CENTRAL SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1934, Page 7

CENTRAL SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. SICKNESS AFFECTS ATTENDANCE. The monthly meeting of the Central school committee was held last night, when there were present Mr. F. A. Coleman (chairman), J. O. Turner, E. W. Hodder, A. Dunkley, F. C. Potter, W. H. Huggett, F. S. Nicholson, A. Holder and A. Feakins (secretary). Mr. D. P. Evans, the headmaster, also attended. The headmaster’s report stated that attendance figures were: Number on roll at commencement of period, 779; number admitted, 12; number withdrawn, 9; number on roll at end of period, 782; average weekly roll, 780.25; average attendance, 719.5; percentage of attendances. 92.2. Owing to an epidemic of influenza and isolated cases of whooping cough, scabies and minor ailments, the attendance was still below normal, and the progress of the children was consequently affected. Several of the staff had been absent on account of attacks of influenza. Subsequent to the visit of Mr.. Darrock, an ex-headmaster of Wellington, who represented the Navy League, a junior branch had been established at the school, the membership at present being 53. Messrs. Fisher and Slater, of the Post Office Department, had visited the school with the object of encouraging thrift among the pupils. Their scheme was to set up a school savings branch in association with the Post Office Savings Bank. The staff were in hearty co-oper-ation with the scheme, although the extra work entailed encroached on the time devoted to regular duties. To date 198 pupils of standards 2,3, 4 and 5 had opened accounts. The question ■ of the installation of wireless in the school was held over pending the receipt of further information. f On the motion of Mr. Turner it was decided to send a letter of thanks to Major Sandford for the gift of two oil paintings and a photograph, The matter of the hiring of a hall for the- breaking-up ceremony was left to Mr. Coleman and the headmaster. The sum of £5 was voted to be spent for the purchase of books for presentation to the infants at the discretion of the headmaster. The girl guides were granted the use of the gymnasium on November 24. The social committee reported on the functions held during the winter, showing a net profit of £3 Is. This result was considered most satisfactory and a special vote of thanks was passed. Messrs. Dunkley, Nicholson, Hodder and Turner were appointed a sub-committee to carry on the functions. Subsequent to this meeting the scout committee met. The various reports were received and considered and visiting committees appointed.