MANAIA SCHOOL WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1933, Page 10

MANAIA SCHOOL WORK

SUCCESS AT WINTER SHOW. NO ALTERATION IN HOURS. The Manaia School Committee met on Wednesday evening, when those present were Messrs. T. A. Bridge (chairman), G. H. Butler, V. H. Adlam, G. B. Stoddart, P. H. Instone and 0. T. Parry. The report of the headmaster, Mr. J. Browning, stated: The primary roll for the month was 230 and the secondary roll 38, the average attendances being 215 and 34.5. There had been six children admitted and five withdrawn in the primary department. The headmaster stated that it would be necessary for the secondary department to commence at 8.40 as more time was needed to fulfil the requirements of the syllabus. This was the recommendation of the inspectors and was being given a trial that day. The success of the school at the Hawera winter show was mentioned, the school having won the James and Gillman Shield in the rural division. The school achieved considerable success in the drawing, mapping, essay and health chart sections.

The majority of pupils now had individual towels and it was considered that the common towel could shortly be abolished. In the sewing lessons bags were being made for those requiring them. The chairman, reporting on the deputation that waited on the Okaiawa School Committee with regard to ’an alteration in school hours, said tliat the Okaiawa people were not in favour of changing the hour from 9 to 9.30. . It was pointed out that the latter time would not work in with the present school bus service and they thought it would be a mistake to make any alteration in the hour. The chairman said he came to the conclusion that it was then late in the season and that it was better to allow the hours to remain as they were. Mr. Parry agreed and pointed out there was the possibility of losing secondary school pupils if the starting time were 9 o’clock.

The headmaster made a suggestion that the school day be reduced 15 minutes a day during two winter months. This would mean a loss of only two school days, and he thought it would be an advantage in many ways. It was decided to thank Messrs. Bridge and Parry for their report and that no further action be taken in the matter. The treasurer reported that after paying accounts there would be only- £4 14s 3d to carry on till October. A reduction of 10 per cent, in the caretaker’s remuneration, was decided upon.

Profit of £7 from the June 3 sports tournament and 14s from a conjuring entertainment was reported. Mr. Bridge stated that he had taken up residence at Kapuni and he left it in the hands of the committee to say whether they wished him to carry on. He did not wish to lose interest in the school and was prepared to carry on. Mr. Butler suggested that Mr. Bridge continue as chairman, and this was endorsed by Mr. -Parry, who sai I he would be very sorry to lose the services of the chairman. He favoured Mr. Bridge continuing in the chair for the rest of the term. No one had done more for the school than Mr. Bridge. This, was agreed to and Mr. Adlam was appointed deputy-chairman to deal with any urgent matters.