WESTOWN SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1934, Page 7

WESTOWN SCHOOL

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE. SCOUT AND SCHOOL WORK. There were present at the meeting of the Westown school committee last night Messrs L. T. Aylward (chairman), V. C. Davies, J. M. Poynter, H. V. Leighton, K. N. Andrews, F. M. Marsden, G. W. Turnbull, J. Garcia and J. W. Darby (honorary secretary). The cubmistress, Miss Alice Elliot, reported that the number on the roll was 24, a decrease of two. There had been three parades during the month, the average attendance being 15. The assistant cubmaster, Mr. Gaylard, had resigned and suggestions regarding a new assistant were requested. Thanks were due to Mr. Marsden for repair work. Scoutmaster L. Hedges reported that four parades had been held, the attendance being satisfactory. Two recruits had joined, making a total of 12. Preparations vzere in hand for the trek around the mountain, although only about six would be able to go. They were continuing badge work and two or three boys would shortly be ready to be examined for their second-class badges. Reference was made by the chairman to the approaching marriage of the scoutmaster, and a resolution was passed wishing him happiness. The headmaster (Mr. Wagstaff) reported that the presort roll number was 261, eight having been withdrawn and there being no admissions. The average attendance was 252. An intensive course in music and speech training with standards 3, 4 and 5 was successfully carried out, thanks to the • co-operation of Misses V. Ross, Campbell and Haddon. Miss Hawkes was absent from duty for three days owing to influuenza. On October 31 a visit was received from Messrs Fisher and Slater, and as a result a scheme of school thrift had been inaugurated by which deposits were taken at school. Over £4 had been banked so far. A visit was also paid by Mr. R. Darrock, representing the Navy League, and Mr. W. C. Weston. The former addressed pupils and displayed posters, with the object of encouraging children, to join the league. The children were interested and attentive, but so far the response had been small and a further appeal was being made. He had received notice that the school had been reduced in grade • from 5a to 4d’ and that Miss T. Simpson and he would both be transferred when possible. On October 11 Dr. Champtalbup and the schools’ nurse conducted a medical examination. A squad of pupils was taking special daily exercises designed to remedy flat-footedness. With Mr. Roberts, home gardens supervisor, and Mr. Gilbert, he had paid an initial visit to the home gardens, which in most cases were in a satisfactory condition. The chairman remarked that the report of the agricultural instructor, Mr. Duncan Mackay, was an excellent one. Mr. V. G. Davies, grounds supervisor, reported on work in the grounds. The competition organised by Mrs. J. M. Paynter realised £5 3s, the winner being Edward Frost, Westown.