. Potts, G. W. Turnbull, F. W. Marsden and J. M. Poynter. Mr. H. V. Leighton, who tied for the ninth place, withdrew. The headmaster (Mr. W. A. Brown) said that it was twelve months since the age had been raised and they should now commence to receive additions to their roll. As far as he could hear there were only six to eight children likely to enter. To maintain' their grade for 1934,-the school would require to maintain an average of 234 for the next term. That would necessitate a roll of 253, an increase of about 15.

Discussion took place over the proposal to erect a gymnasium, which was favourably considered by the householders present. Mr. Brown stated that in view of the introduction of a system of physical drill a gymnasium was an urgent necessity. He considered that in years to come the effect of the system would be as revolutionary in its effect on the physique of the young people of from five years to 14 years as had been the Plunket system. The gymnasium would also fill the place of an assembly hall.

It was resolved that the committee be recommended to go into the question of erecting a gymnasium. A suggestion was made that an • en-

deavour be made to revive the Taranaki School Committees’ Association. VOGELTOWN YEAR CARE NEEDED IN FINANCE. GROUNDS IN GOOD ORDER. Mr. W. H. Broome'presided-over art attendance of 14 at the Vogeltown householders’ meeting. ‘ In his report the chairman said the’ results of the examinations. and reportsfrom inspectors'had been very good dur-i frig the year, showing that the work of the headmaster. (Mr. . T. A.Nicoll) and staff had . not. been in vain. Everyone; of the 16 candidates for proficiency obtained ■ a certificate. Miss King (infant mistress)/ who/had . done excellent . work in .the primary classes since the inception of the school, 16ft at the end of last; year. Mr. Ferry: left. at the . completion of his second term after having taken a-keen interest in his work in the school and. playground....Bo th ers carried the best wishes of the committee. Miss Lucas commenced her duties as infant mistress at the beginning of the year. ; The. school had gone up a grade during the year'and was thus entitled to the services of ..another permanent teacher; this position-had- been filled by Miss Gibson. Mr. Gruszning was appointed a probationary assistant for the first term and Miss M. Fleming for the second. The roll number was now 164 and the average attendance 157.1, a little lower than last year on account of the age of admission having been raised. Several children entered the calf-rearing competition, with very good results. Twentyfive swimming certificates were obtained. The area had been improved by removing the hill next to Mr. Broome’s fence and two large stumps. Clay from the road was used to fill up the ■ holes in the grounds/the part in front of the girls’ shelter had been laid down in.'Qollass. and sanded, , and other parts around the school had been metalled. The flower "garden had’been, ena shelter hedge having been planted on the northern side and . a post and; wire fence erected' on the outside of this hedge.. A. ponga. fence was being erected on the southern side'of the path and two ponga arches had been built—one at the'gate , and the other at the school'end of the path, the latter-having seats around it. Shrubs had been donated -by'Mr. Mills and pongas by the Huatoki-Domain-committee. Most of the work had been done by relief, labour, The centre, of the plantation had been cleared and the pathway'reformed and coated -lightly with gravel. Fifty young trees from the school garden had been used to replace some destroyed' by fife. The Lawsoniana hedge at the .end of the girls’ playground had - been - replanted. Mrs.. Martin; had given, the committee permission to use for firewood the pine trees that had been shading the grounds; a hedge would be planted in their place. The swimming pool was extended by putting in a cutting at the top end 30ft. wide and 100 ft. long, thus giving a straight swim of 100 yards. The paths at the side of the pool had been levelled and the bottom of the dam cleaned.: Adult users of the pool had not responded to calls for working bees, only two besides committeemen having attended on the first occasion and none on the? second. The financial position was not very good and only by. careful management could the committee hope to meet its obligations at the end of the year. The general account was in credit £ll 12s 3d, the library account £2 5s 6d and the clinic account £4 17s. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the chairman . congratulated the committee on finishing a difficult year- with a credit balance. The chairman of the retiring committee, Mr. J. M. Thomson, said the dental clinic had worked well and the school started this year with 77 old members. Nearly all subscriptions had been received. The committee had not had to pay for any of the children treated last year, which he thought was a credit to the district. The number of dental nurses had bee* reduced from four to three but he thought the work would not suffer on that account The following were appointed the incoming committee: Messrs. C. Arnold, C. E. Brethertori, R. Gilbert, T. Johns, T. Paton, S. R. Smith and J. M. Thomson. The formation of a home and school association was discussed in order to raise funds to make further improvements to the playing areas. It was decided to call a special meeting to discuss the matter. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr. J. M. Thomson was elected chairman and Mr. R. Gilbert secretary and treasurer. MOTUROA CONGRATULATED 55 HOUSEHOLDERS ATTEND. STEADY PROGRESS RECORDED. I Fifty-five householders attended the ‘ Moturoa school meeting. Mr. Everard Gilmour presided. He thanked Mr. W. R. Adams, the staff and the retiring committee and congratulated them on the ’ balance-sheet. From all points of view the year had been a most successful one, and thanks were due to the headmaster and his staff for their co-operation, to the mem- : bers of the committee, and to the ladies’ social committee for their untiring efforts i in all the social functions connected with the school, said the report presented toj

the Moturoa school meeting. Special thanks were due the secretary, Mr. H. Pryce, for assistance he had given the committee., j Changes were made in ■ the staff, the position,of infant mistress occupied during the past four or-five years by Miss M. Hawkes being filled by... Miss F. Evans. The rationing system 1 ' was brought into vogue last year, various junior teachers being given a term’s ■ work. Fortunately the school was allowed to retain the services of Miss a rationed teacher, for two full terms instead Of the usual one. No probationers were appointed by the Education Board this year. The attendance' had on the whole been 'exceptionally good, arid if such was kept up the present grade of the school would be maintained. The school took; part in the various schools’ competitions —football, basketball and cricket. The girls’ team was successful in winning the' cup. Keen interest was taken in swimming, many pupils gaining their certificates. Sports material had been supplied by the committee' and, fares to Inglewood. Fourteen pupils were, presented at proficiency examinations held at the end of the year, 12 gaining. the proficiency and two competency certificates. The dux was Colin Edgecombe. A special prize was presented to Roy Olson, a second-year pupil who although not eligible for dux. honours gained the highest marks at various term examinations. • . . ’ ■Y -

Various ' ground improvements were carried out. The swamp had been thoroughly drained and when funds were available it was proposed to clean this area, put down an assembly ground arid plant with native shrubs. A commencement had been made with the concrete assembly ground in front of the school. It was hoped to have this extended from time to time. Thirty-eight pupils* were treated at the dental clinic, and roughly 40 had signified their intention of continuing treatment during the current year. As material for handwork was not sup r plied by the Education Board the committee had to make a grant whereby a supply could be purchased. The annual picnic was held at Lepperton and proved a very great success. The fares for all pupils were paid by the committee, as were all other expenses connected with the outing. The chairman expressed thanks to Sister Corkill for her continued interest in the school, to Miss Dowling for the help she was giving in the musical side and to the many tradesmen who often helped. Nine nominations were received for! the committee and the following were) elected:—Messrs. H. Pryce, A. Connett, W. H. Smith, A. Bensley, J. Cunningham, H. Gaylard and W. Hunter. At a subsequent meeting Mr. Bensley was elected chairman and Mr. H. Pryce secretary. GOOD PROGRESS AT WAITARA EXCELLENT TONE REPORTED. THE STAFF CONGRATULATED. Mr. W. B. Glasgow presided over an attendance of 10., The report of the committee presented to the annual meeting of householders at Watiara last night recorded excellent progress in all branches of the school work and games. Mr. Bullen and his staff had not spared their efforts to maintain and improve the efficiency, discipline and general tone of the school, and the committee complimented them on their very successful work, and recorded the thanks of the committee and parents for the personal care and attention they bestowed on the children. Mrs. Bullen also has rendered first aid for cuts and bruises and ihe minor accidents that occurred.

1 The inspectors’ reports had been, most . encouraging. They recorded that the » school organisation ensured the maximum effort, from both teachers and j pupils, that the headmaster was in close . touch with the work of the classes and 5l managed the school in a businesslike . mahner, and that the staff was capable; 3 , and industrious, while , the general atti--3 tude of the pupils to their work and 3 to their school was admirable. The stan- . dard of attainment was good, and the 3 tone and discipline were very good. The 1 buildings were in. satisfactory order and . the grounds, neat, and .well maintained. . The school was to be congratulated on its strong hold on the community. t The roll number a year ago was 379 3 and to-day it was 369. The'exclusipn I of the five-year-olds had affected the roll to the extent of about 20, and' the 3 immediate result of the raising of the > school age was the loss, of any prospect >' of the school reaching grade 6 this year. . Apart from questions of grade, however, . the committee was more convinced than . ever that the raising of the school age ( had been a serious mistake and one that should be remedied by Parliament. Now- . adays the splendid equipment of the [ primer classrooms and the fact that the , infant' mistress was -ae of the senior . teachers ' of the school made it little i short of a disaster that children should L have to .miss a year of their primer life. ; The committee was very sorry to lose . Miss Gibson when she accepted an ap- , pointment at the Vogeltown School. Her place was taken by Miss E. Griffin, who at the beginning of this year had a . standard 1 of 74 children to teach.'This , impossible position has been relieved by i the' appointment of Miss Bell as additional assistant. However, the days of , large classes were coming back, as would be seen from the roll number of the classes as follows:—Primers 1,2 and 3, 61 children; 2 teachers; Standard 1, 70 children,. 2 teachers; standard 2, 55 child-, ren, 1 teacher; standard 3, 59 children, 1 teacher; standard 4, 51 children, 1 teacher;' standard 5, 39 children, 1 teacher; standard 6, 33 children, 1 teacher. Miss Garcia as additional assistant, and Miss Pepper and Miss Reeve as probationary assistants had done very good work. * / ' , The school concert' profit was £33 9s lOd, a most welcome addition to the funds. ’ Mr. Bullen has perfected a very thorough system of baths discipline, and it was hoped the chance of an accident was now very small. The pupils of. Tikorangi and Lepperton schools who attended for ' woodwork and cookery, were granted the use of the baths under the supervision of their own teachers, and the 1 Waitara Life-saving Club was also given | permission to use the baths at ■ certain times. A very successful season of sports activities was reviewed at length by the report. The committee elected comprised Messrs. W. B. Glasgow, A. J. Arms, J. R. Armstrong, L. Andrews, P. Appleby, R. H. Pickering, L. Old, A. Chadwick and H. Purdie. The chairman referred to the retiring members and placed on record the good work of Messrs. W. Cole, C. Kettle and G. H. Topless. Mr. Kettle was member of the committee for 18 years and for Several years was secretary. , At a later committee meeting Mr. Gias- ■ gow was re-elected chairman and A J. Arms secretary and treasurer. The visiting committee appointed' for • May was the chairman and Mr. Pickering. The chairman and Mr. Chadwick were authorised to plant a hedge and shrubs at the entrance from McLean Street in place of the old iron fence, which has been removed. LOWER MANGOREI SCHOOL. MEETING NOT WELL ATTENDED. Owing to the inclement weather only six attended the householders’ meeting at Lower Mangorei.. Messrs. F. Robinson, G. Bennett, L. Deighton, G. Mace and C.

Mr. Robinson was elected chairman and Mr. Deighton secretary. The chairman’s report stated there was a small credit balance from both entertainments and the capitation grant. A long-felt jvant had been filled .by - the purchase *of a grampphone. The school grounds and garden had been kept in a very creditable condition and the work had gained the approval of the inspector. The chairman pointed out that it was the duty of every patent to keep the school up to its present state of efficiency. This year the parents were called on. for the first time to pay towards the dental clinic. ■ .■ ' t-.- .■ \ . The report of the headmaster, Mr. M. Goldsbury, stated that the roll numbered 55, the lowest since the, opening of the school. The chief reason was the exclusion of the five-year-olds. Miss Mattieson, of the Addington school, replaced Miss Newton, who left for England last June. Very good progress had been made in her department. The marks gained by three of those who gained their pro ficiency this year were the highest in the history of the school. Much of the success of the agricultural. department was due, said Mr. Goldsbury, to Messrs. Bennett, Varnham and Peyriam who had given manures, and Mr. O. Jordan for cartage. Mr. Mathews had allowed _the children the use of his swimming pool and a most successful season had been held. The school for the first time took • part in Music Week festivities in New Plymouth. ' - ‘ : ''• - ' .■ '/"■ ■ RAHOTU COMMITTEE ELECTION. REQUEST FOR DENTAL CLINIC. A movement for the establishment of a dental clinic on the coast was set on foot at the Rahotu householders’ meeting last night. Mr. W. H. Butler presided over an attendance of nine. The new committee was elected as follows: Messrs. Butler (chairman), W. Was wo (secretary), W. J. Wright, N. C. Morgan, R. Morgan, W. Fairhurst and R. Murray.,, ’ ~ , There was a discussion over the ad-; visability of an agitation for the establishment of a dental clinic on the coast and it was decided, that such a move should be made. The Director of School Hygiene will be written to and a meeting called later. The report indicated that the committee possessed a good balance, although much work had been done in the school grounds, including tar-sealing. FRANKLEY SCHOOL ELECTION. TWELVE PEOPLE AT MEETING. There were a dozen householders at the Frankley school meeting. Mr. R. J. Thomas presided. Th© election of the committee resulted in the return of Messrs. L. O. Taylor, J. Deegan, A. E. Simpson, F. A. Lee A (re-elected) and L. South. At a subse- , quent meeting of the committee Mr. Lee was re-elected chairman and Mr. Simpson'secretary. There was no discussion, the runnings of the school in the opinion of the meeting having been quite_satisfactory.