SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1499, 29 April 1886, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

•' The annual election of Committees throughout South Canterbury took place lust Tuesday evening, TBVTUKA. COMMITTEE MEETING, A special meeting of the Committee was held at half-past six tc consider the report for presentation to the householders. Present— Messrs Hayhurst (Chairman), Blytb, Brown, Miles, Gray, and Lee. After a few additions had been made to the report it was adopted, and with a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting terminated. The HOUSEHOLD*.US’ MEETING then took place. About 60 householders were present. Mr J. T. M. Hayhurst occupied the chair. The Chairman read the advertisement convening the meeting. He said the Secretary (Mr Rout) would read the report, and afterwards he would be happy to answer any questions that might be put to him. The Secretary then read the report, which was as follows; “ The Secretary Board of Education, Timaru. “ Sir,—As directed by the Education Act 1877, I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the Committee for the year ending 31st December, 1885 l “Staff.—“ As you aie aware there have been several changes in the school staff during the past year—Mr Wm. Bryais, B. A., taking the place of Mr John Wood as Head Master ; the appointment of Miss Maggio Russell and Master Murdoch McLeod as pupil teachers, in the place of Miss Russell and Miss Brown who have completed their pupil teacher’s course, and, in consequence, have had to resign ; Mr Gurr, second master, having resigned, his place is being filled by Mr Henry Cross. It is satisfactory to know that the staff has given entire satisfaction, the school having passed a very creditable examination, as too report showv, “ Finances.—You will observe by the balance-sheet that at the commencement

of t he your tin's Committee started with a balance of £2 12s 9d, but having; several expenses in the way of repairs to school, etc., iho small balance of 5d only remains to credit. The Committee received a grant of £3 from the Board for gravelling on Ist November.

“Fuel.—Your Committee regret having to report that whilst tire expenditure for fuel and stationery has been £2l 18s 10d, the receipts from scholars has only been £ll 8s 31.

“Meetings.—There have been twelve ordinary and four special meetings held, which have been on the whole well attended, On 17th February, 1885, Mr B. D. O’Halloran’s resignation as a Committeeman was accepted, and Mr Job Brown was appointed in his stead. “Prize Fund.—The concert given on the 20th November, 1885, in aid of prizes resulted,in a gross receipt of £ll 9s 6d, less expenses £4 15s, leaving a net profit of £C 14s fid. The concert was not well attended, as the above amount received will show, possibly, owing to a pait being repeated a few weeks, previously in aid of the Benevolent Society. Prizes to the amount of £9 4s fid were distributed to the scholars at Christmas.,

“Elections.—As you are doubtless aware the date of the election of school Committees has been changed from the fourth Monday in January to the fourth Monday iu April in each year, but at the same time the Committee’s report and balance-sheet are only made up to the, 31 st December, 1885. : * “ Relations.—ln concluding the report the Committee wish to state that the relations between themselves and the Board, of Education and its officers have beeh harmonious and satisfactory.—l have, etc.,

“ G. P. Wood, Secretary." The Secretary also read the following additional remarks :

“ Since last annual report the only alteration your Committee have to notice has been the resignation of Miss Bertha Brown, whoso place has been filled by Miss Florence Brown, her sister.

“ Your Committee further desire to draw the attention of the householders to the fact that the parents have not responded to the request made in the last annual report, and they now desira to draw your attention to the necessity of providing funds for procuring fuel fdr the coming winter, and also stationery,”

The balance-sheet showed that the recepis of the Committee for salaries were £246 5s 10s, for incidentals, £lOl 17s j aud for apparatus, etc., £3 4s ; total, £351 fis lOd.

Mr W. Storey said he would like to ask what was the salary of the head teacher.—The Secretary replied about £295, exclusive of high school fees.

Mr Storey said it was stated in the balance-sheet that the expenditure on the school was £346. How was the head master’ssalary paid? -The Chairman explained that the amount mentioned in the. balance-sheet only included the salaries for a part of the year. I Mr Storey reiterating his question, the Secretary stated that Mr Bryars, the head master, gets his salary direct from the Board of Education. The Committee never handle the money. They never see it. He might mention that Mr Rryars not only gets hia own salary direct from the Board, but he also pays the pupil teachers. Mr Storey said the reason he mentioned the matter was because the amount mentioned in (he balance-sheet as the expenditure on the school and the amount actually expended did not correspond.

The Chairman said the Committee had paid no salaries since May, 1885. Mr Storey said he was on the Committee for six years, and when hia Committee gave a balance-sheet they gave one including the whole expenditure of the school, whether the money was paid by the Board direct or by the Committee. He held that the Committee should know all about the expenditure. He knew that the Board did sometimes send cheques to the head master direct, but the Committee should know all about it. The Chairman said as far as the salaries went they knew nothing about them. He could tell them, however, that the amount received for incidentals from the Board of Education was £94 13s and the amount expended was £ll4, Would someone propose that the report and balance-sheet as read be adopted ? Mr Storey said ho should propose—- “ That the balance-sheet as read be not adopted.” No one seconded tin’s resolution, and Mr Metson moved, Mr Lynch seconded, and it was carried—“ That the balancesheet as read be adopted.” Mr Storey was the only person who voted against this resolution.

At the request of the Chairman the Secretary stated that the new Committee would have £9 2s 9d to receive, which was lying to the credit of the prize fund, la regard to the incidental fund, after all accounts were paid, there would be a balance in hand of £1 4s sd. This was not much to start with, but it was far better than a deficit. The Chairman said it now devolved on them to elect a Chairman for the householders’ meeting. On the motion of Mr Russell, seconded by Mr Twomey, Mr Hayhurst was requested to retain the chair. The Secretary then read the minutes of the last annual meeting of householders, which created some amusement. On the motion of Mr W, Coltman, seconded by Mr Lee, they were confirmed. Mr Storey said before they proceeded with the election of the new Committee he wished to move that the time had arrived when they should do away with the District High School, They had had the District High School for three years now, and had pretty good experience of its expenses and disadvantages. There were about 600 or 600 scholars attending the school, and he did not see why they should be inconvenienced for the sake of 4 or 5 who took the High School subjects. The Chairman might be able to give them more information on the subject. He would move—“ That the Chairman of this meeting be requested to write to the Board of Education, and inform them that we wish as a district to revert to our former position.” Mr Twomey said he thought the motion was out of order. They had come to the meeting to elect a School Committee, not to discuss the status of their school, Mr Storey thought they had come to discuss anything affecting the welfare of the school. The Rev. Mr Thomas wished the Chair-, man to whether Mr Storey was in order, j

Mr Bolton said ha would like to point out that the Chairman had invited discussion and as the motion was on a subject of great interest to the district he thought it would not be out of place to discuss it. The Chairman said he should rule that Mr Storey was in order. At first ho had been greatly in favor of having a district High School, but when he saw the few who had availed themselves of its advantages ha had come to the conclusion that it would not do. Of late, however, the number of childreu bad greatly increased, and should they increase us they had done during the last three months they would be entitled to another master. As it was now he was averse to it.

Mr Storey said something ought to bo done, ns the majority of the children were not taught as they ought to be. On a great many days the head master was never seen in soma of the classes. For the benefit of 4 or 5 children 500 were put to inconvenience. Mr Rout said that he knew that in Auckland scholars had to pay between £9 and £lO a year for higher education. Hera where five subjects were taught the charge was £3. The question was could they afford to pay taxes to support schools where Latin, French, Algebra and Euclid were taught for £3 a year t Mr Bolton seconded Mr Storey’s motion. It was necessary that the householders should have a voice in the matter. The question was whether the schoolmaster should give his whole care to 4 or sor a dozen children. The children got a smattering of 4 or 5 different subjects, but as they did not thoroughly learn the routine, what they were taught was of no use to them in after life. If parents were ambitious that their child should be a B.A. or an M.A. they should pay for it. They should send him to Timaru. Mr Bryars (the head master) was engaged two or three hours a day in teaching the secondary subjects and ail the' other children were neglected. In many instances the classes were taught by teachers who knew very little more than the scholars. (Cries of “ Oh! Oh 1 ”). The Kev. Mr Thomas said it was a very important subject and affected the statue of the school. He did not think they should deal hurriedly with it. He thought they should discuss the subject exhaustively. As a comparative stranger be knew little about tho way the school was conducted, but be would again point out that tho motion »f----ectel the status of the school. They should consider the wants of those who were perhaps in the minority—-they should look to the future of those children whose parents might not be able to educate them if the cost was very. greiT. They were living in a new colony, and he thought if the parents of .children were too poor to pay for th r, ir education the Sthte should assbt. They should discuss the subject thoroughly and hot rush it through. The proposer and seconder of the motion had only made & few broad statements. A Mr Gray said the subject had come up at a most inopportune time. The inoyer of the motion should have brought it up in a different way. This was onlyameeting of householders for the purpose of electing a Committee. The question was a great one and should not be hurriedly settled. It affected the future welfare of the district. The mover proposed to disrate the schpo', ‘He held they had an institution here in which children could be prepared for any commercial position. It was a privilege that had been ardently sought for, hardly fought for. The proposer and seconder of the motion had made an assertion they could not prove —that the school was suffering. He asked them to look at the result of the last examination. Was not that sufficient 1 The children were progressing satisfactorily. Take the scholarships, Did that show they were neglected ? 3Sp.. They must bear in mind that unless they could get a good education in the place it was a great loss. The State was not put to any great expense by this High School. The amoun t of the fees which was charged for the secondary subjects were certainly low, but they had been carefully con* ... sidered and compiled, and had they not been so the Board would not have passed them. He should oppose the proposal to the utmost, and he asked them to ponder the matter well. Those who had boys and girls coming on and wished them to have a good education must remember it would be a very expensive matter to have them educated elsewhere. One High School being disrated would benefit the Stats very little. As the Chairman had stated, at the first the result was very discou r aging. The reason was at that time many children from this district were attending the Timaru High Scheol,' but now that would alter. He would not ? delay them, but be must tell them that be' would oppose the disrating of the school* to the utmost. There were a great raanj boys coming on who would take the secondary subjects and then they weald get another teacher. Tho Chairman said he could not quite agree with Mr Gray that this was hot the time to discuss the subject, but he , would suggest that someone should pro*. pose that the incoming Committee should call a special meeting of householders to discuss it thoroughly. Mr Storey refuted Mr Gray’s assertion that he had never heard that any children had been injured by tke head master having to give instruction in the higher branches of education. He had it on pretty good authority that the head master did not devote so much of his time to the 6th Standard as he was required to do by the Act. Mr Bolton said the school was going ? backwards. In Mr Wood’s time— Mr Gray wished to know whether Me Bolton was in order in referring to matters that occurred so long ago. - Mr Bolton continued that if they compared the report of 12 months ago with that of last December they would find the school was going back with tho ex- , ccption of those classes taught by Miss Ladbrook and and Miss Browo, and it was for them to point out the cause. As for the children of those who were too poor to have their children educated in the higher branches, it would be best for the State to boar the expekse of sending them into Timaru. He would consent to the withdrawal of the motion if the Chairman said a public meeting of . householders would be called to discus* the subject. But he thought'the present mooting was the proper one to consider the subject. Mr Brown said he thought the meeting a most important one for the house- - holders. It was the only meeting tbn|

they had when they could discuss any grievances they might think they had. In reference to the discussion on higher education in the school. Some time ago be bad become firmly convinced that they had done wrong in making the school a District High School. He spoke as on« who bad gone in heart and soul for it. For a long time he had been persuaded they had done the wrong thing. He thought the master's attention ought not to be taken up by 2 or 3 children who were learning subjects which would be of no use to them. Ho was convinced the school was not succeeding as it used to do, and he felt that if the master’s attention was given to ordinary subjects it i would be much bet'er. Th«y saw the results of Mr Wood’s labors in Timaru. They were wonderful. The Temuku school could nbt come up to that school, and why ? Because the head master’s attention was taken up by secondary subjects. He thought it had been remarked that they were not asked to put their hands in their pockets to pay for higher education at the school. He thought the people did sufficient when they gave the children free education up to the Jtlr Standard, and he was convinced that Government had no right to put their hands in their pockets for higher education than that. (Hear, hear.) He thought the children should be educated at the expense of the State above the 6th Standard. They should pass a resolution (hat it is the opinion of this meeting that the High School should be disrated, and let it go forth to the public and the Board of Education. Mr Morton said he thought they would he able to see clearly the cause of Mr Bolton’s complaint that, the school was falling back. The only cause that he heard of for the unsatisfactory results was the irregularity of the attendance of the children at school. There had been no steps taken for two years to secure a more regular attendance. About 50 parents had received notices within the last twelve months, but nothing further had been done. If they had been proceeded with there would have been a higher attendance, and better results at the examination.' The Chairman again asked whether anyone would riiove that the new Committee call a special meeting of the householders to discuss the subject. If not, he was prepared to put Mr Storey’s motion to the meeting. He would like to see the matter adjourned, as many more people would have attended if they had known the subject would crop up. Mr Gray then moved—“ That the matter be allowed to stand over till another meeting be called to specially consider the matter.” In moving the amendment, he said it would be unfair to settle the matter at onee, as doubtless there were many absent from the'meeting who, like, himself, were in favor of the higher subjects being taught. He thought the present Education Act was as perfect, and worked as well, as any other Act in the colony.. Mr Cooper seconded the amendment. Mr Lee said befsra they disrated the school they should' consider the subject well. If parents had a child who was olsver and fond of learning, and they could not get the "child well educated, they would think it very hard. . If they sent their children to school in Timaru they must remember they would have to pay for their board. He had one of his children educated in Christchurch and it cost htm over £IOO, and if they could now get their children ns well educated in Temaka for £3 they should look at the matter well before they did away with their privileges. It might take years to get them again. He concluded by urging parents to send their children regularly to arid to send them early. Mr Storey then consented to his motion being withdrawn, and Mr Gray’s amendment becoming the .(notion, was put and carried unanimously. The election of the new Committee was then proceeded with, the following being the result James Blyth ' : ... 44 J. Brown ... - ... " ... 44 J. W. Miles... ... ... 41 K. F. Gray ... ... ... 37 James Davis ... ... 32 Edward Lee ... ... 29 J. Cooper ... " ... , ... 24 ’W'. Storey ... ,i. J. Lawson ... ' ... ... 10

The Chairman declared tha first seven duly elected. Messrs W. Co'tmaU .and J. McCaakill were appointed scrutineers. Messrs Hayhnrst and Bolton (members of the old Committee) and a great mini- ( ber of others declined' to stand, Mr Bussell proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee. They had served the householders faithfully. Mr Phillips seconded ths motion, and the Ber. Mr Thomas' having testified to ( the work done by the Committee and * given a mead of praise to the Secretary, the toU was carried by acclamation. Mr Bolton wished to propose another motion re calling a meeting to discuss the High School subject, 'but the Chairman •aid be was certain the new Committee would pay Attention to Mr Gray’s motion, Mr Cooper aaid he was sure they would, »nd Mr Gaze pointed out that if they did not a householder could'call a public meeting on the subject. Mr Bolton then let the matter drop, and the meeting terminated. NEW COMMITTEE MEETING. A meeting of the new Committee was then held. Present—Messrs J. Brown, Blyth, Gray, Miles, E. Lee, Cooper, and Davis. Mr Bout, as Secretary of the old Committee, explained that ths first business of the meeting was the election of a Chairman. It was proposed by Mr Gray, seconded by Mr Davis, and carried unanimously •lected Chairman of this Committee.”— Mr Brown thanked the Committee for the honor they had done him by electing him Chairman, and he would do all in his power to help the school. He bad no personal interest in the school as he had ao children attending it now, but he felt ,n interest in all children, and would do .is best to see that the work of the fchool was carried on as well as possible.

Proposed by Mr Lee, and carried unaimoualy—“ That Mr Rout be appointed Scretary at the usual remuneration.”— M Rout briefly returned thanks, intimut itg that he would do his utmost to prorote the welfare of the school. He printed out that though,-as the report ataied, their predecessors left no debt, yet the balance they left for incidentals would not bo sufficient for the quarter’s expenses, and aome means would have

to be devised whereby it could be supplemented. Proposed by Mr Cooper, seconded by Mr Miles, and carried—“ That the dates, time, and place of meeting be the same as heretofore.” The Chairman wished to know whether they would do anything that evening r»garding the motion passed at the householders’ meeting re calling a public meeting to discuss the advisability of disrating the High School. The Committee would not meet for another month. Mr Cooper thought it would be best to get the matter settled at once, one way or the other. It would not do to let it hang fire. Mr Blyth thought the householders should be given time to consider the question, as it was a most important one. Mr Gray said he did not think it was within the province of the Committee to call a meeting for such a subject. He thought it wuold be best to first look up the Act and get all the information possible on the subject, then they could call the public meeting. After a few more remarks it was proposed by Mr Miles, seconded by Mr ; Jooper, and carried—“ That a Committee consisting of the Chairman, and Messrs Gray and Milas b» appointed to look up tha Education Act to see whether the Committee hava power to call a public meeting of householders in accordance with Mr Gray’s motion, for the purpose of considering the subject of whether it is desirable, or not to disrate the Temuka District High School, with power to act.” The subject of appointing visitors for the month having come up, the Chairman said he was certain that it would be better to appoint only one member instead of two as heretofore. When two were appointed it often happened that when one could go the other could not, and the consequence was that the school was often not visited at all. It was so for the last three months of the old Committee’s existence. He would suggest that one should be appointed, and let him go to the school at any time, and as often as he liked—not on the last afternoon before the Committee meeting. Mr Gray and Mr Lee bore out the Chairman’s statement. Mr Cooper thought more than one should be appointed, but after it was explained that the Visiting Committee always made their recommendations rt repairs, etc., to School the committee or the Chairman, he agreed with the suggestion made by the Chairman. On the motion of Mr Blyth, seconded by Mr Davis, the Chairman was appointed visitor for the ensuing month. This being all the business the meeting terminated. GERALDINE. OOMUmiSE MEETING. A meeting of the Geraldine School Committee was held on Tuesday evening in the schoolroom, previous to the meeting of householders. There were present Messrs Dunlop, (Chairman), Cook, Lodge, Ward and Earreil. Tha minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education intimating that the sum of £l2 8a had been paid into tha Bank for incidentals, also that (he sum of £2 6a was paid into the Bunk as a grant for the re-casting of the bell. An account for carriage of parcels from Timaru was held over until the meeting of the new Committee. The report to be presented to the householders’ meeting was approved of. The statement of accounts "was presented, showing a balance in hand of £341 Is, and the balance in hand in December last £ls 5s lid. Mr Ward, as visitor for the past month, stated ha had gone through the school and found everything satisfactory, with an attendance of 180. He suggested that two loads of shingle be laid down, one at the lavatory door, other at the entrance. It was decided to recommend the suggestion to the incoming Committee. An account from Messrs Larkin and Herlihy was passed for payment, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. MEETING OP HOtrSMHOXDIRS. -The meeting of householders then took place, about 80 person being present. Mr N. Dunlop was voted to the chair, and read the retiring Committee’s report. The following are the principal items of interest it contained .—The Committee reported that the school had made good progress during the year, the average attendance continuing to steadily increase. The average attendance was now 171.8. The number on the register was stated to be 228. The school had been examined in December last, the percentage of passes was not so good as that of the previous year, owing, in a great measure, to the low average age at which the children were presented for the various standards. The Inspector’s report of the school was deemed highly satisfactory. In respect to the subjects necessary far standard passes the school maintains a high character, and whatever slight defects the Inspector had to point out were, he stated, more than counterbalanced by the conspicuous merits of the school. The order and discipline were excellent, aud the general condition satisfactory. The Committee stated that the school had been regularly visited every month, and on each occasion a satisfactory report had been handed in by the visitors. Ow«ng to the increase of attendance the school hud become overcrowded, and for the benefit of the children’s health application had been made to the Board for a new classroom which had been granted. It had been and was now in use, and found to be of great advantage to the school The bell had also been re-cast by Scott Bros., of Christchurch, at a cost of £2 7a. The Committee have received two small grants from the Board during the year—viz., £7 for repairing fences and spouting, and £2 5s for the casting of the bell. The receipts of the Committee during the year were shown to be £73 4s Gd, and the expenditure £57 19s lid, leaving a credit balance of £ls 5s lid. This, with the grant from the Board, gave a credit balance of £34 5s li t. Included in the expenditure was an item for the erection of a fence between the school grounds and Mrs Holloway’s section, half of which had been refunded by Mrs Holloway, according to the agreement, the Committee desired te record a hearty vote of thanks to the teaching staff for the way in which they had carried out their duties. Mr Coltman slated that he had not noticed in the report any reference to the

priz' fund. There was no statement of receipts or expenditure. The Chairman stated lie could not say what the amounts were, perhaps Mr Hughes could, Mr Hughes could not remember just then the sum that had been received. Mr Amos Sherratt bad been appointed treasurer and Secratary. He had received the proceeds from the concert and held them till a short time ago. when some of the amount had been expended in prizes. The whole of the account* were now in the hands of Mr W. Maslin. There was a balance over of some three or four pounds. Mr Coltman thought a report of what had b»en done with the amount shouldjbo brought before the Committee. Mr Pearpoint did not think this money should he mixed up with the sclioo 1 funds, but should be devoted to the obtaining of prizes. Mr Shiers wou'd like to ask if the meeting had any power to deal with this money. The Chairman stated it had. Mr Shiers proposed—“ That the money be handed over (o the Chairman of the incoming Committee,” and upon Mr Coltman seconding it it was carried unanimously. Mr Ooltmau then the report as read be adopted. Mr Pearpoint seconded this and it was carried. Twelve gentlemen were then nominated for the new Committee and upon a ballot being taken the following were the results:— Mr C. E. Sherratt 83 Mr J Cunningham ... 39 Mr il, S. Cook 39 Mr v/. Shiers ... ... 34 Mr T. Farrell 32 Mr G. Ward 22 Mr N. Dunlop 20 Mr R. H. Pearpoint ... 20 Mr IV. H. Lodge 15 M D. Mclllraith 12 Mr W. Coltman .. ... 10 Mr A. White 9 Mr A. Fisher and Mr H. N. Hiskens acted as scrutineers.

There being a tie between Messrs Pearpoint and Dunlop both gentlemen desired to withdraw in favor of the other. It was finally decided to draw lots as to who was to be elected, and Mr Dunlop’s name being drawn he was chosen. The Chairman then declared the first seven gentlemen duly elected. Mr J. Mundell was proposed, but as he was not present his name was afterwards withdrawn. This being all (he business of the householders meeting it terminated. NEW COMMITTEE MEETING, A meeting of the new Committee was then held. On the motion of Mr T. Farrell, seconded by Mr Shiers, Mr Dunlop was unanimously elected Chairman. •'Mr Dunlop briefly thanked the Committee for the honor they had conferred upon him. Upon the motion of Mr Cunningham, seconded by Mr Shorratt, it was decided that ali cheques be signed by the Chairman and one other member of the Committee. Messrs Cunningham and Shiers were appointed visitors for the ensuing month. Mr Ward proposed that as the Committee had a good bank account, £2O be placed in the Post Office Savingsß»nk. MrSherratt seconded this proforma. It was moved as an amendment that the Dank account be allowed to stand as it is. The amendment upon being put was carried. The Visitors for the last month having recommended that two loads of shingle be put down, it was decided that the Chairman and Mi Ward get the work done. Messrs Shiers and Cunningham were appointed to see about get'ing t*>a necessary work done to the fence in front of the master’s house. It was decided that the night of meeting should be on the last Wednesday in each month. This being all the business, the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman. MILFOED. householders’ meeting. The annual meeting of householders in the above school district was held on Tuesday last. About 9 persons were present and Mr Lavery was voted to the chair. The following annual report was read : “Gentlemen, —Your Committee have the honor to submit its annual report : “ Your Committee have much pleasure stating that although there has been very serious drawbacks to the school, the year in most respects has been a very successful one. “ Two members of the Board (Messrs Talbot and Goldsmith) visited the school in order to report upon the condition of the buildings, etc. The report was somewhat unfavorable, and the result of their visit was a grant of £3 for a few minor repairs. A grate was put in the large room, and a new oven in the Master’s residence. “An epidemic which prevailed during the wihtar months so lowered the attendance that the school is again without a pupil teacher, but on the other hand your Committee is pleased to inform you that the roll number and the average attendance has now so increased that it will not be long before it will once more be entitled to one—the roll number being 50, and the average about 39. “We notice with pleasure that the annual examination was very successful, »he whole of the children presented having passed their respective [Standards in a highly creditable manner. “The treat and distribution of prizes took place on January 26th, when, your Committee venture to tnink, the arrangements gave satisfaction to all concerned. “Wo hav* to inform you that the master, Mr Smith Austed, has resigned his position, and the appointment of his successor is shortly expected. “ We have great pleasure in drawing your attention to the fact that the schoolroom is to be painted inside and outside and the master’s residence on the outside. You will all agree with us that this has beeu required for some time. “The recdpta for the year were £26 5s 9J and the expenditure£2s 7a Bd, leaving a balance of 18s Id iu ine Bank, i “Your Commit 1 ee, in retiring, gives*"! its hearty thanks t> all who have right wiliing’v lie pe l t 1 bring the year to so successful a close, I

“Your CoiMiiittco cmi'ofc cloao their report withoul recording their thanks to Mr Ansted for the able and efficient manner in which lie has conducted the school for over two years end wishing him every success in the future. I have, etc., “ John Buown, “ Chairman.” The report was adopted. The following Committee were then elected, vz : Messrs J. B. Waring, J. Maze, Murdoch, Mackay, Thos, White, James Christmas, R. Williams and John Brown. NEVT COMMITTEE MEETING. At a meeting of the Committee subsequently held Mr John Brown was elected Chairman unanimously. Nine applications for the post of teacher were then considered. After due deliberation Mr S. L. Brown, M.A., of the Marton School near Wanganui, was selected, and in the event of his not accepting Mr P. H. Clearance, of Timaru, was placed second for tiro appointment. The meeting then terminated. WAITOHI FLAT. HOUSHHOLDEES’ MEETING, The annual meeting of householders of the Waitohi Flab School district was held in the schoolroom. There was a good attendance of householders. Mr John Fraser was elected Chairman. Ho road a letter from' Vlr John Talbot, stating ho would be absent from the meeting owing to the recent constitution of the new school district of Rangilira Valley, ia which he is a resident, and consequently was not eligible for membership to any other Committee but the one for the district in which he resided. Mr Talbot expressed his appreciation of the kindly feeling that he hud always experienced from his fellow Committee men during the 12 years that he bad the honor to be Chairman, and trusted that the same good feeling that always characterised the Committee’s meetings in the past would still prevail for the future, and concluded by wishing the school and its teachers every success. The Chairman then read the annual report of the retiring Committee as follows ; “ Gentlemen, —During the last session of Patliament an amendment of the Education Act was passed, which alters the time of the annual meetings of householders from January to April. The accounts, however, are made up as usual, and audited to the 31st December only, thus the new Committee will take office nearly in the middle of the financial year. The present Committee started with a credit balance of £l7 7s 3d. The receipts for the year were £2B 15s Bd, and the expenditure £3l 16s 2d, leaving a credit balance at the date of audit of £l4 6a lOd. The balance in hand at present is £2l 8s 10s. A small shed for keeping fuel in was built during the past year at a cost of about £6. One half the amount was obtained from the Board of Education as especial grantin aid of this object. The Committee met fourteen times during their period of office, the average attendance of members being about six. Mr John Anderson resigned his position in October last, and Mr Thomas Talbot was elected in his stead. The school was closed for a few weeks at the end of June and the beginning of July on account of diphtheria breaking out in the neighborhood. The disease reappeared again at the end of August, when the school was once more closed for a short period. These stoppages would no doubt have a prejudicial effect on the result of the year’s work. Dr Anderson paid a visit of inspection to the school during the month of June, and on November 6th he held the annual Standard examination, the result of which was fairly satisfactory. Ihe numbers presented in Standards were 42, of which 23 passed, being a percentage of passes of 75.7. The average roll number for the year ending December 31st was 67.5, and the average attendance 46.6. The number on the roll at present is 61, and the average attendance for last quarter 43.38. The average weekly roll 70.4. During our term of office the school district has been subdivided, two other new districts haring been formed out of it, viz., Upper Waitohi and Rangitira Valley. New schools have been erected in the several portions, and are at present in active operation the effect of which will probably be to lessen the roll number at this one, but as it will only do so by taking a few of those children who had long distances to come, and consequently attended irregularly, the average attendance should not be much affected. The retiring Committee are Messrs J. Talbot, Scott, Moore, Cunningham, Fraser, Andrews, and T. Talbot. “ (Signed) J. Talbot, “ Chairman,”

The election of a new Committee was then proceeded with, and resulted in the election of Messrs Fraser, Gibbs, Andrews, Rcott, Cunningham, Seaton, and Johnstone. Mr Andrews then mored the following motion, which was agreed to unanimously—- “ That this meeting of householders of the Waitohi School district haye much pleasure in tendering their very grateful thanks to Mr John Talbot for the able and efficient manner in which he has acted as Chairman of the School Committee during the past 14 years, and for his untiring efforts to further the cause of sducation in the district,” Several householders spoke in support of the motion, and expressed the most pleasant recollections of the many happy meetings at which Mr Talbot had acted as their Chairman, and bearing testimony to the kindness, impartiality, and honesty of purpose in his actions. The only regret expressed was that the law should be so framed as to cause a severance of his connection with them. The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. NEW COMMITTEE MEETING, The nowly-olected Committee then met, and Mr John Fraser was elected Chairman for the snsumg year. It was agreed that the Chairman order a ton of coals from Mr Blyth, Temuka. Messrs Andrews and Cunningham were appointed to examine and report to next meeting es to certain repairs required on the master’s house. The Committee decided to hold their meetings as before, viz., on the first Wednesday in every month, and the meeting terminated. WINCHESTER. householders’ meeting. The annual meeting of householders in the above school district was held last Tuesday evening, Mr A. W. Ensor presiding. The following annual report was read : “Annual report of the Winchester School Committee; — “Staff.—The school staff until February of this year consisted of Mr Cooke, Master ; Miss Pearson, Mistress; Miss Hawke, pupil teacher. On that date Mias Hawke resigned her situation, and ns the school average has been slightly below avenge adowed by the Board of Education, Tie appointment has not yet been filled up. During last quarter the teacher was competed to arrange his affairs with his creditors owing to pressme from one or two of the parties concerned. The matter

was explained to the finatd of Edm-rimi and they expressed toemsolves sat-i-fied tliat he should continue to hold his appointment. Meetings.—Fifteen Committee meetings and several special meetings have been held during the year. The attendance of Messrs Smith (11), Klee (14), has been good. Messrs Taylor and Housley left the district last autumn, and Mr Corcoran, filled one place, attending regularly. The other place the Committee were unable to fill. Mr Carstoh has not attended any meetings. “Finance. —The concert held in aid of the school funds was very successful, resulting in a net profit of £B, which sum was expended in prizes. The finances of the school are in a satisfactory state, but the sum allowed by the Board of Education —£6 18s—this quarter has to cover fuel, cleaning, and stationery expenses, and leaves no margin for outside expenses. Your Committee trust that any further entertainments held for the good of the school will continue to bo as well patronised us heretofore. “Examination. —The annual examination by the Inspector was held in December of last year. The passes of the infant division was mast satisfactory, but owing to the high classification of the elder portion the passes were not so high. The whole examination was, however, satisfactory, the average passes of the whole school averaging between 70 and 80 per cent. “A. W. Ensor, Chairman.” Oo the motion of Mr Bishop the report was adopted. The following were then elected for the ensuing term, viz,, Messrs Bishop, Klee, R. Smith, Ensor, Shallard, (4. Smith and Gimson, NEW COMMITTEE MEETING. A meeting of the new Committee was then held. Mr Bishop proposed, and Mr Klee seconded, that Mr A. W. Ensor be Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Shallard proposed, and Mr G. Smith seconded ,that Mr R. Smith be Chairman. On a division being taken Mr Smith was elected by a majority of one. Mr G. Smith was appointed Secretary, and Mr Gimson and the Chairman were appointed to sign cheques. The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman of the past year. OkARI, At the annual meeting of householders held at Orari last Tuesday evening the following committee was elected, viz., Messrs R. A, Barker, J. McLeod, Bissett, J. M. Naughton, R, Coll, J. May, and Binakiu. At a meeting of (he Committee held subsequently Mr R. A. Barker was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. ORARI BRIDGE. householder’ meetings. The annual meeting of of householders’ of the Orari Bridge School district was held in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of receiving the annual report and balance sheet, and for the purpose of electing a Committee for the ensuing year. The attendance was but small. Mr L. Grant was elected Chairman of tbs meeting. The advertisement calling the meeting was read, also the minutes of last annual meeting. The report of the outgoing Committee stated that the number on the eohoel books bad increased considerably ; also that the school is progressing favorably. The balancesheet showed a credit balance of £27 16s 3d. The accounts had been duly audited and found correct by the Board’s Secretary. The following gentlemen were elected as a now Committee; —Messrs J, McLean, L. Grant, W. Ashby, S. Gould, G, Helem, J. Wharton, A Metcalf. This concluded the business and the annual meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. < HEW COMMITTEE MEETING, A meeting of the new Committee was held immediately after the public meeting, when Mr L, Grant was elected Chairman and Mr A, Metcalf Secretary for the ensuing twelve months. RANGITATA SOUTH. HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETING. A meeting of the householders living in the vicinity of the above school was held last Tuesday evening. The Hon. W. Rollsston presided, and about 12 householders wers present. Out of about ten candidates the following were elected a committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs Ruddenklau, Mason, Robert son, Taylor, McLeod, Oadwallader and Airey. At a meeting of Ihe newly elected committee held subsequently, Mr Ruddenklau was elected chairman. PLEASANT VALLEY. householders’ meeting. The annual meeting of the householders in the above school was held last Tuesday evening. The following Committee was elected for the ensuing year: —Messrs Lysaght, J. Qregan, D. Grogan, Gale, Best, Guilford, and Brophy. new committee meeting. A meeting of the newly -elected Committee was held, when the following business was transacted :—Proposed by Mr J. Gregan, seconded by Mr A. Best, and carried—“ That Mr K, Brophy be appointed Chaiaman for the ensuing year.” Proposed by Mr Gale, seconded by Mr K. Brophy, and carried—“ That Mr Beat be appointed Secretary to the Committee for the year.” It was decided that the Committee meet on the last Saturday in each month. Messrs J. Gregan and K. Brophy were appointed Visitors for the month. The late Chairman, Mr Lysaght, handed over to the present Chairman the sum of £1 Is fid. On the motion of Mr Lysaght, seconded by Mr [.Gale, it was resolved to call for tenders for taking np fence, coiling wire, etc. The meeting then adjourned till the last Saturday in May.